Comfrey MinnesotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Comfrey, Minnesota.
1. Jeffers Petroglyphs Historic Site
ANCIENT NATIVE AMERICAN CARVINGS
Jeffers Petroglyphs Historic Site is a sacred location featuring over 5,000 ancient rock carvings etched into Sioux quartzite by Native American peoples dating back as far as 7,000 years ago. Managed by the Minnesota Historical Society since 1966, the site offers guided tours and hiking trails that give visitors a fascinating glimpse into Minnesota's prehistoric past. History enthusiasts and families alike will appreciate this unique cultural treasure that provides a window into the spiritual and artistic expressions of indigenous peoples who once inhabited this region.
2. Mound Creek County Park
SERENE NATURAL RETREAT
Mound Creek County Park spans 316 acres of natural beauty along the tranquil Mound Creek, offering a peaceful escape from everyday life. Dedicated in 1993, this park features hiking trails, picnic areas, and campsites that make it ideal for day trips or weekend getaways. Visitors can enjoy fishing in the creek waters or engage in birdwatching amid the park's diverse habitats, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers visiting the Comfrey area.
3. South Park Campground
COZY SMALL-TOWN CAMPING
South Park Campground in Comfrey offers four rustic campsites with basic amenities for travelers looking for a simple overnight stay in small-town Minnesota. The quiet, community-focused camping area provides a comfortable base for exploring Comfrey and its surrounding attractions. Guests will appreciate the authentic rural Minnesota experience that comes with staying at this modest but charming local camping spot.
4. City Limits Lounge and Bar
LOCAL FLAVOR AND HOSPITALITY
City Limits Lounge and Bar serves as Comfrey's social hub where locals and visitors alike gather for drinks, conversation, and authentic small-town atmosphere. The establishment offers classic bar fare and beverages in a casual, welcoming environment that exemplifies Midwestern hospitality. Visitors seeking to experience genuine local culture will find this spot provides an unfiltered glimpse into daily life in rural Minnesota.
5. Sod House on the Prairie
PIONEER LIVING HISTORY
Sod House on the Prairie offers visitors an immersive journey into 1890s pioneer life through a meticulously recreated sod house typical of early European settlers in Minnesota. This living history museum allows guests to step back in time and experience firsthand the challenges and ingenuity of frontier living on the Minnesota prairie. The authentic construction methods, period furnishings, and interpretive displays make this site an educational treasure for those interested in understanding the realities of homesteading in the American Midwest.
6. August Schell Museum of Brewing
HISTORIC BREWING HERITAGE
The August Schell Museum of Brewing showcases the rich history of Minnesota's oldest brewery, established in 1860 by German immigrant August Schell. Visitors can tour the historic brewery grounds, complete with Victorian gardens, a deer park, and the original brewmaster's mansion that reflects the German architectural influence. The museum exhibits detail the evolution of brewing techniques and equipment while highlighting Schell's remarkable survival through Prohibition, making it an essential stop for beer enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
7. Flandrau State Park
RECREATION ALONG COTTONWOOD RIVER
Flandrau State Park offers year-round outdoor recreation centered around its spring-fed swimming pool in summer and cross-country ski trails in winter. Located on the Cottonwood River, the park features hiking trails through oak forests and native prairie landscapes that showcase the region's natural diversity. Visitors can take advantage of camping facilities, picnic areas, and fishing opportunities while exploring this scenic natural retreat just outside New Ulm.
8. St. James Salutators Railroad Museum Park
HISTORIC RAILWAY HERITAGE
St. James Salutators Railroad Museum Park preserves the railway heritage that was vital to the development of southern Minnesota communities like Comfrey. The museum features a restored depot, vintage railroad cars, and exhibits detailing the crucial role railways played in the settlement and economic growth of the region. Visitors can explore authentic railroad equipment and learn about the everyday lives of those who worked on and traveled by train during the golden age of American railroads.
9. Minnesota Music Hall of Fame
CELEBRATING MUSICAL HERITAGE
The Minnesota Music Hall of Fame honors the diverse musical talents and traditions that have emerged from the North Star State throughout its history. Exhibits showcase everything from polka bands and classical composers to rock musicians and folk singers who have contributed to Minnesota's rich musical landscape. Visitors will discover fascinating stories behind familiar tunes, view historical instruments and memorabilia, and gain appreciation for the state's significant contribution to American musical culture.
10. Brown County Historical Society
REGIONAL HISTORY PRESERVED
The Brown County Historical Society maintains an extensive museum housed in the 1910 post office building, showcasing the rich heritage of the county that includes Comfrey and its surrounding communities. Visitors can explore detailed exhibits on pioneer life, the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862, and the German immigrant influence that shaped this region of Minnesota. The museum's research library and archives contain thousands of photographs, documents, and artifacts that provide researchers and curious travelers alike with insights into the area's complex and fascinating past.
11. Morgan Creek Vineyards & Winery
MINNESOTA WINE COUNTRY
Morgan Creek Vineyards & Winery operates from a unique underground facility nestled in the beautiful Minnesota River Valley, offering visitors an unexpected wine experience in the Midwest. The family-owned winery specializes in crafting wines from cold-hardy grape varieties specifically developed to thrive in Minnesota's challenging climate. Guests can enjoy tastings, tour the production facilities, and attend seasonal events like harvest festivals while relaxing in the picturesque rural setting just a short drive from Comfrey.
12. Fort Ridgely State Park
HISTORIC BATTLEFIELD SITE
Fort Ridgely State Park preserves the site of a significant 1862 battlefield where Dakota forces twice attacked the fort during the U.S.-Dakota War. Today, visitors can explore archaeological remains of the original fort, interpretive displays explaining the complex historical context, and a museum housed in a restored commissary building. Beyond its historical significance, the park offers hiking trails, horseback riding paths, and a 9-hole golf course set amid beautiful oak savanna and prairie landscapes.
13. Hermann the German Monument
ICONIC CULTURAL LANDMARK
Hermann the German Monument stands as an impressive 102-foot copper statue atop a 70-foot pedestal, dominating the skyline of New Ulm and symbolizing the city's proud German heritage. Completed in 1897, the monument honors Hermann (Arminius), the Germanic tribal leader who defeated Roman legions in the Battle of Teutoburg Forest in 9 CE. Visitors can climb the spiral staircase inside the monument to reach an observation platform offering spectacular panoramic views of the Minnesota River Valley and the surrounding countryside near Comfrey.
14. Cottonwood County Historical Society
LOCAL HERITAGE EXPLORATION
The Cottonwood County Historical Society museum provides a comprehensive look at the pioneer settlement and development of communities in the county neighboring Comfrey's Brown County. Exhibits display artifacts, photographs, and documents chronicling the area's agricultural history, rural life, and the diverse cultural backgrounds of its settlers. Genealogy enthusiasts will appreciate the extensive research facilities that help visitors connect with their family histories in this region of southern Minnesota.
15. The Putting Green
ECO-EDUCATION ADVENTURE PARK
The Putting Green combines family fun with environmental education through its creative miniature golf course where each hole teaches about different ecological concepts and sustainable practices. Beyond mini-golf, this environmental learning center features butterfly gardens, prairie restoration areas, and renewable energy demonstrations that engage visitors of all ages. The facility hosts regular workshops, camps, and special events designed to inspire environmental stewardship while providing an entertaining outing for families exploring the greater Comfrey region.