Donnelly MinnesotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Donnelly, Minnesota.
1. Donnelly Threshing Bee
ANNUAL HISTORICAL FARMING FESTIVAL
The Donnelly Threshing Bee is a cherished annual event first held in 1965 that celebrates the agricultural heritage of the region. Visitors can experience historical farming demonstrations, particularly threshing, which was an essential harvest activity in Minnesota's past. The festival typically features vintage farm equipment, cultural displays, and community activities that showcase rural Minnesota traditions.
2. Pomme De Terre Park
SCENIC RIVERSIDE RECREATION
Pomme De Terre Park offers beautiful natural spaces along the Pomme De Terre River just a short drive from Donnelly. The park features scenic walking trails, picnic areas, and opportunities for fishing and wildlife observation throughout the seasons. Visitors appreciate the peaceful setting and well-maintained facilities that make it a popular destination for outdoor recreation in Stevens County.
3. West Central Research & Outreach Center
AGRICULTURAL INNOVATION SHOWCASE
The West Central Research & Outreach Center serves as an agricultural research facility affiliated with the University of Minnesota near Donnelly. Visitors can explore demonstration gardens, renewable energy exhibits, and learn about cutting-edge agricultural practices relevant to the region. The center hosts educational programs and seasonal events that connect the public with agricultural innovations and sustainable farming methods.
4. Main Street Galleria
LOCAL ARTS AND SHOPPING
Main Street Galleria provides a vibrant shopping experience featuring local artisans, craftspeople, and unique merchandise near Donnelly. The gallery showcases a variety of handmade goods, artwork, and specialty items that reflect the cultural heritage of the region. Visitors enjoy the personal atmosphere and opportunity to find one-of-a-kind souvenirs and gifts made by local creators.
5. Kensington Runestone County Park
HISTORICAL MYSTERY SITE
Kensington Runestone County Park connects visitors to one of Minnesota's most intriguing historical mysteries not far from Donnelly. The park commemorates the famous Kensington Runestone, a controversial artifact that some believe provides evidence of Norse exploration in America before Columbus. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, picnic areas, and interpretive displays about the runestone's discovery and ongoing debates about its authenticity.
6. Stevens County Historical Society Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Stevens County Historical Society Museum preserves and showcases the rich history of Donnelly and the surrounding communities. Exhibits feature photographs, artifacts, and documents that tell the story of the area's settlement, agricultural development, and cultural evolution. Visitors can explore changing displays, research genealogy, and gain insight into the lives of generations of Stevens County residents.
7. University of Minnesota Morris
HISTORIC CAMPUS EXPERIENCE
The University of Minnesota Morris campus features beautiful historic buildings and cultural attractions just a short drive from Donnelly. Visitors can explore the campus grounds with their distinctive architecture, attend public events at the Humanities Fine Arts Center, or visit the Native American Garden. The university, originally founded as an American Indian boarding school, now offers numerous educational and cultural programs open to the public.
8. Donnelly City Park
COMMUNITY RECREATION SPACE
Donnelly City Park serves as a central gathering place for community activities and outdoor recreation in the heart of Donnelly. The park offers amenities for families including playground equipment, picnic facilities, and open green spaces for games and relaxation. Seasonal community events are often held at the park, making it a hub for local social life and outdoor enjoyment.
9. Morris Wetland Management District
PRAIRIE WILDLIFE REFUGE
The Morris Wetland Management District encompasses thousands of acres of protected wetlands and prairie habitats near Donnelly. Visitors can observe diverse bird species, native plants, and wildlife while enjoying activities such as hiking, photography, and birdwatching. The district's waterfowl production areas showcase Minnesota's natural heritage and provide critical habitat for migratory birds traversing the Central Flyway.
10. Pomme de Terre River
SCENIC WATERWAY ADVENTURES
The Pomme de Terre River flows through Donnelly, offering recreational opportunities including fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. The river is known for its scenic beauty, wildlife viewing opportunities, and relatively calm waters ideal for paddling adventures. Local anglers appreciate the river for its variety of fish species, including walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass.
11. Morris Swimming Pool
FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER
The Morris Swimming Pool provides refreshing summer recreation for residents of Donnelly and surrounding communities. The facility features a main swimming area, wading pool for young children, and various amenities for family enjoyment during hot summer days. Visitors appreciate the clean facilities, friendly lifeguards, and reasonable admission prices that make it a popular seasonal destination.
12. Cyrus Sportsmen's Club
OUTDOOR SPORTING ACTIVITIES
The Cyrus Sportsmen's Club offers facilities for shooting sports and outdoor recreation near Donnelly. Members and visitors can participate in trap shooting, archery, and other outdoor sporting activities in a safe, organized environment. The club hosts regular events and competitions that bring together outdoor enthusiasts from throughout Stevens County and beyond.
13. Stahler Prairie
NATIVE GRASSLAND PRESERVE
Stahler Prairie preserves a slice of Minnesota's original tallgrass prairie ecosystem near Donnelly. Visitors can walk trails through native grasses and wildflowers while learning about the ecological importance of these increasingly rare landscapes. The preserve offers excellent opportunities for nature photography, bird watching, and experiencing the natural environment that once covered much of western Minnesota.
14. Dorr's Museum
RURAL AMERICANA COLLECTION
Dorr's Museum houses an eclectic collection of historical objects, machinery, and memorabilia in nearby Chokio, a short drive from Donnelly. The museum features agricultural implements, vintage vehicles, household items, and other artifacts that document rural life in western Minnesota over the decades. Visitors enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere and opportunity to connect with the everyday tools and technologies that shaped life in the region's past.
15. Hancock Concrete Sculpture Park
OUTDOOR ART DISPLAY
The Hancock Concrete Sculpture Park displays unique artistic creations in an outdoor setting not far from Donnelly. The collection features concrete sculptures of various subjects, created by local artists and arranged throughout a walkable garden area. Visitors can enjoy this distinctive blend of art and landscape that adds cultural interest to the Stevens County area.