Kenyon MinnesotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Kenyon, Minnesota.
1. Gunderson House
HISTORIC VICTORIAN MANSION
The Gunderson House is a beautifully preserved 1895 Queen Anne Victorian home built for M.T. Gunderson, the area's first industrialist who introduced electric lighting to Kenyon. Visitors can explore this National Register of Historic Places property during monthly tours offered on the third Saturday of each month, witnessing authentic period furnishings exactly as they were when the house was originally inhabited. History enthusiasts will appreciate the dedicated work of the Kenyon Area Historical Society members who maintain this treasure and share fascinating stories about the family and the property.
2. SIFT Thrift Store
UNIQUE VINTAGE FINDS
SIFT Thrift Store offers an eclectic collection of antiques and secondhand treasures in downtown Kenyon. Visitors can browse through a variety of vintage items, household goods, and unique collectibles while supporting local commerce. The store provides an authentic small-town shopping experience that reflects the character and history of the Kenyon community.
3. Kenyon Municipal Liquor Store
LOCAL SPIRITS HUB
The Kenyon Municipal Liquor Store serves as both a retail establishment and social gathering place for locals and visitors alike. This community-owned establishment offers a selection of spirits, wines, and local beers that highlight Minnesota's growing craft beverage scene. Visitors can experience an authentic slice of small-town Minnesota life while supporting a business that contributes directly to the city's economy.
4. Kenyon Country Club
SCENIC RURAL GOLF
Kenyon Country Club provides golfers with a picturesque course nestled in the rolling countryside of southeastern Minnesota. The well-maintained fairways and greens offer challenges for players of all skill levels while showcasing the natural beauty of the region. Visitors can enjoy a relaxed round of golf followed by refreshments at the clubhouse, making it a perfect destination for both serious golfers and casual players looking to experience outdoor recreation in Kenyon.
5. Kenyon Downtown Historic District
CHARMING MAIN STREET
Kenyon's Downtown Historic District showcases the authentic charm of this southern Minnesota community along Minnesota State Highway 60. Visitors can stroll through the business district, admiring the well-preserved architecture that reflects the town's rich history dating back to its settlement period. The walkable downtown area offers a variety of local businesses, eateries, and shops that provide a genuine small-town Minnesota experience.
6. Rose Fest
ANNUAL COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
Rose Fest is Kenyon's signature annual celebration that brings together residents and visitors for five days of small-town festivities typically held in August. The event features a diverse lineup of activities including a parade, car and truck show, vendor and craft market, city-wide garage sales, pool regatta, BINGO, fire department water fights, tractor pull, magic show, music, and abundant food options. This community celebration exemplifies the spirit of rural Minnesota towns and provides an immersive cultural experience for anyone wanting to understand the heart and soul of Kenyon.
7. Assisi Heights Spirituality Center
PEACEFUL SPIRITUAL RETREAT
Assisi Heights Spirituality Center offers visitors a tranquil retreat space near Kenyon in neighboring Rochester. The center, with its impressive architecture and serene grounds, provides a peaceful environment for reflection, meditation, and spiritual renewal. Visitors can participate in scheduled retreats, workshops, or simply enjoy the contemplative atmosphere and beautiful surroundings that make this a special destination in southeastern Minnesota.
8. Hindu Temple of Minnesota
CULTURAL RELIGIOUS LANDMARK
The Hindu Temple of Minnesota stands as one of the largest Hindu temples in the region, showcasing stunning traditional architecture and serving as a cultural landmark. Visitors can explore the intricately designed interior spaces adorned with detailed sculptures and artwork representing various deities and Hindu traditions. The temple not only provides spiritual services but also serves as an educational center where people of all backgrounds can learn about Hindu culture, traditions, and philosophy.
9. Park Avenue United Methodist Church
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS ARCHITECTURE
Park Avenue United Methodist Church features striking Gothic Revival architecture that makes it a significant historic landmark in the region. The church's impressive stained glass windows, soaring spires, and detailed woodwork exemplify the craftsmanship of early Minnesota builders. Visitors can appreciate the historic significance of this religious structure while learning about its role in the community's development and spiritual heritage.
10. Goodhue County Historical Society
REGIONAL HERITAGE MUSEUM
The Goodhue County Historical Society museum preserves and showcases the rich history of the county that includes Kenyon and surrounding communities. Visitors can explore engaging exhibits featuring artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays that tell the story of the area's development from Native American settlements through European immigration and into the modern era. The museum offers educational programs, research resources, and rotating special exhibits that provide deeper insights into the cultural heritage of southeastern Minnesota.
11. Cannon Valley Trail
SCENIC RECREATIONAL PATHWAY
The Cannon Valley Trail offers outdoor enthusiasts a picturesque 19.7-mile pathway that follows the Cannon River through some of southeastern Minnesota's most beautiful landscapes. Visitors can walk, run, bike, or cross-country ski along this former railroad bed while enjoying views of limestone bluffs, wetlands, and peaceful river scenes that change dramatically with the seasons. The well-maintained trail connects several communities including Cannon Falls and Red Wing, making it an ideal way to experience the natural beauty of the region surrounding Kenyon.
12. Wanamingo Community Pool
FAMILY SWIMMING DESTINATION
The Wanamingo Community Pool provides a refreshing summer escape for families near Kenyon with its clean, well-maintained swimming facilities. Visitors can enjoy recreational swimming, lap swimming, and various water activities in this community-centered aquatic venue. The pool offers affordable admission prices and a friendly atmosphere that makes it a popular destination for local residents and travelers seeking to cool off during Minnesota's warm summer months.
13. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
ANCIENT FOREST PRESERVE
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park preserves one of the last remnants of the Big Woods forest that once covered much of central Minnesota, offering visitors a glimpse into the region's natural history. The park features miles of hiking trails that wind through majestic hardwood forests and showcase seasonal wildflower displays, including the rare dwarf trout lily that blooms in spring. Nature enthusiasts can also discover Hidden Falls, a picturesque waterfall that cascades over limestone ledges, making this park a perfect destination for photography, bird watching, and peaceful nature exploration near Kenyon.
14. Zumbrota Covered Bridge
HISTORIC RIVER CROSSING
The Zumbrota Covered Bridge stands as Minnesota's only remaining historic covered bridge, dating back to 1869 and offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into 19th-century transportation infrastructure. The picturesque wooden structure spans the Zumbro River and is now preserved in a pleasant park setting where visitors can walk through the bridge and read interpretive displays about its history. This photogenic landmark hosts an annual Covered Bridge Festival that celebrates the town's heritage with music, food, and community activities, making it a worthwhile destination when exploring the region around Kenyon.
15. Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum
NORDIC HERITAGE CENTER
The Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum houses the most comprehensive collection of Norwegian-American artifacts in the world, showcasing the immigrant experience and cultural heritage that shaped much of the region including nearby Kenyon. Visitors can explore over 33,000 artifacts displayed in 16 historic buildings, including traditional Norwegian homes, a mill, and a church that have been relocated to the museum grounds. The museum offers hands-on folk art classes, cultural events, and engaging exhibits that provide insights into the Norwegian influence on American culture, crafts, and daily life in the Upper Midwest.