Nicollet MinnesotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Nicollet, Minnesota.
1. Swan Lake
WILDLIFE PARADISE FOR WATERFOWL
Swan Lake, located just outside of Nicollet, is the largest shallow-water prairie pothole in the continental United States with 76 miles of shoreline. This sportsman's paradise is renowned for its excellent waterfowl hunting opportunities. The southeast side of the lake is home to the Nicollet Conservation Club, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
2. Nicollet Friendship Days
ANNUAL COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
Nicollet Friendship Days is the highlight of the year in this small Minnesota town, taking place in June. Sponsored by the Nicollet American Legion, this festival brings together locals and visitors for a variety of activities and celebrations. Attendees can enjoy community gatherings, social events, and experience the warm hospitality that defines this charming town.
3. Minnemishinona Falls
SCENIC NATURAL WATERFALL
Minnemishinona Falls offers visitors a highly-rated natural attraction in the Nicollet area. The waterfall provides a peaceful setting for nature photography and quiet contemplation. Visitors consistently rate this natural wonder highly, making it a must-see for those exploring the region.
4. Morgan Creek Vineyards
QUAINT LOCAL WINERY
Morgan Creek Vineyards is a charming winery located near Nicollet in New Ulm that's considered a must-visit destination when in the area. The vineyard offers wine tastings, tours, and a unique atmosphere that captures the essence of Minnesota's growing wine culture. With its positive reviews, this quaint winery provides a delightful experience for wine enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
5. Welsh Heritage Farms
CULTURAL AGRICULTURAL EXPERIENCE
Welsh Heritage Farms offers visitors a highly-rated agricultural and cultural experience in the Nicollet area. The farm celebrates the Welsh heritage that influenced the region's development and agricultural practices. With excellent visitor reviews, this attraction provides insight into both farming traditions and cultural history.
6. Minneopa State Park
WATERFALLS AND BISON
Minneopa State Park, just minutes away from Nicollet in Mankato, features beautiful waterfalls and a bison range that draws nature lovers year-round. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, picnic areas, and opportunities to view the park's resident bison herd in their natural habitat. The park's combination of natural beauty and wildlife viewing makes it a top-rated destination in the region.
7. Drive A Tank
UNIQUE MILITARY EXPERIENCE
Drive A Tank offers the extraordinary opportunity to operate actual military tanks in the Nicollet area. This highly-rated attraction provides a one-of-a-kind experience that combines military history with hands-on adventure. With nearly perfect reviews, this unusual activity stands out as one of the most memorable things to do in the region.
8. Schell's Brewery
HISTORIC BEER DESTINATION
Schell's Brewery in nearby New Ulm is a favorite stop for beer enthusiasts visiting the Nicollet area. The brewery offers daily tours where visitors can learn about the brewing process and sample a variety of craft beers. Throughout the year, Schell's sponsors several popular events that celebrate the region's German heritage and brewing traditions.
9. Nicollet Conservation Club
OUTDOOR RECREATION HUB
The Nicollet Conservation Club is situated on the southeast side of Swan Lake, offering a gathering place for outdoor enthusiasts. The club promotes conservation efforts, outdoor recreation, and responsible hunting in the Nicollet area. Its location provides members and visitors direct access to one of the premier waterfowl destinations in the United States.
10. Treaty Site History Center
NATIVE AMERICAN HISTORY
The Treaty Site History Center in St. Peter is operated by the Nicollet County Historical Society and explores the significant 1851 Treaty of Traverse des Sioux between the Dakota people and the U.S. government. Visitors can learn about this pivotal moment in Minnesota history through exhibits, artifacts, and educational programs. The center provides important context for understanding the complex relationship between Native Americans and settlers in the region.
11. Harkin Store
PRESERVED 19TH CENTURY STORE
The Harkin Store, run by the Nicollet County Historical Society, is a remarkably preserved 19th-century general store near Nicollet. This living history site offers visitors a glimpse into daily life in a Minnesota frontier community during the 1870s. With period merchandise still on its shelves, the store creates an authentic time capsule of Minnesota's pioneer era.
12. Fort Ridgely
HISTORIC MILITARY OUTPOST
Fort Ridgely is a historical site near Nicollet that played a crucial role during the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862. Managed by the Nicollet County Historical Society, this former military outpost now serves as an educational center where visitors can explore reconstructed buildings and exhibits. The fort offers insights into a turbulent period of Minnesota history and the complex relationships between settlers and the Dakota people.
13. E. St. Julien Cox House
VICTORIAN ARCHITECTURAL GEM
The E. St. Julien Cox House in St. Peter is a beautifully preserved Victorian home operated by the Nicollet County Historical Society. Built in 1871, this architectural gem offers visitors a glimpse into the lifestyle of a prominent Minnesota family during the late 19th century. The house features period furnishings, decorative arts, and exhibits that illuminate the social and domestic history of the region.
14. Flandrau State Park
RECREATION AND SWIMMING
Flandrau State Park in New Ulm is just a short drive from Nicollet and offers year-round outdoor recreation opportunities. The park features a sand-bottom swimming pond that's especially popular during summer months, along with hiking trails, camping facilities, and picnic areas. Winter visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing across the park's scenic landscapes.
15. Nicollet Island Pavilion
HISTORIC EVENT VENUE
The Nicollet Island Pavilion sits on the southern tip of Nicollet Island in Minneapolis, housed in one of only two surviving industrial buildings from the island's history. Originally built in 1893 as the William Bros. Boiler Works, this historic structure now serves as a popular venue for weddings and events. The pavilion features signature architecture that makes it a distinctive landmark with connections to the region's industrial past.