St. Francis MinnesotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near St. Francis, Minnesota.
1. Rum River North County Park
RIVERSIDE NATURAL BEAUTY
Rum River North County Park offers visitors a serene natural escape along the beautiful Rum River in Saint Francis. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, fishing spots, and peaceful picnic areas nestled among mature trees. The park provides an excellent opportunity to observe local wildlife and experience the tranquility of Minnesota's natural landscape.
2. The Ponds Golf Course
PREMIER GOLFING EXPERIENCE
The Ponds Golf Course in Saint Francis offers golf enthusiasts a well-maintained course with challenging holes and scenic water features. Golfers can enjoy the beautifully landscaped grounds while navigating through strategically placed hazards and rolling fairways. The course provides amenities for both casual players and serious golfers looking to improve their game.
3. Virtual Reality Arcade
IMMERSIVE GAMING EXPERIENCE
The Virtual Reality Arcade in Saint Francis offers cutting-edge VR gaming experiences for visitors of all ages. Gamers can immerse themselves in a variety of virtual worlds through state-of-the-art equipment and an extensive library of games. This modern entertainment venue provides a unique opportunity to experience the latest in gaming technology in a social setting.
4. St. Francis Warming House
WINTER RECREATION HUB
The St. Francis Warming House serves as a cozy retreat for winter sports enthusiasts in the heart of Saint Francis. Visitors can warm up after ice skating, sledding, or other cold-weather activities while enjoying the community atmosphere. The facility enhances the winter recreation experience by providing a comfortable shelter during Minnesota's chilly months.
5. Patriot Lanes & Lounge
FAMILY BOWLING ENTERTAINMENT
Patriot Lanes & Lounge offers family-friendly bowling entertainment and casual dining in Saint Francis. Visitors can enjoy bowling on well-maintained lanes while sampling American pub fare from the attached lounge. The venue provides a perfect setting for family outings, birthday celebrations, or casual get-togethers with friends.
6. St. Francis Bark Park
CANINE RECREATION AREA
The St. Francis Bark Park provides a dedicated space for dogs to exercise and socialize off-leash in a safe environment. Pet owners can enjoy watching their furry companions run freely within the fenced area while connecting with other dog enthusiasts. The park enhances the quality of life for local pets and promotes responsible pet ownership within the community.
7. Community Park Nature Trails
SCENIC WOODLAND PATHS
Community Park Nature Trails wind through beautiful woodlands near the St. Francis Bark Park, offering hikers a peaceful escape into nature. Visitors can explore the well-maintained paths while observing local flora and fauna in their natural habitat. These accessible trails provide opportunities for exercise, photography, and connecting with the natural environment.
8. Smith Lake Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION AREA
Smith Lake Park offers a tranquil lakeside setting for outdoor recreation and relaxation in Saint Francis. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails that meander around the scenic lake while providing opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography. The park serves as a peaceful retreat for nature lovers seeking to experience Minnesota's beautiful lake country.
9. Hidden Ponds Park
NATURAL WATER FEATURES
Hidden Ponds Park showcases picturesque water features surrounded by natural landscapes in Saint Francis. Visitors can explore the park's trail system while discovering serene ponds nestled among native vegetation. The park recently received new recycling and trash bins made from recyclable materials, highlighting the community's commitment to environmental sustainability.
10. Rum River Woods Park
RIVERSIDE RECREATIONAL SPACE
Rum River Woods Park offers a beautiful natural setting along the banks of the Rum River in Saint Francis. Visitors can enjoy various recreational activities while appreciating the wooded landscape and river views. The park features environmentally friendly facilities, including recently installed recycling bins funded by Anoka County grants.
11. Big Ole
ICONIC VIKING STATUE
Big Ole, a towering 28-foot-tall Viking warrior statue, stands as an impressive roadside attraction in Alexandria, Minnesota. Originally created for the 1965 New York World's Fair, this helmeted Norse figure now symbolizes the area's early Scandinavian exploration heritage. Visitors from across the country stop to take photos with this iconic Minnesota landmark that has become a symbol of regional pride.
12. Nyberg Sculpture Park
WHIMSICAL METAL ARTWORK
Nyberg Sculpture Park in Vining showcases over two dozen large metal sculptures created by local artist Ken Nyberg. Visitors can marvel at creations ranging from realistic animals to surreal objects like a bug scaling giant pliers, all crafted from scrap metal. This unique roadside attraction transforms the tiny town with industrious creativity and artistic vision.
13. Otto the Otter
WORLD'S LARGEST OTTER
Otto the Otter, proudly claiming the title of World's Largest Otter, welcomes visitors to Adams Park in Fergus Falls. This impressive statue has become a popular spot for travelers to snap memorable selfies while exploring Central Minnesota. Visitors can also see another artistic interpretation of an otter at Nyberg Sculpture Park, where a 14-foot scrap metal otter clutches a fish.
14. Paul Bunyan & Babe the Blue Ox
LEGENDARY FOLK HEROES
The legendary Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox statues stand tall on the shores of Lake Bemidji, creating one of Minnesota's most photographed landmarks. Built in 1937, these iconic figures were recognized by Eastman Kodak as the second-most-photographed sculptures in the country during the 1940s. Taking a photo with Paul and Babe has become a rite of passage for many Minnesotans and attracts thousands of visitors annually.
15. Rum River Inn
LOCAL DINING EXPERIENCE
The Rum River Inn offers visitors a taste of local cuisine in a welcoming pub atmosphere in Saint Francis. Diners can enjoy American favorites while experiencing the friendly service that characterizes this popular local establishment. The restaurant provides a comfortable setting to relax and refuel after exploring the natural attractions of the Rum River area.