Westport MinnesotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Westport, Minnesota.
1. Terrace Mill
HISTORIC MILLING HERITAGE
Terrace Mill stands as a beautifully preserved historic mill that offers visitors a glimpse into Minnesota's agricultural past. The rustic structure sits along a picturesque waterway, creating perfect photo opportunities throughout the seasons. Visitors can explore the mill's inner workings and learn about the vital role these facilities played in early Minnesota settlements.
2. Munsinger Gardens
RIVERSIDE FLORAL PARADISE
Munsinger Gardens offers a stunning riverside retreat with meticulously maintained flower beds and winding paths along the Mississippi River. The gardens feature over 100,000 annual plants with vibrant seasonal displays that change throughout the growing season. Visitors can enjoy peaceful walks among the towering pine trees, colorful flower beds, and charming fountains that create a tranquil atmosphere just minutes from downtown St. Cloud.
3. Charles Lindbergh House and Museum
AVIATION PIONEER'S HOME
The Charles Lindbergh House and Museum preserves the childhood home of the famous aviator who made the first solo transatlantic flight in 1927. This historic site offers fascinating exhibits about Lindbergh's life, achievements, and the controversial aspects of his later years. Visitors can tour the original family home with period furnishings and explore the adjacent museum featuring personal artifacts and a replica of the Spirit of St. Louis cockpit.
4. Mystery Cave State Park
UNDERGROUND NATURAL WONDER
Mystery Cave State Park features Minnesota's longest cave system with over 13 miles of mapped passageways beneath the surface. Guided tours lead visitors through stunning formations including stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, and underground pools with crystal-clear water. The cave maintains a constant 48-degree temperature year-round, making it a refreshing escape during summer months and a fascinating geological adventure any time of year.
5. Nickelodeon Universe
INDOOR THEME PARK ADVENTURE
Nickelodeon Universe stands as America's largest indoor theme park, nestled within the famous Mall of America. The park features 27 attractions including three thrilling roller coasters, a zipline that soars over the entire park, and the iconic Log Chute water ride. Visitors can meet beloved Nickelodeon characters, enjoy rides for all ages, and experience year-round entertainment regardless of Minnesota's weather conditions.
6. Mall of America
MEGA SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
Mall of America reigns as the largest shopping and entertainment complex in the United States, spanning 5.6 million square feet with over 500 stores and restaurants. Beyond shopping, the mall houses numerous attractions including Nickelodeon Universe theme park, SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium, and FlyOver America immersive flight ride. Visitors can easily spend an entire day exploring this massive indoor destination that attracts millions of tourists annually from around the world.
7. Meander Art Crawl
RURAL ARTIST SHOWCASE
The Meander Art Crawl offers an award-winning, self-guided tour through Western Minnesota's artist studios featuring 45 talented local creators. This annual event showcases diverse artistic expressions including pottery, painting, sculpture, woodworking, and fiber arts in the unique setting of rural studio spaces. Visitors can meet artists personally, witness demonstrations of their crafts, and purchase unique pieces while experiencing the picturesque countryside of Western Minnesota.
8. Minnesota River Valley
OUTDOOR RECREATION HAVEN
The Minnesota River Valley encompasses 62,000 acres of natural refuges, public management areas, state parks, and private lands that offer exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities. Wildlife enthusiasts can enjoy premier hunting and fishing experiences in diverse habitats ranging from wetlands to forests along the meandering river. Visitors can explore numerous trails, observe abundant wildlife, and experience the natural beauty that has shaped this region's cultural and ecological history.
9. ATV Trail System
OFF-ROAD ADVENTURE TRAILS
The ATV Trail System in Western Minnesota features a 325-acre site with more than 7 miles of diverse trails designed for all-terrain vehicle enthusiasts. Five miles of specially designed paths cater specifically to ATV riders, offering varying difficulty levels through wooded areas and open terrain. Outdoor adventurers can experience the thrill of off-road exploration while enjoying Minnesota's natural landscapes in a controlled and designated riding environment.
10. Split Rock Lighthouse
ICONIC LAKE SUPERIOR BEACON
Split Rock Lighthouse stands majestically on a 130-foot cliff overlooking the vast blue waters of Lake Superior, serving as one of Minnesota's most recognizable landmarks. Built in 1910 following a series of shipwrecks, this historic lighthouse offers visitors stunning panoramic views and fascinating insights into Great Lakes maritime history. The beautifully preserved lighthouse, keeper's residence, and surrounding state park combine to create an unforgettable North Shore destination that perfectly captures Minnesota's connection to its waterways.
11. Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
PRISTINE WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness encompasses over one million acres of pristine forests, crystal-clear lakes, and interconnected waterways in northern Minnesota. This protected wilderness area offers visitors the chance to paddle through a network of over 1,100 lakes and streams while experiencing true solitude and natural beauty. Outdoor enthusiasts can portage between lakes, camp on secluded islands, observe wildlife including moose and bald eagles, and enjoy some of the darkest night skies in the continental United States.
12. Minnesota State Capitol
ARCHITECTURAL MARBLE MARVEL
The Minnesota State Capitol stands as an architectural masterpiece designed by renowned architect Cass Gilbert, featuring the world's second-largest self-supported marble dome. Inside, visitors can admire the stunning rotunda, magnificent artwork including massive Civil War paintings, and chambers where state government conducts its business. Free guided tours offer insights into Minnesota's political history, architectural significance, and the recent $310 million restoration that returned the 1905 building to its original glory.
13. Gooseberry Falls State Park
DRAMATIC NORTH SHORE WATERFALLS
Gooseberry Falls State Park showcases a series of magnificent waterfalls cascading through a rocky gorge along the North Shore of Lake Superior. The park features five distinct falls sections—Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls—connected by scenic hiking trails that wind through boreal forest and along the Gooseberry River. Visitors can photograph the powerful waterfalls in all seasons, enjoy miles of hiking trails, and access Lake Superior's rugged shoreline within this popular state park.
14. Minneapolis Institute of Art
WORLD-CLASS ART COLLECTION
The Minneapolis Institute of Art houses an encyclopedic collection of over 90,000 artworks spanning 5,000 years of world history in a stunning neoclassical building. Visitors can explore masterpieces by renowned artists including Rembrandt, Monet, and O'Keeffe as well as exceptional Asian, African, and Indigenous collections—all with free general admission. The museum combines traditional galleries with innovative interactive exhibits and rotating special exhibitions to create an enriching cultural experience for art lovers of all ages.
15. Itasca State Park
MISSISSIPPI RIVER HEADWATERS
Itasca State Park protects the pristine source of the Mississippi River where visitors can wade across the mighty river's humble beginnings—just 18 feet wide and ankle-deep. As Minnesota's oldest state park, established in 1891, Itasca preserves over 32,000 acres of ancient old-growth forests including towering pines over 250 years old. Nature enthusiasts can explore more than 100 lakes, hike scenic trails, observe wildlife, and stay in historic log cabins while experiencing the birthplace of America's greatest river.