La Salle MinnesotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near La Salle, Minnesota.
1. La Salle Lake State Recreation Area
MINNESOTA'S DEEPEST INLAND LAKE
La Salle Lake State Recreation Area offers a great wilderness experience amid red and jack pine forests and woodlands. Visitors can enjoy fishing opportunities on Minnesota's deepest inland lake, measuring 213 feet deep. The recreation area features full hookup camping sites, hiking trails, and access to a pristine stretch of the Mississippi River.
2. Mississippi Headwaters
SOURCE OF GREAT RIVER
The Mississippi Headwaters marks the beginning point of one of America's most iconic rivers. Visitors can walk across the headwaters on stepping stones and literally straddle the mighty Mississippi at its humble beginnings. This natural landmark is surrounded by the pristine wilderness of Itasca State Park, offering interpretive displays about the river's significance.
3. Lake Itasca
BIRTHPLACE OF MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Lake Itasca is the primary source of the Mississippi River and the centerpiece of Itasca State Park. The scenic lake spans 1,195 acres and offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming in crystal-clear waters. Visitors can enjoy the lake's natural beauty while exploring the surrounding old-growth pine forests that represent Minnesota's northwoods at its finest.
4. Hope and Faith Floral & Gifts
CHARMING LOCAL SHOP
Hope and Faith Floral & Gifts is a highly-rated specialty and gift shop in La Salle. This charming boutique offers a curated selection of floral arrangements, gifts, and home décor items with a personal touch. Visitors appreciate the friendly service and unique merchandise that can't be found in big box stores.
5. Lost Sanity Brewing
CRAFT BEER EXPERIENCE
Lost Sanity Brewing provides a taste of Minnesota's craft beer culture in the heart of La Salle. The brewery offers a rotating selection of handcrafted beers in a welcoming taproom atmosphere. Visitors can sample unique brews while enjoying the small-town charm that makes this brewery a local favorite.
6. Brewery Hill Christmas Trees
SEASONAL FAMILY TRADITION
Brewery Hill Christmas Trees offers a delightful seasonal experience for families looking to select their perfect holiday tree. Visitors can wander through acres of evergreens, breathing in the fresh pine scent while searching for the perfect Christmas centerpiece. The farm combines holiday traditions with outdoor adventure, making it a beloved destination during the winter season.
7. Ferguson's Minnesota Harvest Craft Cider Bar & Orchard
ORCHARD & CIDER TASTING
Ferguson's Minnesota Harvest offers visitors a chance to experience a working apple orchard and craft cider production facility. Guests can sample unique hard ciders made from locally grown apples in the rustic cider bar. The orchard provides seasonal activities including apple picking, hayrides, and farm-to-table experiences that showcase Minnesota's agricultural heritage.
8. Ness Farm
HISTORIC AGRICULTURAL SITE
Ness Farm preserves the agricultural heritage of the La Salle region through its historic farm buildings and demonstrations. Visitors can explore the working farm to learn about traditional farming practices and rural life in Minnesota's past. The farm often hosts seasonal events that connect modern visitors with the agricultural traditions that shaped the area.
9. LaSalle Creek Archaeological Site
ANCIENT CULTURAL HERITAGE
The LaSalle Creek Archaeological Site provides a fascinating glimpse into Minnesota's prehistoric past near LaSalle Lake. Discovered in the early 1990s, this Elk Lake Culture site dates back approximately 3,180 years and has yielded important artifacts that help archaeologists understand early Native American life. The site represents one of the earliest known dates for an Elk Lake Culture occupation in Minnesota and highlights the archaeological significance of the Mississippi headwaters region.
10. LaSalle Creek
PRISTINE COLDWATER STREAM
LaSalle Creek is a pristine coldwater stream that flows through the La Salle Lake State Recreation Area. The creek offers excellent opportunities for trout fishing and nature observation in a serene setting. Visitors can follow trails along the creek's edge to experience the diverse ecosystem that thrives around this important water feature.
11. La Salle Lake Scientific and Natural Area
PROTECTED ECOLOGICAL TREASURE
The La Salle Lake Scientific and Natural Area preserves unique ecological features within the state recreation area. This protected zone showcases native plant communities and wildlife habitats that represent Minnesota's natural heritage. Visitors interested in ecology and conservation can observe undisturbed natural areas that provide important scientific and educational value.
12. La Salle Lake Hiking Trails
WILDERNESS TREKKING OPPORTUNITIES
The La Salle Lake Hiking Trails network offers approximately 11.5 miles of paths through diverse northern Minnesota landscapes. Hikers can explore routes that wind through pine forests, along lake shores, and near pristine sections of the Mississippi River. The trail system provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, photography, and immersion in the natural beauty of the region.
13. Itasca State Park
MINNESOTA'S OLDEST STATE PARK
Itasca State Park, established in 1891, is Minnesota's oldest state park and home to the headwaters of the Mississippi River. The park encompasses more than 32,000 acres of pristine northern wilderness, including ancient old-growth pines and more than 100 lakes. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, boating, wildlife viewing, and staying at the historic Douglas Lodge while exploring this iconic Minnesota destination.
14. Wilderness Drive
SCENIC FOREST ROUTE
Wilderness Drive offers a 10-mile scenic route through the heart of Itasca State Park's old-growth forest. Travelers can observe massive pines, some over 250 years old, while driving or cycling this picturesque loop. The route features multiple overlooks and short hiking trails that allow visitors to step out and experience the forest's tranquility up close.
15. Aiton Heights Fire Tower
PANORAMIC FOREST VIEWS
The Aiton Heights Fire Tower stands 100 feet tall in Itasca State Park, offering panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. Visitors who climb the tower's 132 steps are rewarded with a breathtaking vista encompassing the park's forests and lakes. This historic structure provides one of the best perspectives on the vast northern Minnesota landscape that surrounds La Salle Lake and the Mississippi headwaters region.