Elmore MinnesotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Elmore, Minnesota.
1. Woods Lake Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION AREA
Woods Lake Park offers visitors a beautiful natural setting with a swimming pond and sandy beach perfect for summer relaxation. The park features numerous amenities including RV sites, rustic camping, picnic tables, and recreational facilities such as a playground, basketball hoop, and volleyball net. Open from May 1st to October 15th, this county park provides a wonderful outdoor escape with modern conveniences including restrooms and showers.
2. Elmore Museum
LOCAL HISTORY PRESERVED
The Elmore Museum showcases the rich history and heritage of this small Minnesota town through various exhibits and artifacts. Open on the second and fourth Sundays of each month (except during winter months), the museum offers visitors a glimpse into the past of this rural community. Special appointments can be arranged by contacting Kathy Gill for those unable to visit during regular hours.
3. Green Giant Statue Park
ICONIC AGRICULTURAL LANDMARK
The Green Giant Statue Park features the iconic 55-foot tall Jolly Green Giant statue that has become a beloved roadside attraction in southern Minnesota. Visitors can take memorable photos with this massive green figure, which pays homage to the region's agricultural heritage and the famous vegetable brand. The park also includes a gift shop where travelers can purchase Green Giant memorabilia and a small museum about the history of the brand.
4. Giant Museum
VALLEY'S AGRICULTURAL HISTORY
The Giant Museum chronicles the history of the Green Giant Company and its significant impact on the agricultural development of the Minnesota River Valley. Exhibits feature vintage advertisements, packaging, and memorabilia from the iconic vegetable brand that has been part of American culture for generations. Visitors can learn about the evolution of food processing and marketing while exploring the connection between the Jolly Green Giant and the fertile farmlands of southern Minnesota.
5. Amber Lake Park
PEACEFUL OUTDOOR RETREAT
Amber Lake Park offers a serene setting for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy fishing, picnicking, and wildlife observation along the shores of one of Fairmont's chain of lakes. The park features well-maintained walking paths that wind around the shoreline, providing beautiful views of the water and natural areas. Visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and the opportunity to connect with nature just minutes from downtown Fairmont.
6. Fairmont Dog Park
CANINE RECREATION SPACE
The Fairmont Dog Park provides a dedicated space where dogs can run, play, and socialize off-leash in a secure environment. This well-maintained facility features separate areas for large and small dogs, ensuring a safe experience for all canine visitors. Dog owners appreciate the thoughtful amenities including water stations, waste disposal facilities, and shaded seating areas where they can relax while their pets exercise.
7. Ward Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY COMMUNITY PARK
Ward Park serves as a beloved community gathering space with playground equipment, sports fields, and picnic facilities for visitors of all ages. The park's well-maintained grounds provide a pleasant setting for family outings, community events, and casual recreation throughout the warmer months. Shaded areas and open green spaces make this versatile park a popular destination for both locals and visitors seeking outdoor enjoyment in Fairmont.
8. Faribault County Fairgrounds
AGRICULTURAL EXHIBITION CENTER
The Faribault County Fairgrounds hosts the annual county fair along with numerous community events throughout the year in its historic facilities. Visitors can explore agricultural exhibits, enjoy carnival rides, and experience local entertainment during the fair which celebrates the region's farming heritage. The grounds include exhibition buildings, a grandstand for performances, and spacious areas that showcase the best of rural Minnesota culture.
9. Cedar Creek Park
NATURAL WATERWAY RECREATION
Cedar Creek Park offers visitors a chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the Cedar Creek waterway with fishing spots, walking trails, and peaceful picnic areas. The park's thoughtful design preserves the natural ecosystem while providing recreational access to this important water feature in Fairmont's chain of lakes. Birdwatchers and nature photographers particularly appreciate the diverse wildlife that can be observed throughout the changing seasons.
10. Sylvania Park Bandshell
HISTORIC PERFORMANCE VENUE
The Sylvania Park Bandshell stands as a charming historic venue that hosts summer concerts, community performances, and special events in a picturesque lakeside setting. Built in a classic style, this beloved landmark has been the centerpiece of Fairmont's cultural life for generations, bringing residents together for musical enjoyment. The surrounding park provides beautiful views of Lake Sisseton and comfortable seating areas where audiences can gather to appreciate live entertainment under the stars.
11. Kiwanis Park
LAKESIDE FAMILY RECREATION
Kiwanis Park features an exceptional playground complex, picnic shelters, and beautiful views along the shores of Fairmont's Lake Sisseton. The park's modern play equipment delights children while adults can enjoy the peaceful lakeside setting and well-maintained walking paths. During summer months, the park becomes a hub of activity with families enjoying outdoor recreation and community events in this scenic location.
12. Blue Earth River
SCENIC WATERWAY EXPERIENCE
The Blue Earth River offers outdoor enthusiasts opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and wildlife observation along its scenic course through Faribault County. Named for the distinctive blue-green clay found along its banks, this historic waterway played an important role in the region's settlement and development. Several access points and small parks allow visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of this river system that eventually joins the Minnesota River to the north.
13. Faribault County Historical Society
REGIONAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Faribault County Historical Society preserves and shares the rich history of the region through its museum collections, historic structures, and educational programs. Exhibits feature artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of early settlers, agricultural development, and community life throughout the county's past. Visitors can gain insight into rural Minnesota history through the society's thoughtfully curated displays and knowledgeable volunteer guides.
14. Winnebago Area Museum
LOCAL CULTURAL HERITAGE
The Winnebago Area Museum showcases the unique history and cultural heritage of this small farming community located just north of Elmore. Collections include agricultural implements, household items, military memorabilia, and photographs documenting life in rural Minnesota throughout the past century. The museum's dedicated volunteers maintain this important repository of local history, offering visitors a glimpse into the everyday lives of those who shaped this agricultural region.
15. Pilot Grove Lake
PRISTINE FISHING DESTINATION
Pilot Grove Lake attracts fishing enthusiasts with its healthy populations of walleye, northern pike, and panfish in a peaceful rural setting. This 331-acre natural lake features a public access point with boat ramp, allowing visitors to enjoy a day on the water surrounded by the agricultural landscape of southern Minnesota. Bird watchers and nature photographers also appreciate the lake's shoreline habitat, which supports a variety of waterfowl and other wildlife throughout the seasons.