Fountain MinnesotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Fountain, Minnesota.
1. Karst Brewing
CRAFT BEER DESTINATION
Karst Brewing is a popular craft brewery nestled in the quaint town of Fountain. Visitors can sample locally brewed beers while enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of this small-town brewery. The brewery takes its name from the unique karst topography that defines the surrounding landscape.
2. Sugar Creek Vineyard and Meadery
LOCAL WINE AND MEAD
Sugar Creek Vineyard and Meadery offers visitors a taste of locally produced wines and meads in Fountain. Guests can tour the facilities, learn about the mead-making process, and enjoy tastings of their unique beverages. The picturesque setting makes it a perfect stop for travelers exploring the Root River Trail area.
3. Anderson Acres
RUSTIC FARM EXPERIENCE
Anderson Acres provides visitors with an authentic farm experience in the heart of Fountain. The property offers seasonal activities, farm tours, and opportunities to connect with rural Minnesota life. Visitors appreciate the peaceful setting and chance to learn about agricultural traditions.
4. Fillmore County History Center
LOCAL HERITAGE MUSEUM
The Fillmore County History Center preserves and showcases the rich heritage of Fountain and the surrounding region. The museum houses numerous exhibits, artifacts, and genealogical resources that tell the story of the area's development. Visitors can explore the county's past through interactive displays and informative presentations.
5. Root River State Trail
PREMIER BIKING TRAIL
The Root River State Trail, with its western terminus in Fountain, offers 60 miles of scenic outdoor recreation along a former railroad bed. Trail users can bike, hike, rollerblade, cross-country ski, or snowmobile along this top-rated pathway that winds along the Root River. The trail provides access to beautiful karst landscapes, including sinkholes that have earned Fountain the title of 'Sinkhole Capital of the USA.'
6. City Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RECREATION AREA
Fountain's City Park provides visitors with multiple recreational amenities including covered picnic areas, restrooms, ball fields, and courts for volleyball and basketball. Children will enjoy the playground equipment, while adults can relax in the shaded picnic shelters. The park regularly hosts community events including the annual Easter egg hunt and serves as a gathering place for locals and tourists alike.
7. Trailside Park
RECREATION NEAR THE TRAIL
Trailside Park offers convenient amenities for those exploring the Root River Trail in Fountain. The park features a playground, volleyball and basketball courts, and clean bathroom facilities. Two open shelters make this an ideal spot for a picnic break during a day of outdoor activities.
8. Ball Park
SPORTS AND RECREATION CENTER
The Ball Park in Fountain provides sports enthusiasts with excellent facilities for America's favorite pastime. The grounds include a concession stand, two bathrooms, an open shelter, ball field, and batting cage. Local games and tournaments bring the community together during the warmer months.
9. Westside Park
PLAYGROUND FOR CHILDREN
Westside Park offers a dedicated playground area for families visiting Fountain. Children can enjoy the play equipment while parents supervise from nearby seating areas. The park provides a welcome recreational option on the west side of town.
10. Fountain Gazebo
SCENIC REST STOP
The Gazebo in Fountain offers visitors a charming rest stop located on County Road 8 by Highway 52. This picturesque structure provides shelter and a scenic spot to take photos or simply relax. The gazebo represents the small-town charm that makes Fountain a delightful place to visit.
11. Fountain Sinkholes
UNIQUE GEOLOGICAL FEATURES
Fountain proudly claims the title of 'Sinkhole Capital of the USA' due to its remarkable karst topography. Visitors can view one of the impressive sinkholes approximately half a mile from the trail head, accessible via a bridge overlooking its opening. These natural wonders reveal the extensive network of caverns and underground waterways that have been carved throughout the limestone bedrock of the region.
12. Niagara Cave
UNDERGROUND WONDER WORLD
Niagara Cave, located near Fountain in Harmony, features a magnificent 60-foot waterfall cascading through limestone formations over a million years old. Visitors descend 200 feet below the surface on guided tours to witness stalactites, stalagmites, and fossils embedded in the cave walls. The cave maintains a constant 48-degree temperature year-round, making it a refreshing escape during summer months.
13. Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park
HISTORIC SITE AND CAVE
Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park, located near Fountain in Preston, offers visitors two distinct attractions: the historic Forestville village and Minnesota's longest cave system. Mystery Cave features stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and underground pools across more than 13 miles of surveyed passages. The historic village portion allows visitors to step back in time to the 1800s with costumed interpreters bringing the past to life.
14. Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center
OUTDOOR EDUCATION FACILITY
Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, located near Fountain in Lanesboro, provides immersive environmental education experiences in the beautiful bluff country. Visitors can participate in outdoor activities including a high ropes course, rock climbing, and naturalist-led programs. The center's sustainable campus showcases renewable energy systems and ecological design principles while offering spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.
15. Amish Tours of Harmony
CULTURAL HERITAGE EXPERIENCE
Amish Tours of Harmony offers guided excursions through the countryside near Fountain to observe and learn about the Amish way of life. Visitors travel in comfortable vehicles to Amish farms, schools, and businesses while knowledgeable guides explain the culture, history, and traditions of this unique community. The tours provide respectful glimpses into Amish workshops and stores where handcrafted furniture, quilts, and baked goods can be purchased directly from their makers.