Things To Do in the Central Region

Things To Do | Central Minnesota

Amusement Parks

Casey’s Amusement Park – Alexandria

Casey’s Amusement Park of Alexandria, MN is entertainment for the entire family featuring Two Gokart Tracks, Miniature Golf, Bumper Boats, Batting Cages, … 

Paul Bunyan Land – Brainerd

Paul Bunyan Land is an amusement park located in Brainerd, Minnesota, on This Old Farm. Its trademark is the 26-foot-tall animated and talking statue of Paul Bunyan. As children enter, Paul welcomes them by name.

Arboretum Nature Center

Arboretum Nature Center – Brainerd

We have a wide, beautiful area for you and your family to explore. Have a peaceful walk on our nature trails, or take your mountain bike for a ride. Winter time? We’ve got that covered too! You can cross country ski on our spectacular groomed snow covered trails. Snowshoe or winter hike on non-groomed trails.

Biking

Central Minnesota Bike Trails

It doesn’t matter why you hit the trails or how you ride, there’s a place for you in central Minnesota. Whether you take the kids for a spin around the lake or set off on a multi-day tour, these bike trails are worth exploring.
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Family Fun

Big Kahuna Fun Park – Spicer

Nestled near Green Lake in the heart of Spicer, Big Kahuna Fun Park offers 2 Go-kart tracks, Bumper Boats, Mini-golf and a PowerWheels course. Inside you’ll find an Arcade with redemption prizes and a Subway Sandwich Shop. Young or old, we have something for those that are timid to those who like things extreme. Open 11am-9pm 7 days a week from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Call ahead for weekend hours out of season.

Fishing
Department of Natural Resources “Lake Finder Tool” LakeFinder contains data for more than 4,500 lakes and rivers throughout Minnesota, including: lake surveys, lake depth maps, lake water quality data, lake water clarity data, lake notes, and fish consumption advice.
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Gift Shops

Rustic River Trading Co. – Emily

We appreciate your visit to our site and look forward to you stopping by our unique store in person. Here you will find ‘North Woods’ inspired gifts, home furnishings, and décor to create your own quintessential rustic retreat. We are best known for our ever-changing, vast, and original selection of hard-to-find merchandise, all within a log cabin setting. Along with our fun and energetic staff, you are assured to have a memorable shopping experience.

Golf Courses

Golden Eagle Golf Club – Fifty Lakes

Golden Eagle is an 18-hole Championship style golf course designed by Michael Morley and Bruce McIntosh. Situated on 210 acres of a former private preserve, Golden Eagle offers spectacular views from its many elevated tees.  Designed in harmony with its majestic north woods surroundings, the forests, wetlands, and dramatic elevation changes all help make Golden Eagle a truly golden golf experience.

Hiking

Minnesota Hiking Trails

Besides all the great hiking opportunities in our state parks, there are hundreds of miles of the North Country National Scenic Trail (NCT) in our state. The NCT stretches 4,600 miles from North Dakota to Vermont. In Minnesota it shares part of its path with the Kekekabic, Border Route and Superior Hiking Trails. Take a look at these incredible day hikes.
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Historic Sights and Museums

Minnesota Historical Society

MNHS has an adventure just for you. Just browse the categories below. Mix, match, and visit as many places as you like. Amazing adventures await at all 26 historic sites and museums!
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Horseback Riding

Outback Trail Rides – Brainerd

Experience the northwoods from the top of a fine horse! We provide beautiful rides through cool, fragrant forests and wildflower meadows, bordering lakes and ponds in the beautiful Pillsbury State Forest.

Mini Golf

Wildwedge Mini Golf – Pequot Lakes

Come and experience the course that was rated the best miniature golf in greater Minnesota http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-mini-golf-courses-in-minnesota/, and we’ve been told by enthusiastic mini golfers that it’s the best they’ve played anywhere.  We are the lakes area’s newest and most challenging course that is great fun for the whole family!  We’ve had great feedback on our mini golf course from all ages.  The mini golf course is lighted from Labor Day thru Memorial Day for late night play.

Traditions Cove Mini Golf – Deerwood

18 Hole Premier Course, featuring a waterfall, fountain ponds, bridges, and breath taking landscaping!  Holes average 40 feet in Length, with many holes bordering water hazards!  Music plays throughout the entire course!  Play at night under the lights for a truely magical experience!  Be sure to bring your camera!

Pirates Cove Mini Golf – Brainerd

Pirate’s Cove, “the Original Adventure Golf,” offers an unequaled miniature golf experience! The adventures and legends of infamous pirates come to life in our award-winning theme park settings. Putt your way through caves, over footbridges, and under cascading waterfalls, all amidst a fun-filled atmosphere of natural wonders, extraordinary landscaping, and enchanting pirate lore.ing grove of white pines in Minnesota. Meander down paved paths and view a variety of exotic, native and domestic animals at home in their spacious, natural habitats. Interactive signs and a petting stable provide educational encounters that will enhance your zoo visit and create long lasting memories. The Zoo also offers serene walking trails as well as large picnic and playground areas.

Mountain Biking

Central Minnesota Mountain Bike Trails

There’s great mountain biking in the heart of Minnesota. From the purpose-built red dirt flow trails of the Cuyuna Lakes; to the granite outcroppings of Quarry Park in St. Cloud, the center of the state has a great variety of trails to explore.
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Museums

Runestone Museum – Alexandria

Welcome to the Runestone Museum, located in downtown Alexandria, Minnesota. We invite you to stop by and tour historic Fort Alexandria, take your picture with the country’s biggest viking, and see the world famous Kensington Runestone.  For awhile you will live in the past, so walk a little slower, talk a little slower, and enjoy the exhibit on Norse history, the Native American exhibit, the Minnesota wildlife display, the display of early pioneer life, and the hands-on children’s area.

Weyerhaeuser Mansion – Little Falls

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Linden Hill is one of the most elegant retreat destinations in Minnesota. It is situated on nine well-groomed acres overlooking the Mississippi River and is walking distance from historic downtown Little Falls, Minn.

Natural Settings

Munsinger Gardens – St. Cloud

Immerse yourself in a truly unique botanical experience. Awaken your senses. Delight in the natural beauty. Located along the Mississippi River across from St. Cloud State University, Munsinger and Clemens Gardens invite you to stroll the winding paths and brick pathways as you experience this dazzling St. Cloud treasure.
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Outfitters

Clear Waters Outfitting Company – Clearwater

Whether it’s spending the day on the water with family and friends, fishing for monster smallies, tenting overnight on the banks of the Mississippi, or just looking to reconnect with nature, we have the “perfect day” in store for you.  Established in 2009, CW Outfitting is the only Central Minnesota canoe and kayak retail store and outfitter on the banks of the Mississippi River.

Pottery Galley

Gossman Potter – New London

Original wood-fired stoneware and porcelain pottery by Bill Gossman.  Functional forms created in a “one of a kind” frame of mind inspire a sense of simplicity and beauty in everyday life.  

Racing Tracks

Brainerd International Raceway – Brainerd

Brainerd International Raceway is a 3.1-mile road course, dragstrip and kart track near Brainerd, Minnesota, USA. The raceway hosts the National Hot Rod Association Nationals. It is a popular racetrack for the Trans Am Series

Viking Speedway – Alexandria

Viking Speedway is a ½ mile semi-banked clay oval that that races five WISSOTA sanctioned classes; Late Models, Modifieds, Super Stocks, Midwest Modifieds and Street Stocks every Saturday night from the end of April through Labor Day, including the Viking Fall Classic in October.

Shows

Little Crow Ski Team – New London

Little Crow Ski Team not only loves to put on Friday night shows; We also love to compete! The National Show Ski Association organizes several regional competitions each year plus a National competition. Little Crow competes every year in the Upper Midwest Regional and has had an outstanding track record in front of both judges and audiences. Winning regional multiple times has qualified us to compete at Nationals where skiing against our Nations best, we have won twice and rarely placed below fourth.  

Scenic Byways

Minnesota’s Scenic Byways

America’s Byways® is the umbrella term we use for the collection of 150 distinct and diverse roads designated by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation. America’s Byways include the National Scenic Byways and All-American Roads.  America’s Byways are gateways to adventures where no two experiences are the same.
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Spa
Nestled in a soothing atmosphere of pines and nature, embrace the restorative nature of water at Grand View Lodge spa resort. Minnesota has a rich history of water. Come. Renew. Celebrate the beauty of life as your resort spa experience awakens and gently calms your mind, body and spirit.

State Parks
It’s no secret. We love our parks. They’re our weekend getaway, our quiet place, our classroom, our gym and our playground. With so many possibilities, it can be tough to choose. Find your favorite central Minnesota State Park here.
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Water Parks & Activities

Rapid River Lodge & Waterpark – Baxter

Our huge Brainerd water park boasts a 240 ft tube slide, 240 ft body slide and a lazy river complete with waterfall and rapids. The kiddy pool is a spectacular array of slides and water features with a tree fort that children are absolutely enchanted with. The whirlpool actually extends outside for four season enjoyment. A sauna, video arcade and exercise room will compliment your experience.

Winery

Glacial Ridge Winery – Spicer

The winery boasts the uniquely distinctive ‘Barrel Room’, a walk-in, sit-down, lounge area.  The Tasting Room, allows one to sample the specialty wines Glacial Ridge Winery produces on site.   A wonderful assortment of wines and specialty gifts surround the walls of the winery to suit a variety of shoppers’ tastes and interests.

Carlos Creek Winery – Alexandria

We produce over 20 wines, including our best-selling Minnesota Nice – Hot Dish Red. With daily tours, wine tasting, a gift shop and live music every weekend, expect a GREAT time! Complimentary Winery Tours are offered daily at 1:00 & 3:00, plus 5:00 on Saturdays for anyone 10 years or older. No reservations needed for groups fewer than 20. Custom Tours & Vineyard Tours available by appointment.

Winter Fun

Mount Ski Gull – Nisswa

We offer skiing, snowboarding and tubing in one convenient location. Helping our community to become a better place to live has been our guiding principle for 50 years. Mount Ski Gull’s mission is to provide challenging activities in a fun and healthy environment which empowers youth to develop confidence, competency and compassion.

Andes Mountain – Kensington

Who would expect a ski hill in the middle of farm country? Well, back in 1980 the Anderson Brothers envisioned just that, a ski area on Tower Hill. They had a vision for a couple of thousand skiers a season. Thirty – plus ski seasons later over a million skiers have visited the Andes Tower Hills Ski Area-one of the finest ski areas for miles around.

Central Minnesota Nordic Ski Trails

The state parks, forests, wetlands and private resorts in the heart of the state offer a ski experience ranging from remote to all-inclusive.
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Zoo

Erickson’s Petting Zoo – Osakis

Do you miss the opportunity to go to Grandpa’s and Grandma’s farm? The next best place is Erickson’s Petting Zoo of rural Osakis, Minnesota.  This old farmstead – soon to be 100 – used to be home to milk cows. Third generation farmers Dave and Pam Erickson, along with their family, have converted the big red barn into a home for a wide variety of farm animals and birds.  Animals include pygmy goats and their kids, sheep, miniature horses,  Sara the llama,  potbelly pigs, rabbits, and cats.  Birds include many varieties and colors of chickens, ducks, geese, pheasants, peacocks, pigeons, and doves.  

Pine Grove Zoo – Little Falls

Pine Grove Zoo, located in Little Falls, is nestled among one of the last standing grove of white pines in Minnesota. Meander down paved paths and view a variety of exotic, native and domestic animals at home in their spacious, natural habitats. Interactive signs and a petting stable provide educational encounters that will enhance your zoo visit and create long lasting memories. The Zoo also offers serene walking trails as well as large picnic and playground areas.