Gem Lake MinnesotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Gem Lake, Minnesota.
1. Gem Lake Hills Golf Course
FUN EXECUTIVE GOLF COURSE
Gem Lake Hills Golf Course is a fun executive course located near White Bear Lake. The course features two distinct 9-hole layouts, including a Par-3 course that makes for an enjoyable round. Locals affectionately refer to it as 'The Gem,' highlighting its status as a beloved recreational spot in the community.
2. Como Regional Park
EXPANSIVE URBAN GREEN SPACE
Como Regional Park is one of the popular attractions near Gem Lake, offering diverse recreational opportunities for visitors. The park features a zoo, conservatory, amusement park, golf course, pool, and various sports facilities all in one location. Visitors particularly enjoy the scenic lake with paddleboat rentals during the summer months.
3. Minnehaha Regional Park
ICONIC WATERFALL DESTINATION
Minnehaha Regional Park is home to the 53-foot Minnehaha Falls, one of Minneapolis' oldest and most popular attractions near the Gem Lake area. Visitors can explore historical buildings, gardens, and scenic hiking trails that follow Minnehaha Creek to the Mississippi River. The park's natural beauty has inspired artists and poets for generations, including Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's famous poem 'The Song of Hiawatha.'
4. Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
ICONIC OUTDOOR ART GALLERY
The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden showcases more than 40 permanent art installations across 11 acres adjacent to the Walker Art Center. The garden's centerpiece is the famous 'Spoonbridge and Cherry' sculpture, which has become an iconic symbol of Minneapolis. Visitors can enjoy free admission year-round to explore this unique blend of art and landscape design.
5. Great Wolf Lodge
INDOOR WATER PARK RESORT
Great Wolf Lodge offers a complete family vacation experience with North America's largest indoor water park as its centerpiece. Beyond the water attractions, the resort features multiple restaurants, an arcade, mini-golf, bowling, and interactive adventure games throughout the property. The lodge's rustic woodland theme and character experiences create a magical environment for children of all ages.
6. Gooseberry Falls
STUNNING MULTI-TIERED WATERFALL
Gooseberry Falls is a highly recommended natural attraction featuring spectacular tiered waterfalls within Gooseberry Falls State Park along Lake Superior's North Shore. Visitors can explore miles of hiking trails that offer views of the Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls, along with access to scenic Lake Superior beaches. The park's visitor center provides educational exhibits about the area's natural and cultural history.
7. Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
BEAUTIFUL BOTANICAL GARDENS
The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum offers beautiful gardens and natural areas spanning over 1,200 acres with more than 5,000 plant varieties. Each season presents unique experiences with changing blooms, colors, and themed garden displays throughout the year. Visitors can explore miles of trails, attend educational programs, or simply enjoy the peaceful, relaxing atmosphere of this horticultural treasure.
8. National Eagle Center
RAPTOR EDUCATION FACILITY
The National Eagle Center offers visitors an extraordinary opportunity to see bald eagles up close in an educational facility dedicated to these majestic birds. The center features live eagle ambassadors, interactive exhibits, and programs that teach about eagle biology, conservation, and cultural significance. Visitors can take photos, visit the gift shop, and follow their social media for special events throughout the year.
9. Soudan Underground Mine
HISTORIC IRON MINING EXPERIENCE
The Soudan Underground Mine offers a fascinating tour that takes visitors 2,341 feet below the surface (689 feet below sea level) via an old-style mining elevator. Guests travel through the mine on a train and learn about mining operations, geology, hydrology, and the unique mining community that once thrived here. The site includes self-guided tours of surface equipment and buildings, providing insight into Minnesota's rich mining heritage.
10. Agate Bay Beach
SCENIC LAKE SUPERIOR SHORE
Agate Bay Beach offers visitors a picturesque Lake Superior shoreline experience in Lake County. The beach area provides opportunities for agate hunting, beach walking, and enjoying the magnificent views of the world's largest freshwater lake. Adjacent to the beach, visitors can explore the historic lighthouse and harbor area that showcases the region's maritime heritage.
11. Tettegouche State Park
DRAMATIC NORTH SHORE LANDSCAPES
Tettegouche State Park features dramatic landscapes including the Baptism River Beach, soaring cliffs, and magnificent waterfalls along Minnesota's North Shore. Visitors can explore miles of hiking trails leading to scenic overlooks with breathtaking views of Lake Superior. The park offers year-round recreational opportunities including rock climbing, fishing, camping, and winter sports like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
12. Bay Area Historical Society
LOCAL HERITAGE MUSEUM
The Bay Area Historical Society preserves and shares the rich history of Lake County and Minnesota's North Shore region. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring artifacts, photographs, and stories that chronicle the area's development through lumber, mining, fishing, and maritime industries. The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the pioneers and settlers who shaped this unique region of Minnesota.
13. Anchor Memorial
MARITIME HERITAGE MONUMENT
The Anchor Memorial stands as a tribute to Two Harbors' important role in Lake Superior's maritime history. The monument features a massive ship anchor prominently displayed near the waterfront, commemorating the vessels and sailors who have navigated these waters. Visitors can learn about the area's shipping heritage while enjoying views of the working harbor that continues to serve as a vital port for iron ore transportation.
14. Beaver River
PRISTINE WILDERNESS WATERWAY
The Beaver River offers outdoor enthusiasts a pristine wilderness waterway experience in Lake County along Minnesota's North Shore. Visitors can explore hiking trails that follow the river and lead to scenic waterfalls cascading through dramatic rock formations. The area provides opportunities for fishing, photography, and wildlife viewing in a peaceful natural setting.
15. 3M Museum
CORPORATE INNOVATION SHOWCASE
The 3M Museum showcases the innovative history of the global company that began in Two Harbors, Minnesota. Visitors can explore exhibits highlighting 3M's evolution from a small mining venture to a worldwide technology and manufacturing leader. The museum features original products, historical photographs, and interactive displays that tell the story of Minnesota innovation and entrepreneurship.