Franklin MinnesotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Franklin, Minnesota.
1. Birch Coulee Battlefield
HISTORIC CIVIL WAR SITE
Birch Coulee Battlefield is a significant historical site that commemorates one of the most intense battles of the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862. Visitors can explore the preserved battlefield grounds and learn about this important chapter in Minnesota's history through interpretive displays. The site offers a moving experience that connects travelers with the region's complex past and the conflicts that shaped Minnesota's development.
2. Dacotah Ridge Golf Club
PREMIER GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Dacotah Ridge Golf Club offers golf enthusiasts a beautifully designed course set against Minnesota's scenic countryside. The highly-rated club features challenging holes, well-maintained greens, and professional facilities that attract players of all skill levels. Visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and quality experience that has earned the club its excellent reputation among Minnesota golf destinations.
3. Lower Sioux Agency
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE SITE
The Lower Sioux Agency preserves the site of a former U.S. government agency to the Dakota people and the location where the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862 began. The interpretive center features exhibits detailing Dakota history, culture, and the events leading to the conflict that dramatically changed Minnesota's development. Visitors can tour the grounds, view historic artifacts, and gain deeper understanding of this pivotal period in Minnesota's past.
4. Fort Ridgely
HISTORIC MILITARY OUTPOST
Fort Ridgely stands as a preserved historic military outpost that played a crucial role during the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862. The site features reconstructed buildings, interpretive displays, and a museum that tells the story of this frontier fort and its significance in Minnesota history. Visitors can walk the grounds where important battles took place and gain insight into 19th-century military life on the frontier.
5. Alexander Ramsey Park
SCENIC OUTDOOR RECREATION
Alexander Ramsey Park, known as the 'Little Yellowstone of Minnesota,' offers visitors a beautiful natural escape with scenic landscapes and outdoor activities. The park features impressive waterfalls, wooded hiking trails, picnic areas, and a zoo that make it perfect for family outings and nature enthusiasts. Spanning over 200 acres, this largest municipal park in Minnesota provides year-round recreational opportunities in a peaceful setting.
6. Franklin Arts Center
CREATIVE CULTURAL HUB
The Franklin Arts Center serves as a vibrant creative space housing art organizations, working studios, galleries, and arts-focused businesses. Visitors can explore rotating exhibitions, watch performances, or participate in workshops and classes offered throughout the year. The center has become a cultural cornerstone for the region, supporting local artists and providing enriching arts experiences for the community and travelers alike.
7. Munsinger Gardens
FLORAL PARADISE RETREAT
Munsinger Gardens offers visitors a breathtaking display of seemingly endless flowers and manicured landscapes along the Mississippi River. The gardens feature winding paths, fountains, and a variety of plant collections that change with the seasons, creating a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and photographers. Visitors can stroll through the vibrant displays, relax on benches overlooking the river, and enjoy one of Minnesota's most beloved public gardens.
8. Paramount Theatre
HISTORIC PERFORMING ARTS VENUE
The Paramount Theatre hosts award-winning performances in a beautifully restored historic venue in downtown St. Cloud. This cultural landmark offers a variety of entertainment including concerts, theatrical productions, comedy shows, and dance performances throughout the year. The theater's stunning architecture and excellent acoustics provide visitors with a memorable arts experience in an intimate setting.
9. Taylors Falls
SCENIC RIVER GORGE
Taylors Falls features impressive glacial potholes and rock formations carved by the St. Croix River, creating a dramatic natural landscape. Visitors can hike scenic trails, enjoy paddle wheeler boat rides on the river, or explore the unique geological features that make this area a natural wonder. The location offers excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation including birdwatching, photography, and experiencing the beauty of this distinctive river gorge.
10. The Shed
CLASSIC CAR COLLECTION
The Shed houses an impressive collection of classic and muscle cars displayed in a 24,000 square foot building. With approximately 70 meticulously maintained vehicles, this museum offers automobile enthusiasts a chance to admire automotive history up close. Visitors should call ahead for current hours as they vary throughout the year for this unique attraction that celebrates America's love affair with classic automobiles.
11. Wm. S. Marvin Training and Visitor Center
WINDOW MANUFACTURING HERITAGE
The Wm. S. Marvin Training and Visitor Center showcases the fascinating history of Marvin Windows and Doors through interactive exhibits and historical artifacts. Located at the junction of Highways 11 and 313, this free attraction welcomes visitors with displays that create a memorable experience for all ages. The center provides insight into the company's manufacturing innovations and its significant impact on both the local community and the building industry.
12. Bemidji Recreation Area
YEAR-ROUND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Bemidji Recreation Area offers visitors access to a wealth of outdoor activities that change with Minnesota's seasons. In warmer months, travelers can enjoy fishing, hiking, and water sports, while winter brings opportunities for ice fishing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. The area's natural beauty and recreational versatility make it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking authentic Minnesota experiences throughout the year.
13. Two Harbors Lighthouse
HISTORIC LAKE SUPERIOR BEACON
Two Harbors Lighthouse stands as one of Minnesota's oldest operational lighthouses, guiding ships on Lake Superior since 1892. Visitors can tour this historic structure, climb to the top for panoramic views of the harbor and lake, and learn about maritime history through exhibits in the keeper's residence. The lighthouse offers a glimpse into the region's shipping heritage while providing spectacular photo opportunities on the rugged North Shore.
14. Lake of the Woods
PREMIER FISHING DESTINATION
Lake of the Woods offers world-class fishing experiences with its vast waters spanning over a million acres between Minnesota and Canada. Anglers flock to this renowned destination for its abundant walleye, northern pike, and muskie populations that provide exceptional fishing opportunities year-round. The lake's countless islands and inlets create a stunning natural setting for fishing expeditions, boating adventures, and wildlife viewing along its scenic shores.
15. 3M Birthplace
INDUSTRIAL INNOVATION HISTORY
Two Harbors holds the distinction of being the original home of Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing, now globally known as 3M. Visitors can discover how this small town birthed what would become one of the world's most innovative companies through historical markers and local exhibits. The site provides an interesting glimpse into American industrial history and how a small-town enterprise evolved into a multinational corporation while maintaining connections to its Minnesota roots.