Garfield MinnesotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Garfield, Minnesota.
1. Garfield City Hall
HISTORIC MUNICIPAL BUILDING
Garfield City Hall serves as the center of local government and community activities in this small Minnesota town. Visitors can appreciate the building's architecture and learn about the town's history through displays in the lobby. The hall frequently hosts community events and provides information for tourists exploring the area.
2. Garfield Wildlife Management Area
NATURAL WILDLIFE PRESERVE
Garfield Wildlife Management Area offers visitors a chance to observe local flora and fauna in a preserved natural setting. Nature enthusiasts can explore hiking trails while birdwatchers will appreciate the diverse avian species that inhabit the area. The management area provides educational signage about local ecosystems and conservation efforts.
3. Garfield Park
COMMUNITY RECREATION SPACE
Garfield Park offers a peaceful retreat with green spaces, picnic areas, and recreational facilities for visitors of all ages. Families can enjoy the playground equipment while fitness enthusiasts make use of the walking paths and sports courts. The park serves as a gathering place for community events and seasonal celebrations throughout the year.
4. Lake Brophy County Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION AREA
Lake Brophy County Park features beautiful shoreline views and outdoor recreational opportunities just a short drive from Garfield. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, and boating on the lake during warmer months or explore hiking trails that showcase Minnesota's natural beauty. The park includes picnic facilities, playground equipment, and seasonal programming for families.
5. Pioneer Park
HISTORICAL OUTDOOR MUSEUM
Pioneer Park preserves the region's history with restored buildings and exhibits showcasing early settler life near Garfield. Visitors can step back in time while exploring authentic structures including a schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, and pioneer cabins. The park hosts living history demonstrations and special events that bring the area's heritage to life.
6. Garfield Marine & Storage
BOATING SUPPLY CENTER
Garfield Marine & Storage serves as a hub for boating enthusiasts in the lake-rich region around Garfield. Visitors can browse boating supplies and equipment or arrange for storage of their watercraft when visiting the area. The friendly staff provides local knowledge about the best nearby lakes and waterways for recreational activities.
7. Garfield Diner
LOCAL CULINARY EXPERIENCE
Garfield Diner welcomes hungry travelers with homestyle cooking and friendly service in the heart of town. Visitors can sample local specialties and comfort food classics in a charming small-town atmosphere. The diner serves as a gathering place for locals and tourists alike, offering a taste of authentic Minnesota hospitality.
8. Oak Park Kampground
FAMILY CAMPING DESTINATION
Oak Park Kampground provides a welcoming camping experience with amenities for outdoor enthusiasts visiting the Garfield area. Guests can enjoy theme weekends with organized games, crafts, and activities designed to enhance their camping adventure. The campground serves as an ideal base for exploring local attractions while enjoying the natural beauty of Minnesota.
9. Effigy Mounds National Monument
ANCIENT CULTURAL HERITAGE
Effigy Mounds National Monument preserves more than 200 prehistoric mounds built by Indigenous peoples, located within driving distance of the Garfield region. Visitors can hike along bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River while learning about the cultural significance of these ancient earthworks. The monument's visitor center provides educational exhibits about the mounds and the Native American cultures that created them.
10. Beethoven's 9th Symphony Orchestra Concert
CULTURAL MUSIC EVENT
Beethoven's 9th Symphony Orchestra Concert represents one of the cultural highlights in the greater Garfield area's entertainment calendar. Music lovers can experience the powerful performance of this classical masterpiece by local and regional musicians. The concert exemplifies the rich cultural offerings available to visitors exploring the region around Garfield.
11. Big Ole Viking Statue
ICONIC TOWN SYMBOL
The Big Ole Viking Statue stands as an iconic 28-foot landmark welcoming visitors to the Alexandria area near Garfield. This towering Viking represents the area's Norwegian heritage and the controversial Kensington Runestone discovery that suggested Vikings visited Minnesota in 1362. Travelers can take memorable photos with Big Ole and learn about the region's Scandinavian influences.
12. Carlos Creek Winery
LOCAL WINE PRODUCTION
Carlos Creek Winery offers visitors a taste of Minnesota's growing wine culture just a short drive from Garfield. Wine enthusiasts can tour the vineyard, enjoy tastings of locally produced varieties, and relax in the scenic countryside setting. The winery hosts regular events including live music, festivals, and seasonal celebrations throughout the year.
13. Runestone Museum
HISTORICAL MYSTERY EXPLORATION
The Runestone Museum houses the famous Kensington Runestone and explores the controversial theory of pre-Columbian Scandinavian exploration in the region near Garfield. Visitors can examine this artifact with runic inscriptions that, if authentic, would prove Vikings reached Minnesota in the 14th century. The museum also features exhibits on pioneer life, Native American history, and natural science related to the area.
14. Theatre L'Homme Dieu
SUMMER PERFORMING ARTS
Theatre L'Homme Dieu presents professional summer stock theater productions in a beautiful lakeside setting near Garfield. Theatergoers can enjoy a variety of plays and musicals performed by talented actors in this cultural institution that has entertained audiences since 1961. The venue's picturesque location on Lake L'Homme Dieu adds to the charm of attending performances during the summer season.
15. Legacy of the Lakes Museum
MARITIME HERITAGE CENTER
Legacy of the Lakes Museum celebrates the region's rich lake culture and boating heritage in the Alexandria Lakes area near Garfield. Visitors can view classic wooden boats, fishing equipment, and exhibits detailing the recreational history of Minnesota's famous lakes. The museum's gardens and displays offer insights into how lake life has shaped the identity and economy of the region for generations.