Ellsworth MinnesotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Ellsworth, Minnesota.
1. Luverne Country Club
GOLFING IN THE PRAIRIE
Luverne Country Club offers a serene golfing experience in Minnesota's southwestern prairie landscape. Golfers can enjoy well-maintained fairways and challenging holes suitable for various skill levels. The club provides a relaxing atmosphere where visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the region while practicing their swing.
2. Skydive Adventures
THRILLING AERIAL EXPERIENCES
Skydive Adventures provides exhilarating skydiving experiences for thrill-seekers visiting the Ellsworth area. Jumpers can experience breathtaking views of the Minnesota prairie landscape from thousands of feet in the air. Both beginners and experienced skydivers can enjoy tandem jumps with certified instructors who prioritize safety while delivering an unforgettable adrenaline rush.
3. Luverne City Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RECREATION AREA
Luverne City Park serves as a central recreational hub featuring playgrounds and open green spaces for families. Children can enjoy modern playground equipment while adults relax in shaded areas with picnic facilities. The park hosts community events throughout the year, making it a gathering place for both locals and visitors.
4. Rotary Park & Dog Park
PET-FRIENDLY OUTDOOR SPACE
Rotary Park & Dog Park provides a dedicated space for canine companions to exercise and socialize off-leash. The fenced area ensures dogs can play safely while their owners enjoy the park's amenities and socialize with fellow pet enthusiasts. This well-maintained facility includes water stations and waste disposal areas, demonstrating the community's commitment to pet-friendly recreation.
5. Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
BOTANICAL WONDER NEAR ELLSWORTH
The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum showcases over 1,200 acres of gardens, model landscapes, and natural areas representing the diverse plant communities of the region. Visitors can explore miles of trails through themed gardens, woodlands, and prairie landscapes that change dramatically with the seasons. The arboretum also offers educational programs, art exhibitions, and special events throughout the year for nature enthusiasts of all ages.
6. Big Swan Lake
TRANQUIL WATERFRONT RECREATION
Big Swan Lake offers peaceful water recreation opportunities within driving distance of Ellsworth Township. The lake is popular for fishing, with anglers seeking walleye, northern pike, and panfish in its clear waters. Visitors can also enjoy swimming, boating, and wildlife watching along the scenic shoreline.
7. Quarry Park and Nature Preserve
HISTORIC QUARRIES AND TRAILS
Quarry Park and Nature Preserve features former granite quarries transformed into swimming holes and rock climbing opportunities. The park's 20 quarries are connected by a network of hiking trails that wind through restored prairie and woodland habitats. Nature enthusiasts can observe diverse wildlife while learning about the area's important granite mining history through interpretive displays.
8. Lake Maria State Park
WILDERNESS NEAR ELLSWORTH TOWNSHIP
Lake Maria State Park preserves a pristine Big Woods ecosystem with hardwood forests, rolling hills, and peaceful lakes. Hikers can explore over 14 miles of trails that showcase the park's diverse habitats and seasonal wildflower displays. The park offers year-round recreational opportunities including hiking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and rustic cabin camping for visitors seeking a wilderness experience.
9. Itasca State Park
BIRTHPLACE OF THE MISSISSIPPI
Itasca State Park is home to the headwaters of the Mississippi River, where visitors can walk across the mighty river as it begins its 2,552-mile journey to the Gulf of Mexico. The park encompasses more than 32,000 acres of pristine wilderness with old-growth pine forests and over 100 lakes for fishing, swimming, and boating. History enthusiasts will appreciate the park's historic buildings, including the Douglas Lodge and the Mississippi Headwaters monument that marks this significant geographical landmark.
10. Blue Mounds State Park
BISON AND QUARTZITE CLIFFS
Blue Mounds State Park features dramatic pink quartzite cliffs that rise 100 feet from the surrounding prairie landscape near Ellsworth. Visitors can observe the park's managed bison herd that grazes on native prairie grasses, providing a glimpse of Minnesota's ecological past. The park offers hiking trails, rock climbing opportunities, and a swimming area at the former quarry, making it a diverse destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
11. Touch the Sky Prairie
NATIVE TALLGRASS CONSERVATION AREA
Touch the Sky Prairie preserves over 1,000 acres of native tallgrass prairie ecosystem that once covered millions of acres across the Midwest. Visitors can hike through seas of grasses and wildflowers that change dramatically with the seasons while observing prairie wildlife including birds, butterflies, and small mammals. The preserve honors the vision of famed nature photographer Jim Brandenburg, who helped establish this protected landscape near his hometown.
12. Brandenburg Gallery
NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY SHOWCASE
The Brandenburg Gallery displays the acclaimed nature photography of Jim Brandenburg, a National Geographic photographer and Luverne native. Visitors can view stunning images capturing Minnesota's landscapes, wildlife, and changing seasons through the lens of a world-renowned artist. The gallery provides insights into Brandenburg's photographic techniques and his deep connection to the natural environment of southwestern Minnesota.
13. Grand Prairie Events
COMMUNITY CELEBRATION VENUE
Grand Prairie Events hosts Ellsworth's annual community celebrations featuring parades, carnivals, and local competitions. Families can enjoy traditional games, craft sales, and food vendors during these festive gatherings that showcase small-town Minnesota culture. The venue serves as a central gathering point that brings together residents and visitors to celebrate the community's heritage and shared traditions.
14. Rock County Historical Society
LOCAL HERITAGE PRESERVATION
The Rock County Historical Society preserves and interprets the rich history of the region surrounding Ellsworth through artifacts, photographs, and documents. Visitors can explore exhibits highlighting pioneer life, agricultural development, and the cultural evolution of southwestern Minnesota communities. The society maintains historic structures that provide tangible connections to the area's past, offering insights into the lives of early settlers and the development of Rock County.
15. Casey Jones State Trail
HISTORIC RAILWAY PATH
The Casey Jones State Trail follows a former railroad corridor through the prairie landscape near Ellsworth, offering recreational opportunities for hikers, cyclists, and snowmobilers. Trail users can observe native prairie plants, agricultural lands, and small towns while learning about the region's railroad history through interpretive signs. The multi-use path connects communities and natural areas, providing a scenic route for experiencing southwestern Minnesota's unique geography and heritage.