North Oaks MinnesotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near North Oaks, Minnesota.
1. Tamarack Nature Center
SCENIC OUTDOOR ESCAPE
Tamarack Nature Center offers visitors a chance to explore 320 acres of prairies, wetlands, and forests, providing a natural oasis perfect for hiking and wildlife observation. The center features interactive exhibits, children's play areas, and miles of well-maintained trails suitable for all ages. Families and nature enthusiasts alike will enjoy the peaceful setting and the opportunity to connect with Minnesota's native landscape.
2. Minnehaha Falls
ICONIC URBAN WATERFALL
Minnehaha Falls is a stunning 53-foot waterfall nestled within one of Minneapolis' oldest and most beloved parks, drawing over 850,000 visitors annually. The park boasts limestone bluffs, scenic walking and biking trails, and picnic areas all centered around the dramatic cascade. It is a must-see destination for photographers, families, and anyone seeking a memorable experience in the Twin Cities.
3. Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve
EXPANSIVE RECREATION AREA
Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve is a sprawling natural area offering a plethora of outdoor activities, including biking, hiking, canoeing, and wildlife watching. The reserve features multiple interconnected lakes, well-marked trails, and amenities such as picnic shelters and playgrounds. Visitors can immerse themselves in the serenity of Minnesota's water and woodland scenery, just a short drive from North Oaks.
4. Silverwood Park
ART AND NATURE HAVEN
Silverwood Park uniquely blends artistic expression and natural beauty, offering sculpture trails, interactive programs, and tranquil lakeside environments. The park features a gallery, café, and year-round events that highlight the intersection of creativity and the outdoors. It is an inviting space for families and creatives to wander, discover local art, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
5. Marjorie McNeely Conservatory
BOTANICAL WONDERLAND
The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Park features beautifully cultivated gardens under glass, showcasing exotic plants, seasonal floral displays, and historic architecture. Free to the public, the conservatory offers year-round color and fragrance, making it a delightful destination in any season. Visitors can explore themed rooms including tropical rainforests, desert landscapes, and aquatic plant habitats.
6. Minnesota History Center
STATE HERITAGE MUSEUM
The Minnesota History Center is a dynamic museum featuring interactive exhibits, collections, and multimedia presentations on the state's fascinating past. With rotating displays and engaging programs, it appeals to visitors of all ages interested in Minnesota's diverse cultural heritage. The museum also offers panoramic views of downtown Saint Paul from its grounds.
7. Minneapolis Institute of Art
WORLD-CLASS ART MUSEUM
The Minneapolis Institute of Art is renowned for its vast collection of over 90,000 artworks spanning 5,000 years and cultures. Visitors are treated to galleries featuring Asian, European, contemporary, and decorative arts, with special attention to engaging, free exhibitions. The impressive building also houses a café and gift shop, making it a well-rounded cultural destination.
8. Science Museum of Minnesota
HANDS-ON SCIENCE FUN
The Science Museum of Minnesota offers hands-on exhibits in science, technology, and natural history, making it especially popular with families and school groups. Major highlights include dinosaur skeletons, an interactive Experiment Gallery, and breathtaking river views from its bluffside location. Its Omnitheater delivers stunning large-format science documentaries for all ages.
9. Walker Art Center
MODERN ART LANDMARK
The Walker Art Center is one of the nation's leading contemporary art museums, featuring innovative exhibits and events across multiple disciplines. Its iconic architecture and adjacent Minneapolis Sculpture Garden attract art lovers and photographers alike. The center also hosts community art programs and immersive installations, fostering a vibrant creative atmosphere.
10. Mill City Museum
HISTORIC RIVERFRONT LANDMARK
Built within the ruins of the Washburn A Mill, Mill City Museum chronicles the history of Minneapolis' flour industry and its role in shaping the city. Interactive exhibits, stunning riverfront views, and the Flour Tower multimedia show make it an engaging spot for all ages. Visitors gain insight into the economic and social changes that transformed the region.
11. Taste of Scandinavia
CLASSIC SCANDINAVIAN BAKERY
Taste of Scandinavia delights guests with a wide variety of traditional Scandinavian pastries, breads, and specialty coffee drinks. The café is celebrated for its cozy ambiance and authentic flavors, making it a favorite breakfast and lunch spot for locals and visitors alike. Customers enjoy friendly service and fresh-baked treats in a welcoming setting.
12. Tria Restaurant
CELEBRATED LOCAL DINING
Tria Restaurant offers contemporary American cuisine with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients and creative flair. The dining room's inviting atmosphere, extensive wine list, and attentive service make it a top pick for special occasions and everyday celebrations. Their rotating menu draws from local farms and appeals to a wide range of palates.
13. Big Dipper Creamery
HOMEMADE ICE CREAM TREATS
Big Dipper Creamery serves up small-batch, handcrafted ice cream in a broad array of classic and inventive flavors. Families and sweet-toothed visitors flock here for generous scoops and friendly service in a charming, community-centered environment. With options for cones, sundaes, and shakes, it is a refreshing stop for dessert lovers.
14. Wabasha Street Caves
UNDERGROUND HISTORIC VENUE
The Wabasha Street Caves provide a fascinating glimpse into Saint Paul's underworld history, with guided tours and stories of Prohibition-era gangsters. Carved into sandstone cliffs along the Mississippi River, the caves have served as everything from mushroom farms to speakeasies. The unique venue also hosts themed events and dances, blending history with entertainment.
15. Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
FAMILY-FRIENDLY WILDLIFE PARK
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory combines free-admission zoo exhibits with lush conservatory gardens, making it a favorite destination year-round. Visitors can enjoy watching animals such as giraffes, lions, and gorillas while wandering through beautifully landscaped grounds. The conservatory's seasonal flower shows and serene sunken gardens provide a tranquil respite for plant lovers and families alike.