Chokio MinnesotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Chokio, Minnesota.
1. Frank Schott Stone Barn
HISTORIC AGRICULTURAL MARVEL
The Frank Schott Stone Barn is an imposing landmark built by German immigrant Frank Schott, taking nearly 20 years to complete after he began construction 101 years ago. This unique stone-and-concrete structure was designed to withstand the storms that had destroyed an earlier wooden barn and continues to stand tall above the surrounding fields despite losing its roof in the 1990s. It's located about six miles southwest of Chokio, sitting just inside Stevens County near the Big Stone County line, and has become a destination for night-sky photographers due to its isolation.
2. Historic Chokio Depot
RAILWAY HISTORY PRESERVED
The Historic Chokio Depot is a 125-year-old building holding many memories of the community, including emotional farewells as soldiers departed for the World Wars. In November 1984, this significant piece of local history was moved to its present location across from the old lumber yard, preserving its historical value. Visitors can connect with Chokio's past through this well-preserved reminder of the town's railway heritage.
3. Frank Schott Stone House
REMARKABLE GERMAN-STYLE ARCHITECTURE
The Frank Schott Stone House was built by German immigrant Frank Schott and his wife Sophie, who began this ambitious project in their late sixties and completed it over four years. This extraordinary 1800 sq. ft. residence features walls approximately 22 inches thick, constructed entirely of stone gathered from the Schott farm and cement that Frank reprocessed himself. The house was designed similar to a German duplex, showcasing Frank's skills as a master mason learned from his father and other German influences.
4. West Central Research & Outreach Center
AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH HUB
The West Central Research & Outreach Center is a highly-rated agricultural research facility serving the west central region of Minnesota. Visitors can explore demonstration gardens, sustainable agriculture exhibits, and educational displays about regional farming practices. The center offers guided tours that showcase innovative agricultural techniques and research being conducted to benefit Minnesota farmers.
5. Pomme De Terre Park
RIVERSIDE RECREATION PARADISE
Pomme De Terre Park offers visitors beautiful riverside scenery and multiple recreational opportunities along the Pomme De Terre River. The park features well-maintained hiking trails, picnic areas, and fishing spots that are popular with locals and tourists alike. Nature enthusiasts can observe diverse wildlife and plant species while enjoying the tranquil water views throughout the changing seasons.
6. Big Stone Lake State Park
LAKESIDE NATURAL BEAUTY
Big Stone Lake State Park stretches along the shores of Big Stone Lake, offering spectacular views and access to Minnesota's border lake with South Dakota. Visitors can enjoy camping, hiking, fishing, and bird watching in this natural setting that showcases the prairie landscape. The park preserves both natural habitats and cultural history, making it a destination for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
7. Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge
WILDLIFE VIEWING SANCTUARY
Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge provides critical habitat for migratory birds and native wildlife in western Minnesota. The refuge features a scenic auto tour route, hiking trails, and observation platforms where visitors can spot numerous bird species, deer, and other wildlife throughout the year. This protected area showcases the unique transition zone between tallgrass prairie and eastern deciduous forest ecosystems.
8. Minnehaha Falls
STUNNING URBAN WATERFALL
Minnehaha Falls is a spectacular 53-foot waterfall located within Minnehaha Park, offering visitors a remarkable natural oasis in an urban setting. The falls have inspired artists and visitors for generations, including Henry Wadsworth Longfellow who immortalized them in his poem "The Song of Hiawatha." Visitors can explore surrounding hiking trails, historic buildings, and gardens while enjoying the soothing sounds of cascading water throughout the seasons.
9. Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
BOTANICAL WONDER COLLECTION
The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum showcases more than 1,200 acres of gardens, plant collections, and natural areas representing the diverse Minnesota landscape. Visitors can wander through themed gardens, including Japanese gardens, rose collections, and native prairie plantings that change with the seasons. The arboretum also offers educational programs, art exhibitions, and research facilities focused on developing cold-hardy plants for the northern climate.
10. Interstate State Park
DRAMATIC RIVER GORGE
Interstate State Park straddles the Minnesota-Wisconsin border along the scenic St. Croix River, featuring dramatic rock formations and deep potholes carved by glacial meltwater. Visitors can hike along volcanic rock formations, explore the Ice Age Trail, and enjoy panoramic views of the river gorge from various lookout points. The park offers opportunities for rock climbing, kayaking, and educational programs about the unique geological features that make this area a natural wonder.
11. Stevens County Historical Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE SHOWCASE
The Stevens County Historical Museum preserves and displays the rich history of Chokio and the surrounding Stevens County area through comprehensive exhibits and artifacts. Visitors can explore collections that document pioneer settlement, agricultural development, and the cultural heritage that shaped this region of western Minnesota. The museum offers rotating exhibits, research facilities, and educational programs that connect current generations with the area's fascinating past.
12. Chokio City Park
COMMUNITY RECREATION SPACE
Chokio City Park serves as the community's central gathering place, offering recreational facilities for residents and visitors alike. The park features playground equipment, picnic shelters, and open green spaces perfect for family outings and community events throughout the warmer months. During town celebrations, the park becomes the heart of local festivities, showcasing the close-knit community spirit of this small western Minnesota town.
13. Lac qui Parle State Park
BIRD WATCHERS' PARADISE
Lac qui Parle State Park surrounds a significant portion of Lac qui Parle Lake, a name derived from the French translation of the Dakota phrase meaning "lake that speaks." The park is renowned for spectacular bird watching opportunities, particularly during spring and fall migrations when thousands of Canada geese, whistling swans, and other waterfowl gather in the area. Visitors can enjoy camping, fishing, hiking, and winter activities while experiencing the natural beauty of the Minnesota River Valley.
14. University of Minnesota Morris
HISTORIC ACADEMIC CAMPUS
The University of Minnesota Morris campus features beautiful historic buildings on grounds that were originally home to an American Indian boarding school established in the late 1800s. Visitors can explore the campus with its distinctive architecture, including several buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The university hosts cultural events, art exhibitions, and performances throughout the year that are open to the public, making it a cultural hub for the region.
15. Chokio Mural Project
SMALL TOWN ART DISPLAY
The Chokio Mural Project showcases the town's history and cultural heritage through vibrant public art displayed on buildings throughout the small community. These artistic depictions highlight significant events, local personalities, and the agricultural traditions that have defined life in this western Minnesota town. Visitors can take a self-guided walking tour of these murals to gain insight into Chokio's development from railway stop to the close-knit farming community it is today.