Dumont MinnesotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Dumont, Minnesota.
1. Minnehaha Falls
STUNNING URBAN WATERFALL
Minnehaha Falls is a breathtaking 53-foot waterfall located within Minnehaha Park that draws visitors year-round. In winter, the falls freeze into a magnificent ice sculpture, while summer offers lush greenery and flowing waters perfect for photography. Visitors can explore nearby hiking trails, picnic areas, and historical sites including the Longfellow House within the park grounds.
2. Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
BOTANICAL GARDEN PARADISE
The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum showcases more than 1,200 acres of gardens, plant collections, and natural landscapes for nature enthusiasts to enjoy. Visitors can wander through themed gardens, including Japanese gardens, rose gardens, and seasonal displays that change throughout the year. The arboretum also offers educational programs, art exhibitions, and research facilities dedicated to horticulture and environmental stewardship.
3. Interstate State Park
DRAMATIC RIVER GORGE
Interstate State Park straddles the St. Croix River, offering spectacular views of glacial potholes and basalt rock formations along the dramatic river gorge. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails that wind through ancient rock formations, providing opportunities to see unique geological features formed during the last ice age. The park also offers kayaking, rock climbing, and interpretive programs about the area's rich natural history.
4. Big Stone Lake State Park
SERENE BORDER LAKE
Big Stone Lake State Park stretches along the Minnesota-South Dakota border, offering access to the 26-mile-long Big Stone Lake and pristine natural areas. The park features excellent fishing opportunities, boat launches, swimming areas, and scenic picnic spots along the shoreline. Nature enthusiasts can explore hiking trails through prairie grasslands and observe abundant wildlife including deer, waterfowl, and numerous bird species.
5. Itasca State Park
MISSISSIPPI RIVER HEADWATERS
Itasca State Park is home to the headwaters of the Mississippi River, where visitors can walk across the mighty river as it begins its 2,552-mile journey to the Gulf of Mexico. The park encompasses more than 32,000 acres of pristine wilderness with over 100 lakes, old-growth pine forests, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, boating, fishing, and staying at the historic Douglas Lodge or in one of the park's many cabins or campsites.
6. With the Wind Vineyard & Winery
LOCAL WINE EXPERIENCE
With the Wind Vineyard & Winery offers visitors a taste of Minnesota's growing wine culture in a charming countryside setting. Guests can sample a variety of locally produced wines made from cold-hardy grapes specifically developed for Minnesota's climate. The winery features a cozy tasting room, outdoor seating with vineyard views, and special events throughout the growing season.
7. Dakota Winds Golf Course
PRAIRIE LINKS EXPERIENCE
Dakota Winds Golf Course offers golfers a challenging 9-hole experience set against the beautiful prairie landscape of western Minnesota. The course features rolling fairways, strategic water hazards, and well-maintained greens that appeal to golfers of all skill levels. Visitors can enjoy affordable green fees, a welcoming clubhouse, and the opportunity to play golf amid picturesque rural scenery near the South Dakota border.
8. West Central Research & Outreach Center
SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE SHOWCASE
The West Central Research & Outreach Center serves as an educational facility showcasing sustainable agriculture practices and research in western Minnesota. Visitors can explore demonstration gardens, renewable energy exhibits, and learn about innovations in crop and livestock production. The center offers public tours, workshops, and events that highlight the connection between farming, conservation, and rural communities.
9. Wieser Hardware
HISTORIC SMALL-TOWN STORE
Wieser Hardware stands as a charming fixture on Main Street in Dumont, offering visitors a glimpse into small-town Minnesota retail heritage. This family-owned business provides hardware supplies, tools, and local expertise to both residents and curious travelers passing through the area. The store represents an authentic piece of rural American culture that has become increasingly rare in the age of big-box retailers.
10. Traverse County Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Traverse County Museum preserves the rich history of Dumont and surrounding communities through carefully curated exhibits and artifacts. Visitors can explore displays featuring pioneer tools, household items, photographs, and documents that tell the story of settlement and development in this corner of Minnesota. The museum offers insights into agricultural heritage, immigrant experiences, and the evolution of rural life in Traverse County.
11. Browns Valley Historical Society Museum
REGIONAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Browns Valley Historical Society Museum showcases the unique history of the area where ancient glacial Lake Agassiz once covered the landscape. Exhibits feature artifacts from Native American cultures, early European settlement, and the development of farming communities along the Minnesota-South Dakota border. Visitors can view historical photographs, agricultural implements, and learn about the famous Browns Valley Man, one of the oldest human remains found in the Upper Midwest.
12. Lake Traverse
HISTORIC BORDER WATERS
Lake Traverse forms part of the continental divide between watersheds that flow to the Gulf of Mexico and those that flow to Hudson Bay. This historically significant body of water offers excellent fishing for walleye, northern pike, and perch in a serene setting along the Minnesota-South Dakota border. Visitors can access the lake via public boat launches, enjoy shoreline picnicking, and observe diverse waterfowl and wildlife that inhabit the surrounding wetlands.
13. Mustinka River
SCENIC PRAIRIE WATERWAY
The Mustinka River winds through the prairie landscape near Dumont, offering opportunities for canoeing, fishing, and wildlife observation. This peaceful waterway supports a variety of fish species and serves as an important habitat corridor in an area dominated by agricultural land. Nature enthusiasts can spot herons, eagles, deer, and other wildlife while exploring the river's gentle current and natural shorelines.
14. Bois de Sioux River
BOUNDARY WATERS EXPERIENCE
The Bois de Sioux River forms part of the Minnesota-South Dakota border, offering a tranquil setting for paddling, fishing, and nature observation. This historic waterway played an important role in early transportation and continues to provide habitat for numerous fish species including channel catfish, northern pike, and walleye. Visitors can access the river at bridge crossings and public lands, making it an accessible destination for outdoor recreation near Dumont.
15. Reservation Dam
HISTORIC WATER CONTROL
Reservation Dam controls water flow between Lake Traverse and the Bois de Sioux River, representing an important piece of water management infrastructure in the region. Visitors can observe the dam's operation, fish in its vicinity, and learn about its role in flood control and watershed management. The site offers interpretive information about the area's hydrology and the engineering challenges faced in managing water resources along the continental divide.