Askov MinnesotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Askov, Minnesota.
1. Pine County History Museum & Little Mermaid Café
LOCAL HISTORY AND DINING
The Pine County History Museum is housed in the former HC Andersen School and spans an impressive 50,000 square feet filled with artifacts from the immigration years and forward. The museum features a charming café named after Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale, The Little Mermaid, serving breakfasts and lunches surrounded by historical pictures and antique toys. Visitors can explore the various exhibits including a notable doll collection and military section while enjoying the unique atmosphere of this cultural landmark that opened in 2012.
2. Askov Rutabaga Festival & Fair
ANNUAL CULTURAL CELEBRATION
The Askov Rutabaga Festival & Fair celebrates the Danish heritage of the town and its famous root vegetable. Visitors can enjoy traditional foods, entertainment, craft vendors, and the signature rutabaga-themed events that highlight the community's agricultural history. The festival brings together locals and tourists in a vibrant celebration of Askov's cultural identity and farming traditions.
3. Askov Midsummer Aebleskiver Breakfast
TRADITIONAL DANISH CUISINE
The Askov Midsummer Aebleskiver Breakfast offers visitors a taste of authentic Danish cuisine featuring the beloved spherical pancakes known as aebleskiver. This cultural event celebrates the town's Danish heritage with traditional food served in a community setting that welcomes both locals and tourists. Attendees can experience the flavors and customs of Denmark while learning about the immigrant history that shaped this small Minnesota town.
4. Banning State Park
WILDERNESS AND RAPIDS
Banning State Park offers breathtaking views of the Kettle River and dramatic sandstone rock formations along its 1.5-mile gorge. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore 17 miles of hiking trails that wind through a mixture of hardwood forest and river landscapes with opportunities for wildlife viewing. The park is known for its challenging whitewater rapids that attract kayakers and its historical ruins of a quarry operation that once supplied sandstone to buildings throughout the Midwest.
5. Nemadji State Forest
VAST WILDERNESS EXPLORATION
Nemadji State Forest encompasses extensive woodlands that provide ample opportunities for hunting, fishing, and wildlife observation in a pristine natural setting. Visitors can explore the forest via hiking trails, ATV routes, and snowmobile paths that showcase the diverse ecosystem of northern Minnesota. The forest's rivers and streams offer excellent fishing spots, while its varied terrain appeals to nature photographers and outdoor adventurers seeking a less-traveled wilderness experience.
6. Robinson Quarry Ice Park
WINTER CLIMBING ADVENTURE
Robinson Quarry Ice Park transforms into a winter wonderland for ice climbing enthusiasts, featuring man-made ice formations in a historic quarry setting. Climbers of all skill levels can tackle various ice walls and formations created by strategically placed water systems that form dramatic frozen features. The park provides a unique winter adventure destination that combines outdoor recreation with the industrial history of the region's sandstone quarrying past.
7. Hard Water Sports
OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTER
Hard Water Sports serves as a comprehensive outfitter and guide service for outdoor adventures in the Pine County region. Visitors can rent equipment, take lessons, or join guided expeditions for activities ranging from kayaking the Kettle River to winter ice climbing. The center provides valuable local expertise and resources for travelers looking to safely experience the natural attractions of the area with proper equipment and instruction.
8. Midwest Country Music Theater
LIVE MUSIC VENUE
The Midwest Country Music Theater showcases traditional country music performances in an intimate venue that celebrates American musical heritage. Visitors can enjoy live shows featuring local and regional talent performing classic country, bluegrass, and folk music styles. The theater provides a cultural entertainment option that complements the outdoor activities available in the region with its focus on authentic rural music traditions.
9. U.S. Highway 61
HISTORIC SCENIC BYWAY
U.S. Highway 61, known as the 'Blues Highway,' runs through Pine County offering a scenic drive with cultural and historical significance. Travelers can enjoy picturesque views of forests, rivers, and small towns while following this famous route that has inspired musicians and writers for generations. The highway provides access to numerous attractions in the region while itself serving as a destination for road trip enthusiasts interested in Americana and transportation history.
10. St. Croix State Park
RIVER RECREATION PARADISE
St. Croix State Park, Minnesota's largest state park, encompasses over 34,000 acres of pristine wilderness along the St. Croix River. Visitors can enjoy camping, hiking, horseback riding, and paddling while exploring the park's diverse ecosystems that include pine forests, river floodplains, and peaceful backwaters. The park offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities with beaver, otter, deer, and numerous bird species making their home in this protected natural environment.
11. Grand Casino Hinckley
GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX
Grand Casino Hinckley offers visitors a complete entertainment experience with gaming, dining, live performances, and comfortable accommodations. The casino features slot machines, table games, and poker rooms alongside multiple restaurants ranging from casual to upscale dining options. Beyond gambling, the complex includes an event center hosting concerts and shows, a golf course, and indoor pool facilities making it a year-round destination for entertainment seekers.
12. Hinckley Fire Museum
HISTORIC TRAGEDY MEMORIAL
The Hinckley Fire Museum commemorates the devastating Great Hinckley Fire of 1894 that destroyed the town and claimed over 400 lives. Housed in a replica of the town's depot that served as a refuge during the disaster, the museum displays photographs, artifacts, and personal accounts of the catastrophe and subsequent rebuilding efforts. Visitors gain insight into one of America's worst natural disasters while learning about the resilience of the community that rose from the ashes.
13. Audubon Center of the North Woods
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER
The Audubon Center of the North Woods serves as both a nature center and environmental learning facility on a 535-acre sanctuary near Sandstone. Visitors can participate in educational programs, observe rehabilitated raptors and other wildlife, and explore miles of hiking trails through diverse habitats. The center promotes conservation through hands-on experiences while offering comfortable lodging options for those wanting an immersive natural experience in Minnesota's northwoods.
14. Kettle River
WILD SCENIC WATERWAY
The Kettle River, designated as a Wild and Scenic River, flows through Pine County offering exceptional recreational opportunities for paddlers and anglers. Its challenging rapids, including the famous Banning Rapids and Hell's Gate, attract whitewater enthusiasts while quieter sections provide peaceful canoeing experiences. The river corridor features spectacular sandstone formations, abundant wildlife, and pristine natural scenery making it a highlight of any visit to the region.
15. Flea Market and Craft Fair
LOCAL ARTISAN MARKETPLACE
The Askov Flea Market and Craft Fair gathers local artisans, collectors, and vendors offering unique handcrafted items, antiques, and regional specialties. Shoppers can browse through displays of handmade crafts, local foods, vintage collectibles, and artwork that reflect the cultural heritage of the area. The market provides a social gathering space for the community while offering visitors authentic souvenirs and gifts created by Pine County residents.