Kellogg MinnesotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Kellogg, Minnesota.
1. LARK Toys
WHIMSICAL TOY WONDERLAND
LARK Toys stands as one of the most beloved attractions in Kellogg, offering visitors a magical world of handcrafted toys and treasures. Visitors can ride the meticulously crafted carousel featuring hand-carved animals, browse through an extensive collection of unique toys, and enjoy the mini-golf course on the premises. The family-friendly destination provides hours of entertainment for children and adults alike, making it a must-visit spot in southeastern Minnesota.
2. Broken Paddle Guiding Co.
SCENIC RIVER ADVENTURES
Broken Paddle Guiding Co. offers exceptional paddling experiences on the Mississippi River and its backwaters near Kellogg. Visitors can enjoy guided kayak tours that showcase the area's natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and serene waterways. Their experienced guides provide safe and memorable adventures suitable for various skill levels, making it perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the region from a unique perspective.
3. National Eagle Center
MAJESTIC BIRD EDUCATION
The National Eagle Center provides visitors with an unforgettable opportunity to observe live bald and golden eagles up close while learning about their significance and conservation. This interactive educational center features daily programs with live eagle ambassadors, engaging exhibits about eagle biology and cultural importance, and viewing platforms to spot wild eagles along the Mississippi River. Located in nearby Wabasha, the center has become a premier destination for wildlife enthusiasts and anyone interested in America's national bird.
4. Buena Vista Park
SCENIC BLUFF OVERLOOKS
Buena Vista Park offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Mississippi River valley from atop the bluffs near Kellogg. Visitors can enjoy the observation platform that provides spectacular vistas of the river, surrounding landscapes, and often eagle sightings during migration seasons. The park features picnic areas and walking paths, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing afternoon taking in some of the most impressive scenery in the region.
5. Coffee Mill Ski Area
WINTER SPORTS HAVEN
Coffee Mill Ski Area provides winter sports enthusiasts with a unique bowl-shaped valley skiing experience not commonly found in the Midwest. The ski resort features 14 runs of varying difficulty, modern lifts, and excellent snow conditions maintained throughout the winter season. During warmer months, the area transforms to offer hiking trails with spectacular views of the Mississippi River Valley, making it a year-round destination for outdoor recreation near Kellogg.
6. Danzinger Vineyards
HILLSIDE WINE TASTING
Danzinger Vineyards welcomes visitors to experience award-winning wines in a spectacular setting overlooking the Mississippi River Valley. The family-owned winery offers tastings of their unique cold-climate varieties, produced from grapes grown on their hillside vineyard. Guests can relax on the outdoor patio while enjoying both the wines and breathtaking panoramic views, making it a perfect afternoon destination near Kellogg.
7. Local World Gallery
ARTISAN CRAFTS DISPLAY
Local World Gallery showcases beautiful handcrafted artwork and unique gifts created by regional artists in and around Kellogg. Visitors can browse through an eclectic collection of paintings, pottery, jewelry, and other artistic creations that reflect the cultural heritage and natural beauty of the area. The gallery provides an authentic shopping experience where tourists can find one-of-a-kind souvenirs while supporting local artisans and their craftsmanship.
8. Arrowhead Bluffs Museum
LOCAL HISTORY PRESERVED
Arrowhead Bluffs Museum offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the rich history of the Mississippi River Valley region surrounding Kellogg. The museum houses an impressive collection of Native American artifacts, pioneer tools, and exhibits depicting the evolution of local industries and transportation along the river. Visitors can explore the carefully curated displays that tell the story of the area's geological formation, indigenous peoples, European settlement, and ongoing cultural development.
9. Township 23 Distillery
CRAFT SPIRITS EXPERIENCE
Township 23 Distillery invites visitors to discover artisanal spirits crafted with meticulous attention to detail in the scenic area near Kellogg. Guests can tour the production facility to learn about the distilling process, from grain selection to bottling, while appreciating the blend of traditional methods and modern innovation. The tasting room offers samples of their distinctive whiskies, vodkas, and specialty spirits, providing a flavorful introduction to the region's growing craft beverage scene.
10. Kellogg Watermelon Festival
ANNUAL SUMMER CELEBRATION
The Kellogg Watermelon Festival brings the entire community together each summer for a weekend of family-friendly entertainment and delicious refreshments. Visitors can enjoy live music performances, parades, games, and of course, plenty of juicy watermelon to beat the summer heat. This beloved annual tradition showcases small-town Americana at its finest and offers tourists a chance to experience authentic local culture while creating lasting memories.
11. Pioneer Camp Site Resort
RIVERSIDE CAMPING RETREAT
Pioneer Camp Site Resort provides outdoor enthusiasts with a picturesque camping destination along the scenic waterways near Kellogg. Campers can choose from a variety of sites to accommodate tents, RVs, or cabin stays while enjoying amenities designed for family comfort and recreation. The resort serves as an ideal base for exploring the region's natural attractions, including fishing spots, hiking trails, and wildlife observation areas in the surrounding state parks.
12. Wabasha County Parks
NATURAL RECREATION AREAS
Wabasha County Parks offer visitors multiple opportunities to enjoy the stunning natural landscapes surrounding Kellogg through a network of well-maintained recreational areas. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore miles of trails suitable for hiking, ATV riding, horseback riding, and snowmobiling depending on the season and specific park regulations. These diverse parks showcase the region's ecological features, from riverside lowlands to dramatic bluffs, providing access to fishing, hunting, bird watching, and simply enjoying the tranquility of southeastern Minnesota's countryside.
13. Whitewater State Park
DRAMATIC VALLEY WILDERNESS
Whitewater State Park presents a dramatic limestone bluff landscape with crystal-clear trout streams just a short drive from Kellogg. Visitors can enjoy exceptional fishing in the park's renowned waters, hike more than 10 miles of scenic trails that wind through diverse habitats, and camp in well-equipped facilities nestled within this picturesque valley. The park's nature programs, swimming beach, and wildlife viewing opportunities make it a perfect destination for nature lovers looking to experience the unique Driftless Area ecology of southeastern Minnesota.
14. Mississippi River Fishing
PREMIER ANGLING DESTINATION
The Mississippi River near Kellogg offers some of the finest fishing opportunities in the Midwest, with abundant populations of walleye, northern pike, bass, and panfish throughout the seasons. Anglers can access the river via numerous boat launches and fishing piers, or hire local guides who know the best spots to target trophy catches in the main channel and backwaters. The river's diverse habitats, from deep pools to shallow vegetation beds, provide excellent conditions for year-round fishing adventures that have made this area a renowned destination for sportfishing enthusiasts.
15. Great River Road Scenic Byway
HISTORIC RIVER JOURNEY
The Great River Road Scenic Byway invites travelers to experience the captivating beauty of the Mississippi River Valley as it winds through the Kellogg area along historic Highway 61. Motorists, cyclists, and motorcyclists can enjoy breathtaking vistas of the river, bluffs, and picturesque river towns while discovering interpretive sites that tell the story of America's greatest river. The route features numerous overlooks, historical markers, and access points to natural attractions, making it both a destination itself and a perfect way to connect with other regional highlights at a leisurely pace.