Mora MinnesotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Mora, Minnesota.
1. Ann River Winery
EXQUISITE LOCAL WINE EXPERIENCE
Ann River Winery offers visitors a delightful taste of locally produced wines in a charming rustic setting. Guests can enjoy wine tastings while taking in the beautiful vineyard views that showcase Minnesota's natural landscape. The winery provides a relaxing atmosphere for both wine enthusiasts and casual visitors seeking a peaceful retreat.
2. Beer Club Brewing
CRAFT BEER DESTINATION
Beer Club Brewing serves up a variety of handcrafted beers in a welcoming atmosphere that celebrates local brewing traditions. Visitors can sample unique beer flights while learning about the brewing process from knowledgeable staff. The brewery often features special events and live music that enhance the community-focused drinking experience.
3. Paradise Theater
HISTORIC CINEMA EXPERIENCE
Paradise Theater presents a nostalgic movie-going experience in a beautifully preserved venue that has delighted generations of Mora residents. The theater screens a mix of current releases and classic films at affordable prices, making it a favorite family destination. Its vintage marquee and charming interior capture the golden age of cinema while providing modern viewing amenities.
4. Sapsucker Farms Yellow Belly Cidery
ORGANIC CIDER TASTING EXPERIENCE
Sapsucker Farms Yellow Belly Cidery produces exceptional organic hard ciders using apples grown on their sustainable farm. Visitors can tour the orchard and production facility before enjoying a flight of unique cider varieties in the rustic tasting room. The farm's commitment to environmental stewardship creates an authentic farm-to-glass experience that showcases Minnesota's agricultural bounty.
5. Kanabec History Center
LOCAL HERITAGE PRESERVATION
Kanabec History Center preserves and celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Mora and the surrounding Kanabec County through engaging exhibits and artifacts. The center houses an impressive collection of historical photographs, documents, and items that tell the story of the area's Scandinavian settlers and development. Visitors gain insight into local traditions, industries, and daily life from the region's earliest days to the present.
6. Spring Brook Golf Course
SCENIC GOLFING RETREAT
Spring Brook Golf Course offers golfers a challenging and scenic 18-hole experience amid Minnesota's natural beauty. The well-maintained fairways and greens are complemented by strategically placed water features and sand traps that test players of all skill levels. After a round, visitors can relax at the clubhouse which provides refreshments and a friendly atmosphere to discuss the day's game.
7. Mora Lake
TRANQUIL WATERFRONT RECREATION
Mora Lake provides a serene setting for various water activities including fishing, boating, and swimming during Minnesota's warmer months. The lake's shoreline offers picturesque views and walking paths where visitors can observe local wildlife and waterfowl in their natural habitat. Winter transforms the lake into a popular spot for ice fishing and snowmobiling, making it a year-round recreational destination.
8. Library Park
DOWNTOWN GREEN SPACE
Library Park serves as a welcoming green space in downtown Mora where residents and visitors gather for relaxation and community events. The park features well-maintained gardens, shaded seating areas, and walking paths perfect for a leisurely stroll in the heart of the city. Throughout the year, the park hosts festivals, concerts, and farmers markets that showcase local culture and produce.
9. Grand Casino Hinckley
ENTERTAINMENT AND GAMING COMPLEX
Grand Casino Hinckley offers visitors a comprehensive entertainment experience with gaming, dining, and live performances under one roof. The casino features thousands of slot machines, table games, and a poker room that cater to both casual players and serious gamblers. Guests can also enjoy multiple restaurants, comfortable hotel accommodations, and a concert venue that hosts national touring acts.
10. Mille Lacs Lake
PREMIER FISHING DESTINATION
Mille Lacs Lake stands as one of Minnesota's largest and most beloved fishing destinations, famous for its abundant walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass. The vast 132,000-acre lake offers endless opportunities for boating, water sports, and waterfront relaxation with numerous access points and marinas. Surrounding the lake, visitors will find charming communities, resorts, and restaurants that cater to tourists throughout all seasons.
11. Banning State Park
RUGGED RIVERSIDE WILDERNESS
Banning State Park showcases the dramatic Kettle River rapids flowing through a rugged sandstone gorge, creating a spectacular natural setting for outdoor enthusiasts. The park features miles of hiking trails that lead visitors past abandoned quarry buildings, unique rock formations, and the thundering rapids known as Hell's Gate and Dragon's Tooth. Adventurous visitors can experience whitewater kayaking and rafting, while others enjoy camping, birdwatching, and exploring the park's rich logging and quarrying history.
12. Hinckley Fire Museum
HISTORIC DISASTER MEMORIAL
The Hinckley Fire Museum commemorates the devastating 1894 forest fire that destroyed the town and claimed over 400 lives, becoming one of America's worst natural disasters. Housed in a replica of the town's first train depot, the museum displays photographs, artifacts, and detailed exhibits that tell the harrowing stories of survival and loss. Visitors gain insight into both the catastrophe and the remarkable rebuilding effort that followed, providing a powerful historical perspective on early Minnesota life and the resilience of its people.
13. Mille Lacs Kathio State Park
ANCIENT ARCHAEOLOGICAL PRESERVE
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park protects an important archaeological site where indigenous peoples have lived for over 9,000 years along the shores of Mille Lacs Lake. Visitors can climb the 100-foot observation tower for breathtaking views of the forest canopy and learn about Native American history at the interpretive center. The park offers year-round recreational opportunities including hiking, skiing, camping, and fishing across its 10,000 acres of forests, wetlands, and prairie.
14. Snake River
SCENIC WATERWAY ADVENTURE
The Snake River winds through the picturesque landscapes of Kanabec County, offering excellent opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing in a peaceful natural setting. Its gentle currents and occasional rapids provide the perfect balance for both beginning paddlers and those seeking a bit more adventure. Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the chance to spot eagles, herons, deer, and other animals along the forested riverbanks during their journey downstream.
15. Mille Lacs Indian Museum
NATIVE CULTURAL HERITAGE
The Mille Lacs Indian Museum presents the rich cultural heritage and contemporary lives of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe through interactive exhibits, artwork, and historical artifacts. Visitors can explore the Four Seasons Room, which depicts traditional seasonal activities through life-sized dioramas featuring authentic items created by band members. The adjacent Trading Post, dating from the 1930s, has been restored as Minnesota's oldest continuously operated Indian trading post and offers authentic Native American arts and crafts for purchase.