Solway MinnesotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Solway, Minnesota.
1. La Salle Lake State Recreation Area
PRISTINE LAKE AND TRAILS
La Salle Lake State Recreation Area offers visitors nice hiking trails and a beautiful lake onsite for outdoor recreation. This park features a unique ecosystem that makes it a special destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Located near Itasca State Park, visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, camping, hiking, and snowshoeing depending on the season.
2. Chief Bemidji Statute
HISTORICAL MONUMENT LANDMARK
The Chief Bemidji Statute stands as an important monument and landmark honoring Shaynowishkung, the first person of Ojibwe heritage to settle in the area. Visitors can learn about the rich Native American history of the region and the significance of Chief Bemidji to the local community. The statue provides an excellent photo opportunity and starting point for exploring Bemidji's cultural heritage.
3. Grandma's Attic Antiques
VINTAGE TREASURE HUNTING
Grandma's Attic Antiques offers a charming shopping experience with a wide variety of vintage items and collectibles. Visitors can browse through unique pieces of furniture, decorative items, jewelry, and other treasures from the past. The shop provides a nostalgic atmosphere that takes shoppers back in time while hunting for one-of-a-kind souvenirs or additions to their collections.
4. Bemidji Woolen Mills
TRADITIONAL WOOL CRAFTSMANSHIP
Bemidji Woolen Mills is a historic establishment specializing in high-quality woolen products that has been operating since 1920. Visitors can shop for authentic Minnesota-made wool clothing, blankets, and accessories crafted with traditional methods. The mill offers both a shopping experience and a glimpse into the region's manufacturing heritage with products perfect for the Minnesota climate.
5. Itasca State Park
MISSISSIPPI RIVER HEADWATERS
Itasca State Park is Minnesota's oldest state park and contains the headwaters of the Mississippi River where visitors can walk across the mighty river as it begins its journey. The park encompasses more than 32,000 acres of pristine wilderness with over 100 lakes, ancient old-growth pines, and abundant wildlife. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, boating, fishing, and staying at the historic Douglas Lodge while experiencing this natural landmark.
6. Sky Zone Trampoline Park
INDOOR BOUNCING ADVENTURE
Sky Zone Trampoline Park offers wall-to-wall aerial action with connected trampolines for jumping enthusiasts of all ages. Visitors can enjoy freestyle bouncing, dodge ball, fitness programs, and foam pit activities in a safe, supervised environment. The park provides a perfect indoor activity option for families, especially during inclement weather or for birthday celebrations and group events.
7. Adventure Zone Canal Park
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT CENTER
Adventure Zone Canal Park provides multiple attractions under one roof including laser tag, batting cages, mini golf, and arcade games. Located in Duluth's popular Canal Park district, this entertainment center offers fun for all ages regardless of weather conditions. Visitors can spend hours enjoying various activities while taking a break from outdoor sightseeing in the area.
8. Nickelodeon Universe
INDOOR THEME PARK
Nickelodeon Universe is America's largest indoor theme park located inside the Mall of America featuring rides and attractions based on popular Nickelodeon characters. Visitors can experience numerous roller coasters, family rides, and themed attractions spanning seven acres beneath a glass ceiling. The park offers year-round entertainment regardless of Minnesota's weather conditions, making it a popular destination for families.
9. Minnesota State Fair
GREAT MINNESOTA GET-TOGETHER
The Minnesota State Fair is one of the largest and best-attended state fairs in the United States, running for 12 days leading up to and through Labor Day. Visitors can enjoy hundreds of food vendors, agricultural exhibits, live entertainment, carnival rides, and competitions celebrating Minnesota's culture and heritage. The fair attracts nearly two million visitors annually who come to experience iconic food-on-a-stick offerings, butter sculptures, and the friendly atmosphere.
10. Valleyfair
THRILLING AMUSEMENT PARK
Valleyfair is the largest amusement park in Minnesota featuring over 75 rides and attractions including eight roller coasters and a water park called Soak City. Visitors can experience thrilling rides like the Wild Thing hypercoaster, Steel Venom impulse coaster, and family attractions suitable for all ages. The seasonal park operates from May through October, providing summer entertainment with shows, games, and dining options throughout the grounds.
11. Lake Bemidji State Park
SCENIC LAKESIDE RECREATION
Lake Bemidji State Park offers beautiful shoreline along the north end of Lake Bemidji with excellent swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities. The park features hiking trails through diverse habitats including lake shore, hardwood forests, and bogs with boardwalks for easy exploration. Winter activities transform the park with opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing on the frozen lake.
12. Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox Statues
ICONIC FOLKLORE MONUMENTS
The Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox statues stand as beloved landmarks in downtown Bemidji, representing the legendary lumberjack and his companion from American folklore. These iconic statues, built in 1937, are among the most photographed attractions in Minnesota and have become symbols of the region's logging history. Visitors from around the world stop to take pictures with these larger-than-life figures situated on the shore of Lake Bemidji.
13. Headwaters Science Center
INTERACTIVE LEARNING EXPERIENCE
The Headwaters Science Center provides hands-on science exhibits and educational programs for visitors of all ages in downtown Bemidji. Children and adults can engage with interactive displays covering topics from physics and biology to astronomy and technology. The science center offers special demonstrations, workshops, and events throughout the year that make learning exciting and accessible.
14. Buena Vista Ski Area
SCENIC NORDIC SKIING
Buena Vista Ski Area offers breathtaking views from one of the highest points in northwestern Minnesota with both downhill and cross-country skiing options. During winter months, visitors can enjoy 16 downhill runs, terrain parks, and over 45km of groomed cross-country ski trails. In warmer seasons, the area transforms to offer hiking, mountain biking, and scenic chairlift rides with spectacular vistas of the surrounding landscape.
15. Mississippi River Walk
SCENIC RIVERSIDE PATH
The Mississippi River Walk in Bemidji follows the mighty river shortly after it begins its 2,552-mile journey from Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico. Visitors can stroll along well-maintained paths featuring interpretive signs that explain the significance of the Mississippi and the local ecosystem. The walkway connects to other attractions in downtown Bemidji, making it a pleasant way to explore the city while enjoying river views.