Claremont MinnesotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Claremont, Minnesota.
1. Rice Lake State Park
TRANQUIL LAKESIDE WILDERNESS
Rice Lake State Park offers visitors a beautiful natural setting featuring a shallow 750-acre lake surrounded by oak savanna and prairie landscapes. Visitors can enjoy fishing, birdwatching, hiking on scenic trails, and camping at one of the park's 40 drive-in sites. The park is especially stunning during fall when the oak trees display vibrant colors and during spring when wildflowers bloom across the prairie areas.
2. Creek Park
PEACEFUL COMMUNITY RETREAT
Creek Park provides Claremont residents and visitors with a serene outdoor space perfect for picnics and relaxation. The park features basic amenities including picnic tables, open green spaces, and a small creek that runs through the property. Families appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and natural setting that makes this park a hidden gem in Claremont.
3. North Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RECREATION AREA
North Park serves as a community gathering spot with recreational facilities for Claremont residents of all ages. The park offers playground equipment, open fields for sports, and shaded areas perfect for summer picnics. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained grounds and the park's convenient location within the small city of Claremont.
4. Harold's Club
LOCAL SOCIAL HOTSPOT
Harold's Club stands as a beloved local establishment where residents and visitors can enjoy casual dining and socializing in Claremont. The venue offers a warm, friendly atmosphere typical of small-town Minnesota gathering spots, serving comfort food and refreshments. Visitors often mention the authentic local experience and opportunity to meet Claremont residents while enjoying a meal or drink.
5. Mineral Springs Park
HISTORIC HEALING WATERS
Mineral Springs Park in Owatonna captures the history and natural beauty of this region known once for its healing waters. The park features lovely landscaping, walking paths, and informational displays about the area's historical significance as a health destination. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere while learning about how these springs attracted people seeking therapeutic benefits in earlier times.
6. Zumbro River
SCENIC WATERWAY ADVENTURE
The Zumbro River flows east of Claremont, offering excellent opportunities for fishing, kayaking and taking in beautiful natural scenery. Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate the relatively calm waters that make it suitable for beginners while still providing enough challenges for experienced paddlers. Local fishing spots along the river are known for species including smallmouth bass, northern pike, and various panfish that attract anglers throughout the fishing season.
7. Dodge County Historical Society Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE SHOWCASE
The Dodge County Historical Society Museum preserves and displays the rich history of Claremont and surrounding communities through engaging exhibits and artifacts. Housed in a historic building, the museum features collections that tell the story of early settlers, agricultural development, and small-town life throughout the decades. Visitors can explore photographs, tools, household items, and documents that provide insight into how residents of this area lived and worked since the 19th century.
8. Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo
WILDLIFE AND NATURE ESCAPE
Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo offers visitors a chance to observe native Minnesota wildlife in naturalistic habitats just a short drive from Claremont. The facility houses over 30 species of animals that cannot survive in the wild, including wolves, bison, bears, and various birds of prey. The surrounding park features scenic hiking trails, campgrounds, and picnic areas that make it perfect for a full day of outdoor adventure.
9. Prairie View Golf Course
SCENIC GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Prairie View Golf Course provides golfers with a challenging yet enjoyable experience set against the beautiful backdrop of southeastern Minnesota's rolling landscape. The well-maintained 18-hole course features strategic water hazards, bunkers, and varying elevations that test players of all skill levels. Visitors appreciate the reasonable rates, friendly staff, and the picturesque views that showcase the natural beauty of the region around Claremont.
10. Mantorville Historic District
PRESERVED LIMESTONE ARCHITECTURE
The Mantorville Historic District showcases beautifully preserved 19th-century limestone buildings that transport visitors back to Minnesota's territorial days. Walking tours allow guests to admire the historic architecture including the courthouse, storefronts, and homes built between 1854 and 1900. The district's designation on the National Register of Historic Places recognizes its significance as one of the best-preserved examples of early Minnesota settlement architecture within driving distance of Claremont.
11. Kasson Aquatic Center
FAMILY WATER RECREATION
The Kasson Aquatic Center offers refreshing summer fun for families looking to beat the heat near Claremont. The facility features water slides, a zero-depth entry pool, diving boards, and a dedicated children's play area with interactive water features. Visitors appreciate the clean facilities, attentive lifeguards, and affordable admission prices that make this a popular destination during warm Minnesota summers.
12. Four Daughters Vineyard & Winery
AWARD-WINNING LOCAL WINES
Four Daughters Vineyard & Winery invites visitors to sample exceptional locally-produced wines and ciders in a beautiful rural setting not far from Claremont. The family-owned establishment offers tours of their production facilities, tastings of their award-winning beverages, and a restaurant serving farm-to-table cuisine that pairs perfectly with their wines. The rustic-elegant tasting room and event space, surrounded by vineyards, creates a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere that draws visitors from throughout the region.
13. Dodge County Fairgrounds
RURAL TRADITION CELEBRATION
The Dodge County Fairgrounds hosts the annual county fair and numerous community events that showcase the agricultural heritage of the Claremont region. Visitors can enjoy livestock exhibitions, carnival rides, food vendors, and live entertainment during the fair held each summer. Throughout the year, the venue also hosts farmers markets, craft shows, and other gatherings that bring together residents from Claremont and surrounding communities.
14. West Concord Historical Society
SMALL-TOWN HERITAGE PRESERVED
The West Concord Historical Society maintains a collection that documents the development of rural communities in the area around Claremont. Exhibits feature photographs, documents, and artifacts that tell the story of early settlement, agricultural innovation, and small-town life in southeastern Minnesota. Visitors interested in genealogy appreciate the society's archives that contain valuable information about early residents and businesses of the region.
15. Dobbins Creek Vineyards
BOUTIQUE WINE EXPERIENCE
Dobbins Creek Vineyards offers a charming, intimate wine tasting experience featuring vintages crafted from cold-climate grapes grown in southeastern Minnesota. Visitors can enjoy tastings in a cozy tasting room or on an outdoor patio overlooking the picturesque vineyard and rolling countryside. The friendly, knowledgeable staff shares insights about their winemaking process and the unique characteristics of Minnesota viticulture with guests from Claremont and beyond.