Lakeland Shores MinnesotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Lakeland Shores, Minnesota.
1. Birkmose Park
SCENIC RIVER VIEWS
Birkmose Park offers breathtaking panoramic views of the St. Croix River and is situated just across from Lakeland Shores. Visitors can enjoy well-maintained walking trails that wind through Native American burial mounds, adding historical significance to the natural beauty. The park provides picnic areas where travelers can relax while taking in the spectacular scenery of the river valley.
2. Lakefront Park
RIVERSIDE RECREATION AREA
Lakefront Park serves as Hudson's premier waterfront recreational area with stunning views of the St. Croix River across from Lakeland Shores. The park features a swimming beach, boat launch, playground equipment, and a bandshell where summer concerts delight visitors and locals alike. Its central location makes it a perfect spot for families to spend a day enjoying water activities and picnicking by the scenic shoreline.
3. The Belwin Conservancy
NATIVE PRAIRIE PRESERVATION
The Belwin Conservancy encompasses over 1,500 acres of protected natural habitat near Lakeland Shores where visitors can explore restored prairies, woodlands, and wetlands. Nature enthusiasts can hike miles of trails while potentially spotting bison that were reintroduced to help maintain the native prairie ecosystem. The conservancy offers educational programs and guided tours that highlight Minnesota's natural heritage and conservation efforts.
4. Hop & Barrel Brewing Company
CRAFT BEER DESTINATION
Hop & Barrel Brewing Company is a popular craft brewery located in downtown Hudson, just a short drive from Lakeland Shores across the St. Croix River. Visitors can sample a wide variety of handcrafted beers in the modern taproom while enjoying the friendly atmosphere and occasional live music. The brewery offers tours of their facilities where beer enthusiasts can learn about the brewing process and the stories behind their distinctive flavors.
5. Seasons On St Croix
LOCAL ART GALLERY
Seasons On St Croix is a charming art gallery showcasing the works of over 160 local and regional artists, located just across the river from Lakeland Shores. The gallery features an impressive collection of pottery, jewelry, glass art, paintings, and sculptures that reflect the natural beauty of the St. Croix Valley. Visitors can browse unique handcrafted items perfect for souvenirs or gifts while appreciating the artistic talent of the region.
6. St. Croix River
SCENIC WATERWAY ADVENTURE
The St. Croix River forms the natural border between Minnesota and Wisconsin, flowing directly alongside Lakeland Shores. Visitors can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, boating, and fishing on this National Scenic Riverway known for its crystal-clear waters and abundant wildlife. The river's tree-lined shores create a picturesque setting for outdoor recreation throughout the warmer months, with stunning fall colors making autumn an especially popular time to visit.
7. St Marys Point Ice Arena
WINTER SPORTS VENUE
St Marys Point Ice Arena provides winter recreational opportunities just minutes from Lakeland Shores. The arena offers public skating sessions, hockey games, and figure skating events throughout the colder months. Visitors can rent skates and enjoy time on the ice regardless of their skill level, making it a fun destination for families seeking indoor winter activities.
8. Stillwater Balloon
AERIAL RIVER VALLEY TOURS
Stillwater Balloon offers breathtaking hot air balloon rides providing unparalleled views of the St. Croix River Valley and the surrounding areas including Lakeland Shores. Passengers drift peacefully above the picturesque landscape during sunrise or sunset flights, creating unforgettable memories and spectacular photo opportunities. Each flight concludes with a traditional champagne toast, commemorating the adventure with a touch of ballooning history and celebration.
9. Como Regional Park
URBAN RECREATIONAL PARADISE
Como Regional Park is a 384-acre urban park featuring the popular Como Zoo, Conservatory, amusement rides, and a lake with paddleboat rentals, located within driving distance from Lakeland Shores. Visitors can explore the free zoo with its diverse animal collection, wander through the lush botanical gardens in the historic conservatory, or enjoy numerous outdoor recreational activities. The park hosts various seasonal events and provides extensive picnic areas, playgrounds, and walking paths, making it a perfect day trip destination for families.
10. Minnehaha Regional Park
HISTORIC WATERFALL DESTINATION
Minnehaha Regional Park is home to the iconic 53-foot Minnehaha Falls, immortalized in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem "The Song of Hiawatha," and is worth the drive from Lakeland Shores. Visitors can hike the limestone bluff trails that lead through wooded areas to the Mississippi River, offering varying perspectives of the majestic waterfall and creek. The park features historical buildings including the John H. Stevens House and Minnehaha Depot, along with gardens, playgrounds, and Sea Salt Eatery, a popular seasonal restaurant serving fresh seafood near the falls.
11. Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
ICONIC OUTDOOR ART GALLERY
The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is one of the largest urban sculpture parks in the country, featuring the famous Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture that has become a symbol of the Twin Cities, and is a worthwhile excursion from Lakeland Shores. Visitors can wander among more than 40 permanent art installations spread across 11 acres of meticulously landscaped parkland adjacent to the Walker Art Center. The garden blends art, nature, and urban design into a free public space where people can engage with contemporary sculptures in an outdoor setting year-round.
12. Great Wolf Lodge Water Park
INDOOR AQUATIC ADVENTURE
Great Wolf Lodge Water Park offers an immersive indoor water park experience featuring numerous water slides, wave pools, and play areas regardless of Minnesota's outdoor weather, making it a perfect day trip from Lakeland Shores. Families can enjoy the constant 84-degree temperature while experiencing attractions ranging from thrilling water slides to gentle lazy rivers and interactive water play structures. The resort also includes dry attractions such as a ropes course, climbing wall, and MagiQuest interactive game, providing entertainment options beyond the water park.
13. Sugar Loaf Bluff
DRAMATIC RIVER VALLEY OVERLOOK
Sugar Loaf Bluff rises 26 meters above Winona, creating a distinctive natural landmark visible throughout the area and offering a more adventurous day trip from Lakeland Shores. Hikers can ascend the trails to reach sweeping panoramic views of Winona, the Mississippi River, and the surrounding valley below. This iconic pinnacle resulted from quarrying in the 1800s, leaving behind the striking rock formation that has become a symbol of the region and a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers.
14. Garvin Heights Park
PANORAMIC RIVER VALLEY VIEWS
Garvin Heights Park provides one of the most spectacular overlooks in southeastern Minnesota, offering visitors a bird's-eye view of Winona, the Mississippi River, and the surrounding bluff country from 575 feet above the valley floor. The park features interpretive signs explaining the geological and natural history of the region, along with picnic areas where travelers can relax while taking in the breathtaking scenery. Nature enthusiasts can explore the adjacent Garvin Heights Vineyards or hike the connecting trails through native wildflower prairies and woodland habitats that showcase the diverse ecosystem of the area.
15. Minnesota Marine Art Museum
RIVERSIDE FINE ART COLLECTION
The Minnesota Marine Art Museum houses an impressive collection of marine-themed and river-inspired artwork, including masterpieces by renowned artists such as Monet, Renoir, and Turner in a picturesque setting along the Mississippi River. Visitors can explore multiple galleries featuring historical and contemporary exhibitions of marine paintings, folk art, and impressionist works that celebrate the relationship between humanity and water. The museum's stunning architecture and surrounding gardens complement the art experience, creating a cultural destination that connects fine art with the natural beauty of the river landscape.