Grant MinnesotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Grant, Minnesota.
1. Loggers Trail Golf Course
SCENIC GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Loggers Trail Golf Course offers golf enthusiasts a picturesque setting for their game in Grant, Minnesota. Visitors can enjoy well-maintained fairways and challenging holes that cater to various skill levels. The course provides a peaceful escape into nature while still offering all the amenities golfers expect from a quality establishment.
2. Blueberry Fields of Stillwater
PICK-YOUR-OWN BERRY FARM
Blueberry Fields of Stillwater invites visitors to experience the joy of harvesting their own blueberries in a charming farm setting. Families can spend quality time together picking plump, juicy berries straight from the bush during the summer season. The farm maintains high ratings from visitors who appreciate the friendly atmosphere and quality of the fruit.
3. Axdahl's Garden Farm & Greenhouse
LOCAL FRESH PRODUCE
Axdahl's Garden Farm & Greenhouse delights visitors with its abundant selection of locally grown produce and plants. The family-operated establishment offers seasonal vegetables, fruits, and beautiful ornamental plants throughout the growing season. Guests consistently give high marks to this Grant staple for its quality offerings and authentic farm experience.
4. Pine Tree Apple Orchard
SEASONAL FRUIT PICKING
Pine Tree Apple Orchard welcomes visitors to enjoy the quintessential Minnesota fall experience of apple picking in a beautiful orchard setting. Beyond apples, the orchard offers seasonal activities including pumpkin patches, hayrides, and a country store with freshly baked goods. Families return year after year to create memories among the apple trees and enjoy the farm's warm hospitality.
5. Stillwater Lift Bridge
HISTORIC RIVER CROSSING
The Stillwater Lift Bridge, built in 1931, stands as a historic landmark connecting downtown Stillwater to Wisconsin across the St. Croix River. Now dedicated to pedestrians and cyclists, this engineering marvel has been converted into part of the Loop Trail system. Visitors can walk across this iconic vertical lift bridge while enjoying panoramic views of the river and learning about its transportation history.
6. St. Croix Crossing Bridge
MODERN ARCHITECTURAL MARVEL
The St. Croix Crossing Bridge is an impressive extradosed bridge spanning the Saint Croix River at a height of 150 feet. Completed in 2017, this modern marvel features three scenic overlooks where visitors can pause to take in breathtaking views of the river valley. The bridge serves as both a crucial transportation link and a destination for those seeking spectacular vistas of the natural surroundings.
7. Gateway State Trail
MULTI-USE RECREATION PATH
The Gateway State Trail offers outdoor enthusiasts a paved 18-mile multi-use path stretching from St. Paul to Pine Point Regional Park. This former railroad corridor provides a safe, scenic route for cyclists, joggers, walkers, and in some sections, horseback riders. Nature lovers can enjoy the diverse landscapes along the trail, from urban settings to peaceful rural scenes with woods, wetlands, and prairie remnants.
8. Brown's Creek Trail
SCENIC RIVER VALLEY PATH
Brown's Creek Trail provides a beautiful natural corridor connecting the Gateway State Trail to downtown Stillwater. Travelers along this converted railway route can experience the peaceful ambiance of Brown's Creek valley with its flowing waters and abundant wildlife. The trail features educational pavilions at key intersections where visitors can learn about the area's railroad history while taking a well-deserved break.
9. Lake Elmo Park Reserve
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Lake Elmo Park Reserve offers a hiker's paradise with 20 miles of trails winding through diverse natural landscapes. Visitors can choose between natural surface paths or paved trails to explore forests, prairies, and lakeshores at their own pace. The park reserve also features swimming beaches, fishing opportunities, camping facilities, and seasonal activities like cross-country skiing in winter.
10. William O'Brien State Park
RIVERSIDE NATURAL ESCAPE
William O'Brien State Park stretches along the banks of the St. Croix River, offering visitors a pristine natural setting for outdoor recreation. Hikers can explore miles of trails through oak savannas and river floodplains while keeping an eye out for diverse wildlife. The park provides year-round activities including camping, fishing, swimming, and winter sports like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
11. Afton State Park
BLUFFLAND RIVER VALLEY
Afton State Park showcases the dramatic landscape where rolling prairie meets deep ravines and rugged, wooded slopes along the St. Croix River valley. Visitors can challenge themselves on the park's hilly trails that offer rewarding panoramic views of the river and surrounding countryside. The park maintains a natural character with rustic amenities including backpack campsites, swimming beaches, and picnic areas nestled among the trees.
12. Stillwater Historic Downtown
CHARMING RIVERSIDE SHOPPING
Stillwater's Historic Downtown enchants visitors with its well-preserved 19th-century architecture and charming Main Street overlooking the St. Croix River. Travelers can explore unique boutiques, antique shops, art galleries, and a variety of restaurants housed in historic buildings. The birthplace of Minnesota statehood, Stillwater combines rich history with modern amenities to create one of the Midwest's most captivating small-town experiences.
13. Square Lake County Park
CRYSTAL CLEAR SWIMMING
Square Lake County Park features one of the clearest lakes in Minnesota, drawing swimmers and scuba divers to its pristine waters. The spring-fed lake maintains exceptional water clarity and quality, making it a refreshing destination during warm summer months. Visitors can enjoy the sandy beach, fishing opportunities, picnic areas, and hiking trails that surround this natural gem in Washington County.
14. Big Marine Lake Park Reserve
FAMILY-FRIENDLY LAKESIDE RECREATION
Big Marine Lake Park Reserve centers around a 1,800-acre lake offering multiple recreational opportunities for water enthusiasts. Families can enjoy the swimming beach, fishing piers, boat launch, and playground facilities in a peaceful natural setting. The park reserve balances developed recreational areas with preserved natural spaces, providing habitat for wildlife and scenic beauty for visitors.
15. Gammelgarden Museum
SWEDISH IMMIGRANT HERITAGE
Gammelgarden Museum preserves the story of Swedish immigrants who settled in the St. Croix Valley during the 19th century. Visitors can explore five historic buildings including Minnesota's oldest Lutheran church, an immigrant house, and a barn filled with artifacts depicting pioneer life. The museum hosts cultural events throughout the year including Midsommar celebration, Swedish language camps, and traditional craft demonstrations that keep Nordic heritage alive.