Wright MinnesotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Wright, Minnesota.
1. Wright County Fair
COUNTY'S PREMIER ANNUAL EVENT
The Wright County Fair is a beloved annual tradition that showcases local agriculture, entertainment, and community spirit. Visitors can enjoy carnival rides, livestock exhibitions, food vendors, and live performances during this multi-day event. The fair brings together residents and tourists alike for a celebration of the county's heritage and talents.
2. Sturges Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION AREA
Sturges Park is a picturesque recreational area located on the shores of Buffalo Lake just south of the town of Buffalo. Visitors can take a pleasant half-mile walk alongside the lake shore to explore the town's charming waterfront. The park offers beautiful views, picnic areas, and water access, making it perfect for family outings and nature enthusiasts.
3. Bertram Regional Park
WILDERNESS TRAILS AND RECREATION
Bertram Regional Park offers an expansive natural setting with numerous trails perfect for hiking and outdoor exploration. The park features technical trail segments that challenge mountain bikers with interesting terrain and natural obstacles. Nature lovers will appreciate the diverse ecosystem and opportunities for wildlife viewing throughout the seasons.
4. Montissippi County Park
RIVERSIDE FOREST RETREAT
Montissippi County Park is a lovely 170-acre park situated on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River. The park features a paved walking and biking path that loops through hardwood and pine forests, providing a serene outdoor experience. Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful picnic area that offers spectacular views overlooking the river.
5. Lake Maria State Park
PRISTINE WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE
Lake Maria State Park offers visitors a true wilderness experience with its rolling hills, woodlands, and pristine lakes. The park features several elevated points that provide spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding natural landscape. Hikers will discover isolated vantage points that showcase the beauty of this protected natural area.
6. Crow River
SCENIC WATERWAY TRAIL
The Crow River is a significant tributary of the Mississippi River, spanning over 300 miles with three distinct streams flowing through Wright County. A scenic trail meanders alongside the river, offering beautiful views of the flowing waters and surrounding natural landscapes. The river provides opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and wildlife observation throughout the seasons.
7. Great River Regional Libraries
KNOWLEDGE AND COMMUNITY HUB
The Great River Regional Libraries serve as vital community resources throughout Wright County, offering extensive collections of books, digital media, and educational programs. Visitors can enjoy quiet reading spaces, access to technology, and regular community events for all ages. The libraries provide a welcoming atmosphere for learning, research, and connecting with others in the community.
8. Savanna Portage State Park
HISTORIC WILDERNESS CROSSING
Savanna Portage State Park preserves the historic six-mile trail that served as a crucial transportation route between the Mississippi River and Lake Superior watersheds. Visitors can hike through diverse ecosystems including bogs, hardwood forests, and meadows while exploring interpretive displays about the area's rich history. The park offers camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing opportunities across its expansive 15,818 acres.
9. Moose Lake Area Historical Society and Fires of 1918 Museum
REGIONAL HISTORY PRESERVED
The Moose Lake Area Historical Society and Fires of 1918 Museum offers visitors a fascinating journey through the region's past, with special emphasis on the devastating wildfires that changed the area forever. The museum houses numerous artifacts, photographs, and personal accounts that bring the historical events to life through engaging exhibits. Visitors gain insight into the remarkable resilience of local communities in the face of natural disaster and their subsequent rebuilding efforts.
10. Moose Lake Brewing
CRAFT BEER DESTINATION
Moose Lake Brewing welcomes visitors to experience locally crafted beers in a warm, inviting taproom atmosphere. This popular brewery offers a rotating selection of handcrafted ales and lagers that showcase regional flavors and brewing traditions. Guests can enjoy flights of beer, engaging conversation with friendly staff, and regular events that highlight the growing craft beer culture in the region.
11. Moose Lake State Park
LAKESIDE NATURAL RETREAT
Moose Lake State Park offers visitors pristine natural surroundings centered around the scenic Echo Lake and its sandy swimming beach. The park features several hiking trails winding through forests and along lakeshores, providing opportunities to spot local wildlife and enjoy spectacular seasonal views. Visitors can also enjoy camping, picnicking, fishing, and water recreation in this tranquil natural setting.
12. R.W. Lindholm Service Station
FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT ARCHITECTURE
The R.W. Lindholm Service Station represents a unique architectural treasure designed by the legendary Frank Lloyd Wright in 1927 and opened in 1958. This working gas station embodies Wright's distinctive design principles with its cantilevered canopy and innovative spatial arrangements that revolutionized the concept of service station design. Visitors can appreciate this rare example of Wright's commercial architecture while making a quick stop on their journey through the region.
13. World's Largest Floating Loon
ICONIC MINNESOTA SYMBOL
The World's Largest Floating Loon is an impressive 20-foot sculpture that graces the waters of Silver Lake in Virginia, Minnesota. This beloved local landmark celebrates Minnesota's state bird and has even made special appearances at the Minnesota State Fair. The massive floating loon is displayed during the warmer months and is placed in storage during the winter season.
14. World's Largest Hockey Stick
STATE OF HOCKEY MONUMENT
The World's Largest Hockey Stick stands as a proud monument to Minnesota's passionate hockey culture in the Iron Range town of Eveleth. This oversized symbol celebrates the region that has produced numerous professional hockey players and maintains a rich tradition in the sport. Visitors can combine viewing this unique attraction with a trip to the nearby United States Hockey Hall of Fame Museum on Hat Trick Avenue for a complete hockey heritage experience.
15. Treasure City
NOSTALGIC ROADSIDE ATTRACTION
Treasure City stands as a delightfully nostalgic Highway 10 souvenir stop north of St. Cloud, featuring charming 1960s aesthetics with wooden signs, pirate cutouts, and whimsical displays like a man-eating clam. Inside, visitors can enjoy complimentary coffee while browsing through a maze of Minnesota souvenirs and unique collectibles. During summer months, a local farm stand enhances the experience by offering fresh watermelon, corn, tomatoes, and other seasonal produce.