Barrett MinnesotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Barrett, Minnesota.
1. Barrett Lake
SCENIC WATERFRONT RECREATION
Barrett Lake features two public accesses, a public beach, a fishing pier, and the Barrett Lake Resort & Campground. The lake has excellent fishing year-round, with a new bridge and dam installed with a fish ladder leading to the lake. Recreational possibilities on Barrett Lake are endless, making it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
2. Historic Barrett Lakeside Pavilion
RESTORED COMMUNITY LANDMARK
The Historic Barrett Lakeside Pavilion is a beautifully restored treasure in the heart of Barrett. Owned by the City of Barrett, this one-of-a-kind venue is available for rent and hosts various community events. The community has worked hard to restore and renovate this historic building, preserving its charm for future generations.
3. Prairie Wind Players
LOCAL THEATER EXPERIENCE
Prairie Wind Players offers engaging theatrical performances just one mile from Barrett's center. Visitors can enjoy local talent and productions in this community-focused arts venue. The theater contributes to the cultural landscape of Barrett and provides entertainment for residents and tourists alike.
4. Kensington Runestone Park
HISTORIC ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
Located just 15 miles from Barrett, Kensington Runestone Park offers visitors a glimpse into a fascinating historical mystery. The park is named after the famous Kensington Runestone, a controversial artifact that suggests Norse explorers visited Minnesota in the 14th century. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, picnic areas, and learn about this intriguing piece of local history.
5. Grant County Historical Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Grant County Historical Museum and Veterans' Memorial Hall, located 10 miles from Barrett, preserves the rich history of the region. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of Grant County's past. The museum also honors local veterans, making it both an educational and patriotic destination.
6. Andes Tower Hills
YEAR-ROUND OUTDOOR RECREATION
Andes Tower Hills, located just 16 miles from Barrett, is a premier outdoor recreation destination offering seasonal activities. In winter, visitors can enjoy skiing and snowboarding on various slopes suitable for all skill levels. During warmer months, the facility transforms to offer mountain biking, hiking, and scenic chairlift rides with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
7. Eagle View Winery
LOCAL WINE TASTING
Eagle View Winery, situated 12 miles from Barrett, offers visitors a delightful wine tasting experience in Minnesota's growing wine country. The winery produces unique wines made from locally-grown grapes and fruits adapted to the northern climate. Guests can enjoy tastings while taking in beautiful views of the surrounding countryside, making it a perfect stop for wine enthusiasts.
8. Tipsinah Mounds Golf Course
SCENIC LAKESIDE GOLFING
Tipsinah Mounds Golf Course, located 11 miles from Barrett, offers golfers a picturesque playing experience along Pomme de Terre Lake. The well-maintained course features challenging holes amid natural beauty, with water hazards and rolling terrain. Golfers of all skill levels can enjoy the reasonable rates and relaxed atmosphere at this hidden gem in west-central Minnesota.
9. Runestone Museum & Fort Alexandria
REGIONAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Runestone Museum & Fort Alexandria, located 25 miles from Barrett, houses the famous Kensington Runestone and numerous historical exhibits. Visitors can explore the reconstructed Fort Alexandria, which showcases pioneer life in Minnesota during the 1800s. The museum also features Native American artifacts, wildlife displays, and special exhibits that bring local history to life.
10. Central Lakes Trails
SCENIC RECREATIONAL PATHWAY
The Central Lakes Trails offer outdoor enthusiasts miles of paved pathways perfect for biking, walking, and rollerblading near Barrett. These well-maintained trails connect several communities and wind through beautiful countryside, alongside lakes, and through wooded areas. Visitors can enjoy seasonal beauty year-round, with opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography along the route.
11. Powers Park Disc Golf
RECREATIONAL OUTDOOR COURSE
Powers Park in Elbow Lake features a challenging 9-hole disc golf course just 10 miles from Barrett. The course winds through varied terrain, offering both novice and experienced disc golfers an enjoyable outdoor experience. After a round of disc golf, visitors can take advantage of the park's other amenities including picnic areas and walking paths.
12. Legacy of the Lakes Museum
MARITIME HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Legacy of the Lakes Museum, located 25 miles from Barrett in Alexandria, celebrates Minnesota's rich lake culture and boating heritage. The museum houses an impressive collection of classic and antique boats, many restored to their original splendor. Visitors can also explore exhibits on resort life, fishing traditions, and the environmental history of Minnesota's beloved lakes.
13. Burr Vineyards
MINNESOTA WINE EXPERIENCE
Burr Vineyards, situated 22 miles from Barrett, offers visitors a taste of Minnesota's growing wine industry. The vineyard specializes in cold-hardy grape varieties that thrive in the northern climate, producing distinctive regional wines. Guests can enjoy tastings in a charming rural setting, often accompanied by local foods and occasional live music events.
14. Niemackl Lake Park
NATURAL LAKESIDE RETREAT
Niemackl Lake Park, located 22 miles from Barrett, provides visitors with a peaceful natural retreat along the shores of Niemackl Lake. The park features fishing opportunities, picnic areas, and walking paths through native vegetation. Birdwatchers will appreciate the diverse waterfowl and songbirds that make the lake and surrounding wetlands their home throughout the seasons.
15. Inspiration Peak
PANORAMIC SCENIC OVERLOOK
Inspiration Peak, located 30 miles from Barrett, stands as one of the highest points in the region, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can hike a short but steep trail to the summit, where on clear days, it's possible to see over 50 miles across the rolling prairie landscape. The peak was famously described by author Sinclair Lewis as 'the highest point in a thousand miles,' making it a must-visit natural landmark.