Beardsley MinnesotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Beardsley, Minnesota.
1. With the Wind Vineyard & Winery
LOCAL WINE EXPERIENCE
With the Wind Vineyard & Winery offers visitors a delightful taste of locally produced wines in the heart of western Minnesota. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings in a rustic setting while learning about the winemaking process from knowledgeable staff. The winery provides a perfect relaxation spot with beautiful vineyard views that showcase the agricultural heritage of the region.
2. Big Stone Lake State Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION AREA
Big Stone Lake State Park offers outdoor enthusiasts a pristine natural setting along the Minnesota-South Dakota border near Beardsley. The park features excellent fishing opportunities, hiking trails, and camping facilities that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of Big Stone Lake. Nature lovers can observe abundant wildlife including deer, waterfowl, and various bird species throughout the changing seasons.
3. Nicollet Tower & Interpretive Center
HISTORICAL OBSERVATION TOWER
The Nicollet Tower & Interpretive Center stands as a 75-foot observation tower offering panoramic views of the surrounding Coteau des Prairies plateau near the Minnesota border. Visitors can climb to the top for spectacular vistas spanning three states - Minnesota, South Dakota, and North Dakota. The interpretive center below provides fascinating exhibits about the natural history and cultural heritage of the region.
4. Breezy Point Picnic Area
SCENIC OUTDOOR RECREATION
Breezy Point Picnic Area provides visitors with a tranquil outdoor setting perfect for family gatherings and relaxation near Beardsley. The area features well-maintained picnic tables, grilling facilities, and open spaces where guests can enjoy the natural beauty of western Minnesota. Its convenient location makes it an ideal spot for travelers to take a break and enjoy a meal while experiencing the peaceful rural landscape.
5. Historic Beardsley Railroad Remnants
RAILROAD HISTORY TRAIL
The Historic Beardsley Railroad Remnants offer history enthusiasts a glimpse into the town's important railroad past that once connected this rural community to the wider world. Visitors can observe the remaining structures and pathways that mark where the railroad once operated before its closure. These historical elements serve as a fascinating reminder of how transportation shaped the development and eventual challenges of small-town Minnesota.
6. Historic Catholic Church
RELIGIOUS ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE
The Historic Catholic Church building in Beardsley stands as a testament to the religious heritage and architectural style of early Minnesota settlers. Though no longer functioning as an active parish, the structure preserves important elements of local history and community gathering spaces from bygone eras. Architecture enthusiasts will appreciate the craftsmanship and design elements typical of rural Midwestern churches from this period.
7. Lake Traverse
BORDER WATER RECREATION
Lake Traverse straddles the Minnesota-South Dakota border near Beardsley, offering excellent fishing, boating, and water recreation opportunities. The lake is known for its walleye, northern pike, and perch fishing, making it a popular destination for anglers throughout the season. Its unique position along the Continental Divide means water from the lake flows both to the Gulf of Mexico and Hudson Bay, giving it geographical significance beyond its recreational value.
8. Historic Beardsley School Buildings
EDUCATIONAL HERITAGE SITE
The Historic Beardsley School Buildings preserve the educational heritage of this small Minnesota community despite the closure of active schools in the town. Visitors interested in architectural history can observe these structures that once served as the center of learning and community gatherings for generations of local residents. The buildings stand as physical reminders of the changing demographics and challenges faced by rural communities throughout the Midwest.
9. Hartford Beach State Park
LAKESIDE NATURAL ESCAPE
Hartford Beach State Park offers visitors a scenic recreational area on the South Dakota side of Big Stone Lake, just a short drive from Beardsley. The park features sandy beaches, wooded hiking trails, and camping facilities nestled among mature oak trees with beautiful lake views. History buffs will appreciate the ancient Native American burial mounds within the park boundaries, adding cultural significance to this natural getaway.
10. Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge
WILDLIFE VIEWING PARADISE
Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge encompasses over 11,000 acres of diverse habitats including wetlands, prairie, and granite outcroppings near the headwaters of the Minnesota River. Visitors can explore the auto tour route, hiking trails, and observation points offering excellent opportunities to spot migratory birds, deer, and other wildlife in their natural settings. The refuge provides important habitat for numerous species while offering photographers and nature enthusiasts spectacular seasonal landscapes throughout the year.
11. Bonanza Education Center
ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING HUB
The Bonanza Education Center serves as an environmental learning facility located in the Big Stone Lake watershed region near Beardsley. The center offers educational programs, workshops, and guided experiences that help visitors understand the unique ecology and natural history of the prairie pothole region. Its facilities include interpretive trails, classroom spaces, and demonstration areas that make learning about conservation and environmental stewardship accessible to all ages.
12. Browns Valley Historical Society Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Browns Valley Historical Society Museum showcases the rich history of the Lake Traverse region through exhibits of artifacts, photographs, and documents from the area's past. Visitors can explore displays highlighting Native American heritage, pioneer settlement, agricultural development, and the unique geographical setting of this border community. The museum preserves the stories and cultural heritage of the communities in this corner of Minnesota, including nearby Beardsley.
13. Mustinka River
SCENIC PADDLING ROUTE
The Mustinka River flows through the western Minnesota landscape near Beardsley, providing opportunities for canoeing, fishing, and wildlife observation. Paddlers can enjoy the peaceful current while passing through a variety of natural settings that showcase the transition between prairie and wetland ecosystems. The river's many bends and channels create habitat for numerous fish species, making it a destination for anglers seeking smallmouth bass and northern pike.
14. Traverse County Museum
REGIONAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Traverse County Museum houses an extensive collection of historical artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of the region's development from Native American settlements through European immigration and modern agricultural communities. Visitors can explore displays featuring pioneer tools, household items, military memorabilia, and photographs documenting life in western Minnesota communities including Beardsley. The museum's knowledgeable volunteers provide context and additional stories that bring the area's rich heritage to life for guests of all ages.
15. Minnesota Bricks Historical Sites
ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE TOUR
Minnesota Bricks Historical Sites in Beardsley showcase the unique brick architecture and construction methods used in early Minnesota buildings and infrastructure. Visitors can observe various examples of historic brickwork that represents the craftsmanship and materials commonly used during the town's development period. These preserved structures provide insight into the building techniques and architectural styles that defined small-town Minnesota during its formative years.