Fifty Lakes MinnesotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Fifty Lakes, Minnesota.
1. 50 Lakes Bar & Bottle Shop
LOCAL DRINKS AND SOCIALIZING
50 Lakes Bar & Bottle Shop offers visitors a chance to experience local flavors and mingle with residents in this charming small-town establishment. Visitors can enjoy a selection of beverages while getting to know the local culture and atmosphere. The venue serves as both a gathering place for the community and a welcome stop for tourists exploring the Fifty Lakes area.
2. Golden Eagle Golf Club
SCENIC GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Golden Eagle Golf Club provides golfers with beautiful fairways and challenging play in the serene setting of Fifty Lakes. The well-maintained course offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and thoughtful design for players of all skill levels. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful surroundings while testing their skills on this popular local course.
3. Pine River Dam
HISTORIC WATER CONTROL
Pine River Dam stands as an important piece of infrastructure in the region near Fifty Lakes, offering visitors insights into water management and local history. The dam creates a perfect spot for photography with its flowing waters and surrounding natural beauty. Visitors often enjoy fishing near the dam or simply appreciating the engineering marvel in its peaceful setting.
4. Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
ICONIC OUTDOOR ART
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden showcases an impressive collection of contemporary sculptures in a beautifully landscaped 11-acre park. The garden's centerpiece, the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry, has become a symbol of the Twin Cities and draws art enthusiasts from around the world. Visitors can wander among more than 40 permanent art installations while enjoying the harmonious blend of art and nature.
5. Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
NATURAL BEAUTY SHOWCASE
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum offers 1,200 acres of magnificent gardens, model landscapes, and natural areas for exploration and inspiration. The arboretum features more than 5,000 plant species and varieties, including trees, shrubs, flowers, and Minnesota's largest Japanese garden. Visitors can enjoy seasonal displays, walking trails, and educational programs that highlight the importance of plants in our environment.
6. Glensheen Mansion
HISTORIC LAKESIDE ESTATE
Glensheen Mansion stands as a magnificent 39-room estate on the shores of Lake Superior, offering visitors a glimpse into early 20th-century opulence. The meticulously preserved mansion features original furnishings, stunning craftsmanship, and beautiful gardens that transport visitors to Minnesota's gilded age. Tours of this historic landmark reveal not only architectural splendor but also the fascinating and sometimes tragic history of the Congdon family who once called it home.
7. Cathedral of Saint Paul
MAJESTIC RELIGIOUS ARCHITECTURE
Cathedral of Saint Paul stands as one of the most impressive religious buildings in the United States, featuring a massive copper dome and classical Renaissance and Baroque elements. The interior showcases stunning stained glass windows, marble statues, and intricate mosaics that have inspired visitors for generations. This architectural masterpiece offers guided tours that highlight both the artistic significance and spiritual importance of this Minnesota landmark.
8. Crosslake Recreation Area
OUTDOOR FAMILY FUN
Crosslake Recreation Area provides a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy the natural beauty of the region near Fifty Lakes. Visitors can swim, fish, picnic, or simply relax along the shoreline of this scenic area. The well-maintained facilities make it an ideal spot for family outings and recreational activities throughout the warmer months.
9. Breezy Point Resort
LAKESIDE VACATION DESTINATION
Breezy Point Resort offers a comprehensive vacation experience with multiple lodging options, dining venues, and recreational activities near Fifty Lakes. Guests can enjoy golf, boating, swimming, and seasonal events in this picturesque lakeside setting. The resort's long history as a Minnesota destination adds character and charm to the modern amenities and services provided.
10. Paul Bunyan Land
NOSTALGIC AMUSEMENT PARK
Paul Bunyan Land features a talking 26-foot tall Paul Bunyan statue that greets visitors by name, creating an unforgettable experience for children and adults alike. This nostalgic amusement park offers vintage rides, pioneer village exhibits, and family-friendly entertainment that has delighted generations. Visitors can step back in time while enjoying the attractions and learning about the legendary lumberjack who has become synonymous with Minnesota folklore.
11. Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area
PREMIER MOUNTAIN BIKING
Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area has transformed former mining pits into a world-class mountain biking destination with over 30 miles of purpose-built singletrack trails. The vibrant red earth and crystal-clear mine lakes create a stunning backdrop for outdoor adventures including biking, paddling, and hiking. This recreational area has revitalized the region and draws outdoor enthusiasts year-round with its unique landscape and exceptional trail system.
12. Mille Lacs Kathio State Park
ANCIENT HISTORY PRESERVED
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park preserves 9,000 years of human history on the shores of Mille Lacs Lake, making it one of Minnesota's most significant archaeological sites. Visitors can climb the 100-foot observation tower for panoramic views of the forest canopy and lake, then explore 35 miles of trails through diverse ecosystems. The interpretive center offers fascinating insights into the Native American heritage and natural history of this special place.
13. Brainerd International Raceway
HIGH-SPEED MOTORSPORTS ACTION
Brainerd International Raceway delivers heart-pounding motorsports action with its quarter-mile drag strip and 2.5-mile road course in the lakes region near Fifty Lakes. Racing fans can experience everything from NHRA national events to amateur competitions throughout the racing season. The facility's campgrounds and viewing areas create an immersive experience for motorsports enthusiasts wanting to make the most of race weekends.
14. Crow Wing State Park
HISTORIC RIVER CROSSING
Crow Wing State Park preserves the site of a former frontier settlement where the Mississippi and Crow Wing rivers meet, offering visitors a blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Hiking trails wind through diverse landscapes including river shorelines, mixed hardwood forests, and open prairie areas abundant with wildlife. Interpretive displays throughout the park tell the story of early settlers, Dakota and Ojibwe peoples, and the once-thriving town that disappeared after the railroad bypassed it in the 1870s.
15. Pequot Lakes Fire Tower
PANORAMIC FOREST VIEWS
Pequot Lakes Fire Tower stands as a historic landmark offering adventurous climbers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding forests and lakes region. The restored tower provides a unique perspective of the northern Minnesota landscape that stretches for miles in all directions. Visitors who make the climb are rewarded with an unparalleled vantage point and a deeper appreciation for the region's natural beauty and forestry heritage.