Bayport MinnesotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Bayport, Minnesota.
1. Lakeside Park
SCENIC RIVERFRONT RECREATION
Lakeside Park is a valued community asset located on the shores of the St. Croix River, offering swimming, picnicking, and beautiful scenery. Visitors can enjoy the beach house, picnic shelters, playground, swimming beach, and volleyball courts. The park serves as both a local recreational spot and a destination for tourists looking to experience water recreation in this picturesque area.
2. Barkers Alps Park
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE SPACE
Barkers Alps Park offers Bayport residents and visitors a spacious outdoor recreation area with various amenities. The park provides opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying nature in a serene setting. Its elevated terrain gives visitors beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
3. Perro Park
COMMUNITY GREEN SPACE
Perro Park serves as a beloved community gathering space in Bayport where locals and visitors can enjoy outdoor activities. The park offers green spaces for relaxation, recreation, and community events throughout the year. Visitors appreciate its accessible location and family-friendly atmosphere.
4. Woody's Bar and Grill
LOCAL DINING FAVORITE
Woody's Bar and Grill is a popular dining establishment in Bayport that attracts both locals and tourists. The restaurant offers a casual atmosphere with hearty meals and refreshing beverages after a day of exploring the town. Visitors enjoy the friendly service and opportunity to mingle with locals while experiencing authentic Bayport hospitality.
5. St. Croix River
SCENIC WATERWAY EXPERIENCE
The St. Croix River forms a picturesque border between Minnesota and Wisconsin, offering calm waters perfect for recreational activities in Bayport. Visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, and paddling along this scenic waterway. The river provides a tranquil backdrop for nature photography and wildlife observation throughout the seasons.
6. Scenic Byway
PICTURESQUE DRIVING ROUTE
The Scenic Byway near Bayport offers travelers a beautiful driving route with spectacular views of the St. Croix Valley. This picturesque road connects Bayport to nearby Afton and continues down to Prescott, Wisconsin. Drivers and passengers can enjoy seasonal foliage, rolling hills, and glimpses of the river along this leisurely route.
7. Hill Prairies
NATURAL HABITAT EXPLORATION
The hill prairies of Bayport provide outdoor enthusiasts with exceptional opportunities for hiking and bird watching in a preserved natural setting. These unique ecological areas showcase native prairie plants and diverse wildlife habitats throughout the changing seasons. Visitors can explore walking trails while learning about the natural history and conservation efforts in the region.
8. Public Boat Launch
RIVER ACCESS POINT
The public boat launch located off 4th Avenue North in Bayport provides free access to the St. Croix River for water enthusiasts. Boaters, anglers, and paddlers appreciate this convenient entry point to enjoy recreational activities on the water. The launch area includes space for vehicle parking and boat preparation before heading out onto the river.
9. Bayport Marina
WATERFRONT BOATING FACILITY
Bayport Marina serves as a premier docking facility for boaters looking to explore the St. Croix River from Bayport. The marina offers boat slips, services, and amenities for both seasonal boaters and day visitors. Boating enthusiasts appreciate the well-maintained facilities and convenient access to one of Minnesota's most scenic waterways.
10. Afton State Park
WILDERNESS RECREATION AREA
Afton State Park, located near Bayport, offers visitors over 1,600 acres of pristine natural landscape along the St. Croix River. The park features hiking trails, camping facilities, swimming beaches, and picnic areas amid rolling hills and river bluffs. Nature enthusiasts can observe diverse wildlife, explore hardwood forests, and enjoy panoramic views of the St. Croix Valley throughout the seasons.
11. Stillwater Historic Main Street
CHARMING SHOPPING DISTRICT
Stillwater's Historic Main Street, just minutes from Bayport, offers visitors a charming downtown experience with boutique shops, antique stores, and restaurants housed in 19th-century buildings. The picturesque street runs parallel to the St. Croix River, providing scenic views while exploring the self-proclaimed 'Birthplace of Minnesota.' Visitors can shop for unique gifts, sample local cuisine, and learn about the area's lumber industry history while strolling through this well-preserved historic district.
12. Lift Bridge Brewing Company
CRAFT BEER DESTINATION
Lift Bridge Brewing Company, located near Bayport in Stillwater, offers beer enthusiasts a taste of locally-crafted brews in a welcoming taproom environment. Visitors can tour the brewing facilities, sample signature beers like the Farm Girl Saison, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this popular regional brewery. The taproom frequently hosts events, food trucks, and live music that showcase the vibrant culture of the St. Croix Valley.
13. William O'Brien State Park
RIVERSIDE NATURAL HAVEN
William O'Brien State Park, a short drive from Bayport, encompasses beautiful riverside landscapes with diverse recreational opportunities throughout the seasons. Visitors can hike through prairie and woodland trails, paddle along the St. Croix River, or camp at one of the park's scenic campgrounds. The park's varied terrain supports abundant wildlife viewing, fishing, swimming, and cross-country skiing depending on the time of year.
14. St. Croix Boom Site
HISTORIC RIVER LANDMARK
The St. Croix Boom Site, located near Bayport, preserves the historical location where millions of logs were sorted and processed during Minnesota's lumber boom of the 1800s. This National Historic Landmark offers interpretive displays explaining how the massive log boom operation functioned along with scenic overlooks of the St. Croix River. Visitors can picnic while enjoying river views and learning about this crucial chapter in the region's industrial development.
15. Franconia Sculpture Park
OUTDOOR ART EXHIBITION
Franconia Sculpture Park, located within driving distance of Bayport, displays over 120 contemporary sculptures across its 50-acre outdoor art exhibition space. Visitors can walk freely among massive art installations that change regularly as artists-in-residence create new works throughout the year. The park offers guided tours, special events, and educational programs that make contemporary art accessible in a unique rural setting along the St. Croix River Valley.