Eyota MinnesotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Eyota, Minnesota.
1. Chester Woods Park
SERENE NATURE GETAWAY
Chester Woods Park is located on the headwaters of Bear Creek in the rugged bluff country of Southeastern Minnesota, offering approximately 15 miles of primitive trails. Visitors can explore the diverse landscape while hiking through forests and meadows surrounding a beautiful reservoir. The park provides opportunities for outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, camping, and wildlife observation in a tranquil natural setting.
2. Eyota Antiques
VINTAGE TREASURE HUNT
Eyota Antiques is a charming antique shop offering a variety of collectibles and vintage items in downtown Eyota. Treasure hunters can spend hours browsing through unique finds that range from furniture to decorative pieces with historical significance. The shop provides a nostalgic journey through time with its carefully curated collection that appeals to both serious collectors and casual browsers.
3. West Side Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RECREATION SPOT
West Side Park features playgrounds and recreational facilities perfect for family outings in Eyota. Children can enjoy the modern playground equipment while adults appreciate the well-maintained grounds and picnic areas. The park serves as a community gathering place where locals and visitors can relax and enjoy outdoor activities in a friendly small-town atmosphere.
4. Bar L Stable
EQUESTRIAN ADVENTURE CENTER
Bar L Stable offers horseback riding experiences and equestrian activities for visitors to Eyota. Riders of all skill levels can enjoy guided trail rides through the scenic countryside surrounding the stable. The facility provides a hands-on opportunity to connect with horses while experiencing the natural beauty of southeastern Minnesota's landscape.
5. LARK Toys
MAGICAL TOY WONDERLAND
LARK Toys is one of the largest specialty toy stores in the United States, located a short drive from Eyota in Kellogg. Visitors can ride the hand-carved carousel, explore the extensive toy collections, or watch toymakers craft wooden treasures in their workshop. The store combines shopping with entertainment, making it a destination that delights both children and adults with its whimsical atmosphere and unique offerings.
6. International Owl Center
EDUCATIONAL RAPTOR EXPERIENCE
The International Owl Center offers visitors a chance to meet live owls and learn about these fascinating birds of prey in Houston, Minnesota. Educational programs provide insight into owl conservation, behavior, and the importance of these birds in various ecosystems. The center's interactive exhibits and knowledgeable staff create a memorable experience for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers of all ages.
7. Minnesota Marine Art Museum
FINE ART BY WATER
Minnesota Marine Art Museum showcases world-class art with connections to water themes in Winona, a scenic drive from Eyota. The museum's impressive collection includes works by renowned artists such as Monet, Picasso, and O'Keeffe, all displayed in a beautiful setting along the Mississippi River. Visitors can appreciate both the artistic masterpieces and the thoughtfully designed building that complements its natural surroundings.
8. Deer Creek Speedway
HIGH-OCTANE RACING ACTION
Deer Creek Speedway offers thrilling dirt track racing entertainment near Eyota in Spring Valley. Racing enthusiasts can watch various classes of cars compete on the 3/8-mile high-banked clay oval track, known as one of the premier racing facilities in the Midwest. The speedway's season typically runs from April through September, providing visitors with heart-pounding racing action in a family-friendly atmosphere.
9. Whitewater State Park
SCENIC OUTDOOR PARADISE
Whitewater State Park offers stunning natural landscapes with limestone bluffs, crystal-clear streams, and hardwood forests near Altura, a short drive from Eyota. Visitors can explore miles of hiking trails that range from easy walks to challenging climbs with rewarding panoramic views of the valley. The park is also known for excellent trout fishing, camping facilities, and its lack of mosquitoes due to the swift-moving waters of the Whitewater River.
10. Four Daughters Vineyard & Winery
LOCAL WINE TASTING EXPERIENCE
Four Daughters Vineyard & Winery invites visitors to sample award-winning wines and ciders in a picturesque rural setting near Spring Valley. The family-owned establishment offers tours of their production facility where guests can learn about the winemaking process from grape to glass. Their on-site restaurant features farm-to-table cuisine that pairs perfectly with their wines, creating a complete culinary experience in southeastern Minnesota's rolling countryside.
11. Forestville Mystery Cave State Park
UNDERGROUND NATURAL WONDER
Forestville Mystery Cave State Park features Minnesota's longest known cave system with guided tours through spectacular underground formations near Preston. Visitors can marvel at stalactites, stalagmites, flowing streams, and fossil remains while learning about the cave's geology and history. Above ground, the park offers historical experiences at the restored 1800s village of Forestville, along with hiking trails, trout fishing, and camping opportunities in the scenic Root River Valley.
12. Mayo Clinic
WORLD-RENOWNED MEDICAL CENTER
Mayo Clinic stands as one of the world's most prestigious medical facilities, located in Rochester just minutes from Eyota. Visitors can tour parts of the campus to admire the historic buildings, remarkable art collection, and architectural features that blend healing with aesthetics. Beyond its medical services, Mayo Clinic offers a variety of educational exhibits about medical history and innovations that have changed healthcare worldwide.
13. Commonweal Theatre Company
PROFESSIONAL RURAL THEATER
Commonweal Theatre Company presents professional theatrical productions in the charming town of Lanesboro, a scenic drive from Eyota. The intimate 200-seat theater offers visitors a chance to experience high-quality performances ranging from classic plays to contemporary works in a welcoming atmosphere. Their year-round season features a diverse repertoire that attracts theater enthusiasts from across the region to this artistic hub nestled in the beautiful Root River Valley.
14. Plummer House
HISTORIC MANSION ESTATE
The Plummer House is a stately Tudor mansion built in 1924 by Dr. Henry Plummer, a prominent Mayo Clinic physician, located in Rochester near Eyota. Visitors can admire the 49-room mansion's exquisite craftsmanship, including hand-carved woodwork, beautiful tile work, and innovative features that were ahead of their time. The surrounding five acres of carefully landscaped grounds feature formal gardens, a water tower, and a bird trail, offering a glimpse into the elegant lifestyle of Rochester's early 20th century elite.
15. Mayowood Mansion
HISTORIC MAYO FAMILY ESTATE
Mayowood Mansion was the family home of Dr. Charles H. Mayo, co-founder of the Mayo Clinic, situated on a sprawling estate near Rochester. The 38-room mansion showcases the Mayo family's appreciation for art, architecture, and nature through its impressive collection of antiques, artwork, and decorative objects from around the world. Guided tours of the historic property provide insights into the Mayo family's legacy and their significant contributions to medicine and the Rochester community.