Cleveland MinnesotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Cleveland, Minnesota.
1. Cleveland City Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY OUTDOOR RECREATION
Cleveland City Park is a charming recreational area located near the heart of town that offers various outdoor activities for visitors of all ages. The park features a well-maintained playground, spacious picnic areas perfect for family gatherings, and a baseball field where locals and visitors can enjoy America's favorite pastime. Visitors can spend a relaxing day enjoying the natural surroundings while taking advantage of the various facilities available for public use.
2. Nicollet County Historical Society - Treaty Site History Center
LOCAL HISTORY AND CULTURE
The Nicollet County Historical Society's Treaty Site History Center offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the rich history of the region. The center commemorates the significant 1851 Treaty of Traverse des Sioux and showcases exhibits about the area's Native American heritage, European settlement, and local development. Visitors can explore interactive displays, historical artifacts, and educational programs that bring the county's past to life in an engaging and informative way.
3. Minneapolis Cleveland Park
RECREATIONAL URBAN GREEN SPACE
Minneapolis Cleveland Park is a versatile recreational area offering numerous amenities for sports enthusiasts and families alike. The park features baseball and softball fields, basketball courts, and a playground for children to enjoy outdoor activities. Visitors can also take advantage of the picnic areas with grills, making it an ideal spot for community gatherings and family outings throughout the warmer months.
4. Minnesota River Valley
SCENIC NATURAL WATERWAY
The Minnesota River Valley near Cleveland offers breathtaking natural landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy hiking, bird watching, fishing, and boating along this picturesque waterway that carves through the region. The valley's diverse ecosystem supports abundant wildlife and provides serene settings for photography, picnicking, or simply enjoying the peaceful connection with nature.
5. Le Sueur County Pioneer Power Show
HISTORICAL AGRICULTURAL EXHIBITION
The Le Sueur County Pioneer Power Show is an annual event celebrating the agricultural heritage of the region through impressive displays of vintage farm equipment and demonstrations. Visitors can witness threshing, plowing, and sawmill operations using antique machinery that showcases the farming practices of yesteryear. This family-friendly event also typically features a swap meet, crafts, food vendors, and educational exhibits that provide insight into rural Minnesota's agricultural history.
6. Ottawa Bluffs Scenic Natural Area
PRISTINE WILDERNESS HIKING
Ottawa Bluffs Scenic Natural Area offers visitors breathtaking views of the Minnesota River Valley from its elevated walking trails. The protected natural area features diverse ecosystems including hardwood forests, prairie remnants, and unique geological formations. Hikers can explore the winding paths while observing native wildlife and plant species in this unspoiled natural setting just a short drive from Cleveland.
7. Mankato River Front
URBAN WATERFRONT RECREATION
Mankato River Front provides a vibrant urban waterfront experience along the Minnesota River with walking paths, bike trails, and scenic overlooks. Visitors can enjoy outdoor concerts at the Vetter Stone Amphitheater during summer months or explore the connecting trail system that spans for miles along the riverbanks. The area offers beautiful sunset views, seasonal festivals, and recreational opportunities that make it a popular destination for both locals and tourists in the region.
8. Minneopa State Park
WATERFALLS AND BISON VIEWING
Minneopa State Park features spectacular double waterfalls that cascade into a scenic gorge, creating one of southern Minnesota's most photographed natural attractions. The park is also home to a bison herd that roams within a dedicated range, offering visitors a chance to view these magnificent animals in a natural setting. Hiking trails, picnic areas, and historic structures including the Seppmann Mill add to the diverse experiences available at this beloved state park near the Cleveland area.
9. Flandrau State Park
YEAR-ROUND OUTDOOR RECREATION
Flandrau State Park offers year-round recreational opportunities including swimming in its sand-bottom pool during summer and cross-country skiing on groomed trails in winter. The park features diverse ecosystems along the Cottonwood River with hiking trails winding through wooded bluffs and open prairie areas. Visitors can stay overnight in the park's campground or rustic cabins, making it an ideal base for exploring the natural beauty of the Minnesota River Valley region.
10. Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge
URBAN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
The Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge protects a significant corridor of habitat along the Minnesota River, providing sanctuary for migratory birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Visitors can explore miles of interpretive trails through diverse landscapes including wetlands, floodplain forests, and prairie habitats. The refuge's visitor centers offer educational exhibits, wildlife viewing opportunities, and guided programs that highlight the ecological importance of this natural oasis within the metropolitan area.
11. Sibley State Park
LAKESIDE OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Sibley State Park centers around beautiful Lake Andrew, offering swimming beaches, fishing opportunities, and boat rentals for water-based recreation. The park's Mount Tom provides one of the highest points in the region with a climbing trail leading to an observation tower that rewards hikers with panoramic views stretching for miles across the countryside. Visitors can enjoy camping, picnicking, and wildlife observation throughout the park's diverse habitats that include hardwood forests, wetlands, and prairie remnants.
12. Jeffers Petroglyphs
ANCIENT NATIVE AMERICAN ART
Jeffers Petroglyphs preserves thousands of sacred rock carvings created by Native American peoples over at least 7,000 years on exposed Sioux quartzite ridge. Visitors can view these ancient carvings depicting humans, animals, weapons, and abstract designs that offer insights into the spiritual beliefs and lives of the indigenous peoples who inhabited the region. The site includes an interpretive center with exhibits explaining the significance of the petroglyphs and the prairie landscape that surrounds this important cultural heritage site.
13. August Schell Brewing Company
HISTORIC CRAFT BREWERY TOURS
August Schell Brewing Company, established in 1860, is the second-oldest family-owned brewery in America and offers fascinating tours of its historic facility. Visitors can explore the brewing process, sample a variety of craft beers, and learn about the German brewing traditions that have influenced the company for over 160 years. The brewery grounds feature beautiful gardens, a peacock habitat, and a museum housed in the original brewmaster's mansion that showcases the rich history of this iconic Minnesota establishment.
14. Harkin Store
PRESERVED FRONTIER GENERAL STORE
The Harkin Store is a remarkably preserved 1870s general store that offers visitors a genuine glimpse into frontier commerce along the Minnesota River. Inside, approximately 40% of the original merchandise remains on the shelves, creating an authentic time capsule of rural Minnesota life during the late 19th century. Costumed interpreters bring history to life as they share stories about the store's operation and the once-thriving riverboat community of West Newton that disappeared after being bypassed by the railroad.
15. Hermann Monument
GERMANIC HERITAGE LANDMARK
The Hermann Monument stands proudly on a hilltop overlooking New Ulm, commemorating the Germanic heritage of the town with its 102-foot copper statue of Hermann the Cheruscan who united Germanic tribes against Roman legions. Visitors can climb the spiral staircase inside the monument to reach an observation platform offering panoramic views of the Minnesota River Valley and surrounding countryside. The site includes interpretive displays about Hermann's historical significance and the German-American culture that has deeply influenced this region of Minnesota.