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Top cities between Duluth and Denver
Best stops along Duluth to Denver drive
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38 Best Stops Between Duluth and Denver

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Wanderlog staff
Updated
• updatedMar 31, 2023

How long is the drive from Duluth to Denver?

The direct drive from Duluth to Denver is 1,065 mi (1,713 km), and should have a drive time of 15 hrs 7 mins in normal traffic.

If you’re going on a road trip from Duluth to Denver, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Minneapolis, Omaha, Des Moines, Bloomington, Council Bluffs, Lincoln, Cheyenne, and Saint Paul, as well as top places to visit like Children’s Museum of Eau Claire and Carson Park, or the ever-popular Chaos Water Park.

Visiting Duluth or Denver? See our Duluth Trip Planner and our Denver Trip Planner.
1,065 mi
Total Distance
15 hrs 7 mins
Drive Time
38 stops
Cities / Attractions
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Top cities between Duluth and Denver

The top cities between Duluth and Denver are Minneapolis, Omaha, Des Moines, Bloomington, Council Bluffs, Lincoln, Cheyenne, and Saint Paul. Minneapolis is the most popular city on the route. It's 2 hours from Duluth and 13 hours from Denver.
1

St Paul

St. Paul, the capital of Minnesota, is part of the 'Twin Cities' with Minneapolis. It boasts attractions like the Science Museum of Minnesota and the Minnesota History Center, offering interactive exhibits on regional history. The beaux arts Cathedral of St. Paul and the Cass Gilbert–designed Minnesota State Capitol are architectural marvels in the city.
40% as popular as Minneapolis
1 minute off the main route, 14% of way to Denver
2

Minneapolis

Minneapolis, a major city in Minnesota, is part of the 'Twin Cities' with St. Paul. The city is known for its beautiful parks and lakes, as well as cultural landmarks like the Walker Art Center and Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. The area also boasts a wide range of art galleries showcasing diverse works from various cities across Minnesota. Additionally, Minneapolis offers a variety of dining options including Asian cuisine, bars, and restaurants catering to different dietary preferences.
Most popular city on this route
4 minutes off the main route, 15% of way to Denver
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1
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2
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0
Travelers
2
3

Bloomington

Bloomington, a city in Hennepin County, Minnesota, is situated on the north bank of the Minnesota River near its confluence with the Mississippi River. It's located just south of downtown Minneapolis and is easily accessible via Interstate 494/694 Beltway. The city has varying crime rates across different areas, with the northeast part reporting higher criminal activities occurring about every three hours.
49% as popular as Minneapolis
4 minutes off the main route, 16% of way to Denver
4

Des Moines

Des Moines, the capital city of Iowa, is a blend of historical landmarks and modern attractions. The East Village area boasts the iconic gold-domed Iowa State Capitol building and the contemporary collections at Des Moines Art Center, as well as the popular Pappajohn Sculpture Park. Visitors can enjoy local produce and live music at the vibrant Downtown Farmers' Market while exploring the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden with its outdoor plant displays and geodesic dome.
28% as popular as Minneapolis
2 minutes off the main route, 38% of way to Denver
5

Council Bluffs

Council Bluffs, located in Pottawattamie County, Iowa, is a vibrant city with a population of over 62,000. Originally known as Traders Point, it has evolved into a bustling town just across the Missouri River from Omaha. The downtown area offers an array of attractions including the Western Historic Trails Center, Ameristar Casino Hotel, Horseshoe Casino, and Harrahs Council Bluffs Casino and Hotel.
40% as popular as Minneapolis
7 minutes off the main route, 50% of way to Denver
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6

Omaha

Omaha, located in Nebraska near the Iowa border, is steeped in pioneer history and offers a range of museums and cultural centers. The city is also home to the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, known for its conservation efforts and diverse habitats. Just across the Missouri River lies Council Bluffs, a town with community parks and a charming downtown area that retains its small-town feel while offering city amenities. Local realtor Shawn Lake describes the area as family-oriented with friendly and caring people.
74% as popular as Minneapolis
4 minutes off the main route, 51% of way to Denver
7

Lincoln

Lincoln, the capital city of Nebraska, offers a variety of attractions for visitors. The Nebraska State Capitol boasts an impressive domed tower with observation decks, while the Sunken Gardens, established in 1930, showcases themed gardens and sculptures. Families can enjoy up-close animal encounters and a zoo train at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo. Art enthusiasts can explore the Sheldon Museum of Art's notable collection of American art and sculpture garden on the University of Nebraska campus.
19% as popular as Minneapolis
6 minutes off the main route, 56% of way to Denver
8

Cheyenne

Sights & Landmarks
Monuments & Statues
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Cheyenne, the capital city of Wyoming, is a charming destination with a rich history and plenty of attractions to explore. Visitors can immerse themselves in the Old West at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum, which showcases early rodeos and 19th-century artifacts. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the beautifully landscaped Cheyenne Botanic Gardens, complete with a labyrinth to wander through. For those interested in history, the Wyoming State Museum boasts an impressive collection of dinosaur fossils.
16% as popular as Minneapolis
25 minutes off the main route, 90% of way to Denver

Best stops along Duluth to Denver drive

The top stops along the way from Duluth to Denver (with short detours) are Mall of America®, Target Field, and Minnehaha Falls. Other popular stops include Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, Treasure Island Resort & Casino, and Minneapolis Institute of Art.
1

Chaos Water Park

Mentioned on 
9 lists 
Water park
Water & Amusement Parks
Chaos Water Park is an indoor water park located inside Metropolis Resort, offering a variety of attractions suitable for all ages. The park features a lazy river, multiple water slides including a pitch-black tube slide and a slower body slide, as well as an aquatic playground with a giant bucket that splashes everyone below when full. There are also areas for water basketball, lily pad climbing, and even a toddler section with spraying fun.
This place was awesome! Super affordable to get in as well as food/drink. They had a ton of floaties and we never had to wait to get one for the slides or lazy river - even on a super packed Saturday. Hot tub was great for the adults but a little too hot for the kids. Slides were a little slow/tame for my 12 year old. Overall we spent over 6 hours at this place and the kids were in bed early. it was definitely worth the stop.
Steve A — Google review
Had a fun Friday night. We had the place to ourselves for about 30 minutes as we went in at 4pm opening. Didn't really see people arriving until closer to 5. Didn't get very busy during our visit. I'm sure other days are different. Worth a visit regardless of age but younger kids will probably enjoy it the most. Slides are fun for older kids and the lazy river is good for everyone else.
Jerome L — Google review
Water slides are perfect for my little kids, my 3 year old is tall enough to ride them. Place is well maintained, lines move fast so not much sitting around.
Nick P — Google review
You guys are good. Although I would recommend adding more stuff, Since my child got bored easily since there was barely any stuff. The slides are good and so is the pool. A lot of balls which made it good since we played Monkey in the Middle but water themed with my son and others.
Liam G — Google review
Great time swimming...... children had a blast..... was here for about 7 hrs..... pizza for lunch was good..... slushies were good...... hot tub was hot...... lazy river not so lazy but good......
Jason S — Google review
Awesome place! The kids loved it. The only downside is the one slow slide—nobody really uses it and it hurts your back. Otherwise, we had a great time!
Robert P — Google review
Smaller water park but all indoors. Kids loved the lazy river
Weller H — Google review
I really enjoyed this waterpark! It is located inside the Metropolis Hotel in Eau Claire. It's a great waterpark to go to throughout the year since it's located inside. It is perfect for young kids and has several different areas for different ages. It has a smaller play area for the younger kids, a lazy river, a bigger/slightly deeper area for the older kids with a basketball hoop and 2 slides for the bigger kids/adults. It also has tables and chairs everywhere so there's always a place to sit and set your stuff down. There is also a place called Monkey in the Middle Express (pizza) that's located inside the waterpark area so you don't have to leave to get food or drinks if you don't want to. Very pleased with our stay and can't wait to go back and enjoy this waterpark again with our kids!!
Shawna D — Google review
4.2
(697)
•
3.3
(144)
5152 Fairview Drive, Eau Claire, WI 54701, USA
https://metropolisresort.com/chaoswaterpark?_ga=2.187511720.1812730413.1698757764-2100177048.1695307997&_gac=1.218109547.1697564491.Cj0KCQjw4bipBhCyARIsAFsieCy8Pcd8qW-f6Ubiv4UAb4ub2i2MPEulPlTdg7rgqbPnFkO06TJxgn0aAnp2EALw_wcB
(715) 333-3581
2

Children’s Museum of Eau Claire

Mentioned on 
20 lists 
Children's museum
Museums
Children's party service
The Children’s Museum of Eau Claire is a vibrant and interactive space designed to ignite the imagination and creativity of children and their families. Spread across three floors, the museum offers a wide array of hands-on exhibits that encourage kids to explore, play, and learn in a colorful and welcoming setting. From a simulated grocery store to a construction zone and water play area, the museum provides educational programs like story time and art projects for an enriching experience.
I finally got to check out the new location by attending a Power of Perception event in this space. Lots to do, two floors of engaging and interactive play that targets many different areas of learning. Some of it uses water so parents be aware to supervise or use provided protection to stay dry I went to a 90s party at the old location in 2016 and marveled at the weird intestinal toy. Well here it is y’all. Glad to see this bizarre installation again
Hank Z — Google review
They have memberships, but I did not have or get one. It was cheap and it entertained the kiddos. However, the staff were coming around and organizing/cleaning/putting things back. My child still managed to get some food items in her hands that were from another child. I don't think parents should be feeding children snacks in certain areas. Otherwise, the restrooms were clean and well stocked, and it was a good time.
Nicole V — Google review
We took our granddaughter on a Saturday and had a lot of fun exploring the exhibits and learning about a variety of subjects. It was well laid out which made it easier to flow from one display to another without any bottleneck of people. The staff were all friendly, helpful and interacted well with both adults and children. The variety of displays, experiments and age-appropriate activities made this the perfect place to spend an afternoon.
Vicki H — Google review
My 8 and 3 year old had an absolute BLAST. 10/10 recommend. So much for all ages!
Jessica S — Google review
We had such a great time in the new children musem. There was a lot to do for children and adults. We got to experience being a beekeepers, farmers, mechanics, paleontologists, firefighter and what its like to be vet! There is also camping, house, an exercise area, brain and digestive system. I like how they also had a cool down room for some who get over stimulated. We will definitely be returning. Oh, by the way they also have an outside area!
Karla B — Google review
Although it says "museum", this place is more like an itty bitty city for kids and kids at heart. It was voted THE Best Of The Chippewa Valley Volume One Reader Poll 2019.They provide a safe, educational place for children and their parents to explore, imagine, play, learn, and grow. The place has 3 floors with different exhibit areas - some are permanent, some are not. The main floor is where kids can put on a stage performance or do role plays in the mini community. Kids 3 years old and younger can explore the Toddler Park, a decent size area where they can crawl and play safely. There's also a Reading Corner with plenty of reading materials and Body Smarts where little kids can climb in, crawl and slide down. Things that you should probably know: 1. This place is close for 2 weeks maintenance and cleaning in the month of September - so if you want to book a birthday party, you might want to contact them in advance for your options. 2. You can download their activities for the month to view their upcoming events. You can also go to their website and check Parent Hub for things you need to know. 3. They have one time passes and annual memberships. 4. You can bring your food inside and eat on the third floor, just don't bring peanuts or peanut butter as some kids are allergic to nuts. 5. It is a good idea to bring extra clothes for kids in case they get too wet playing with water in the basement. So you might ask, why only 4 stars? I give this place 4 stars because it hasn't changed much over the years. Some of the stuff are not being utilized or broken - like we were never able to try the recording room. The mystery log has 3 out of 5 slots empty. The John Deere tractor's steering wheel is also broken. The grocery store and grub could use new stock of items. I wish they have more interactive activities as well. Overall, it is a great place for kids to burn their energy doing what they do best - which is play.
Grace J — Google review
We love coming here. So many things to do and see. Even as an adult I love coming to the museum! Last time we went a lot of the things didn't work like the lights in the brain, the bank tubes and a few other things but I'm sure the kids get ahold of them and break it. Otherwise it's a nice place to come and somewhere to tire the kids out!
Letty J — Google review
Fun for the whole family! This is a fantastic children's museum and a great price. My 4 year old and 2 year old could spend all day playing in the exhibits. We enjoyed watching them let their imaginations run wild. One of the best children's museums I've been too. My little ones were all tired out by the time we left. They also have and arts and crafts section in the lower level were little ones can color and paint. I found myself amazed with the electrical and plumbing exhibit. So much fun! Definitely take your kids!
Jeffrey A — Google review
4.7
(792)
•
4.5
(137)
126 N Barstow St, Eau Claire, WI 54703, USA
http://www.childrensmuseumec.com/
(715) 832-5437
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2
3

Carson Park

Mentioned on 
15 lists 
Park
Nature & Parks
Carson Park is a picturesque 134-acre peninsula park located on the oxbow Half Moon Lake, offering a range of activities for visitors. The park features historic baseball and football fields, as well as a kiddie train ride and playground. It is also home to the Chippewa Valley Museum and the Paul Bunyan Logging Camp Museum, providing insights into local history.
We had been to this playground 6 years ago on a family trip to Minnesota. We took a family trip to Eau Claire this weekend for a wedding. The boys were so excited to go back to this playground. My youngest, who I was pregnant with during our first visit also had an absolute blast. Some of their favorites are the two big slides and the zip line.
Mrs. A — Google review
This is a great park/playground for the kids when it’s warm, but completely unusable when it gets cold. The playground equipment is fantastic. There is a lot for the kids to do and tons of different things to play with. Unfortunately, if there is ever a freeze risk (and this being Wisconsin, there is a risk half of the year) the bathrooms close. In the end, it doesn’t matter how nice the playground is if the bathrooms are not usable.
Brandon P — Google review
Beautiful, woodsy park. Lots of picnic areas spread throughout the park. A few wooded hiking paths. No entrance fee. Cute train ride available. Amazing inclusive playground - perfect for family get-togethers and kids birthday parties. Access to the Chippewa river.
Wendy — Google review
A beautiful park, very clean and cared for. I couldn't find any trails so ended up walking on the road.
Christine S — Google review
My grandson loves the zip line. He's 7 and at first was very scarred, couldn't get on the swing by himself, and wanted someone holding him. This has completely built up his confidence. What a great park! Highly recommend
Carol W — Google review
This park is huge and beautiful, river is gorgeous! Lots of trails a small museum ice cream shop ball parks etc. worth a stop!!!
Pamela P — Google review
We love going to Carson park! There is so much to do there. Sunday afternoons during the summer we love the train rides! Cooler summer days we love the playground! It’s great fun for my 2 and 3 year old. We’ve also loved fishing at half moon lake.
Heidi P — Google review
Beautiful park and stadium for a football game and literally the best marching band anywhere.
J P — Google review
4.7
(2199)
•
4.6
(206)
100 Carson Park Dr, Eau Claire, WI 54703, USA
https://www.eauclairewi.gov/recreation/parks-pavilions-shelters
(715) 839-5039
4

Crystal Cave

Temporarily Closed
Nature & Parks
Caverns & Caves
Geological wonder 70 feet underground, with bats, 1-hour tours, gem panning, trail, picnics & shop.
Great experience and the tour guide had little fun facts about each area. There was history, some humor, some educational pieces - fun all around. The cave was neat and stays 50 degrees year round. I wore a light zip up hoodie and it was fine. Gift shop has a lot of fun things. We did the big bucket of fossils and gemstones panning, and it was worth it because both of my kiddos got to scoop and pan several times and got lots of large and small rocks and fossils to take home.
Alice M — Google review
The cave was really cool, but the tour itself was geared more towards kids. It would have been nice for the tour guide to bring us to a spot to take photos or offer to take photos of families/groups. Bathrooms were clean, and the fish fossil wall was really cool!
Grace — Google review
Took my 3 littles because they LOVE rocks and I actually enjoyed the tour myself! Unlike other cave tours I've done, this tour was far superior!! Usually the cave smells incredibly bad and the walkways are very slippery, but that's the not the case here! The steps and ramps were covered with a carpet, so it wasn't slick at all. The cave also did NOT have a bad smell at all. Our tour guide was Savannah and she was engaged and entertaining! The tour is an hour and goes by quickly, I could have enjoyed a few more minutes to take in each cave room. There is a lot to do on the property, they have several picnic tables and even a covered pavilion. They also do gemstone mining which feels great splashing in the water on a hot day! There are several prairie & wood trails to walk with plaques teaching you about the scene. They also have a mini golf course!! Bathrooms are only available in the lodge separate from the gift shop or down 1 level from the gift shop in the tour debriefing room.
Kymn D — Google review
Love Crystal Cave! Had a blast when I was a kid and decided to bring my son. He loved it and had so much fun. As I told him, bring a sweatshirt or a jacket even in Summer. If you’re lucky like we were this last time you might get to see a bat.
Renee — Google review
Great experience for the family! Had a wonderful outing with niece and nephew. The kids loved the cave tour and the prospecting experience afterwards. Highly recommend if you are in the area and have never been on a cave tour before or even if you have. Each cave has its own story!
Jenn M — Google review
Anne did an amazing job as our tour guide. She was super informative and friendly. There was an unruly child in our group, but she maintained professionalism and worked hard to make sure we still had a good time. Highly recommend checking out, especially on a hot day. Was nice and cool in the caves, interesting facts and history.
Chelsea C — Google review
Beautiful facilities, fantastic gift shop, funny tour guide, and the magical nature of a cave? Count me in! Great place for people of all ages (okay most ages, it probably isn't great if you don't have stable legs!). Loved it though, definitely check it out!
Raymond W — Google review
We booked our tour online. When we arrived they gave us keepsake tickets. The tour was an hour long. Hannah, the guide was very knowledgeable. Staff was friendly. Bathrooms in the out building were the cleanest public rest rooms I have ever been in. Gift shop was extensive. We were encouraged to fill out a postcard to family or friend and they would mail it. We had a lot of fun.
D W — Google review
4.7
(1708)
•
4.5
(254)
W965 WI-29, Spring Valley, WI 54767, USA
http://www.acoolcave.org/
(715) 778-4414
5

Villa Bellezza Winery & Vineyards

Restaurant
Food & Drink
Cooking class
Event venue
Wedding venue
Winery
Wineries & Vineyards
Just beautiful! Drove down from the cities for a Saturday afternoon and we're already planning on coming back with friends! As you approach from the river road you see the vineyards and the buildings from the distance, you pull into their spacious parking lot and walk down a path through the trees until you come to the villa's courtyard. We had a drink, did their tasting menu, and some more drinks and a snack in absolutely beautiful surroundings. You really feel like you're in Europe! Well worth the drive for what we think is the best wine we've tried from MN or WI! Can't wait to be back again!
Nick E — Google review
Beautiful place. Unfortunately, that is the only thing positive here. The food was disgusting. Pizza was the worst I've ever had from anywhere. You would expect locally sourced fresh ingredients. But sadly, it is most likely frozen, and the pizza dough is pre-made. I feel bad for the wood oven. Putting pre-made dough sheets that come in a vacuum pack plastic bag is downright disgraceful. The wine just didn't live up to the beauty of this place. A little on the sweet side. Way more winery up and down the beautiful bluff country to try. Just keep driving past this one.
Se V — Google review
Me now wife and I have had wonderful experiences here throughout our engagement and then leading up to our wedding day. We took our engagement photos at this beautiful winery, which gives off Italy vibes with its courtyard, vineyards, and beautiful architecture. Our photos turned out amazing in no small part to the beautiful buildings and grounds that the property has. We also then had the honor of hosting our rehearsal dinner at Sal de Vino at the winery and we loved everything about it. The servers at the bar and for the food were kind and polite. The space was intimate and allowed both our families to mingle and celebrate. The food was phenomenal !! The lemon chicken pasta and the beef lasagna were huge hits, my grandpa, who doesn’t like anything new, said it was the best chicken he has ever had so that made us very happy to hear! The tiramisu was splendid, very light and tasty! We had some leftovers due to some people not being able to make it and thankfully, they allowed us to take the leftovers and they even boxed everything up for us which was nice of them! We had our videography team there so we did some more shots around the property and can’t wait to see how those turn out! Only thing we wish we had was a microphone and speaker system for the speeches but we made due without them. Overall, we enjoyed it so much we decided to go back on the Sunday after our wedding to do some wine tastings, buy some memorabilia, and get some souvenir bottles of wine to remember the weekend. Whether you are looking for a place to do a rehearsal dinner, get married at, or simply want a cool and unique experience while in the area, look no further!
Jesse S — Google review
This is such a beautiful place. I was excited to try their pizza. I was expecting a crispy, thin & fluffy classic Italian pizza with wholesome tomato sauce. My pizza tasted like a school pizza or frozen pizza that was undercooked because the dough was still doughy and chewy. I don't believe it's worth $20. It was a bad experience for their pizza but the vibes were very pleasant.
M ( — Google review
What a great setting and the buildings make you feel like you are in Italy. Excellent wines as well. I wish the pizzas were a little bigger, but otherwise we really enjoyed it. A play space/playground would be a nice addition to keep the kids busy. Will be back!
R P — Google review
Stopped by for a quick bite. We had the panini's and the beet salad which were delicious! Sat out on the patio and we felt like we were transported somewhere in Italy. A true gem!
Van C — Google review
We had our wedding here and it was the most beautiful experience! The venue itself is gorgeous and the staff was extremely helpful in making our wedding a dream. We could not have asked for a better experience! Definitely recommend!! Photographer: Alecca Synclair Photography
Hailey S — Google review
We drove up on a beautiful Saturday and tried wine tasting and pizza outside. The customer service was truly the best part of the whole experience. It felt like family taking care of it all. A great place to relax and enjoy an afternoon.
Sabrena P — Google review
4.5
(530)
•
4.5
(125)
1420 3rd St, Pepin, WI 54759, USA
https://www.villabellezza.com/
(715) 442-2424
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6

Maiden Rock Cidery, Winery & Orchard

Winery
Food & Drink
Cider bar
Cider mill
Orchard
Wedding venue
Wineries & Vineyards
Really lovely spot! Friendly owner and the ciders were delicious!! My favorite was the Honeycrisp, but the Red Hawk was also really tasty (and spiced like apple pie). On weekends they have lawn games and a zip line for kids, and apple picking in the fall too! Great spot!
Hannah E — Google review
We came by on a Sunday in late October, probably the last weekend of good weather for the year. Fall colors were at peak on the drive to the cidery, and the orchard looked beautiful as well. We found the place to be busy but not cram-packed; there was seating indoors and out for people to enjoy their drinks. We had only one person ahead of us in line, so the ordering process went fast. We ordered a cider flight, which included four drinks; at this point in the season, they had five to choose from. We also ordered some cookies and little apple strudels from the bakery case in the adjoining room, which also had different apple bags available for purchase. Several of the apples had a samples available, kept under a dome to keep away the fruit flies that were swirling around. The ciders and pastries were tasty. I browsed the shop afterward. This would be a good place to gift shop. They had jams and jellies, home decorative items that kept to a wine theme, and of course, their ciders and wines.
Beth C — Google review
Stopped here over the weekend during a little day trip from the Twin Cities. I believe the gentleman there said they are new owners. Enjoyed a glass of hard cider while we sat outside with our dog. Bought a bottle of wine and a bag of Honey Gold apples. The apples are DELICIOUS and I thought the price was excellent! Friendly and cute little store.
Diane W — Google review
My husband, Lon, and I completed the Great River Wine Trail summer cookout event. We ended at Maiden Rock. We enjoyed the cider and loved getting to know the owner. What a nice gentleman, very knowledgeable about his craft, and he shared a piece of his journey, making the experience truly memorable. Thank you! Highly recommend!
Cara T — Google review
Nice apple orchard. They have a couple ciders made there. Flights of cider, wine, and mead available to taste. Baked goods and gift available in gift shop. A popular spot for families as well as bridal parties. Good tasting ciders! Dog friendly patio
Ann C — Google review
Such a cool place! Hard to believe a scenic area with a place as cool as this cidery is so close to the Twin Cities! We’ll be back for sure.
Tim L — Google review
Wonderful Cidery in a beautiful location. The owners are welcoming and knowledgeable. The cider is great, too!
Barb S — Google review
Incredible place. Beautiful and the owner is so nice and knowledgeable. Great atmosphere. We will be back!
Natalie S — Google review
4.6
(128)
•
4.0
(72)
W12266 King Ln, Stockholm, WI 54769, USA
http://www.maidenrockciders.com/
(715) 448-9316
7

Barn Bluff

Mentioned on 
+6 other lists 
Mountain peak
Nature & Parks
Geologic Formations
Barn Bluff, also known as He Mni Can, is a renowned natural landmark located in Red Wing, Minnesota. It offers excellent rock climbing and hiking trails with stunning overlooks that provide breathtaking views of the river valley. The bluff holds great significance due to its association with native and prehistoric peoples, as well as its geological importance.
Easy parking and great scenic hike/walk. Some trails may be a bit more difficult for children or older adults. If you are bringing a dog, definitely suggest bringing water for them. 🩶
Melissa F — Google review
Very very cool. I would suggest, if able, walking just past the climbing cliffs and trying to get up that way. The view is so much more stunning that way. One of the coolest spots in all of Minnesota
Hyde R — Google review
Family friendly hike and I’d consider it fairly easy. There are some steps and a steep area but not bad with a cool view on top! Ample parking but it does fill up quickly, there is some street parking. One side has rock climbers frequenting which is cool to see. Options for a picnic lunch with a few tables on one side of the trail.
Diane H — Google review
I was so impressed. There's a huge parking lot across from the hiking trails. I went to the top on the west end overlook. And WOW. The trees are changing colors and the rock formations are huge, stunning. I went at 9am on a weekday. Not a soul round. A lovely hike. Once you're at the top you feel peace. There's a but of stairs, nothing crazy. Walking along the cliff side with the rope is kind of scary if you're afraid of heights like me, lol. So worth it though. Red Wing is a pretty little city.
Katie R — Google review
Beautiful river and valley views with quarry history hike. Nice parking lot and trail head south side by NSP Plant. About one hour walk with lots of stairs.
Scot E — Google review
The entrance was extremely easy to find! The hike up was amazing and it was well worth the hike. Love coming here and will keep coming here for awhile. (Check out Cole aceret on youtube for video review💯)
Cole A — Google review
Beautiful hike. be careful, especially if it is wet, and if it says that part of the trail is closed, honor the signs. It has a great view of the river and the town, when you get to the top. Fall is so pretty , but I imagine that any time of the year would be nice to hike this.
D. D — Google review
Spectacular view, it’s a easy to moderate hike. Lots of steps but definitely worth the climb. It’s about 30minute to reach the top and another 30minute down, this is a leisurely hike. My husband and I took our boys age 6 and 9 and they loved it.
Freda L — Google review
4.8
(65)
•
4.5
(192)
Red Wing, MN 55066, USA
8

Red Wing Store- Red Wing, MN

Shoe store
Museums
Specialty Museums
Red Wing Store in Red Wing, MN is a chain retailer that offers a wide range of handcrafted leather boots suitable for both work and leisure. Located about 1 mile east of downtown, the store provides stunning views of central Red Wing and the Mississippi River. Visitors can drive to the top or take a hike along marked trails. The store boasts a spacious interior with a huge variety of boots, apparel, banners, socks, and gloves.
Three floors. Spacious. Bathrooms Clean (actually smelled nice). Fun to see the world’s largest boot. Upstairs is a museum. First floor is a full-service shoe store. Lower level is outlet and self-serve. The upper-level museum was interesting. Fun to see the history and how their shoes came to be and have evolved. Will be back
Lisa C — Google review
Stopped by the Red Wing Shoe Store in Red Wing, MN, and had a great experience! The staff was super friendly and knew their stuff, helping me find the perfect pair of boots. The store has a cool vibe, and seeing the world’s largest boot was a fun bonus. They also have a museum upstairs that gives you a peek into the company’s history. If you’re into quality footwear or just passing through, it’s definitely worth a visit.
Akshay R — Google review
I recently visited the Red Wing Shoe Store and Museum and it was an incredible experience! The highlight was seeing the world's largest boot, a unique and impressive sight. The museum exhibit on the second floor offered an insightful look into the history and craftsmanship of Red Wing Shoes. I was also thrilled to find the outlet store on the lower level, where items were marked 30-70% off. Although the selection was more skewed towards men's items, which was a bit disappointing as a female shopper, I understand that their products are often marketed more towards men. Overall, it was a delightful and educational visit, and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in unique attractions and great deals on quality footwear.
Sarah M — Google review
A great place to visit. Check out the museum and outlet! Don’t miss the computerized detailed sizing and support map of your own feet! Herman helped us do the precise measurements and learn about insoles. Get a perfect fit in your current shoes, or get new ones at great prices.
Ray S — Google review
What was a pleasure to see the awesome store. It took our breath away to see the big beautiful shoe. This store carried the newly designed products and they were beautiful. Store was beautiful inside the selection and well organized.
Jimmy T — Google review
Anna did a fantastic job helping my wife with her hiking boots. She was friendly and patient. When there was an issue with the boots she exchanged them for a similar boot with no hesitation. Would recommend them to anyone who is looking for a new pair of high quality shoes. Thanks Red Wing!!
Eric K — Google review
We came to the Red Wing flagship store from Minneapolis after a real good friend’s strong recommendation, hoping to find a good pair of work shoes for my husband, who is an aircraft maintenance engineer. At first, everything was pleasant, we saw a female staff member measuring a customer’s foot with the in-store device, so we took some time to visit the museum section. When she became available, we asked if she could measure my husband’s foot. She kindly asked us to wait a moment, then assigned a male staff member to help us. From the beginning of our interaction, his attitude felt cold and unwelcoming. When we explained that we wanted to measure my husband’s foot for purchasing shoes, his response was cold and simply to let my husband to take shoes off twice. The tone made us uncomfortable. After my husband removed his shoes, the male staff member told us the measuring device wasn’t working and directed us to just look at shoes. Knowing there were two devices in the store (and having just seen the female staff use the other one), I asked if we could use the other machine. He seemed surprised, then said his pad (as a controller) was the problem and he would go find another device. We followed his suggestion to browse the shoes, but by this point, our experience had already been ruined. We quickly left without buying anything. It felt as though this staff member did not want to serve us from the start. Even when I suggested using another device, his response was dismissive. Before making our request, we had no interaction with any staff, and nothing in our behavior could have been considered offensive. This left us wondering whether the poor attitude was related to how we looked or who we were, rather than our request itself. As the flagship store of the brand, I believe employees here should be more mindful of their service, because their actions directly shape the brand’s image in customers’ minds. This experience completely changed our impression of Red Wing.
Vanessa — Google review
If you are looking for a pair of boots, this is definitely the place to come. Lots of selections, spacious displays, and some of the friendliest staff that you will ever meet. Be sure to get your picture taken next to the World's Biggest Boot.
Scott W — Google review
4.6
(880)
•
4.0
(313)
315 Main St, Red Wing, MN 55066, USA
https://stores.redwingshoes.com/red-wing-mn
(651) 388-6233
9

Stillwater Lift Bridge, Historic Site

Mentioned on 
8 lists 
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
The Stillwater Lift Bridge, a historic structure dating back to 1931, spans the St. Croix River between Houlton, Wisconsin and Stillwater, Minnesota. It is one of only six bridges of its kind in Wisconsin and Minnesota built before World War II. The bridge is located within the Stillwater Cultural Landscape District and offers a unique example of vertical-lift bridge construction.
Visited during summer, the weather was perfect! A beautiful little town on the border of Minnesota and Wisconsin with this historic site. It's delightful to see the bridge lift up for big boats to pass. The area is well developed with neat lawns and seating benches. Mostly crowded on weekends, but it is a peaceful spot. Small local food joints make even more happening. Must visit!
Rishabh C — Google review
What a lovely town with many trails, eateries, & shops. The historic lift bridge is for pedestrians & bikes only; lanes are marked as such. During the peak touristy months the bridge raises every 30 minutes to allow boaters to pass beneath. It’s only a short disruption of time & fun to watch. A great way to watch how the bridge operates up close.
Susan S — Google review
We just took our first walk across the bridge. It was really nice to walk across this historic National Register of Historic Places bridge on a warm breezy summer evening! The cars and traffic jams at the bridge are now distant memories.
John W — Google review
Stillwater is great for a day trip or even a few hours. We went to the water front and watched the bridge go up and down and the boats go by. There is lots of seating by the water, easy inexpensive parking, many eateries and activities by the water. We had a fantastic afternoon. We also went two blocks from the water to the Teddy Bear Park which I also reviewed at five stars.
Gail Z — Google review
Super cool and lovely town! Can tell they take good care of everything and weather was pristine! Not a bad hike from the city, and would recommend going here for a day trip!
Crispito — Google review
Definitely a nice little stroll! Bike and scooter friendly 🙏 travel from MN to WI
956Reviewer — Google review
Great place to get the kids out and feel the Fresh air! It is an amazing place. Plenty of spots to sit and eat the Best Ice Cream in town! Yum! Parking is a bit hustle but worth it! With gas price through the roof, this place gives you the best nature has to offer! Get out and enjoy the View and Fresh air!
Eyob W — Google review
Lift bridge and the entire waterway has a really lovely, laid-back pace now that the vehicle traffic has moved to the new bridge.
Audrey C — Google review
4.8
(523)
•
4.5
(208)
106 Chestnut St E, Stillwater, MN 55082, USA
https://www.dot.state.mn.us/historicbridges/4654.html
10

River Siren Brewing

Mentioned on 
5 lists 
Brewery
Food & Drink
River Siren Brewing is a beloved newcomer in the brewery scene, offering delicious craft brews, scenic river views, and live music. Located in Stillwater, it's a community-focused destination for craft beer enthusiasts and those seeking a laid-back yet vibrant experience. The brewery features an expansive patio and deck with picturesque river views, making it an ideal spot to unwind. Visitors can bring their own food or indulge in offerings from nearby restaurants.
Great little microbrewery in Stillwater MN with views of the StCroix River. Beers are brewed on site. Good selection. Nice atmosphere facing the river and on the main street. Sit inside or outdoors. Worth a stop. But no food served here.
Mike R — Google review
Spent a good amount of time here will in Stillwater, and the patio was great! They had Rocktober fest going on and plenty of people there. Good times, beer was alright, and prices were fair. Staff were friendly and place was clean. Don’t hesitate to stop by!
Crispito — Google review
It's always a good time to go to River siren brewery they have a super big assortment of house brewed beer. I usually get the hard seltzer. I had the blood orange hard Seltzer last time. I don't know who manages or sets up the bands, but they do a great job for music. Whether it's a solo artist or a band it's always really good entertainment down there. I was just down there for rocktoberfest. Whiskey Burn was the band playing in the tent that night and there was a huge crowd of people, everyone was dancing and having a great time. Can't wait for the next gig down there.
Joseph G — Google review
Nice location and great deck, but alas, that’s where the pros end. Their beer is just okay, but even so, be ready to pay $8 a pint before tip (more if you dare to pay with a credit card - a wonderful middle finger in 2025). Throw in the fact that they don’t have AC, so a late-July day feels like the seventh ring of Hell inside. A step up from Maple Island — and again, they have a great deck to enjoy on nice days — but unfortunately, that was a pretty low bar.
John W — Google review
Awesome spot down by the river. Staff are excellent. Really enjoyed their Raspberry Jalapeno River Dance Ale
Galaxy S — Google review
Cute brewery! Good view from the little deck area. I really liked the peach lemonade THC seltzer! My husband liked his beer.
Molly H — Google review
River siren is a nice brewery in downtown town Stillwater. They have fantastic atmosphere inside and out with fireplaces, games, two outdoor decks, and amazing views of the st. Croix River and the famous lift bridge. They had eight beers on tap on my stop plus seltzers. They had a red, blonde, hazy IPA, Hazy Pale ale, a blood orange sour, kolsh, a blueberry hefe, but my favorite was the barrel aged imperial stout. All the beers were good, the atmosphere was great. Definitely plan to stop and enjoy one on your way through Stillwater and take in the view.
Adam D — Google review
River Siren is a fun place to hang out in Stillwater. There is ample seating inside and on the patio, where the view is lovely. Plenty of games at the entrance to pick up and play. There are food options certain days of the week. I had the seltzer, it was delicious. Pets are welcome on the patio.
Prim I — Google review
4.6
(172)
•
4.0
(94)
225 Main St N, Stillwater, MN 55082, USA
http://www.riversirenbrewing.com/
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11

Teddy Bear Park

Mentioned on 
6 lists 
Park
Nature & Parks
Teddy Bear Park is a delightful city park that opens its doors from April to October, making it an ideal destination for families looking to enjoy some outdoor fun. Tucked away on Nelson Street, this charming spot features a playground designed specifically for younger children up to age seven. Kids can unleash their creativity as they slide down the train caboose, navigate through tree log tunnels, or pose with the adorable teddy bear statues scattered throughout the park.
Fantastic! Very accessible. Excellent climbing and play structures for toddlers up to about 10 years old. Gated with only one entrance. Easy to keep an eye on multiple kids. Good for hours of play! If you park at the bottom of the hill, prepare to push the stroller. Worth it!!!!!
Gail Z — Google review
This park is perfect for your kids 1 to 5 maybe 6 there's teddy bears everywhere which is so unique and different they are made of stone so definitely watch your children but my twins had a great time climbing and going downsides.
Danielle D — Google review
Really nice park. A gem situated in a unique spot off the side of a hill. Adorable structures in teddy bear, trains, storybook and abc-style themes, which allowed for many levels of play development. The ground was soft, and there were many places to climb. There was a nice pavilion to sit in. There were two bathrooms there. One was occupied the whole time I was waiting, so I used the men's and the women's was still occupied after but it was fine. Each one had baby changing areas so that was nice.
Doreen D — Google review
This is hands down the most beautiful park in the state. Kids love it and well I love it too. Grab a coffee and enjoy your kids having a blast.
Derik M — Google review
A cute small park with slides. Dangerous rocks kids climb on and could very very easily fall off and get badly hurt. No swings. Biggest problem is parking. Good luck with that. Its hell trying to find anything. I think after driving 30 mins , I wasted more gas driving around another 20 minutes trying to find a place to park.
Sarabeth S — Google review
Excellent place to take your children. Has unique train themed playground as well as multilevel tree. Also a faux rock wall with tunnels and some climbing. Giant teddy bear to pose for pictures and a smaller one as well. During summer I believe they have portable potties on site as well. Parking is across the street in a free lot. The street it is on is steep so keep am eye on your little ones.
Vyacheslav L — Google review
Very cute park! My son had a great time.
A A — Google review
Definitely on the small side, but my 2-year-old had fun exploring the low trains and ships meant for toddlers (she wasn't sure what to make of the giant teddy bear statues) for about an hour. I appreciated the enclosed nature of the park where it's nearly impossible to lose sight of your kid. We explored downtown Stillwater and the river a bit afterwards on foot, which was fun.
Rima F — Google review
4.7
(1561)
•
4.5
(141)
207 Nelson St E, Stillwater, MN 55082, USA
https://www.ci.stillwater.mn.us/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/10/
(651) 430-8800
12

Treasure Island Resort & Casino

Resort hotel
Casinos & Gambling
Modern rooms in a Caribbean-themed casino resort with a golf course, bowling alley & indoor pool.
Attended a meeting in an event room. Lunch was marginal for the price we paid for the event. Meeting was clean. Sound system was good. Lighting was good. Plenty of table space. Took a short walk through the casino. Maybe I’m missing something but it seemed small. Lost six bucks
Lisa C — Google review
We attended a concert in the Event Center and ate dinner at Tradewinds. Cannot rate rooms as we did not stay overnight. Tradewinds was great. I recently broke my ankle and am using crutches, the staff member that was seating us made sure we were seated close to the buffet without us requesting it. In the Event Center, a security personal came to me and told me to move my chair out if I needed to be more comfortable. When walking to our vehicle, a shuttle drive yelled out to us to wait and he'd be right there to pick us up. I feel the staff went out of their way to make our night enjoyable. So impressed!! The food was delicious and a great variety. Highly recommend.
Tammy W — Google review
HORRIBLE experience!!! I was sent an offer that id receive $25 free play. Got there and had to park a million miles from the door and had to walk down sidewalks with sprinklers spraying on us. Next i got to wait in line for 20 min to find out that now since i just waited in line so long that ive missed out on the $25 free play!!!! Then i wanted to leave because the place was dirty and the employees all seemed upset and had attitudes. I play a slot machine and hit the bonus free spins while betting $1.98 a spin so i thought this should win me a few bucks right?? WRONG!! The machine malfunctions and doesnt give me the spins. I hit "start feature" and the game does nothing so i hit spin again and get a regular spin...no free spins, not even 1 when i had just won 20 free spins. I complain and they say theyll send a tech over to look into this. After about 20 min i decide screw this and walk away. I go play another slot machine and start losing and i had deposited $100 so i go to cash out my $69 and I hit collect and then theres a yes or no button, i hit the yes and the machine re-spins at 6 times what ive been betting and i dont win anything at all and the machine takes another $5.28 from my $69. NOW IM PISSED because ive been RIPPED OFF BY TREASURE ISLAND 3 TIMES TONIGHT!!!!!!!! They send a mgr to talk to me and he refunds my $5.28 but ill have to wait for "john" to come pay me since the manager has no cash. I wait for ??? yep you guessed it...about 20 min and i so pissed off that i say to hell with this and i leave. TREASURE ISLAND RIPPED ME OFF 3 TIMES AND AT LEAST 2 OF THEM WERE PURPOSEFUL, IM CONVINCED OF IT!!! This casino will scam you and say whatever to get you there and then hope you spend money with no shot to really win anything. TREASURE ISLAND SELLS A LIE!!! THEYRE FAKE LYING RIP OFFS AND THEY DO NOT CARE ABOUT THEIR CUSTOMERS AT ALL!!! Do not go there unless you like being treated like a loser that should just give them your money at the door and then turn around and leave before even placing a bet. IM SO PISSED OFF AND I WILL NOT GO BACK THERE AND I ONLY LIVE 20 MIN AWAY!!!!!
Iwwiw1972 — Google review
I didn't stay at the casino. I attended an out door concert(a lot of walking, and limited beverage choices otherwisea great outdoor venue), then went inside for a cocktail and the music in the lounge. The casino seemed clean, and open. The band wasn't great, but fun. It very warm inside. The break for the set was quite long and we did end up leaving to get closer to home.
Marinda N — Google review
GOT SKIN INFECTION AFTER HOT TUB! Friend and I visited Treasure Island hotel on 11/08/25 and bad experience started right away at the check in desk. I booked a Non smoking room and we were given a smoking one and we were informed that that wasn’t guaranteed. The room was $350 for one night. When we entered the room, the air was absolutely unbearable and we could not even bring our bags inside let along sleep in that room. After returning to the front desk asking for a new room, employees told us we had no other choice but to put an air machine there for an hour. So we had to wait an hour after our check in time so they air up the room. After we returned to the room, the smoking odor was not gone, but toned down a notch. The smell was so strong that all of our lag gave for a smoke smell after one night stand. The next morning, fond and I used a hot tub in a pool area. We checked out, by the end of the day I had an irritable spot on my leg and the next day had to check it out at urgent care because of unbelievable pain. I was diagnosed with cellulitis (skin infection) and after telling my doctor that I recently visited a hot tub, he confirmed that some hot tubs lack correct chemicals to kill bacteria and unfortunately that is how I got the infection. Never again will stay at that place. Stay at this hotel at your own health risk.
Alina S — Google review
This organization sold my wife’s and eyes personal information phone number email, etc. it is a dirty experience and they are very shady. We have received over 50 spam phone calls since we registered at the hotel. Way overpriced no hot water in the shower no pressure in the shower room was filthy shady company. I expect to hear from them based on this review with some compensation Highly unlikely however we do not recommend this establishment
Vinnie G — Google review
Tried to remove half a star for reasons, but it wouldn't let me. Casino. So nice to be in a casino not filled with smoke. Most places have a tiny non-smoking section separated by failing magic. This place puts all the smoke in a container room. Not a wide variety of games, but enough slots and table games to loose all your money at. Staff was friendly. The concert venue outside was great. Nothing special, but no complaints. There is an awesome kid drop area with right security that let us leave our little ones to play for an hour or two. When we got back they were upset they had to leave! $15 an hour was worth it. The food is overpriced, of course, but generally good. The cheeseburgers in the bowling alley beat the other area, but we're a bit more expensive. The pool area is mostly great. Two bigger water slides, a basketball area, a lazy river, and a little area for kids. A swim up bar for grown ups as well. Only complaint was none of the hot tubs allowed kids in them. (We snuck in one anyhow though). The entire area has a beautiful terrace view as well. No complaints with the room. Perfectly fine. It's about 25 extra minutes to get here then our local casino, but we'll worth it!
Christopher B — Google review
We went here to gamble. Games were incredibly tight. No wins, no bonus, just really bad. They sent us all the way to the back of the facility to get our gift and the gift shop was closed. We were really pissed after walking all that way. Overall, not worth the trip coming here. Won't be back.
Dusty S — Google review
3.9
(17160)
•
3.5
(312)
5734 Sturgeon Lake Rd, Welch, MN 55089, USA
http://www.ticasino.com/
(800) 222-7077
13

Afton Alps Ski & Snowboard

Temporarily Closed
Ski resort
Nature & Parks
Ski & Snowboard Areas
This winter ski & snowboard resort on 300 acres includes 48 trails, 5 terrain parks & 18 chairlifts.
There were tons of people on staff that made my experience better. From the rental staff helping me understand skiing to the woman in the lift line that realized I was new to skiing to my last experience from Emma, Alisha, and Reese(?) in the cafe lodge. I appreciated my time and can’t wait to come back. Hopefully without “bombing” down the slope 😅
Taffeta B — Google review
It was such a great time! It was my first time here and I took a friend skiing for the first time who has never seen snow like this before. It was a bit pricey compared to other skiing resorts I've visited before in several other states that have just as many paths or more. They did not have all the lifts running. The staff who was working there was very friendly and would always encourage or compliment my friend on improving each time she came down the path. (Even though she fell almost every time) Overall, it was a great experience but may consider going somewhere else that isn't so expensive.
Elizabeth N — Google review
Love coming here from the cities just 30 min down the road. Facilities have def gotten nicer since I’ve been here last (2018?). All the staff were super friendly and helpful and made our day better. Just be aware that not all the dining is open during the week! Had a great time tho!
Karleen C — Google review
On Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at Afton Alps, I witness an incident that occurred on the chairlift at The Highlands, that raised serious safety concerns. A group of teenage boys were on the lift, and one of them dropped a large clump of snow from above the trail where riders were below. Fortunately, it missed the rider, but the situation could have ended dangerously. When I confronted him, he mocked me and even challenged me to go to the terrain park. Then I went to report the incident to the staffs. Despite alerting a ski patrol member, the response was dismissive. When I provided detailed information, including a video of the event, the staff seemed indifferent and questioned what action was needed from me. I expressed my frustration, questioning Afton’s commitment to safety, and implying that the resort is more focused on profit than customer care. Just unbelievable! When safety is compromised, especially in such a dangerous situation, it’s concerning when an organization fails to take action. Accountability is key, and it’s troubling when there’s a lack of response, especially when I had went out of my way to provide evidence. It’s tough to support an organization that doesn’t seem to prioritize the well-being of its customers. I hope that my experience can bring attention to the issue, and others can take notice as well. And parents, if these were your children, do better!
Maly X — Google review
I just want to say everyone was great. We had a great experience, all the staff is wonderful! The instructors were outstanding, specially the instructor that helped my brother-in-law, Juan. I didn’t catch her name, but she was so kind and patient with him. It was truly an unforgettable experience! Thank you!
Vargas M — Google review
Not as crowded as the other resort in town. Great snow making and park set. Wish they have more terrain variety.
Chenyang Z — Google review
For Midwest skiing it is pretty good. The staff was very helpful and friendly. Everyone from the rental shop to the restaurant staff were great. Great way to spend a day.
Scott G — Google review
I'd probably give Afton a 3.75. Skied with my daughters the other day. Dare I say our home hill Snowcreek has better vertical? It's close. Anyways, there are a good amount of runs here but they are all pretty easy. The blacks didn't offer much challenge but offered some good cruising. There was a nice route that goes through a pipe with a nice jump at the end. We did that over and over. The terrain park was a bit too ambitious for us, they could use some smaller stuff varied in. Pretty much everything was expensive. I did appreciate being able to park at less crowded chalets and ski right down with the epic pass. The runs were groomed and in good shape after raining a couple days earlier. The merch store is strong. Good stuff in there. Solid resort just expensive without too much variety in terrain. Welch Village is a better value and better skiing, especially when the back bowl is open.
Ryan W — Google review
4.1
(1923)
•
3.5
(98)
6600 Peller Ave S, Hastings, MN 55033, USA
http://www.aftonalps.com/
(651) 436-5245
14

Afton State Park

State park
Nature & Parks
Campground
Expansive park featuring a swimming beach, campsites & a variety of wildflowers.
Love this park. We only saw a few small birds, but it was fun watching the eagles down by the beach. Very hilly. Definitely a work out as well hiked most of the trails.
Heather K — Google review
What a beautiful state park in MN located right on the St Croix river! There are plenty of trails to choose from even when it is busy you can find yourself alone on a trail. The lower path the river is flat a beautiful while some other trails have elevation gain. Definitely a state park that shouldn’t be missed!!
Denai C — Google review
Such a gorgeous place for camping and hiking! My wife and I went this last weekend for a night, and we had a blast hiking down to the river from our tent site. Only downside was that I accidentally booked the backpacking site without considering how far we’d have to hike to it from the car after arriving at 10:30pm, but we figured it out. Nice fishermen along the beaches and in their boats as well.
Jackson O — Google review
It’s a calm and peaceful area with the best views of nature. A perfect spot for camping ⛺️, hiking, or just a relaxing walk. I went with my friends, and we really enjoyed the sounds of nature — it felt so refreshing
Swetha V — Google review
We recently went on a bike ride around Afton State Park, and overall it was a mix of beautiful scenery with some frustrating challenges. The natural beauty of the area is undeniable—the rolling landscape, peaceful setting, and wide-open views make it a wonderful place to spend time outdoors. We were especially surprised that there weren’t any bugs during our visit, which made the ride much more enjoyable. The highlight of the evening was definitely the sunset—it was absolutely spectacular and made for a perfect backdrop to end the day. Unfortunately, the trails and parking lot left a lot to be desired. The paved trails are in very poor condition. In fact, they were some of the most uneven, cracked, and bumpy trails I’ve ever ridden on. It was difficult to relax and enjoy the ride because we had to constantly watch for rough patches and broken pavement. The parking lot wasn’t in great shape either, which added to the overall impression that the infrastructure here has been neglected. My biggest complaint is the lack of upkeep on the paved trails. Considering visitors pay for passes, it feels like some of that money could and should be reinvested into making the park more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. A fresh paving job would go a long way in improving the biking experience and encouraging people to keep coming back. In short, Afton State Park has incredible natural beauty, but the poor condition of the paved trails really takes away from the experience. If the park could put some resources into repairing and maintaining them, it would easily become one of the best biking spots in the area.
Edward H — Google review
Afton State Park, nestled along the scenic bluffs of the St. Croix River in Minnesota, offers a beautiful blend of rugged natural beauty and family-friendly recreation. Whether you're an avid hiker, a camper, or someone simply looking to escape the city for a day, Afton provides a peaceful and picturesque retreat.
Benjin V — Google review
Nice variety of trails, ample parking. Trails signs are a bit confusing, didn't find the Hiking Club secret word because we took the wrong path but found our way back eventually. Good excuse to go back and try the trails again, theyre beautiful. Riverfront paths, picnic areas, scheduled events and a visitor center with a bathroom. Pokémon stops too. I recommend.
Natane R — Google review
I honestly love Afton State Park. It offers such peace. It is primitive, but still has access to a toilet and water, which is great. The different hiking routes are great to explore. Be prepared to get sweaty!
McKenzie D — Google review
4.8
(1923)
•
4.5
(117)
6959 Peller Ave S, Hastings, MN 55033, USA
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/afton/index.html
(651) 201-6780
15

Cannon Valley Trail

Nature & Parks
Hiking Trails
5.0
(96)
Minnesota, USA
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16

Cannon River Winery + Kitchen

Winery
Food & Drink
Restaurant
Wine store
Wineries & Vineyards
We had a lovely midafternoon Sunday stop here to try out the token flight and enjoy some food. The place was busy, but the service was fantastic. We enjoyed all of the wines that we tried, which came as a pleasant surprise, and even bought two bottles to take home. We also had the Lady Gaga garlic cheese bread naan and the Stevie Nicks chicken pesto pizza; there was a bit of a wait for the food, because the place was indeed busy, but what came out was absolutely delicious. We're already talking about doing another trip here to try more wines!
Beth C — Google review
We held a small wedding shower in the tasting area. The staff was so helpful with the planning and set up of the event, especially Carie, the event coordinator. She always kept in contact with me and was on top of things with the food and drink orders. The staff was amazing at figuring out our needs and were flexible. The food food was wonderful and the wine was excellent. It was an enjoyable experience all around. I will be a customer going forward even though they are 40 minutes away. They are definitely worth the trip.
Andrea O — Google review
Staff is very welcoming and nice. My mom and I stopped in on a whim and split a Betty white sandwhich; which was a very good chicken Sammy with bacon added for little extra. Flight options with the staff usually willing to "extend" your curiosity. Walked away with two new bottles of great wine.
Nichole T — Google review
We had our wedding ceremony at the vineyard in Dennison, and our wedding reception at the winery on 10/4/2024. The vineyard and winery are both 2 beautiful & perfect properties, and made our wedding vision come true! Abby was phenomenal to work with! We truly appreciate her and her team for working with us to make our day special! Thank you again to the CRW staff ❤️
Dana A — Google review
I've lived in the area most of my life and never knew this gem existed! Great atmosphere, full menu, local wine, and visitation hilarious merchandise!
KT H — Google review
It has a very open atmosphere, very spacious. I am not a huge wine drinker but the three kinds I tried were good. My wife who rarely drinks wine had two glasses of a sweet white that was recommended by the waitress. I had a Betty White sandwich and it was pretty good. We both enjoyed our time there
John D — Google review
The air is cooling, the days are getting shorter, and soon, we'll start to see autumn colors. A wonderful sightseeing destination, just south of the Twin Cities, is Cannon River Winery. The professional, charming, and talented staff will impress you as you visit this winery in downtown Cannon Falls, MN. You'll enjoy the menu, entertainment, and especially the wine. I highly recommend this local business, Cannon River Winery, which produces an excellent made in Minnesota product.
Edward C — Google review
Pretty nice small town winery! The staffs are very friendly and helpful. It costs you small amounts and you can taste a couple of their breweries. What we had was very fruitful taste, mild for everyone. They have indoor and outdoor tables for you to enjoy yours leisurely... There is a big parking lot by the winery. Also, the Cannon River trail is right next. Very convenient if you prefer a walk after your wine taste.
Peng H — Google review
4.5
(321)
•
4.0
(98)
421 Mill St W, Cannon Falls, MN 55009, USA
https://cannonriverwinery.com/
(507) 263-7400
17

Minnehaha Falls

Mentioned on 
+86 other lists 
Waterfall
Nature & Parks
Parks
Minnehaha Falls is a stunning 53-foot waterfall located in Minnehaha Park, the most-visited park in Minneapolis. The falls are formed by the Minnehaha Creek, which flows from Lake Minnetonka to the Mississippi River.
Love this waterfall and the park around it. The top view of waterfall is wheelchair accessible. To get to the bottom you have to walk down 109 steps. The area near the falls where you see many pictures of is actually closed off, but many climb it to get close to the waterfall. There is also a nice hiking trail that continues along the river. The whole park is great with playgrounds, wading area, picnic area, bike rental wading pool, flower gardens, old railway station, and more. If you visit waterfall in summer or fall, be prepared to only see little water. There is plenty of paid street parking. $2.50 per hour.
Zahra M — Google review
My son and I spent a beautiful day here! It's absolutely breath taking from the beautiful waterfall to the sounds of the rushing water. So peaceful, like free therapy and just what I needed. The park is enormous and boast a pavilion with a restaurant with wonderful food and drinks. It also had a huge grassy area for just relaxing in a chair or on a blanket. The only bad things I have to say is, I don't live closer so I can be here every day. It's absolutely beautiful and peaceful. I highly highly recommend.
Christy D — Google review
A cute little hidden gem of nature in the heart of the twin cities. Parking was easy with accessible and clearly marked trails. Will be visiting again definitely
Wesley W — Google review
Nice outlook at a nice fall! Parking is very close. Trails are great. I walked down to the Mississippi River and three different kind of squirrels. Great historical place where President Johnson visited and the first settler in Minneapolis.
Peter S — Google review
Minnehaha Falls is always a great stop for anyone visiting the area. It is peaceful and scenic with the incredible power of the falls. This year (2025) has been great with a nice amount of rainfall all year, even late in the year it is still going strong.
Sandhawk60 — Google review
My husband and I visited at the end of September. Parking and payment was done with ease. The park is beautiful and dog friendly! A beautiful walk amongst friendly people. It’s so nice to find so much beauty in the city
Carrie E — Google review
Minnehaha Falls is a lush, verdant park. There is an appropriate balance between man made structures and natural beauty. Many trails are very steep for less able walkers, but there are plenty of flat trails to suffice. I love all the stairs personally. The park is very clean and well maintained, with bathrooms and garbages typically nearby. There’s a myriad of different locations for picnics, whether it be right on the flat ground above the falls, at picnic tables closer to the sidewalks by the falls overlook, at the restaurant in the park, or down below and the water hole/river area that the path leads individuals to. There’s so much to do at the park, whether it be eating at the Sea Salt restaurant, going to Art In The Park, attending the annual Nami walk, dipping your toes in the river, hiking, running, doing stairs workouts, riding bike, riding the provided electric scooters, grabbing a drink at the restaurant or little bar on the other side of the restaurant, seeing live music, taking your kids to the playground installed, fishing in the Mississippi, the list goes on. Minnehaha Falls is a must visit location.
Paige K — Google review
A twin cities destination point that has excellent natural ionic energy as the water tumbles down in the warm months and freezes beautifully in the winter months! Warning; it is off limits to go behind the Minnehaha falls!! Do not attempt it is very dangerous!
Randy N — Google review
4.7
(2680)
•
4.6
(2512)
Minneapolis, MN 55417, USA
18

Mill City Museum

Mentioned on 
+72 other lists 
History museum
Museums
Specialty Museums
Mill City Museum is a captivating destination that offers an immersive experience into the history of Minneapolis and the flour industry. Housed within the reconstructed ruins of the Washburn "A" Mill, visitors can explore interactive exhibits that narrate the city's evolution alongside the flour industry. The museum, located on the banks of the Mississippi Riverfront, provides insight into how this industry shaped Minneapolis' growth. As part of the St.
We had a fantastic time at the Mill City Museum in Minneapolis. It’s built right into the ruins of an old flour mill, which gives it a really unique and historic atmosphere. The museum does a great job of telling the story of how Minneapolis became the flour milling capital of the world. The Flour Tower ride was an awesome experience. It’s an elevator-style tour that stops at different levels and shows what life was like when the mill was running.👌👌 There are a lot of hands-on exhibits, You can even learn about baking and water power in really interactive ways. rooftop observation deck—the views of the Mississippi River and the Stone Arch Bridge are absolutely. Convenient paid parking is available nearby
Sureshmi S — Google review
We absolutely adored this museum (and I am really not a museum lover). We loved the quirky introduction Video that gave an overview of the city throughout the years and how the flour mill fit into the economic growth of the city. All of the “artifacts” were so nostalgic and brought back so many fun memories of days gone by! Our kids 17, 14 & 11 loved all of the interactive activities (not just cool for little kids). My daughter and I loved putting together the large wooden block puzzle. The highlight though is the tower tour…think Tower of Terror without the drop and the terror haha! It was set up in a similar fashion with nostalgic scenes of the flour mill how it would have looked in its prime and also people’s accounts/voices that actually worked there, sharing their memories! It was so intriguing! Do not hesitate going to this museum! It was such a fun and unique experience.
Lynae C — Google review
We had a way better time than we expected. The elevator guided part of the tour was neat, good information. Great views of the falls, river and stone arch bridge from the observation deck. Enjoyed seeing the history and learning a bit about the flour milling process. No complaints and the street parking was simple, paid $5 I think for 2 hours, which was plenty to do the museum.
James M — Google review
Set on the scenic banks of the Mississippi River, Minneapolis’s Mill City Museum is a striking fusion of industrial ruin, architectural innovation, and regional history—and easily one of the most memorable cultural destinations in the Midwest. From the moment you approach the museum, you’re greeted by the towering remains of the Washburn “A” Mill, once the largest flour mill in the world and the beating heart of Minneapolis’s late 19th-century identity as the “Flour Milling Capital of the World.” The iconic “Gold Medal Flour” sign still sits proudly atop the historic grain elevators, a nostalgic beacon linking the city’s modern energy to its industrious past. The structure itself is a work of art: a masterclass in adaptive reuse. The museum integrates preserved stone ruins of the original mill—some walls charred and scarred by past fires and explosions—with sleek glass-and-steel walkways and modern installations. From the outdoor courtyard and the massive glass façade etched with mill schematics, visitors are literally walking through history, surrounded by ghost traces of what once was. Inside, the museum captures the ingenuity and grit of Minneapolis’s industrial age. The preserved machinery, gears, pulleys, and antique steam engines are fascinating in their own right—but they’re made more compelling by thoughtful interpretation. From vintage tractors to flour sifters, each artifact tells a story of labor, technology, and transformation. The immersive exhibits, such as the Flour Tower elevator show (which re-creates the life of the mill), add a dramatic and cinematic dimension to the visit. A particular highlight is the view from the observation deck. It offers sweeping panoramas of the Mississippi River and the Stone Arch Bridge, with its elegant curves and pedestrian-friendly path, linking past to present. It’s a spot that invites reflection—on the river that powered the mills and on the city that rose from them. The museum doesn’t just celebrate machinery—it celebrates people. Exhibits thoughtfully highlight the lives of mill workers, immigrants, and women who shaped the milling industry, making this not just an architectural experience, but a deeply human one. Whether you’re a history buff, architecture lover, or simply looking for a unique and enriching afternoon in Minneapolis, Mill City Museum delivers. It’s a rare place where ruins speak, machines hum stories, and the Mississippi keeps flowing—as it always has—just outside.
Jimmy S — Google review
Fun museum with lots to look at and an amazing viewing deck. The elevator tour was quirky and enjoyable, only running about 10 minutes long, leaving lots of time to explore the rest of the museum. Everyone working there was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. I'll definitely be back!
Willow — Google review
This was a good museum. I especially liked the elevator tour. You travel up and down the building in an elevator to see the different floors and hear stories of what it was like to work in the mill through recordings of actual workers. The view from the top floor is excellent.
Kriste B — Google review
I've been twice, once with a friend when we took the more in-depth tour of the mill, and then as a chaperone for a class of first graders. From grinding and sifting wheat to exploring the force of water from the falls, their hands-on exhibits are very kid friendly and interesting for adults, too! And the walking tour was very well done. Learning about the history, the economic impact, and the tragedies through what is left of the original mill's machinery and facilities is meaningful. The view of the river from the 9th floor deck is the cherry on top.
Kat L — Google review
Very good museum with some wonderful views of the Mississippi River. Be sure to take the elevator to the top for the views. The inside displays explain the history of the area and about the flour powerhouses of their time. Well worth several hours of time to visit.
Jackie M — Google review
4.7
(2920)
•
4.5
(1586)
704 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55401, USA
https://www.mnhs.org/millcity
(612) 341-7555
19

Target Field

Mentioned on 
33 lists 
Stadium
Fun & Games
Target Field is the home stadium of the Minnesota Twins and offers both group and private behind-the-scenes tours. The stadium's sleek and modern design, featuring a large Minnie and Paul logo in center field, opened in 2010. Even if you're not there during baseball season, you can still visit the plaza and amphitheater without buying a ticket. Additionally, various restaurants have created attractive patio spaces from old warehouses around the stadium.
We've visited Target Field for a Twins ball games, and we've thoroughly enjoyed the experience! The ballpark is beautiful, the seats are great, there are many food choices, and the views of the downtown skyline are fantastic. 100% recommend!
Hagz — Google review
My husband works the food truck All square and the family comes out to celebrate the Vikings and to give our 5 year old son who is dealing with mental challenges a chance to be surrounded with the Vikings fans and to see the fun and love everyone brings. His so In love with the Vikings even though we're from new Orleans. He has even made his on Go Vikings song. One day, he wishes to go to a game but first, we have to get it to the point he is clam so he can sit through and watch it. We all had such an amazing day on Sunday.
Kizzy T — Google review
First time visiting Target Field and we had a blast. Start with parking, so easy. Parked in Ramp B and walked right into the park. Love the layout and the vibe and smell of brats cooking was everywhere! The staff was very helpful and friendly, just the way it should be. Great views from our seats. We'll definitely be coming back!
Jerry F — Google review
Recently went to a Twins game while I was in town. Loved the stadium which has a cozy, hometown feel. The videographers did a great job of capturing the game and keeping the fans entertained. Not a bad seat in the place. Food was great and options are plentiful.
Jen N — Google review
Always a great experience! There’s a fantastic variety of food options and plenty of bars, making it the perfect place to meet up and catch up with friends. Parking is convenient with Ramps A, B, and C just a short walk away. Entry and exit are smooth thanks to the multiple gates, so lines never feel overwhelming. One of my favorite spots is the Truly On Deck bar. It has a spacious indoor area with plenty of seating available when you purchase food or drinks—great atmosphere and views!
Andrew L — Google review
What an amazing arena, with wonderful vibes. Although things can be pricey, so to cautious or full! Many food stands, and many drink options. Had an amazing time with our kids. They have a family section where they don’t not permit alcohol drinks in the area, so I truly loved that. Many beautiful views. Nice music and good game! GO TWINS!
Jas G — Google review
Very nice stadium 1st base side was completely covered when gates opened. Field boxes were amazing. Food was good prices were average. Would definitely recommend. We even had a lounge for the box seats.
Brandon B — Google review
Excellent field to catch a game at! We have been to the stadium multiple times with a variety of seats and all have had great views. This weekend we had third base dugout seats for Friday with access to the third base lounge which was very clean, easy to access, and had great food with a variety of options and a full service bar. Saturday we sat in section 138 in right field with great views and multiple food vendors right by us. A great option at Target Filed is the ability to bring in your own food and a 32 ounce bottled nonalcoholic beverage. We chose the subunit cup which we got to refill the whole game and we certainly got our monies worth. We did purchase alcoholic beverages and they we the same cost we pay at any other concert or sporting event so we went prepared for the cost. They did have 612 day as we were there on a Saturday and it was a great value for drinks, snacks and a hot dog. They offer many cost points for all families so if you are looking for something fun to do in the summer I highly recommend a Twins game at Target Field. We did get the pleasure of watching Nelly in the post game Friday night and see Buxton hit 4 the cycle on Sat! We arrived early and got the Buck Truck Bobble head. Great weekend, great venue!
Angela S — Google review
4.7
(18353)
•
4.7
(3066)
1 Twins Way, Minneapolis, MN 55403, USA
https://www.mlb.com/twins/ballpark
(612) 659-3400
20

Minneapolis Institute of Art

Mentioned on 
+83 other lists 
Art museum
Museums
Art center
The Minneapolis Institute of Art, also known as Mia, is a renowned art museum boasting over 90,000 works from six continents spanning 5,000 years. Housed in a stunning Prairie Architecture building designed by legends like Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright, Mia offers an open floor plan to showcase its diverse collections. Visitors can explore ancient artifacts like a mummy and European masterpieces alongside contemporary exhibits featuring artists such as Dawoud Bey and Kehinde Wiley.
An Absolute Gem – A Must-Visit in Minneapolis! 🌟 The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) is truly a world-class museum with an incredible collection that spans centuries and cultures. I was amazed by the diversity, quality, and depth of the exhibits — and even more amazed that general admission is completely free, as far as I understood. There are paid special exhibitions, but the main galleries are open to all and absolutely worth the visit. My personal favorite was the Japanese and Chinese porcelain collections. The elegance, detail, and history embedded in each piece are just breathtaking. The serene layout of the Asian art section creates a quiet, almost meditative atmosphere. Some of the Japanese ceramics and Chinese vases date back hundreds of years, yet the craftsmanship feels timeless. You can sense the spiritual and cultural significance behind each design, brushstroke, and curve. I spent the most time here and honestly could return just to revisit this part alone. My sincere recommendation: break your visit into multiple days. Each floor is rich and overwhelming in the best way possible — trying to absorb it all in one day would not do it justice. Take your time. Let each culture, era, and room sink in. The museum is clean, well-organized, and the staff is kind and helpful. Whether you’re into European classics, modern art, Native American works, or ancient sculpture — there’s something here that will speak to you. Highly recommended for art lovers, travelers, and anyone looking for inspiration. Mia is a treasure.
Maryna B — Google review
For a museum in a midsize city, I was pretty impressed by the quality of the collection. It’ll take a good 3 to 4 hours if you decide to see the entire museum. If you focus on a sub genre, you could probably do it in an hour and a half. Definitely worth a stop if you have any interest in art. Surprisingly good collection of impressionists that you have heard of as well as impressionist that you haven’t. That was my biggest positive surprise of the day, and I’m really glad that I went.
Lon W — Google review
Absolutely amazing museum – and it's completely FREE! The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) is hands-down one of the best cultural attractions in the Twin Cities. From the moment you walk in, the staff is incredibly welcoming and helpful. Whether you're a first-time visitor or returning, you'll always be greeted with a smile and a warm atmosphere. What makes Mia even more impressive is the quality and variety of the exhibits – everything from ancient artifacts and Asian art to modern masterpieces and local work. The galleries are well-organized, beautifully curated, and surprisingly expansive. You could easily spend several hours wandering through and still have more to see on your next visit. And yes, it’s completely free to visit, which is honestly incredible for a museum of this caliber. Donations are encouraged but not required, making art and culture truly accessible to everyone. It’s a perfect place for families, solo visitors, students, or tourists looking for something enriching and peaceful to do. The museum also has a lovely gift shop and a nice café if you want to take a break. Plus, the building itself is stunning, with lots of natural light and clean, open spaces. Overall, the Minneapolis Institute of Art is a must-visit. Friendly people, world-class art, and free admission
Nassar A — Google review
The Minnesota Institute of Art is truly a cornerstone of Minnesota’s cultural and artistic scene — easily one of the top art museums in the U.S.! Their Asian art section is especially impressive, with thoughtfully curated collections that showcase incredible depth and beauty. We always look forward to their rotating special exhibits, and this year’s Cambodian Art of the Divine was absolutely outstanding. The colossal sculpture of the Hindu god Vishnu, a Cambodian national treasure, was breathtaking to see up close. Every visit feels like a celebration of art, culture, and community — it’s wonderful to run into familiar faces and share the joy of discovery with fellow art lovers. MIA is truly a gem of Minnesota!
Chen Z — Google review
The Minneapolis Institute of Art is an absolute treasure. The fact that admission is free makes it even more incredible given the scale and quality of the collection. You can wander from ancient artifacts and Asian art to European masters and contemporary pieces, all beautifully displayed in a stunning building. The museum is clean, well-organized, and staff are welcoming and helpful. Special exhibits do sometimes have a fee, but they’re worth it—always thoughtfully curated and impressive. Parking is pretty easy, and it’s accessible by public transit too. You could easily spend several hours here, and still feel like there’s more to explore. Highly recommend to anyone visiting Minneapolis—art lovers, families, or just anyone looking for an inspiring day.
Tam H — Google review
This is my dream museum. It’s so vast, we came twice in one week and barely made it through a whole floor. Fantastic painting section. Lovely staff. And it’s free ?! Unbelievable. The parc in the back is also lovely…
Lion C — Google review
Absolutely loved visiting to the Minneapolis Institute of Art! The museum is stunning, well-organized, and filled with an incredible range of exhibits, from classic paintings to modern installations. Every gallery feels thoughtfully curated, and the staff are friendly and welcoming. We walked through the nearby sculpture garden, which was a perfect complement to the visit. There’s a lot of walking involved, so wear comfortable shoes, but it’s totally worth it for the art, the views, and the peaceful atmosphere. It’s one of those places where you can easily spend a few hours and still feel like there’s more to explore. Highly recommend for anyone who loves art, history, or just a great day out in Minneapolis!
Susan O — Google review
I’ve been here a few times. This is one of my favorite museums I’ve ever been too. We spent three hours here and only managed to view the third floor viewing various period rooms, architecture and design, impressionist, neoclassic, modern contemporary, rococo style art. We could have spent the entire day here, had we not had other plans. We walked and grabbed food nearby and ate at the cute little park across the street. The area we grabbed food from was a little sketchy and there were no public restrooms, even at the McDonald’s. So if you’re traveling, use the museum bathrooms before heading out to grab food!
Shiloe T — Google review
4.8
(10015)
•
4.8
(2416)
2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404, USA
https://new.artsmia.org/
(888) 642-2787
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21

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

Mentioned on 
+85 other lists 
Park
Sights & Landmarks
The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is an 11-acre urban park adjacent to the Walker Art Center, showcasing over 40 captivating sculptures from renowned modern artists. One of its most iconic pieces is the giant spoon sculpture, Spoonbridge and Cherry by Claes Oldenburg. The garden offers free tours, outdoor concerts, and educational activities for all ages. Open year-round from dawn until midnight, it provides a unique blend of art and nature with its carefully curated landscape supporting wildlife and plants.
Awesome, (FREE) family friendly way to take in art and culture! The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is the largest urban sculpture garden in the United States! There are so many outstanding, enormous pieces to see. This is an outstanding way to engage and educate your children! Another huge plus is all of the exciting photo opportunities! Great hours, open daily from 6 AM - Midnight. I encourage you to check it out!
Janey M — Google review
Great place to walk, relax, and think. Or, get out of your head if that’s what you need. The garden has a few benches and some great photo opportunities to take advantage of. Follow the path and you can see all the sculptures in 60-90 minutes at a slow walking pace spending a few minutes for each sculpture. Street parking meters are here and you can also get to park in the garage across the street if you drive in. If you journal, this is a great place to think on paper.
Don S — Google review
I had a great time visiting here with my mom and I totally recommend going and making sure you reserve enough time. It is a pleasant walk and a lot to do around it besides the garden. I won’t give any spoilers, but here are a few thoughts I found some artwork pretty amazing, Like the Horse, or Saint Laurence chapel made with recycled material…and some pieces I didn’t understand at all haha. All pieces are decently signed and have cool background information I will risk being publicly lame here, those stones with metal look like tooth with old amalgamated filling lol PS: there are way too many pics of the cherry, i won’t post another one
Jair N — Google review
Beautiful and interesting walk and not crowded on a Thursday morning. I didn't know the Cherry was a fountain and the ducks were, as always, little cuties. Love the blue & yellow Bridge as I've driven under it many times thinking, I gotta get up there! Loved it.
Tricia W — Google review
Had some free time on our trip and wanted to find something free to do in the area. Once we figured out the parking situation (you do have to pay for parking, but it isn't bad), we set off to explore the gardens. Beautiful and fun for all ages!
Sarah A — Google review
We got engaged here on Friday Oct. 17th, 2025 at the bottom of the stairs that come from the blue and yellow bridge. We walked across as boyfriend/girlfriend and crossed back over as a newly engaged couple. We love this place. The sculptures are all fantastic and now we have extra precious memories here forever.
Brittany B — Google review
It is a very charming and beautiful area that reflects the artistic and friendly nature of this city I have grown to appreciate. It’s probably best enjoyed in the evenings, at least for me. Definitely a must-see when visiting the area.
Christopher O — Google review
A great way to spend a breezy summer afternoon. Lots of tucked away art work to intrigue as you walked the paths. Lots of opportunities for pictures, to sit, and gaze. Not a lot of noise or traffic. Very enjoyable.
MBJ — Google review
4.7
(7507)
•
4.3
(1840)
725 Vineland Pl, Minneapolis, MN 55403, USA
https://www.walkerart.org/garden/
(612) 375-7600
22

Mall of America®

Mentioned on 
+47 other lists 
Shopping mall
Shopping
Mall of America® is a colossal four-level shopping center featuring an extensive array of over 520 stores and around 50 dining options. The complex also includes attractions such as an aquarium, amusement park, and cinema. With so much to explore, visitors may find it challenging to cover everything in just one afternoon. To make the most of the experience, it's advisable for first-time guests to plan their visit in advance.
One word for first time visitors… Overwhelming! But the directory stations are very helpful to search for what you want. If you bring kids, the Lego Store and aquarium are must visits. The food court is vast and you have many choices with different types of food. Parking garage has 7 levels with clearly marked signage to find your way around. We spent 6 hours at the mall on a weekend and only covered 60% of what we wanted to do. I recommend searching stores and activities BEFORE visiting to save you time. Give yourself time to take it all in at certain spots. This is definitely a once in a lifetime experience.
Don S — Google review
I finally was able to check Mall of America off my bucket list. It definitely has a bunch of stores but I Loved the amusement park inside it also had a train and aquarium but we ran out of time to do. I dont like that even on weekends the mall closes at 9pm each day. Why not 10 or 11 with it being such a huge mall. Nevertheless I had a wonderful time I stayed at Radisson Blu which is connected to the mall and highly recommend cause it made the trip that much more easy and fun knowing we can just go to our room and back to the mall as we pleased. I think the best part was the mall off shuttles you to the Mystic Casino for free and we had a blast at the Casino.
Veronica D — Google review
I don't particularly like shopping centers, so this one was a surprise for me. I have only seen a smaller part of it but what I saw I absolutely loved. The inside Nickelodeon theme park is awesome, so is the Lego store. The Radisson Blu entrance looked really elegant, and there are so many things to see beside the shops. One of my favourite experiences in Minneapolis.
Hajnalka S — Google review
Visited The Mall of America today. A huge place, but easy to navigate once inside. Certainly lots of stores, some good restaurants, one of which I will review separately. Also lots of attractions. One of which Sea Life that I will review separately. In the middle there is a huge amusement park. Rode a roller coaster. My one complaint is that apparently the are 4 entrances and we could find one of them. The place is surrounded by parking garages. We walked from our hotel and we entered through a store. Even to get out we had to ask directions and the employee of the mall had to find out for us. This will not distract from the day. It was still a great experience
Roland S — Google review
The mall of America was truly a great experience. It’s a place the whole family can go and have a good time at doing something. I enjoyed walking through the mall into the stores and then going to look at the amusement park side very interesting. It’s been years since I’ve been here. A lot has changed. The location is great.
Nina M — Google review
Mall of America has everything except Cheesecake Factory. The mall is large and a bit confusing, I felt like I was going in circles. Due to the size, there are accessibility issues. Moving carpets like in airports would be helpful for those experiencing limited mobility. Extended hours would be cool. 9pm felt early for such a large mall, especially the food. I’m glad the public transit is easy!
Caroline — Google review
My first time visiting here, definitely a nice place to shop. My fiance and I spent about 6 hours here and I feel like we didn't see every store. They have good restaurants upstairs to go eat after doing all the shopping! I got to ride some of the rides there as well and it was very fun 😊 Would definitely come back if I ever get the chance!!
Anette M — Google review
When visiting this place, plan to spend the whole day here. It offers plenty of activities for families with kids, making it perfect for a fun day out. Whether you're on a date night, alone, or with friends, there's something for everyone. It's great to see malls thriving in the U.S. My advice is to wear comfortable shoes so you can fully enjoy your time.
Christopher O — Google review
4.6
(67509)
•
4.5
(6029)
60 E Broadway, Bloomington, MN 55425, USA
https://mallofamerica.com/
(952) 883-8800
23

Minnesota Zoo

Mentioned on 
10 lists 
Zoo
Zoos & Aquariums
The Minnesota Zoo, located in Apple Valley, is a 485-acre preserve showcasing a wide variety of local and global animals, from Russian grizzly bears to butterflies. With nearly 100 different animals on-site, visitors can explore the diverse habitats and enjoy the company of many exotic creatures. The zoo offers several trails that allow guests to experience different seasonal environments in the wild.
Ranks in the top 5 of all the zoos we have visited. Love that the layout of the zoo is more spread out than almost all others. Seems to provide plenty of space for the animals. Enclosures aren't packed on top of each other. Good selection of food in the food court. Would definitely come back again.
Jeff G — Google review
It's a pretty good zoo. Decent variety of animals. Some really fun exhibits. The carousel was a big hit with my kids. A lot of variety of animals to pick on it. No lines for anything. The Treetop Trail was interesting... A fun idea to be above the zoo and animals. But it would have been a lot of fun if it was like a train that high to see everything. B/c it was hot and sunny up there. The splash pad area was fun. Recommend the bird show. It was really fun.
Matt B — Google review
Where do I even start. This zoo is home to some of my fondest childhood memories. It’s a great place to wander around & learn about the animals we share this beautiful Earth with. Just learned from 1 of their maintenance guys that it’s in the Top 5 biggest zoos in the US. You will definitely get your steps in. Wear comfy shoes, eat beforehand, & dedicate a good 3-4 hours to exploration. Have a ball.
Isaiah W — Google review
Great zoo experience today despite some construction near the south entrance. Apparently they're rebuilding the snow monkey enclosure. Some of my favorite animals were fairly active, and that, along with an overcast sky, made for some good photography. I attached some of my favorites to this review. If I could I'd deduct a half star for a poor online experience. I feel like the process of purchasing tickets could be much smoother.
Greg Z — Google review
First time visiting the zoo and we pretty much covered the entire surface that was not being renovated. First of all, I must say that most animals looked very healthy. The only exceptions would be maybe the bigger cats and the Penguins. They looked a little restless. But otherwise the animals were very lively. We started of with visiting the sea lion show which was a nice little example of how smart those animals are. We later moved into the food court to have lunch. They selection was not massive, but we ordered a candied bacon club sandwich and cheese curds which we split, a little expensive as expected since it's a zoo, but surprisingly not that bad. Felt clean and the club was especially refreshing this day. We later took the tree top trail. This is a short walk (1.5 miles) and a nice overview of the park. But you don't get to see everything. The ground floor has more information, viewing windows and interesting caves to explore. I enjoyed both, but the vibes I got was that more experienced people who are there just for the vibes and a good walk with fresh air take the tree top trail. The kids enjoy it, but mostly for the height. The people who really want the close-up with the animals take the ground level trail. We also took a walk in the tropical trail, which was a bit lacking at that time since we didn't get to see our favorite komodo dragon. But we managed to see some unique birds and tree animals. The Minnesota trail was probably my favorite. It was a narrow little cave path with local animals from the area and my personal favorite was the wolverines. They were so p playful and active. I stood and watched them for a good while before moving on. Overall a nice zoo and a good time. The only improvement I would recommend is to have a sign that properly displays the status of the exhibit. For example, there were times when we were just staring into an empty exhibit for a while. The wolves were retired and was being replaced with younger wolves as well, but that we only found out when we assembled upon a pleasant volunteer on the way out. Could even be information in the app!
Tobias I — Google review
My family loves this zoo! We come here often and there are always new things to explore. They do a great job of keeping it fun and interactive for all ages. We especially love the outdoors trails and the tree top trail. There are indoor and outdoor experiences making it perfect year round. There are food options (including a few gluten free), multiple playgrounds and lots of shows to catch. We even love the adults only evenings. Staff and volunteers are always helpful and friendly, I have never had a bad experience here. I even lost a mitten here one time and their lost and found system is very organized!
Michelle A — Google review
We were in Minnesota for my daughter's wedding. The zoo seemed like a great way to spend a day. Of course, October is the "off season". Undeterred we went. There was some construction going on. The exhibits were really cool. I'm certain summer visits would be more crowded, but better overall.
Todd S — Google review
A magical experience for all ages! 🐾🌿 Minnesota Zoo is truly one of the best places to spend the day, whether you’re with family, friends, or just exploring on your own. The variety of animals is incredible — from majestic tigers 🐅 and playful bears 🐻 to exotic birds 🦜 and underwater wonders 🐠. What I loved most was how spacious, clean, and well-designed the zoo is. Every section feels like its own little world — the Tropics Trail, the Northern Trail, the Discovery Bay… each one tells a story and brings you closer to nature. 🌍❤️ The staff were friendly and passionate, always happy to answer questions and help. The animals looked well cared for, and the environment felt safe, educational, and fun for everyone. Perfect for a full-day adventure, with plenty of rest areas, food stands, and kid-friendly activities. Don’t miss the farm section — it’s a favorite! 🐐👧 Definitely a place I’ll return to — and highly recommend for anyone visiting Minnesota! 🎟️🦓
HAMAD A — Google review
4.6
(15966)
•
4.5
(848)
13000 Zoo Blvd, Apple Valley, MN 55124, USA
https://mnzoo.org/
(952) 431-9200
24

Cowling Arboretum

Arboretum
Nature & Parks
Gardens
Really enjoy coming here through the different seasons. Have especially been enjoying the prairie lately but the woods and river are wonderful too. Unfortunately, like many places, there are a huge number of invasives throughout, but I see that they’re trying to tackle these issues in as ecological ways as they can.
Trina B — Google review
Beautiful grounds, only wish there were notices on the website about road closures. we weren't sure where to go, but we found the lower loop eventually. So beautiful, many wildflowers, ponds. The Japanese garden was so peaceful! Would love to go back and see the upper gardens.
Lisa J — Google review
GenX Glamping Guy here back from an early October visit to the Cowling Arboretum near the campus of Carleton College in Northfield, MN. We hiked the Upper Arboretum and enjoyed the streams, banks, bluffs, flora and fauna. Lots of Red Oaks and a sighting of what might have been Eastern Meadowlarks. I can imagine the trails are ideal for wintertime cross-country skiing. The nearby downtown and a close up view of the Cannon River are worth a visit.
Tim R — Google review
I'm not sure why this nature reserve has some not very good reviews. Parking and finding a spot isn't hard to find. The walk is beautiful. You get a bunch of different beautiful pictures and animals. It's relaxing and calming. There are maps along the way in case you don't normally go on a daily basis so you can't even get lost! Depending on the time of day you visit, its not even busy! The most people you'll probably run into would be the people fishing in front of the trail. Otherwise not a lot of people! The trail consists of different terrain. Starts off with just some grass and some rocks. Goes into a sandy area that doesn't last too long. There are miles of trails, different ways you can take. There are some hills, but it isn't even that bad. The views and the quietness will be worth the hike and different areas of the trails. There will be a lot of trees for nice shade. Some spots where you can find a bench to sit down and relax. One tunnel to go through. If you take the trail long enough it can take you to the upper part of the trail.
Anna A — Google review
Great trail with mix of sun and shade. Trail changes from dirt to sand them pea rock with long stretches of grass. It's not TOO hilly but is a very good hike. Flies found us near the end...bring bug spray.
John V — Google review
Beautiful place to walk... on summertime!
Filipino-American L — Google review
Beautiful walking paths. Not sure if there is an actual building but the grounds of the college are beautiful.
Stephanie D — Google review
No public bathrooms found anywhere. We didn’t bother because we couldn’t find a public bathroom when we got there even after walking around. The only restrooms we saw were in the recreation center and they are not public. We left.
Ray S — Google review
4.7
(59)
•
4.5
(51)
MN-19, Northfield, MN 55057, USA
https://www.carleton.edu/arboretum/
(507) 222-4543
25

Northfield Historical Society

Museum
Sights & Landmarks
Legendary bank known for its 1876 Jesse James shootout features local history exhibits & artifacts.
The historical society is located in the striver building. A lot of history in the town, most noted... Jesse James. They also have Jesse James day in September with re-enactments of actual events. Great town, great people!
Andrea G — Google review
It's a cool exhibit. They have it free for Veterans, & students, cost per person is roughly 10 bucks. There are approximately 8 walls to read, a video of teens giving you the rundown of the foiled robbery. Some artifacts like guns, spurs, original bank books 📚 to see amount of cash would have been deposited in the bank. They have a nice store of memorabilia, t shirts & sweatshirts all reasonably priced.
Jim — Google review
I was not there during the defeat of Jesse James day. Therefore, there wasn’t a lot going on and it’s a fairly small museum. We had a tour and it was actually pretty well. Spent 45 minutes I learned a little bit about banking, heroism, horses, guns and the origins (and ending) of the Frank and Jesse gang.
Marc B — Google review
Great tour! The lady was very informative and kept the tour interesting. I mean interesting by all the facts that I had to learn. I was happy with it! It's a must stop if you have never been to Northfield Minnesota
John C — Google review
Beautiful scenic place with lots of cool shops and historic places to see. Great for photographers and site seeing. Saw the bank that Jessie James drives back in the day. A clean quite little town.
Smc — Google review
A fantastic preserved collection of historical artifacts and a great tour guide to boot. It was extremely interesting hearing about the raid that happened at that very building and being able to see the exact saddle Cole Younger rode into town on. 10/10
Gavin — Google review
This is something if you love history. The last bank the Jesse James gang robbed. The actual vault and floors are intact. The actual bank ledger is there with blood on it, too. They also do a reenact the robbery on the first weekend after Labor Day.
Mysterious T — Google review
Pretty small museum but very interesting. Wife and I came here and found it charming. Great gift shop on the site took
Luis H — Google review
4.6
(223)
•
4.5
(65)
408 Division St S, Northfield, MN 55057, USA
http://www.northfieldhistory.org/
(507) 645-9268
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26

Cedar Valley Nature Trail

Hiking area
Nature & Parks
Biking Trails
Hiking Trails
Great trail always. We started at Brandon and went 7 miles north to find out the bridge was closed for repairs. That was disappointing but we went south to Urbana and back. Everything is paved now and we'll maintained
Shawn M — Google review
Nice, quiet. Bring bug stuff.
Kathy M — Google review
Beautiful trail. Well maintained.
S B — Google review
Nice place to walk the fogs on a very long road trip. Bathrooms need attention but over all nice.
Jeri E — Google review
Nice parking . clean stocked bath oom.
Lady L — Google review
Small park needs some work but nice place to stop
Kevin M — Google review
Fun place to look for rocks at and explore nature
Courtney R — Google review
Awesome trail
Robert M — Google review
4.5
(13)
•
4.5
(36)
601 Lime St, Brandon, IA 52210, USA
27

Valleyfair

Mentioned on 
15 lists 
Amusement park
Water & Amusement Parks
Theme Parks
Valleyfair Amusement Park in Shakopee is a must-visit destination, spanning 125 acres and offering entertainment for visitors of all ages. Since its establishment in 1976, the park has expanded to feature over 75 rides, including eight roller coasters and Soak City water park.
Valleyfair is a great place to spend the day if you're looking for fun, thrills, and a well-run amusement park experience. The park offers a solid variety of rides for all ages, and the overall atmosphere is lively and enjoyable. One of the best parts of visiting is that the ride wait times are surprisingly reasonable—even on busier days, the lines move efficiently, so you’re not spending half your day just waiting around. If you're planning a visit, consider going in the fall during ValleyScare. It’s absolutely worth the trip. The haunted attractions are very well done, with great attention to detail and plenty of genuinely creepy moments. The scare actors do a fantastic job, and the theming throughout the park adds to the eerie excitement. Even the live shows are entertaining and help round out the spooky experience. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or just there to soak up the atmosphere, Valleyfair—especially during ValleyScare—delivers a memorable and fun day out. Highly recommended!
Brian C — Google review
I’ve been to this park twice now and had a very nice time both times. Renegade is an absolute beast of an attraction, one of the best wooden roller coasters in the world in my opinion. That Twisted Drop is insane! A very well maintained park, lots of pretty colors, friendly staff, and clean walkways. On both my visits I was also impressed with the random pop up shows on the Midway. It’s small stuff like that that makes you see this park is well run and they want the average guest to have a great day. I also appreciate this park for always running 2 trains on everything, and having speedy operations to keep the lines moving. Overall everyone should checkout Valleyfair, it’s a super nice park.
James W — Google review
Very nice, clean, friendly amusement park. Love that it's 2 parks in 1 with the water park. Great rides. Good value, especially with a season pass. The staff is welcoming and seems week-trained. Short line to get in on a busy weekend, but it moves really quickly. This is our first summer at the park, and it's been a lot of fun!
Kimberlyn B — Google review
Coming in you have to pay $25 to park right away so beware. The tickets are half the price online than buying them on-site. We bought a fast pass and premium dining. With the premium dining you can order drinks every 15 minutes and food every 90 minutes. Went on a Sunday and the crowd wasn't too bad. The lines weren't out of control and we were able to move around easily. Only one of the rides were shut down and opened back up shortly after. There are a good number of rides but nothing overwhelming. The food is mediocre but there's a good variety. There is a sit down restaurant and a couple places not included in the dining package that might have had better food. There are lockers you can rent for $15 and you're allowed to use it all day and have in and out access. The staff all appear to be teenagers that aren't the most helpful which is the reason for 4 stars. Overall, what you get for what you spend is 9 out of 10. Lol online for discount tickets, we were able to get them for $32 general admission.
Luv J — Google review
It's an amusement park that feels like Cedar Point & Six Flags kind of forgot about, so it feels lacking in many ways, since there are multiple empty stages that don't ever seem to be in use. The busiest time we've visited has been for their valley scare, where we've learned that omitted from the website, they do not allow reentry after 5pm. Which means if you want to do spooky stuff you can't expect to come in after 5pm for their event that start at 7pm. You'll have to arrive 2 hours earlier at the latest. I'd recommend a season pass if you plan on going twice in a year, then you're probably good to not buy one again. I know I don't think I'll get one next year. Edit: an update on this review, we contacted the company and they confirmed that the rule is that no one can leave and reenter the park after 5pm except for 1 person in a party for medical reasons. After staying for an extended time to experience the "darker" parts of Valley Scare we purchased a $17 "No boo" necklace for our kid, and multiple times were told despite paying for this item, the people still might scare if they don't see it. This did happen and usually apologies were given, but there was one man on the "Blood on the Boundary waters" section saw the No Boo necklace and proceeded to make threats to my child stating "that necklace only protects you here, and won't protect you when I'm knocking on your window later." While I can understand a bit of light-hearted prodding, what the hell is the point in doing that to a child let alone one that is wearing a necklace to not be scared? My kid was honestly more annoyed he was still talking than scared, but if that's how he treats kids, and it's only a matter of time before he genuinely alarms someone. I will state that unlike any other of the other visits with the season pass this time many stages actually had shows and show times during valley scare, and applaud those doing those jobs as entertainers. As an aside for pricing, this place is pricey and compared to Disneyland in California you will actually spend more on this park in Minnesota for things like food and souvenirs. (Granted, Disneyland might have more souvenirs you are willing to pay to take home.) Which means if you have been to other places, you do feel like you aren't getting your money's worth. But I can't recommend this place for being worthy of more than a 1 year season pass at most. And I only recommend that, because with a season pass you get free parking and once you do ticket+parking you are already close to the price for a season pass anyway.
Joshua R — Google review
My daughter lives for "VALLEY FAAAAAIR!!" (what she hollers out every time we drive past - which is nearly daily). She loves the Camp Snoopy/kids rides. I love that all the kids rides are close together and grouped in ways that make it easy to keep an eye on the kids. I also appreciate that it's clean and usually has all the rides running. (*Cough*cough* miss the Carnivale event though *cough*)
Lizz C — Google review
The park is well laid out, and overall clean. However, it has a very mediocre ride lineup, and operations were atrocious. The ride operators had no sense of urgency, and most seemed “bored” and seemed like it was an inconvenience for them to be there. The food was absolutely insanely priced. $20 for 2 chicken tenders and a splash of fries?? - One of the highest priced theme park foods I’ve ever experienced anywhere in the world. (Photo of said $20 tenders attached.) - The waterpark was decent, however definitely lacks a real stand out attraction. - The lazy river was long, and very enjoyable since they enforced the “must be in tube” rule. Seemed to cut down on people trying to “push their way” through the river. - All in all, it’s a decent regional park. Absolutely NOT worth the cost of a plane ticket to fly in for a visit. If you’re in the area, sure, visit it. - Making a special trip for it? Would not recommend.
Matt S — Google review
Lines for rides are LONG on the weekend! You spend far more time waiting in line than on the rides. I'd recommend going through the week if at all possible. Also..bring your own water. $5.50 per bottle in the fairgrounds (or not very tasty water fountains if you are cool with that). That being said, they do have a lot of unique rides that you don't see elsewhere! There's no limit to how many you ride or how many times.
Sara R — Google review
4.3
(13401)
•
4.0
(763)
1 Valley Fair Dr, Shakopee, MN 55379, USA
http://www.valleyfair.com/
(952) 445-7600
28

Canterbury Park

Mentioned on 
21 lists 
Casino
Casinos & Gambling
Canterbury Park in Shakopee is a vibrant entertainment complex that offers a variety of activities for visitors. From May to September, the park hosts thrilling live thoroughbred and quarter horse racing events that are sure to get your heart racing. Additionally, guests can try their luck at the Card Casino, which features popular games like poker and blackjack year-round. The venue also hosts special events, concerts, and non-traditional races such as Corgi Races and Exotic Animal races.
What a wonderful & fun track. Bustling but not overcrowded, but more importantly it’s thoroughly staffed with helpful people. It’s a beautiful place to watch horses. Great amenities from clubhouse menu to numerous food stands. Bourbon chicken sandwich was very good. Had a basic turkey sandwich night before from Bo Diddley’s; hit the spot! A place where anyone from serious horseplayers to families with kids can have a fun afternoon/evening.
Mark H — Google review
Had a great time celebrating my mom's 60th birthday. My dad got two tables for 8 people, and it was around $45 to do so. My niece (11 year old) loved seeing the horses up close when we did go down by the track. She also enjoyed the mac and cheese along with ice cream. The flowers are gorgeous as well!
Rachel ( — Google review
Had an enjoyable poker experience and a good tournament/ cash play. 95% of the dealers are professional and great at their jobs, not the friendliest place for travelers, they all assume you know, but they're happy to answer questions and help you when you explain that you're not a regular. Got my first penalty in a poker tournament ever. Awesome! Totally on me. Great tournament manager Thursday night
James — Google review
Canterbury Park staff went over and beyond to be sure we were well taken care of! We saw Three Dog Night on 8/8/25. This was the BEST concert experience I have EVER had! Great parking, helpful staff, accessible bathrooms, accessible food and drink, FANTASTIC seats! Thanks to @KQRS, we even had a wonderful meet and greet experience! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!
Sharon — Google review
Always a great time at Canterbury! We live in FL and come up during the summer and this place is always on our list. They have plenty of delicious food options, drinks, cards, and a beautiful paddock! I was fortunate enough to attend both the beer fest and Uncorked wine fest and both were amazing!
Dee D — Google review
Canterbury Park truly outdid itself hosting Theory of a Deadman. I recently caught their show there, and what an experience it was. The venue really felt alive, creating the perfect backdrop for a band that knows how to command a stage. From the moment the music started, the energy was just electric. The sound quality was spot-on, letting every riff and vocal hit just right, which isn't always a given at outdoor shows. The band, of course, was incredible – they sounded fantastic and really engaged the crowd. It was clear everyone there, myself included, was having a genuinely great time. Beyond the music, Canterbury Park itself handled the event smoothly. Getting in and finding our spot was easy, and the overall atmosphere was just really welcoming. It’s always a good sign when a venue can manage a big crowd without a hitch, making the whole evening feel relaxed and enjoyable. This show was a perfect example of Canterbury Park stepping up as a great spot for live music. If they keep bringing in acts like Theory of a Deadman and maintaining this level of experience, I’ll definitely be back for more. It was a fantastic night all around.#theoryofadeadman
Brian ( — Google review
Place is very clean and packed during the 4th of July. I hat coming out of the building and parking is a disaster. Tons of drinking and gambling but that’s the people. Love seeing horses racing and the fireworks are amazing! The playlist is great and I’ve gone for 10 years in a row probably. It’s a tradition every year. We know people to get into an outdoor VIP section and it has a bar, seating (a lot) and bathrooms with a changing station. It’s always busy though for events like this which is a bummer.
Easton C — Google review
Had a great time. Not overly fancy...you can be casual, or be fancy...whatever you like. You will fit in perfect 👌
S. M — Google review
4.5
(5262)
•
4.4
(224)
1100 Canterbury Rd, Shakopee, MN 55379, USA
https://www.canterburypark.com/
(952) 445-7223
29

Mystic Lake Casino Hotel

Mentioned on 
1 list 
Hotel
Casinos & Gambling
Mystic Lake Casino Hotel is a luxurious hotel with modern accommodations, an indoor pool, and a golf course. The area around the lake offers attractions like Little Six Casino and Cleary Lake Regional Park for outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy dining at popular restaurants such as PLate, Edelweiss Bakery, Perrons Sul Lago, and Minnehaha Cafe.
I love coming here any day of the week. I don't even gamble but still love the vibe of the place. The Drink bar is energetic and often has live music. They also offer the new sports bar, Hop house. They have great food and djs on the weekend for a club like atmosphere.
Danielle K — Google review
We just spent the weekend for a girls trip, and I just had to say we were so impressed with all the staff!! from check in, to house keeping and on floor staff- you are top notch!! So friendly and helpful! You are in the hospitality industry and you are truly hospitable!! it was refreshing for a change. keep up the great work!!
Andi R — Google review
Super clean hotel. Im staying mid week so its quiet. Front desk was wonderful at check in along with helping me extend my stay. The casino is LARGE! Pretty good variety of gaming, I only play slots so no review of table games. Casino bars charge $12 for a double and beware, those glasses are the size of a single. Did not eat but will next time. This place is like a mini Vegas resort. Golf course looks beautiful!
Gail G — Google review
I checked in for a business conference and the rooms were very pricy for what you’d get. The first morning I was woken around 5am by loud scraping noises coming from outside my room. When I spoke to the female manager she acted more like I was bothering her and dismissed my complaint. She didn’t even Look up from the computer to acknowledge my issue. She told me that there was no construction even thought I was looking at equipment outside my room. She could not have cared less. You guessed it same thing the next morning. This time it was a dude behind the counter, he said there should be any construction before 8. This time more of my coworkers who were staying inthe hotel complained. The dude said he would talk to someone. Nobody apologized for the issue or even offered anything. That night we ate at hops and following suit to the rest of the staff , our waiter messed up my order. I made them aware of the issue but they didn’t offer to fix it and instead just walked away. My coworker next to me asked the same waiter for salad dressing and they simply said it is already on it . They did not offer to get more. It was like the whole place was cranky there was a conf going on. Even the manager could have cared less. Wow! Next year if I attend this conference I will do myself a favor and stay nearby. Why pay a lot of money to be treated poorly . No thanks. I have never stayed at a place that continuously goes out of their way to show you they care so little about your business! No water in the room either. There is a holiday inn express nearby . I guarantee you will have a better experience there.
Mitch B — Google review
We had a horrible experience with our rooms! We first checked in and they put us in the promenade tower. To get to this tower is a pretty long walk. Once we got in the AC didn't work so we called maintenance. After 2 technicians came to fix it was still not working. They moved us to tower 1 and put us a room that smelled like an ashtray. After another hour of waiting for our room we finally got a decent one. Todd was awesome at the front desk and did all he could to make it right Im sure this is a one off or is it. Overall experience wasn't bad and I would return avoiding the Promenade tower at all costs
Jo C — Google review
If you like winning at slots and enjoying great food, you’ll love this place. However, avoid staying in the Lobby Tower Hotel. The “hot” water never exceeded 100°F — well below the 140°F (60°C) typically needed to kill most germs. Despite switching rooms three times, the issue persisted. Each room had the same tepid water temperature (around 85–100°F). For reference, tepid means lukewarm — not hot, not cold. The maintenance guy said they were “not allowed by law” to raise the temperature above 102F. I spent over $2,000 for two rooms over five nights, and we ended up taking cold showers every day. Bottom line: Do not stay in the Lobby Tower Hotel if you expect actual hot water. Great casino, great food — but the hotel’s water situation was miserable. 😑
Veronica D — Google review
My girl and I came here for a concert to see the four tops and The Temptations. We had a wonderful time. All the staff was very friendly in this Casino helping us with directions. The concert was so much fun. It was truly a wonderful experience.
Nina M — Google review
We spent three nights at Mystic Lake Hotel and I'll start my review with the things that were good. The rooms and the majority of the facilities were clean. The elevators were mostly clean, though there was occasional trash in the elevators. The servers at the restaurants were great. The food was pretty good, and the staff at the information booth were very helpful. On the other hand, almost of the hotel staff members were rude from the word hello. When we checked in, I had booked two rooms and asked if they could be a suite or right next to each other and the lobby attendant was rude about this ask until I suggested checking to see if a different hotel could accommodate us. She was unable to give us a suite or rooms that were next door but the rooms were close enough that we decided to stay. When we got to our room around 1am, we had no hot water. We called maintenence and they did fix it by the next morning. Housekeeping doesn't come daily, and you have to specifically request the service. A couple days in, we requested housekeeping and the person we spoke to agreed to send someone. Later, we realized they hadn't come so we called to check in and was rudely informed that our room would not be cleaned because they did not have enough housekeeping staff, despite telling us that they would. Also, we could not order any hot drinks one day besides regular coffee and tea because all of their hot drink machines were down. All at a hotel that cost double what others cost. The one star is because the service was terrible despite being expensive.
C U — Google review
4.1
(26436)
•
3.0
(579)
2400 Mystic Lk Blvd, Prior Lake, MN 55372, USA
https://www.mysticlake.com/
(800) 262-7799
30

The Story City Greater Chamber Connection

Non-profit organization
Sights & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
The Story City GCC works hard every day to keep Story City thriving and growing. Great events, fun promotions and an accredited Mail Street Iowa Community. They are " makin' it all happen"!
Marian O — Google review
The Story City Greater Chamber helps not only business in our great town but also brings our community together
Brandon G — Google review
The Story City Greater Chamber Connection is an excellent place for up to date city information.
Allen H — Google review
The office was very helpful in answering my questions
Sherri K — Google review
Very helpful ,knowledgeable ,and energetic office.
Connie P — Google review
5.0
(9)
•
5.0
(28)
524 Broad St, Story City, IA 50248, USA
http://storycitygcc.org/
(515) 733-4214
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