Cottage Grove MinnesotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Cottage Grove, Minnesota.
1. Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park
DRAMATIC NATURAL RAVINES
Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park offers dramatic ravines and scenic waters that create a paradise for nature lovers. Visitors can hike the trails while enjoying the diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife that call this park home. The park provides a peaceful retreat where outdoor enthusiasts can connect with nature through various recreational activities.
2. Bike Park at West Draw Park
THRILLING DIRT JUMPS
The Bike Park at West Draw Park challenges cyclists with exciting dirt jumps and a dedicated skills area. Biking enthusiasts can test their abilities and improve their techniques on the various terrain features designed for different skill levels. The park provides a safe and fun environment for both beginners and experienced riders to enjoy the thrill of off-road biking.
3. Woodridge Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RECREATION AREA
Woodridge Park welcomes families with its well-maintained playground and recreational facilities. Children can enjoy the play structures while adults appreciate the open spaces perfect for relaxation or casual sports. The park's amenities make it an ideal destination for a day of outdoor fun and family bonding.
4. Oakwood Park Disc Golf
CHALLENGING DISC COURSE
Oakwood Park Disc Golf offers an engaging course for disc golf enthusiasts of all skill levels. Players can challenge friends to a round while navigating through the park's natural obstacles and carefully designed holes. The course provides a perfect blend of recreation and friendly competition in a beautiful outdoor setting.
5. Hamlet Park
VERSATILE COMMUNITY SPACE
Hamlet Park serves as a vibrant community space with playgrounds and sports facilities for residents and visitors. Families can enjoy the playground equipment while sports enthusiasts make use of the various athletic fields and courts. The park's diverse amenities cater to multiple interests, making it a popular gathering spot in Cottage Grove.
6. WAGS Dog Park
CANINE RECREATION HAVEN
WAGS Dog Park provides a dedicated space for four-legged friends to run, play, and socialize off-leash. Dog owners can relax while their pets enjoy the freedom to explore the specially designed areas for canine recreation. The park fosters a sense of community among dog lovers while ensuring pets have a safe environment for exercise and play.
7. River Oaks Golf Course
SCENIC RIVERSIDE GOLFING
River Oaks Golf Course offers golfers a beautiful municipal course with scenic views and well-maintained fairways. Players can test their skills on the challenging holes while enjoying the natural landscape and riverside setting. The course provides a quality golfing experience for both casual players and serious enthusiasts alike.
8. Hope Glen Farm and Tree House
HISTORIC FAIRYTALE RETREAT
Hope Glen Farm and Tree House transports visitors to a fairytale setting with its restored Civil War-era barn and unique four-story treehouse suite. The treehouse, perched in a 150-year-old oak, offers modern amenities like fireplaces and a jacuzzi tub alongside breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Adjacent to Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park, this enchanting destination provides a perfect escape for romantic getaways or special events.
9. Cathedral of St. Paul
MAJESTIC HISTORIC CATHEDRAL
The Cathedral of St. Paul stands as a magnificent architectural landmark in the heart of Saint Paul, showcasing impressive French Renaissance and Classical styles. Visitors can marvel at the stunning interior with its ornate decorations, beautiful stained glass windows, and soaring dome. The cathedral not only serves as an active place of worship but also as a cultural and historical treasure that attracts tourists from around the world.
10. Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
WILDLIFE AND BOTANICAL WONDERLAND
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory delights visitors with its diverse collection of animals and beautiful botanical gardens all in one location. Families can explore the zoo sections featuring exotic animals while also enjoying the lush plant collections housed in the historic conservatory buildings. This beloved Saint Paul attraction offers year-round enjoyment with seasonal displays and educational programs for all ages.
11. Historic Fort Snelling
LIVING HISTORY LANDMARK
Historic Fort Snelling preserves an important piece of Minnesota's past as a restored 1820s military outpost situated at the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers. Visitors can step back in time through interactive exhibits, costumed interpreters, and restored historic buildings that tell the complex story of the fort's role in American expansion, Native American relations, and military history. The fort's strategic location also offers stunning views and connects to trails along both rivers for additional exploration.
12. James J. Hill House
GILDED AGE MANSION
The James J. Hill House stands as an impressive testament to the wealth and influence of the railroad magnate who built this 36,000-square-foot Gilded Age mansion on Summit Avenue. Visitors can tour the meticulously preserved interiors featuring elaborate woodwork, original fixtures, and period furnishings that showcase the opulent lifestyle of Saint Paul's elite during the late 19th century. The house represents one of the most well-preserved examples of American residential high-style architecture from this era in the Midwest.
13. Mall of America
MEGA SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
Mall of America stands as one of North America's largest shopping and entertainment complexes, featuring over 500 stores alongside attractions like Nickelodeon Universe indoor theme park and SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium. Visitors can shop at both familiar retail chains and unique boutiques while also enjoying dozens of dining options ranging from quick bites to sit-down restaurants. The massive complex continues to evolve with new attractions, ensuring there's always something new to experience regardless of the season or weather.
14. Minnesota History Center
INTERACTIVE STATE HERITAGE
The Minnesota History Center engages visitors through interactive exhibits that bring the state's rich and diverse history to life in compelling ways. Guests can explore permanent and rotating exhibitions that cover everything from Indigenous cultures to immigrant experiences, industrial development, and modern Minnesota identity. The Center's striking architecture, research library, and educational programs make it a premier destination for anyone interested in understanding Minnesota's past and its connection to the present.
15. Minnesota Zoo
IMMERSIVE WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE
The Minnesota Zoo invites visitors to experience wildlife through naturalistic habitats designed to showcase animals from around the world in environments that mimic their native ecosystems. Guests can observe over 4,500 animals representing nearly 500 species while walking through themed areas including Tropics Trail, Minnesota Trail, and the popular Russia's Grizzly Coast exhibit. The zoo's conservation efforts, educational programs, and seasonal events make it a dynamic destination that balances entertainment with important wildlife preservation initiatives.