St. Marys Point MinnesotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near St. Marys Point, Minnesota.
1. Riverfront Park and Beach
SCENIC LAKESIDE RECREATION AREA
Riverfront Park and Beach is a popular destination located along Lake St. Croix that offers various amenities for visitors to enjoy. The park features a large sandy beach area that becomes a top spot for locals during the summer months. Visitors can relax by the water, have picnics, and enjoy the natural beauty of the riverfront setting.
2. Vali-Hi Drive-In
NOSTALGIC OUTDOOR CINEMA EXPERIENCE
Vali-Hi Drive-In offers a classic American entertainment experience near St. Marys Point, with a high rating of 3.2 based on 87 reviews. Visitors can enjoy current movies from the comfort of their vehicles under the stars. The drive-in creates a nostalgic atmosphere that appeals to both families and couples looking for a unique night out.
3. Afton State Park
NATURAL WILDERNESS ESCAPE
Afton State Park provides a pristine natural setting with a rating of 3.1 based on 117 reviews, making it a popular destination near St. Marys Point. The park features miles of hiking trails through forests, prairies, and along the St. Croix River valley. Visitors can enjoy swimming, picnicking, camping, cross-country skiing in winter, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the seasons.
4. Afton Alps Ski & Snowboard
PREMIER WINTER SPORTS VENUE
Afton Alps Ski & Snowboard is a premier winter sports destination located near St. Marys Point, offering numerous slopes and trails for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. The resort features modern snowmaking equipment, night skiing, and a variety of terrain parks. Visitors can also enjoy dining options, equipment rentals, and ski/snowboard lessons from professional instructors.
5. Octagon House Museum
HISTORIC ARCHITECTURAL GEM
The Octagon House Museum is a distinctive eight-sided historic home that showcases unique 19th-century architecture and period furnishings. Visitors can tour this remarkable structure and learn about the history of the region through well-preserved artifacts and informative exhibits. The museum provides a fascinating glimpse into Victorian-era living with its unusual octagonal design that was once considered the ideal shape for a home.
6. Seasons Gallery
LOCAL ART SHOWCASE
Seasons Gallery offers art enthusiasts a curated collection of works by regional artists in a charming setting. The gallery showcases a variety of mediums including paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and handcrafted items that reflect the natural beauty of the St. Croix Valley. Visitors can browse and purchase unique art pieces while engaging with the vibrant local creative community.
7. Minnesota History Center
INTERACTIVE STATE HERITAGE MUSEUM
The Minnesota History Center serves as the state's premier historical museum with a rating of 3.2, featuring interactive exhibits that bring the past to life. Visitors can explore extensive collections that tell the story of Minnesota's people, industries, and natural environment through engaging displays and multimedia presentations. The center also houses a research library, hosts special events, and offers educational programs for all ages.
8. Science Museum of Minnesota
HANDS-ON SCIENTIFIC EXPLORATION
The Science Museum of Minnesota engages visitors with a rating of 3.1 through interactive exhibits covering topics from dinosaurs to modern technology. The museum features an IMAX theater, extensive dinosaur collection, and hands-on experiments that make science accessible and exciting for all ages. Visitors can explore the Mississippi River's ecosystem, experience natural phenomena through simulations, and participate in live demonstrations led by enthusiastic staff scientists.
9. Minnesota Children's Museum
CREATIVE PLAY FOR KIDS
The Minnesota Children's Museum provides an imaginative environment designed specifically for children to learn through play and exploration. The museum features multiple themed galleries including a water play area, maker space, and climbing adventures that encourage physical activity and creative thinking. Young visitors can role-play in the miniature town, create art projects, and develop problem-solving skills in a fun, interactive setting.
10. St. Marys Point Ice Arena
COMMUNITY ICE SKATING FACILITY
St. Marys Point Ice Arena serves as a recreational hub for ice skating enthusiasts in the Lakeland area. The arena hosts public skating sessions, hockey games, and figure skating practices throughout the winter season. Visitors can rent skates, take lessons, or simply enjoy watching local sports competitions in a family-friendly atmosphere.
11. Green Canopy Dispensary
MODERN CANNABIS RETAIL STORE
Green Canopy Dispensary offers a professional retail experience for cannabis products in accordance with Minnesota state regulations. The dispensary provides knowledgeable staff who can educate customers about different product options and their potential effects. Visitors of legal age can explore a variety of cannabis products in a clean, welcoming environment.
12. Stillwater Balloon
SCENIC AERIAL ADVENTURES
Stillwater Balloon provides breathtaking hot air balloon rides that offer panoramic views of the St. Croix River Valley and surrounding landscapes. Passengers can experience the thrill of floating above the picturesque countryside while professional pilots ensure a safe and memorable journey. The adventure typically concludes with a traditional champagne toast to celebrate the completion of this unforgettable aerial experience.
13. William O'Brien State Park
RIVERSIDE RECREATIONAL PARADISE
William O'Brien State Park stretches along the banks of the St. Croix River, offering visitors diverse recreational opportunities in a scenic natural setting. The park features hiking trails through prairie and woodland habitats, campgrounds, fishing spots, and boat access to the river. Visitors can observe abundant wildlife, enjoy picnic areas, and participate in naturalist programs throughout the year in this protected wilderness area.
14. Stillwater Historic Main Street
CHARMING RIVERSIDE SHOPPING DISTRICT
Stillwater Historic Main Street captivates visitors with its well-preserved 19th-century buildings housing boutique shops, restaurants, and antique stores. The picturesque district runs parallel to the St. Croix River, offering beautiful views and access to the waterfront via public docks and a riverside walking path. Visitors can explore local history, sample regional cuisine, and browse unique merchandise while enjoying the charm of one of Minnesota's oldest settlements.
15. Franconia Sculpture Park
OUTDOOR CONTEMPORARY ART EXHIBITION
Franconia Sculpture Park displays over 120 contemporary sculptures across its 43-acre outdoor art museum, creating a unique intersection of art and nature. Visitors can wander freely among massive installations, interactive pieces, and thought-provoking works created by artists from around the world. The park hosts regular events, artist talks, and workshops while providing an accessible cultural experience in a rural setting near the St. Croix River Valley.