Tracy MinnesotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Tracy, Minnesota.
1. Wheels Across the Prairie Museum
HISTORICAL TRANSPORTATION EXHIBITS
Wheels Across the Prairie Museum showcases early wheeled farm equipment, vintage automobiles including a 1906 auto bug, and a 1915 steam engine with box car and caboose. Visitors can explore various historical buildings on site, including a railroad depot, schoolhouse, and an 1866 two-story log cabin. The museum is open daily from June through September and on weekends in May, October, and November.
2. Swift Lake Park
SCENIC OUTDOOR RECREATION
Swift Lake Park offers visitors a beautiful natural setting for outdoor recreation and relaxation in Tracy. The park features scenic views of Swift Lake and provides opportunities for fishing, picnicking, and walking trails. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere while taking in the natural beauty of southwestern Minnesota.
3. Summit Place
COMMUNITY GATHERING SPACE
Summit Place serves as an important community hub and gathering space in Tracy. The venue hosts various local events, meetings, and activities throughout the year for residents and visitors alike. Its central location makes it easily accessible for anyone looking to experience the community spirit of Tracy.
4. Tracy Lanes
FAMILY BOWLING FUN
Tracy Lanes provides entertainment for locals and visitors with its bowling alley facilities in the heart of Tracy. The venue offers a fun, family-friendly atmosphere where people of all ages can enjoy bowling and socializing. It's a popular gathering spot for community members and a great option for recreational activities, especially during Minnesota's colder months.
5. Tornado Tree Memorial
NATURAL DISASTER REMEMBRANCE
The Tornado Tree Memorial stands as a solemn reminder of the devastating tornado that struck Tracy in 1968. This memorial commemorates those who lost their lives and the resilience of the community in rebuilding after the disaster. Visitors can reflect on the historical significance of this event that shaped the town's history and united its residents.
6. St. Marks Episcopal Church Museum
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS BUILDING
St. Marks Episcopal Church Museum was relocated to the Wheels Across the Prairie Museum site, preserving this historic religious building for future generations. The church has been repurposed as both a museum space and a venue available for weddings and special events. Its architecture and historical significance make it an interesting stop for those interested in local history and religious heritage.
7. The Caboose
LOCAL DINING EXPERIENCE
The Caboose is a popular local restaurant serving hearty meals to both residents and visitors in Tracy. The establishment offers a welcoming atmosphere and menu items that reflect the tastes of the Midwest region. Dining at The Caboose provides travelers with an authentic taste of small-town Minnesota cuisine and hospitality.
8. Red Rooster Restaurant
CLASSIC AMERICAN DINING
Red Rooster Restaurant offers classic American fare in a comfortable, casual setting in Tracy. The restaurant serves as a gathering place for locals and provides visitors with a taste of authentic small-town dining. Its menu features familiar comfort foods that appeal to a wide range of tastes and preferences.
9. Monroe Township Hall
HISTORIC COMMUNITY BUILDING
Monroe Township Hall is a historic building that has been preserved at the Wheels Across the Prairie Museum site in Tracy. The hall continues to be used for meetings, maintaining its original purpose while serving as a living museum artifact. Visitors can appreciate this practical example of early municipal architecture and community governance in rural Minnesota.
10. Lowe Log Cabin
PIONEER SETTLEMENT EXAMPLE
The Lowe Log Cabin, an authentic 1866 two-story structure, stands as a testament to pioneer life at the Wheels Across the Prairie Museum. This well-preserved cabin offers visitors insight into the living conditions of early settlers in southwestern Minnesota. Its construction techniques and layout demonstrate the ingenuity and resourcefulness of frontier families who made their homes in this region.
11. Tracy City Park
COMMUNITY OUTDOOR SPACE
Tracy City Park provides residents and visitors with a pleasant green space for recreation and relaxation in the heart of Tracy. The park features facilities for outdoor activities, including playgrounds and picnic areas for families to enjoy. Its central location makes it an accessible spot for community gatherings and outdoor enjoyment throughout the warmer months.
12. Camden State Park
NATURAL MINNESOTA BEAUTY
Camden State Park, located near Tracy in Lynd, offers visitors the opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the Redwood River Valley. The park features hiking trails, camping facilities, and opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and wildlife observation throughout its diverse landscape. Winter activities include cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, making this a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts in southwestern Minnesota.
13. End-O-Line Railroad Park
HISTORIC RAILWAY MUSEUM
End-O-Line Railroad Park in nearby Currie preserves the history of the Chicago Northwestern Railroad with its authentic turntable and engine house. The park features several restored historical buildings that have been relocated to the site, creating an immersive historical experience for visitors. Railroad enthusiasts can explore vintage train cars and learn about the impact of railways on the development of southwestern Minnesota.
14. Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum
PIONEER AUTHOR HERITAGE
The Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum in Walnut Grove celebrates the legacy of the famous author who once lived in the area and immortalized her experiences in the beloved 'Little House on the Prairie' series. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring period artifacts, reconstructions of pioneer life, and information about Ingalls Wilder's time in the region. The museum offers insight into both the literary contributions of the author and the historical context of pioneer life in southwestern Minnesota.
15. Plum Creek Park
NATURAL RECREATION AREA
Plum Creek Park offers a scenic natural setting near Walnut Grove, made famous in Laura Ingalls Wilder's writings. The park provides recreational opportunities along the banks of Plum Creek, including hiking, picnicking, and exploring the landscape that inspired literary classics. Visitors can connect with both natural beauty and literary history while enjoying the peaceful surroundings of this southwestern Minnesota destination.