Dunnell MinnesotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Dunnell, Minnesota.
1. Village of Yesteryear
STEP BACK IN TIME
The Village of Yesteryear is a historic attraction featuring 15 structures reminiscent of the 1800s, with the centerpiece being the Dunnell Mansion built in 1868. Visitors can explore fully furnished buildings including a church, cabins, depot, fire hall, general store, and school, all arranged around a central park encircled by a boardwalk. Guided tours are available Tuesday through Sunday at 1:30 PM for a modest fee of $5 for adults and $3 for students ages 7-16.
2. Swinging Bridge
SCENIC RIVER CROSSING
The Swinging Bridge in Dunnell offers visitors a charming and adventurous crossing experience over local waters. Rated 4.3/5 by travelers, this attraction combines natural beauty with a touch of excitement as the bridge gently sways with each step. Visitors can enjoy picturesque views of the surrounding landscape while experiencing this classic piece of small-town infrastructure.
3. Little Swan Lake Winery
LOCAL WINES AND TASTINGS
Little Swan Lake Winery is a highly-rated attraction in Dunnell with an impressive 4.8/5 rating from visitors. The winery offers wine tastings featuring locally produced varieties, allowing guests to sample unique Minnesota flavors in a charming setting. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful ambiance while learning about the winemaking process and purchasing bottles to take home as souvenirs.
4. Superior 71 Drive-In Theatre
NOSTALGIC OUTDOOR CINEMA
Superior 71 Drive-In Theatre brings the classic American cinema experience to Dunnell with a 4.7/5 visitor rating. This nostalgic outdoor venue allows moviegoers to watch films under the stars from the comfort of their vehicles, creating memories that harken back to a bygone era. The drive-in offers current releases with the added charm of vintage movie-watching, complete with a concession stand serving traditional theater snacks.
5. Cedar Creek Park
PERFECT OUTDOOR RECREATION SPOT
Cedar Creek Park in Dunnell boasts a perfect 5.0/5 rating, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and families. The park features well-maintained trails, picnic areas, and open spaces where visitors can enjoy various recreational activities surrounded by Minnesota's natural beauty. Guests can spend a relaxing day fishing, hiking, or simply unwinding amid the serene atmosphere of this pristine local gem.
6. Amber Lake Park
LAKESIDE LEISURE ACTIVITIES
Amber Lake Park offers visitors to Dunnell a pleasant lakeside retreat with a 3.8/5 rating from previous guests. The park features access to the tranquil waters of Amber Lake, where visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, or simply relaxing by the shore. Families appreciate the combination of water activities and land-based amenities like picnic areas and walking paths that make for a well-rounded outdoor experience.
7. Fort Defiance State Park
HISTORIC NATURAL PRESERVE
Fort Defiance State Park near Dunnell offers visitors a blend of historical significance and natural beauty with a 2.2/5 rating. The park preserves the site of a historic fort while providing hiking trails through diverse Minnesota landscapes that showcase local flora and fauna. Nature enthusiasts can explore the park's ecological features while history buffs appreciate the connection to the region's past.
8. Minnehaha Falls
STUNNING NATURAL WATERFALL
Minnehaha Falls is a spectacular 53-foot waterfall located within Minnehaha Park, earning a strong 4.5/5 rating from visitors. The falls create a mesmerizing cascade surrounded by limestone bluffs and lush vegetation, offering photographers and nature lovers a perfect subject in all seasons. Visitors can view the falls from various observation points or hike down to experience the cool mist and thundering sounds up close.
9. Mini-Wakan State Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION AREA
Mini-Wakan State Park is a charming lakeside destination not far from Dunnell with a 2.2/5 rating from visitors. The park sits on the northern shore of Spirit Lake, offering picturesque views and access to water activities like fishing, boating, and swimming. Visitors appreciate the peaceful setting, picnic facilities, and opportunities to observe local wildlife in their natural habitat.
10. Marble Beach State Park
PRISTINE SHORELINE ESCAPE
Marble Beach State Park provides a scenic getaway on the western shore of Spirit Lake, located within driving distance of Dunnell. The park features a beautiful sandy beach where visitors can swim, sunbathe, and enjoy water sports during the warmer months. Camping facilities, hiking trails, and fishing opportunities make this a versatile destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to experience Iowa's natural beauty.
11. Dunnell Mansion
HISTORIC CENTERPIECE BUILDING
The Dunnell Mansion, built in 1868, stands as the impressive centerpiece of the Village of Yesteryear historical complex. This beautifully preserved historic home showcases the architecture and lifestyle of wealthy 19th-century Minnesota residents through its detailed construction and period furnishings. Visitors touring the mansion gain insight into the region's past while admiring the craftsmanship and design elements that have stood the test of time.
12. Steele County Historical Society
RICH REGIONAL HISTORY
The Steele County Historical Society preserves and presents the rich heritage of the region surrounding Dunnell through engaging exhibits and educational programs. Visitors can explore artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of the area's development from Native American settlements through European immigration and into the modern era. The society's museum and research facilities provide an excellent resource for those interested in genealogy, local architecture, and the cultural evolution of southern Minnesota.
13. Cabela's Outpost
OUTDOOR ENTHUSIAST'S PARADISE
Cabela's Outpost in Owatonna offers a comprehensive shopping experience for outdoor enthusiasts within driving distance of Dunnell. The store features an impressive selection of hunting, fishing, camping, and outdoor gear alongside museum-quality wildlife displays and aquariums stocked with native fish species. Visitors can browse equipment, apparel, and accessories while enjoying the immersive atmosphere that celebrates Minnesota's outdoor sporting traditions.
14. Reptile & Amphibian Discovery Zoo
EXOTIC WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS
The Reptile & Amphibian Discovery Zoo in Owatonna showcases a fascinating collection of scaled and slithering creatures from around the world. Visitors can observe alligators, snakes, lizards, turtles, and amphibians in naturalistic habitats while learning about their behaviors, habitats, and conservation status. Interactive presentations and occasionally handling opportunities provide memorable educational experiences for visitors of all ages interested in these often misunderstood animals.
15. Kaplan's Woods Parkway
NATURE TRAILS AND RECREATION
Kaplan's Woods Parkway offers visitors a network of scenic trails winding through 225 acres of pristine woodland near Owatonna. The park features well-maintained hiking and mountain biking paths that traverse rolling hills, cross bubbling streams, and pass through diverse forest habitats teeming with wildlife. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy bird watching, photography, and seasonal activities like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing during winter months in this year-round outdoor destination.