Zemple MinnesotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Zemple, Minnesota.
1. Historic Sawmill Site
LUMBER INDUSTRY HERITAGE
The Historic Sawmill Site in Zemple marks the location of the former Itasca Lumber Company operation that was central to the town's economy until 1921. Visitors can explore the remnants of what was once a thriving lumber industry complex that included a sawmill, planing mill, and other related facilities. The site offers a glimpse into Minnesota's rich logging history and the importance of timber to early settlement in this region.
2. Rathborne, Hair and Ridgeway Box Mill
HISTORIC INDUSTRIAL SITE
The Rathborne, Hair and Ridgeway Box Mill was once a key industry in the small town of Zemple during its lumber heyday. This historic industrial site represents an important chapter in the economic development of Itasca County and northern Minnesota's forest products industry. Though the original mill is no longer operational, the location provides historical context for understanding the town's development.
3. White Oak Point
SCENIC MISSISSIPPI RIVER OUTLOOK
White Oak Point is a historic location on the Mississippi River where logs were once floated downstream to the Zemple sawmill. Today, the area offers beautiful views of the river and surrounding forests that characterize this part of Minnesota. Nature enthusiasts appreciate the area for birdwatching, photography, and connecting with the region's natural and industrial heritage.
4. Mall of America
ULTIMATE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
Mall of America is the largest shopping and entertainment complex in the United States, featuring over 500 stores, dozens of restaurants, and numerous attractions. Visitors can enjoy Nickelodeon Universe, an indoor theme park boasting 27 attractions including three roller coasters and a zip line. The mall also offers an aquarium, mini-golf, and countless events throughout the year, making it a must-visit destination for travelers to Minnesota.
5. Nickelodeon Universe
INDOOR THEME PARK ADVENTURE
Nickelodeon Universe is a completely indoor theme park located within Mall of America, featuring 27 bold attractions for thrill-seekers and families alike. Highlights include three roller coasters, a zip line, and the iconic Log Chute ride that appeals to visitors of all ages. The park's Nickelodeon theme brings beloved characters to life through rides, meet-and-greets, and immersive experiences regardless of Minnesota's weather conditions.
6. North Shore Scenic Drive
BREATHTAKING COASTAL JOURNEY
The North Shore Scenic Drive is a spectacular 142-mile route along Lake Superior's coastline from Duluth to Grand Portage. Travelers are treated to magnificent views of waterfalls, lighthouses, and beaches, with notable stops including Black Beach, Palisade Head, and Cross River Falls. The drive connects numerous state parks and charming towns, offering endless opportunities for outdoor recreation and cultural experiences throughout the year.
7. Minnehaha Park
URBAN WATERFALL OASIS
Minnehaha Park features the stunning 53-foot Minnehaha Falls, immortalized in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem 'The Song of Hiawatha.' This 193-acre urban park offers miles of trails, historic structures, and scenic river overlooks just minutes from downtown Minneapolis. Visitors can enjoy seasonal concerts, dine at the popular Sea Salt Eatery, or simply relax in the natural beauty that has made this park a beloved destination since the 1880s.
8. Guthrie Theater
WORLD-CLASS PERFORMING ARTS
The Guthrie Theater is an internationally recognized center for theater performance, production, education, and professional training in Minneapolis. The striking blue building designed by architect Jean Nouvel features three stages, multiple dining options, and the famous Endless Bridge offering panoramic views of the Mississippi River. Visitors can enjoy classic and contemporary plays performed by top-tier actors, take behind-the-scenes tours, or simply admire the architectural marvel that has become a cultural icon in the Twin Cities.
9. Split Rock Lighthouse
ICONIC LAKE SUPERIOR BEACON
Split Rock Lighthouse stands majestically on a 130-foot cliff overlooking Lake Superior, serving as one of Minnesota's most recognizable landmarks. Built in 1910 following a series of shipwrecks, this historic lighthouse offers guided tours of the keeper's house, fog signal building, and the light tower itself. Visitors can explore the maritime museum, learn about Great Lakes shipping history, and capture breathtaking photos of the lighthouse against the dramatic backdrop of Lake Superior.
10. Canal Park
HISTORIC MARITIME DISTRICT
Canal Park is Duluth's premier waterfront district, featuring the iconic Aerial Lift Bridge where visitors can watch massive ships navigate the canal. The area includes the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center, numerous restaurants, shops, and a 4.2-mile lakewalk offering stunning views of Lake Superior. Visitors particularly enjoy watching the schedule of ship arrivals and departures, with the bridge's lifting operation creating a spectacle that captures the region's rich shipping heritage.
11. Glensheen Mansion
HISTORIC LAKESIDE ESTATE
Glensheen Mansion is a 39-room Jacobean mansion built on the shores of Lake Superior, offering a glimpse into early 20th-century opulence. Visitors can tour the meticulously preserved interiors featuring original furnishings, art, and innovative technologies that were cutting-edge when the Congdon family occupied the home. The estate's 12 acres include formal gardens, bridges, and shoreline, making it both an architectural treasure and a beautiful outdoor space to explore.
12. Grand Portage State Park
MAJESTIC BORDER WATERFALL
Grand Portage State Park features the spectacular High Falls of the Pigeon River, the highest waterfall in Minnesota at 120 feet. Located on the U.S.-Canadian border, the park offers accessible hiking trails leading to viewing platforms with breathtaking vistas of the cascading waters. The visitor center showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, who co-manage this unique park.
13. Cascade River State Park
DRAMATIC WOODLAND WATERFALLS
Cascade River State Park features a series of stunning waterfalls where the Cascade River rushes through a gorge of ancient volcanic rock. Hikers can explore over 18 miles of trails, including a loop that provides views of the cascades from various angles and elevations. The park offers access to Lake Superior's shoreline, camping facilities, and spectacular fall colors, making it a perfect natural escape in any season.
14. Black Beach
UNIQUE VOLCANIC SHORE
Black Beach is a distinctive shoreline on Lake Superior known for its unusual black sand created from taconite tailings from nearby mining operations. The contrast between the dark sand, clear blue waters, and surrounding greenery creates a uniquely photogenic landscape unlike typical Minnesota beaches. Visitors can swim, picnic, and enjoy spectacular sunsets at this increasingly popular North Shore destination.
15. Palisade Head
DRAMATIC LAKESIDE CLIFFS
Palisade Head offers some of the most dramatic views along Minnesota's North Shore, with sheer cliff faces rising more than 300 feet above Lake Superior. Rock climbers challenge themselves on the vertical rhyolite cliffs, while most visitors enjoy the panoramic vistas accessible via a short drive to the summit parking area. The site provides unparalleled photo opportunities of Lake Superior's vastness and the surrounding forested shoreline, especially stunning during sunrise and sunset.