Mabel MinnesotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Mabel, Minnesota.
1. Steam Engine Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY OUTDOOR RECREATION
Steam Engine Park is located on the south edge of Mabel, providing a delightful outdoor space for visitors. The park offers picnic shelters that are perfect for family get-togethers and reunions. Visitors can also enjoy the new playground equipment that makes this park an ideal stop for families traveling with children.
2. Mabel Flower and Gifts
LOCAL FLOWERS AND GIFTS
Mabel Flower and Gifts offers visitors a charming shopping experience in downtown Mabel. The shop specializes in fresh flower arrangements and unique gift items that make perfect souvenirs or presents. Tourists can find locally-inspired items that capture the essence of this small Minnesota town.
3. Bear Creek Public Access
NATURAL WATER RECREATION AREA
Bear Creek Public Access provides visitors with an opportunity to engage with the natural water features around Mabel. The area allows for fishing, wildlife viewing, and peaceful contemplation of the region's natural beauty. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the unspoiled environment and potential for spotting local wildlife.
4. Norwegian Ridge Birding and Nature Trail
YEAR-ROUND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Norwegian Ridge Birding and Nature Trail offers visitors a versatile outdoor experience near Mabel in Caledonia. The trail is open year-round, allowing visitors to hike during summer months and snowshoe in winter. Bird watchers and nature enthusiasts will particularly enjoy the diverse wildlife and scenic beauty of this well-maintained trail.
5. Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail
MULTI-USE PAVED TRAIL
The Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail is a beautiful 18-mile paved pathway connecting the communities near Mabel. In summer, the trail is primarily used for hiking, biking, and in-line skating through the picturesque countryside. This trail also connects to the 42-mile Root River State Trail, creating an extensive network for outdoor recreation.
6. Ma Cal Grove Golf Club
SCENIC GOLF EXPERIENCE
Ma Cal Grove Golf Club offers golfers a premier playing experience in Caledonia, just a short drive from Mabel. The course features well-maintained fairways and challenging holes set against the backdrop of Minnesota's beautiful countryside. Visitors can enjoy both the sport and the natural scenery that makes this golf club a regional attraction.
7. JEM Theatre
CLASSIC SMALL-TOWN CINEMA
The JEM Theatre provides a nostalgic movie-going experience in the nearby town of Harmony. This classic small-town cinema offers current films in a charming, historic setting that harkens back to simpler times. Visitors from Mabel can enjoy affordable entertainment and the warm atmosphere that only a community theater can provide.
8. MAAD Alley LLC
FAMILY BOWLING ENTERTAINMENT
MAAD Alley offers a fun bowling experience for visitors in nearby Caledonia. This family-friendly entertainment venue provides a perfect activity for groups and families looking for indoor recreation. The bowling alley serves as a community gathering place and offers a break from outdoor activities when visiting the Mabel area.
9. Turquoise Tomato
UNIQUE SHOPPING ADVENTURE
Turquoise Tomato offers a unique shopping adventure in Spring Grove, describing itself as more than just shopping. The store features an eclectic mix of home furnishings, gifts, and distinctive finds from Hawaii and Haiti. Visitors from Mabel can explore this treasure trove of unusual items that can't be found in typical retail outlets.
10. The Sugar Shack
NOSTALGIC SODA SHOP
The Sugar Shack serves as the retail location for Spring Grove Soda Pop on Main Street in Spring Grove. Visitors can purchase the famous local soda by the bottle or case, along with branded merchandise and apparel. The shop also features old-fashioned candies and novelty items, creating a nostalgic experience for travelers from Mabel.
11. Footskins
AMERICAN-MADE FOOTWEAR CRAFTSMANSHIP
Footskins showcases authentic American-made footwear in Spring Grove, just a short drive from Mabel. Visitors can observe the craftsmanship that goes into creating quality shoes and moccasins produced locally. The store offers a chance to purchase unique, handcrafted footwear that represents Minnesota's commitment to quality and traditional manufacturing.
12. Vesterheim Museum
NORWEGIAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE CENTER
Vesterheim Museum stands as the national Norwegian-American museum and heritage center in nearby Decorah, Iowa. The museum houses over 33,000 artifacts, 12 historic buildings, a Folk Art School, and extensive archives. Visitors from Mabel can explore the world's most extensive collection of Norwegian-American artifacts, connecting with the region's rich Scandinavian heritage.
13. Laura Ingalls Wilder Park & Museum
HISTORICAL LITERARY LANDMARK
Laura Ingalls Wilder Park & Museum preserves the legacy of the famous author in Burr Oak, Iowa, accessible from Mabel. The museum commemorates Wilder's life and the period when her family lived in the area, which influenced her beloved Little House books. Visitors can step back in time and experience the pioneer lifestyle that shaped American literature and culture.
14. Niagara Cave
UNDERGROUND NATURAL WONDER
Niagara Cave is recognized as one of the most fascinating geological attractions in the United States, located near Harmony. During the one-hour guided tour, visitors hike one mile underground to discover 450-million-year-old fossils, view impressive cave formations, and witness an underground waterfall. The attraction also features an 18-hole mini-golf course, gem mining, and a gift shop for a complete family experience.
15. Beaver Creek Valley State Park
PRISTINE NATURAL PRESERVE
Beaver Creek Valley State Park offers a serene natural escape near Caledonia, a short drive from Mabel. The park features clear streams, hardwood forests, and diverse wildlife in a peaceful valley setting. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, camping, and bird watching while experiencing one of Minnesota's most picturesque state parks.