Springfield MinnesotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Springfield, Minnesota.
1. Sod House on the Prairie
HISTORIC PIONEER LIVING
The Sod House on the Prairie offers visitors a genuine glimpse into pioneer life in Minnesota's early settlements. This authentic historical site recreates the humble dwellings that settlers constructed using prairie sod when timber was scarce. Visitors can experience the rustic living conditions firsthand while learning about the resourcefulness and resilience of frontier families.
2. Jeffers Petroglyphs
ANCIENT ROCK CARVINGS
The Jeffers Petroglyphs site features over 5,000 ancient rock carvings made by Native American peoples dating back as far as 7,000 years. These sacred carvings, etched into red quartzite outcroppings, depict thunderbirds, turtles, humans, and other symbols significant to indigenous cultures. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about these remarkable prehistoric artworks and their cultural significance to the Dakota, Iowa, and other Native American nations.
3. Riverside Park
RECREATION AND CAMPING
Riverside Park is Springfield's premier outdoor recreation area spanning 40 acres with campsites, sporting facilities, and natural beauty along the river. The park features a beautiful baseball stadium described as a 'mini twin stadium' with a plaza where visitors can enjoy food and drinks while watching games. With 41 existing campsites and 9 more being added, the park remains fully booked throughout the summer months, offering a perfect base for exploring the Springfield area.
4. Springfield Golf Course
SCENIC 9-HOLE COURSE
Springfield Golf Course offers a well-maintained 9-hole golfing experience in the heart of southwestern Minnesota. The course provides an accessible yet challenging layout suitable for golfers of various skill levels. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful rural setting while testing their skills on this community gem.
5. Springfield Nativity Pageant
LIVE CHRISTMAS STORY
The Springfield Nativity Pageant is a cherished local tradition held the second week of December, featuring a live outdoor reenactment of the Christmas story. This 40-minute performance in Riverside Park includes live camels, donkeys, and goats with local volunteers portraying the biblical characters under the stars. Visitors can enjoy free admission to this unique holiday experience with seating available in the north bleachers.
6. Fort Ridgely
CIVIL WAR ERA FORT
Fort Ridgely stands as a significant historical site where crucial battles of the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862 took place. This restored military outpost provides interpretive exhibits that tell the complex story of this pivotal conflict in Minnesota history. Visitors can explore the parade grounds, archaeological remains, and learn about both settler and Dakota perspectives of this turbulent period.
7. Harkin Store
19TH CENTURY GENERAL STORE
The Harkin Store offers a remarkably preserved glimpse into 19th-century commerce with its original 1870s merchandise still on the shelves. This general store once served as the commercial and social hub for the now-vanished riverboat community of West Newton. Visitors can explore the authentic period items and hear stories about life along the Minnesota River during the pioneering era.
8. Alexander Ramsey Park
MINNESOTA'S LARGEST MUNICIPAL PARK
Alexander Ramsey Park spans over 250 acres, earning its nickname as the 'Little Yellowstone of Minnesota' with scenic river gorges and waterfalls. The park features zoo animals, hiking trails, picnic areas, and camping facilities nestled along the Redwood River. Visitors can enjoy the magnificent Redwood Falls, observe wildlife, and experience diverse recreational opportunities throughout the seasons.
9. Birch Coulee Battlefield
HISTORIC DAKOTA WAR SITE
Birch Coulee Battlefield preserves the site of one of the hardest fought battles of the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862. This historical site offers interpretive signs that explain the 36-hour siege where U.S. soldiers and civilians were surrounded by Dakota warriors. Visitors can walk the grounds, view monuments, and gain perspective on this significant conflict that shaped Minnesota's history.
10. Dacotah Ridge Golf Club
PREMIER CHAMPIONSHIP COURSE
Dacotah Ridge Golf Club offers a championship golfing experience designed by renowned architect Rees Jones amid the natural beauty of southwestern Minnesota. The course features dramatic elevation changes, native prairies, and strategic water features that challenge golfers while providing stunning views. Adjacent to Jackpot Junction Casino Hotel, this golf destination combines challenging play with the convenience of nearby accommodations and entertainment.
11. Rothenburg Campground
RIVERSIDE CAMPING EXPERIENCE
Rothenburg Campground provides a peaceful camping experience along the banks of the Little Cottonwood River in Springfield. The facility offers both tent and RV camping options with amenities designed for family comfort and outdoor enjoyment. Campers can use this location as a convenient base to explore Springfield's attractions while enjoying the natural riverside setting.
12. Springfield Area Historical Society & Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE PRESERVED
The Springfield Area Historical Society & Museum preserves and showcases the rich history of Springfield and the surrounding region. Exhibits feature artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of the area's development from pioneer days to the present. Visitors can gain insights into local heritage, notable historical events, and the evolving character of this southwestern Minnesota community.
13. Kartin' in the Park
FAMILY GO-KART FUN
Kartin' in the Park offers exciting go-kart racing for visitors of all ages in Springfield. This family-friendly attraction provides the thrill of navigating a track designed for both fun and safety. Racers can test their driving skills while enjoying the outdoor entertainment that makes for perfect summer memories.
14. Springfield Swimming Pool
COMMUNITY AQUATIC CENTER
The Springfield Swimming Pool provides refreshing aquatic recreation for locals and visitors during the warm summer months. This community facility offers swimming opportunities for all ages with various amenities designed for both relaxation and active water play. The pool serves as a popular gathering spot where families can cool off while enjoying the small-town atmosphere of Springfield.
15. Milford Monument
CIVIL WAR MEMORIAL
The Milford Monument stands as a solemn tribute to settlers who lost their lives during the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862. This historical marker commemorates a tragic chapter in Minnesota's past when conflict erupted between settlers and indigenous people during a time of great tension. Visitors can reflect on this complex history while viewing the monument and learning about the events that shaped the region.