Annandale MinnesotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Annandale, Minnesota.
1. Spilled Grain Brewhouse
CRAFT BEER PARADISE
Spilled Grain Brewhouse offers visitors a taste of locally crafted beers in a welcoming atmosphere that captures the essence of Minnesota brewing culture. Guests can enjoy a variety of unique beer flavors while relaxing in their comfortable taproom that often features live music and special events. The brewhouse has become a community gathering spot where both locals and tourists connect over quality brews and good conversation.
2. Annandale Art & Textile Center
CREATIVE COMMUNITY HUB
The Annandale Art & Textile Center serves as a vibrant creative space where artists and craftspeople showcase their talents through various mediums. Visitors can explore exhibitions featuring local artwork, participate in workshops, or purchase unique handcrafted items that reflect the region's artistic heritage. The center plays an important role in preserving and promoting the cultural identity of Annandale through its diverse programming and community engagement.
3. Clearwater/Pleasant Regional Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION HAVEN
Clearwater/Pleasant Regional Park provides nature enthusiasts with access to pristine lakes and scenic trails perfect for a day of outdoor adventure. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities on the lakes, or explore the network of hiking paths that wind through the wooded landscape. The park's natural beauty changes with the seasons, offering unique experiences from summer water activities to winter snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
4. Whispering Pines Golf Course
SERENE GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Whispering Pines Golf Course invites golf enthusiasts to experience a well-maintained course nestled among Minnesota's natural beauty. Players of all skill levels can enjoy the challenging yet approachable layout that features strategically placed hazards and undulating greens surrounded by mature pine trees. The course offers a peaceful atmosphere where golfers can focus on their game while appreciating the tranquil surroundings that give the venue its fitting name.
5. Minnesota Pioneer Park
LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM
Minnesota Pioneer Park transports visitors back in time to experience the rich history and heritage of early Minnesota settlers. The park features preserved historic buildings, authentic artifacts, and interactive exhibits that illustrate the daily lives and challenges of the region's pioneers. Special events and demonstrations throughout the year bring history to life, offering an educational and engaging experience for visitors of all ages.
6. Downtown Annandale
CHARMING MAIN STREET
Downtown Annandale captivates visitors with its charming streets lined with boutiques, antique stores, and specialty shops offering everything from handmade crafts to vintage treasures. The area boasts an array of dining options, from cozy cafes serving coffee and ice cream to family-friendly restaurants providing memorable culinary experiences. As the heart of the community, downtown Annandale embodies the small-town charm that makes this lakeside destination so appealing to visitors seeking an authentic Minnesota experience.
7. Tom N Gary's Bowling and Recreation Center
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
Tom N Gary's Bowling and Recreation Center provides family-friendly entertainment with well-maintained bowling lanes and a welcoming atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy friendly competition while taking advantage of modern bowling equipment, arcade games, and comfortable seating areas. The center regularly hosts special events and leagues, making it a popular gathering spot for both locals and tourists looking for indoor recreation options.
8. The Stadium Sports Bar & Grill
SPORTS AND DINING DESTINATION
The Stadium Sports Bar & Grill welcomes sports enthusiasts and food lovers to enjoy televised games in a lively, community-oriented atmosphere. Guests can savor a diverse menu of classic American fare while watching their favorite teams on multiple screens throughout the establishment. The venue's energetic ambiance and friendly service make it a popular choice for both casual meals and special game-day gatherings.
9. The Thayer Historic Hotel & Restaurant
HISTORIC DINING EXPERIENCE
The Thayer Historic Hotel & Restaurant combines heritage architecture with contemporary dining in a unique setting that celebrates Annandale's history. Visitors can enjoy carefully prepared meals in an atmosphere rich with character, surrounded by preserved details that tell the story of this historic establishment. The restaurant's commitment to quality food and preservation of local history creates a dining experience that satisfies both culinary desires and cultural curiosity.
10. Grey Duck Screen Printing & Apparel
LOCAL CRAFT WORKSHOP
Grey Duck Screen Printing & Apparel showcases the art of custom apparel creation in a shop that highlights Minnesota's creative spirit. Visitors can watch the screen printing process, purchase unique locally designed items, or even commission custom pieces that commemorate their Minnesota experience. The shop represents Annandale's support for local artisans and small businesses while offering travelers distinctive souvenirs that capture the region's personality.
11. Minnehaha Falls
ICONIC NATURAL WATERFALL
Minnehaha Falls, the inspiring natural wonder that captured the imagination of poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, offers visitors a breathtaking 53-foot waterfall surrounded by limestone bluffs and lush vegetation. Guests can explore well-maintained paths that lead to viewing platforms providing different perspectives of the cascading water and the scenic gorge it has created over centuries. The falls change dramatically with the seasons, from powerful spring flows to delicate ice formations in winter, making it worth visiting throughout the year.
12. Powder Ridge
WINTER SPORTS RESORT
Powder Ridge welcomes winter sports enthusiasts to experience skiing and snowboarding on its diverse terrain suitable for all skill levels. During the warmer months, the resort transforms into a wedding venue and outdoor recreation area where visitors can enjoy hiking and scenic views of the surrounding countryside. The facility features modern amenities including equipment rentals, dining options, and professional instruction to ensure memorable experiences for guests year-round.
13. North Shore of Lake Superior
SCENIC COASTAL BEAUTY
The North Shore of Lake Superior stretches from Duluth northeastward, offering one of Minnesota's most spectacular scenic drives along Highway 61 with breathtaking views of the world's largest freshwater lake. Visitors can explore numerous state parks along the route, including Gooseberry Falls and Split Rock Lighthouse, where hiking trails lead to magnificent waterfalls, historic sites, and rocky shorelines. The area's natural beauty transforms dramatically with the seasons, from summer's vibrant greenery to fall's spectacular color display to winter's ice formations along the shoreline.
14. Voyageurs National Park
WATER WILDERNESS ADVENTURE
Voyageurs National Park offers an extraordinary water-based wilderness experience along the Canadian border, where interconnected waterways create a paradise for boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can explore the park's 218,000 acres via boat or canoe, discovering pristine lakes, islands, and forests that provide habitat for diverse wildlife including bald eagles, moose, and gray wolves. The park preserves the routes of fur traders and voyageurs who paddled these waters centuries ago, offering modern adventurers a chance to connect with both nature and history.
15. Mayo Clinic
WORLD-RENOWNED MEDICAL CENTER
The Mayo Clinic stands as one of the world's most respected medical institutions, attracting visitors from around the globe seeking cutting-edge healthcare in its state-of-the-art facilities. Beyond its medical services, the campus features impressive architecture, healing gardens, and art collections that create a therapeutic environment for patients and an interesting destination for visitors. Tours of the historic Plummer Building and Mayo Brothers' homes offer insights into the clinic's remarkable history and the vision of its founding physicians who revolutionized collaborative medical practice.