Rollingstone MinnesotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Rollingstone, Minnesota.
1. Rollingstone City Park
RECREATION FOR ALL AGES
Rollingstone City Park is a charming small park offering an abundance of playground equipment for children and picnic tables for family gatherings. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful surroundings while relaxing in this community green space. The park also features a bike path, making it perfect for active recreation in this quaint city of about 700 residents.
2. Rollingstone-Luxembourg Heritage Museum
RICH CULTURAL HERITAGE
The Rollingstone-Luxembourg Heritage Museum is housed in the former city hall, a historic building constructed in 1899-1900, now containing thousands of artifacts from the area and Luxembourg. This cultural institution preserves the heritage of Rollingstone's Luxembourg immigrant founders through various exhibits and genealogical resources. The museum operates on Sundays from May to October and by appointment year-round, offering visitors free admission to explore this slice of Minnesota's immigrant history.
3. Church of the Holy Trinity
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS ARCHITECTURE
The Church of the Holy Trinity, constructed in 1869, stands as a testament to Rollingstone's religious heritage and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This historic church showcases beautiful architecture that reflects the cultural traditions of the Luxembourg immigrants who settled the area. Visitors can admire both the exterior craftsmanship and the sacred interior space that has served the community for over 150 years.
4. Rollingstone Village Hall
PRESERVED MUNICIPAL HISTORY
The Rollingstone Village Hall, built in 1900, is a significant historical structure listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This well-preserved building offers visitors a glimpse into early 20th century civic architecture and municipal governance. The hall stands as an important landmark chronicling Rollingstone's development from a settlement of Luxembourg immigrants to an established Minnesota community.
5. Mahnomen Trail
SCENIC OUTDOOR PATHWAY
Mahnomen Trail offers outdoor enthusiasts a highly-rated natural pathway through the picturesque landscapes surrounding Rollingstone. Hikers can experience the unique geological features and diverse ecosystems of southeastern Minnesota while traversing this well-maintained trail. The path provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, photography, and peaceful communion with nature throughout the changing seasons.
6. Prairie Trail
PERFECT NATURAL ESCAPE
Prairie Trail is a perfectly-rated natural pathway showcasing the native grassland ecosystems near Rollingstone. Visitors can immerse themselves in the serene beauty of Minnesota's prairie landscape while enjoying this accessible outdoor recreation opportunity. The trail offers a fantastic way to experience the region's natural heritage and observe indigenous plant and animal species in their natural habitat.
7. Merrick State Park
MISSISSIPPI RIVER RECREATION
Merrick State Park is a scenic recreational area located near Rollingstone along the beautiful banks of the Mississippi River. The park offers excellent opportunities for boating, fishing, camping, and wildlife observation in this stunning riverine environment. Visitors can explore the park's various habitats through hiking trails and enjoy panoramic views of the Mississippi's backwaters and islands.
8. Rock in the House
UNIQUE GEOLOGICAL WONDER
Rock in the House is an extraordinary attraction where a massive 55-ton boulder crashed through a residential home in 1995, creating a most unusual site near Rollingstone. This geological oddity has been preserved as a tourist destination where visitors can witness the powerful forces of nature and their impact on human dwellings. The property offers a fascinating glimpse into an extraordinary event that transformed an ordinary house into a remarkable testament to natural phenomena.
9. Seven Hawks Vineyard
LOCAL WINE EXPERIENCE
Seven Hawks Vineyard offers wine enthusiasts a delightful tasting experience featuring locally produced vintages near the Rollingstone area. Visitors can sample various wines while enjoying spectacular views of the surrounding Mississippi River Valley landscape. The vineyard provides a perfect opportunity to relax, savor regional flavors, and learn about the growing wine culture of the Upper Mississippi region.
10. Rollingstone Cemetery
HISTORIC FINAL RESTING PLACE
Rollingstone Cemetery is described as an interesting burial ground that reflects the rich cultural heritage of the area's Luxembourg immigrants. The cemetery contains historic gravestones and monuments that tell the story of the community's founding families and their descendants. Visitors interested in genealogy and local history will find this peaceful site a fascinating window into Rollingstone's past and the lives of its early settlers.
11. Great River Bluffs State Park
MAJESTIC MISSISSIPPI OVERLOOKS
Great River Bluffs State Park features dramatic overlooks and hiking trails offering spectacular views of the Mississippi River Valley not far from Rollingstone. The park's unique ecological habitats include hardwood forests, goat prairies, and rare plant communities perched high above the mighty Mississippi. Visitors can enjoy camping, hiking, birdwatching, and winter activities while experiencing some of the most breathtaking vistas in southeastern Minnesota.
12. Minnesota Marine Art Museum
WORLD-CLASS RIVER ART
The Minnesota Marine Art Museum in nearby Winona houses an impressive collection of marine and river-themed artwork, including masterpieces by Monet, Picasso, Van Gogh, and O'Keeffe. This unexpected cultural treasure showcases paintings that celebrate the relationship between humans and water throughout history. Visitors from Rollingstone can easily access this world-class museum that connects local Mississippi River heritage to global maritime artistic traditions.
13. Garvin Heights Overlook
PANORAMIC VALLEY VIEWS
Garvin Heights Overlook provides visitors with breathtaking panoramic views of the Mississippi River Valley, Winona, and the surrounding bluff country near Rollingstone. From this vantage point 575 feet above the valley floor, photographers and nature lovers can capture stunning vistas spanning three states—Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa. The overlook features interpretive displays, picnic areas, and access to hiking trails through the adjacent natural areas.
14. Winona County History Center
REGIONAL HERITAGE EXPLORATION
The Winona County History Center showcases the rich cultural heritage and historical development of the entire region, including Rollingstone and its Luxembourg roots. Housed in the former Winona National Bank building, this museum features engaging exhibits on Native American history, European settlement, river transportation, and local industries. Visitors can explore artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays that bring to life the diverse stories of Winona County communities and their people.
15. Whitewater State Park
PRISTINE VALLEY RECREATION
Whitewater State Park, located near Rollingstone in Winona County, offers visitors a stunning natural playground nestled within the dramatic limestone bluffs of the Whitewater River valley. The park features excellent trout fishing, scenic hiking trails, camping facilities, and swimming areas set among lush forests and meadows. Nature enthusiasts can observe abundant wildlife, including over 40 species of mammals and 250 types of birds, in this picturesque park that remains notably free of mosquitoes due to its unique ecosystem.