St. Bonifacius MinnesotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near St. Bonifacius, Minnesota.
1. Missile Park
COLD WAR HISTORICAL SITE
Missile Park in Saint Bonifacius offers visitors a glimpse into America's Cold War history, as the site once hosted a Nike Hercules battery protecting Minneapolis-Saint Paul from Soviet bombers. The park preserves this important piece of local military history and serves as a reminder of the tensions during that era. Visitors can explore the grounds and learn about the strategic importance this site held as one of four defensive positions surrounding the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
2. Grumpy's Bar
LOCAL FAVORITE WATERING HOLE
Grumpy's Bar is a popular local establishment in Saint Bonifacius where residents and visitors gather for food, drinks, and community atmosphere. The bar offers a quintessential small-town Minnesota experience with friendly service and casual dining options. Visitors looking for authentic local culture will appreciate this establishment's role as a social hub in this small Hennepin County community.
3. St. Boni Bistro
CHARMING LOCAL EATERY
St. Boni Bistro welcomes diners to experience local flavors in the heart of Saint Bonifacius. The bistro offers a welcoming atmosphere where visitors can enjoy meals made with care in this small Minnesota community. Travelers passing through this quaint city will find this restaurant to be a perfect spot to refuel and experience local hospitality.
4. Mocha Monkey
COZY COMMUNITY COFFEE SHOP
Mocha Monkey serves as a beloved coffee shop and gathering spot for residents and visitors in Saint Bonifacius. The café offers a variety of beverages and treats in a comfortable setting perfect for relaxation or casual meetings. Coffee enthusiasts will appreciate the crafted drinks and small-town charm that make this spot a local favorite.
5. The CROSSBAR
SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
The CROSSBAR provides Saint Bonifacius with a lively venue for sports viewing and entertainment. Visitors can enjoy watching games, socializing with locals, and experiencing the community spirit of this small Minnesota city. The establishment contributes to the social fabric of Saint Bonifacius, offering a place where both residents and travelers can come together.
6. Dakota Rail Regional Trail
SCENIC RECREATIONAL PATHWAY
The Dakota Rail Regional Trail runs through Saint Bonifacius, offering outdoor enthusiasts a beautiful route for walking, running, and cycling. The trail follows a former railroad corridor, providing scenic views of the surrounding countryside and connecting the small city to neighboring communities. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of Minnesota while traveling this well-maintained pathway that showcases the rural and exurban character of the area.
7. Paisley Park
PRINCE'S LEGENDARY ESTATE
Paisley Park, located near Saint Bonifacius in Chanhassen, serves as the legendary private estate and production complex of the late musician Prince. The facility has been transformed into a museum where fans can tour the studios, concert halls, and personal spaces of the iconic artist. Visitors gain insight into Prince's creative process and legacy while exploring this unique cultural landmark just a short drive from Saint Bonifacius.
8. Carver Park Reserve
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Carver Park Reserve offers extensive outdoor recreation opportunities just a short distance from Saint Bonifacius. The park features lakes, wetlands, and forests spread across 3,700 acres where visitors can hike, bike, paddle, and observe wildlife. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the diverse ecosystems and seasonal activities available at this expansive reserve in the greater Three Rivers Park District.
9. Sunny Lake
TRANQUIL LAKE EXPERIENCE
Sunny Lake provides a picturesque setting for outdoor recreation near Saint Bonifacius, nestled within Carver Park Reserve. Visitors can enjoy a pleasant loop around the lake's tranquil shores via the Baker Carver Regional Trail, offering beautiful views and wildlife spotting opportunities. The lake serves as a peaceful retreat for those seeking a connection with nature just a short distance from Saint Bonifacius.
10. The Silo
MOUNTAIN BIKING CHALLENGE
The Silo stands as the newest trail section at Monarch Mountain Bike Trail system near Saint Bonifacius in Minnetrista. The trail presents a challenging climb that rewards riders with exhilarating downhill features and technical sections. Mountain biking enthusiasts will appreciate this well-designed trail that offers adventure and thrills just minutes from Saint Bonifacius.
11. Davinci's Wing
UNIQUE OUTDOOR SCULPTURE
Davinci's Wing is a fascinating sculpture created by artist Pat McDonald in 2015, now located near Saint Bonifacius. The artwork was moved to its current location in 2017 after being donated by the McDonald family following the artist's death. Art enthusiasts and casual observers alike can appreciate this distinctive outdoor installation that adds cultural interest to the area surrounding Saint Bonifacius.
12. Minneapolis Institute of Art
WORLD-CLASS ART COLLECTION
The Minneapolis Institute of Art showcases an impressive collection of over 90,000 artworks spanning 5,000 years of world history, making it a cultural treasure located about 25 miles east of Saint Bonifacius. The museum offers free general admission to its permanent collections, allowing visitors to experience everything from ancient artifacts to contemporary masterpieces. Art lovers from Saint Bonifacius can easily make a day trip to this renowned institution to explore its diverse galleries and special exhibitions.
13. Walker Art Center
CONTEMPORARY ART HUB
Walker Art Center stands as one of the nation's most celebrated contemporary art museums, located in Minneapolis about 25 miles from Saint Bonifacius. The center features cutting-edge exhibitions, performances, and films that showcase the most innovative artists of our time. Visitors from Saint Bonifacius can combine their trip to the Walker with a stroll through the adjacent Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, home to the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture.
14. Lake Waconia
PREMIER RECREATION LAKE
Lake Waconia offers 3,080 acres of water recreation opportunities just a short drive from Saint Bonifacius. The second-largest lake in Carver County provides excellent fishing, boating, and swimming during warmer months, as well as ice fishing and other winter activities when frozen. Visitors can enjoy the lake's scenic beauty and amenities at Lake Waconia Regional Park, which features a beach, boat launch, and picnic areas perfect for day trips from Saint Bonifacius.
15. Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
BOTANICAL PARADISE YEAR-ROUND
The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum showcases 1,200 acres of magnificent gardens, model landscapes, and natural areas just a short drive from Saint Bonifacius. Visitors can explore more than 5,000 plant varieties through 12.5 miles of garden paths and hiking trails that change with the seasons. The arboretum, part of the University of Minnesota, offers year-round beauty with spring flowering collections, summer rose gardens, fall color displays, and winter wonderland scenes perfect for day trips from Saint Bonifacius.