Wood Lake MinnesotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Wood Lake, Minnesota.
1. Wood Lake Nature Center
WILDLIFE HAVEN AND TRAILS
Wood Lake Nature Center is a 150-acre natural space featuring cattail marsh, woodland, and restored prairie with three miles of wheelchair accessible trails. Visitors can observe over 200 species of birds, explore interactive displays, and view live animals including snakes and fish in the interpretive center. The center offers year-round programming for schools, scouts, and families, with special events including Halloween and Earth Day celebrations.
2. Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway
PICTURESQUE RIVER JOURNEY
The Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway takes visitors on a journey through the heart of the Minnesota River Valley, offering spectacular views of the natural landscape. Travelers can explore historic sites, natural attractions, and cultural landmarks along this scenic route. The byway provides opportunities for photography, wildlife viewing, and experiencing the rich heritage of southern Minnesota.
3. Willie Walleye Park
ICONIC FISHING MASCOT
Willie Walleye Park is home to the most visited attraction on the Rainy River, featuring the famous Walleye Capital of the World mascot. The park is located on international drive overlooking Baudette Bay, offering picturesque views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also enjoy views of the new International Bridge from this scenic location.
4. TimberMill Park
VERSATILE RECREATION AREA
TimberMill Park, located just one mile east of Baudette, offers something for everyone with two ball diamonds, picnic areas, camping facilities, and a walking track. The park provides public access to the Rainy River, making it ideal for fishing and water activities. A notable feature is the Veteran's Memorial, which honors all armed service branches with names of those who served.
5. Zippel Bay State Park
LAKESIDE NATURAL RETREAT
Zippel Bay State Park, located ten miles north of Williams, offers a variety of outdoor activities including trails, fishing, birding, and camping. The park features a large sandy beach perfect for children collecting shells or driftwood and exploring the shoreline. The shallow waters of Lake of the Woods at this location make it ideal for safe wading and family-friendly water activities.
6. Lake Harriet
URBAN LAKE GETAWAY
Lake Harriet is a popular recreational destination in the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes, offering a serene escape within the urban environment. Visitors can enjoy the historic bandshell which hosts summer concerts, walking and biking paths that circle the lake, and various water activities like sailing and paddleboarding. The lake area also features beautiful gardens, a bird sanctuary, and picnic areas for family outings.
7. Minneapolis Institute of Art
WORLD-CLASS ART COLLECTION
The Minneapolis Institute of Art houses an impressive collection of artwork spanning over 5,000 years of world history. Visitors can explore more than 90,000 objects including paintings, photographs, sculptures, and textiles from diverse cultures around the globe. The museum offers free general admission, making world-class art accessible to everyone in a stunning architectural setting.
8. The Museum Of Russian Art
UNIQUE CULTURAL SHOWCASE
The Museum Of Russian Art is the only museum in North America dedicated exclusively to Russian art and culture, housed in a beautifully renovated historic building. Visitors can explore rotating exhibitions featuring paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts that showcase Russia's rich artistic heritage. The museum offers educational programs, lectures, and events that provide deeper insight into Russian history and cultural traditions.
9. Lake of the Woods
PREMIER NORTHERN FISHING DESTINATION
Lake of the Woods is a massive body of water spanning the US-Canada border, known as Minnesota's True North and offering world-class fishing opportunities. Located north of the 48th parallel and away from urban light and air pollution, the lake provides an authentic wilderness experience. Visitors can enjoy fishing for walleye, northern pike, and other species in this pristine natural environment with over 14,552 islands and 65,000 miles of shoreline.
10. Wood Lake Nature Center Geocaching
HIGH-TECH OUTDOOR TREASURE HUNT
Wood Lake Nature Center offers an engaging geocaching experience where visitors can search for hidden caches throughout the 150-acre natural area. Families can download the geocaching.com app and create a free account or reserve GPS receivers at no cost by registering through Richfield's website. This interactive outdoor activity combines technology with nature exploration, making it an excellent adventure for visitors of all ages.
11. Wood Lake Winter Trails
SEASONAL SNOW ADVENTURES
Wood Lake Nature Center transforms into a winter wonderland with two traditional-style ski trails that wind around the marsh and through the woods. The longer trail extends slightly over 1½ miles while the shorter trail covers just over ½ mile, both offering serene winter views of the natural landscape. Visitors can rent affordable skis and snowshoes on a first-come, first-served basis, with special rates for youth and seniors, making winter exploration accessible to all.
12. Nature Exploration Backpacks
GUIDED OUTDOOR LEARNING EXPERIENCE
Wood Lake Nature Center offers Nature Exploration Backpacks that visitors can borrow from the front desk during open hours. Each backpack focuses on a specific theme such as birding, forest exploration, or insects, and comes equipped with tools and information for exploring the natural environment. This unique offering allows families to engage in self-guided nature education, starting right behind the nature center where park staff maintains bird feeders for wildlife observation.
13. Wood Lake Wildlife Viewing
URBAN ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS
Wood Lake Nature Center provides exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities where visitors might spot a diverse array of animals in their natural habitat. The center is home to reptiles like Painted and Snapping Turtles, mammals including Muskrat, Coyote, Deer, and Raccoon, and various fish species. Bird enthusiasts will particularly enjoy the center, as over 200 species have been documented in this urban oasis, making it a premier location for wildlife photography and observation.
14. Rainy River
BORDER WATERS FISHING PARADISE
The Rainy River forms part of the border between the United States and Canada, offering exceptional fishing opportunities and scenic beauty. Anglers flock to these waters for the chance to catch trophy walleye, sturgeon, and northern pike in one of Minnesota's most celebrated fishing destinations. Public access points like those at TimberMill Park allow visitors to enjoy the river for fishing, boating, and appreciating the natural border landscape.
15. International Bridge
CROSS-BORDER CONNECTION POINT
The International Bridge spans the Rainy River, connecting Baudette, Minnesota to Rainy River, Ontario, serving as an important border crossing point between the United States and Canada. Visible from Willie Walleye Park, this newly constructed bridge represents the strong connection between the two neighboring countries. The bridge not only serves as critical infrastructure for cross-border commerce and travel but also stands as an impressive engineering achievement against the backdrop of northern Minnesota's natural beauty.