Dexter MinnesotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Dexter, Minnesota.
1. Deer Creek Speedway
THRILLING AUTO RACING VENUE
Deer Creek Speedway is a popular auto racing track near Dexter that offers exciting dirt track racing events. Visitors can enjoy watching various racing classes compete on the high-banked 3/8 mile clay oval track. The speedway features a family-friendly atmosphere with concessions and comfortable viewing areas for spectators of all ages.
2. Four Daughters Vineyard & Winery
FAMILY-OWNED WINE DESTINATION
Four Daughters Vineyard & Winery is an award-winning establishment offering locally produced wines and ciders in a beautiful rural setting. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, take tours of the vineyard and production facilities, and savor farm-to-table cuisine at their onsite restaurant. The winery also hosts various events throughout the year, including live music, special dinners, and seasonal celebrations.
3. Dexter City Park
LOCAL RECREATION AREA
Dexter City Park offers residents and visitors a pleasant green space for outdoor recreation in the heart of town. The park features playground equipment, picnic areas, and open spaces for various activities. Families can enjoy a relaxing afternoon while children play in a safe, community-centered environment.
4. Hormel Nature Center
NATURE EDUCATION AND RECREATION
The Hormel Nature Center is a 500-acre natural area featuring forests, prairies, and wetlands with miles of hiking trails. Visitors can explore the interpretive center with its educational exhibits, live animals, and interactive displays about local ecosystems. The center offers year-round programming including guided hikes, canoe rentals, cross-country ski trails, and environmental education for all ages.
5. SPAM Museum
QUIRKY FOOD HISTORY EXPERIENCE
The SPAM Museum celebrates the iconic canned meat product with interactive exhibits telling the story of this global food phenomenon. Visitors can learn about the history of Hormel Foods, SPAM's role in World War II, and its cultural impact around the world through engaging displays. The museum offers free admission and includes a gift shop where SPAM enthusiasts can purchase unique merchandise and product varieties not available elsewhere.
6. Mower County Historical Society
LOCAL HERITAGE PRESERVATION
The Mower County Historical Society preserves and showcases the rich history of the region through its museum complex and research facilities. Visitors can explore multiple historic buildings including a one-room schoolhouse, log cabin, and agricultural displays that highlight rural Minnesota life through the decades. The society maintains extensive archives and collections that document the development of Mower County communities, including Dexter.
7. Jay C. Hormel Nature Center
OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
Jay C. Hormel Nature Center offers over 10 miles of hiking trails through diverse habitats including woodlands, restored prairie, and wetlands. The center features an interpretive building with educational exhibits, live animals, and programs designed to connect visitors with nature. Seasonal activities include canoeing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and maple syruping demonstrations.
8. Shooting Star Trail
SCENIC PAVED PATHWAY
The Shooting Star Trail is a paved recreational path spanning 19 miles through the scenic countryside of Mower County. Cyclists, runners, and walkers can enjoy the flat, well-maintained trail that connects several small communities near Dexter. The trail provides beautiful views of rural landscapes, wetlands, and native prairie plants, particularly stunning when wildflowers are in bloom.
9. Austin ArtWorks Center
CULTURAL CREATIVE HUB
Austin ArtWorks Center serves as a vibrant community arts venue showcasing local and regional artists' work in its gallery spaces. Visitors can attend art exhibitions, take classes in various creative disciplines, and purchase unique handcrafted items from area artists. The center hosts the popular annual Austin ArtWorks Festival which draws thousands of attendees to celebrate visual and performing arts.
10. Paramount Theatre
HISTORIC ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
The Paramount Theatre is a beautifully restored 1929 art deco movie palace that now serves as a performing arts center. Visitors can attend live concerts, theatrical productions, comedy shows, and classic film screenings in this historic venue with its original atmospheric design. The theater's ornate architecture and excellent acoustics provide a unique cultural experience in the heart of downtown Austin.
11. Mower County Fair
ANNUAL AGRICULTURAL CELEBRATION
The Mower County Fair is a traditional county fair held annually in August featuring agricultural exhibits, livestock competitions, and carnival rides. Visitors can enjoy live entertainment, demolition derbies, tractor pulls, and a variety of food vendors during the multi-day event. The fair celebrates the region's agricultural heritage while providing family-friendly entertainment for residents of Dexter and surrounding communities.
12. Sweet Reads Books & Candy
UNIQUE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
Sweet Reads Books & Candy combines a bookstore and candy shop into one delightful retail experience in downtown Austin. Visitors can browse a curated selection of books while sampling nostalgic candy varieties and specialty chocolates. The store frequently hosts author events, book clubs, and children's story times, making it a cultural hub for the community.
13. Cedar River
SCENIC WATERWAY RECREATION
The Cedar River flows through Mower County offering opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking in a peaceful natural setting. Outdoor enthusiasts can access the river from several points to enjoy catching walleye, smallmouth bass, and other species in this important waterway. The river corridor provides habitat for wildlife and serves as a natural recreational resource for residents of Dexter and nearby communities.
14. Austin Country Club
PREMIER GOLF DESTINATION
Austin Country Club features an 18-hole championship golf course set amid rolling hills and mature trees. Golfers of all skill levels can enjoy the well-maintained fairways, challenging greens, and picturesque setting of this established course. The club offers a driving range, pro shop, and dining facilities for a complete golfing experience.
15. Rydjor Bike Shop Museum
VINTAGE BICYCLE COLLECTION
The Rydjor Bike Shop Museum displays an impressive collection of vintage and antique bicycles chronicling the evolution of cycling. Visitors can view rare and historical bikes, including penny-farthings, early Schwinn models, and unique custom bicycles from different eras. The museum preserves the legacy of one of Minnesota's oldest bicycle shops while educating the public about cycling history.