Zumbro Falls MinnesotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Zumbro Falls, Minnesota.
1. Zumbro River
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
The Zumbro River flows through the heart of Zumbro Falls, offering excellent opportunities for canoeing, tubing, fishing, and camping during the summer months. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the river while participating in various water activities. The river serves as the namesake and central attraction of the small community.
2. Minnehaha Falls
STUNNING NATURAL WATERFALL
Minnehaha Falls is a magnificent 53-foot waterfall located in Minneapolis, making for a perfect day trip from Zumbro Falls. Visitors can enjoy the spectacular views of rushing water, especially during spring when the flow is at its peak. The falls are surrounded by beautiful parkland with hiking trails and picnic areas for a complete outdoor experience.
3. Candlelight Ghost Trolley Tour
SPOOKY HISTORICAL ADVENTURE
The Candlelight Ghost Trolley Tour in Minneapolis offers visitors a thrilling way to explore the city's haunted history. Participants ride in a vintage trolley while guides share spine-tingling tales of local hauntings and historical events. This unique experience combines entertainment, history, and the supernatural for an unforgettable evening activity.
4. Zumbro Falls City Park
LOCAL RIVERSIDE RECREATION
Zumbro Falls City Park provides locals and visitors with a peaceful setting along the Zumbro River for relaxation and recreation. The park features areas for picnicking, fishing access, and opportunities to observe local wildlife. Families appreciate this small but charming green space in the heart of Zumbro Falls.
5. Lake Pepin
SCENIC MISSISSIPPI RIVER LAKE
Lake Pepin, a naturally occurring lake on the Mississippi River, is located just a short drive from Zumbro Falls. The lake offers excellent sailing, boating, and fishing opportunities with its expansive waters and scenic surroundings. Visitors can enjoy the charming lake towns, waterfront dining, and breathtaking views of this natural wonder.
6. Frontenac State Park
BLUFFLAND NATURAL WONDER
Frontenac State Park features dramatic bluffs overlooking Lake Pepin and the Mississippi River, offering some of the region's most spectacular views. The park boasts over 13 miles of hiking trails through diverse habitats, making it a premier destination for birdwatching with over 260 bird species recorded. Visitors can enjoy camping, picnicking, and winter activities including snowshoeing and cross-country skiing throughout the seasons.
7. LARK Toys
MAGICAL TOY WONDERLAND
LARK Toys in nearby Kellogg is one of America's largest independently owned toy stores, featuring handcrafted toys, books, games, and a magnificent hand-carved carousel. Visitors can explore multiple buildings filled with toys both nostalgic and new, watch toymakers at work, and enjoy an ice cream parlor and mini-golf course. This family destination has been delighting children and adults alike for generations with its whimsical atmosphere and unique shopping experience.
8. Whitewater State Park
TROUT FISHING PARADISE
Whitewater State Park, located in the Bluff Country of southeastern Minnesota, offers visitors stunning limestone bluffs, deep ravines, and crystal-clear trout streams. The park features over 10 miles of hiking trails, excellent fly fishing opportunities, and a nature center with educational programs about the area's unique geology and ecology. Visitors can enjoy camping, swimming, picnicking, and wildlife viewing throughout the park's 2,700 acres of natural beauty.
9. National Eagle Center
MAJESTIC BIRD EDUCATION
The National Eagle Center in Wabasha is an interpretive center dedicated to educating visitors about bald and golden eagles through interactive exhibits and live eagle ambassadors. Visitors can observe these magnificent birds up close during daily programs led by naturalists who share fascinating information about eagle biology, behavior, and conservation. The center's riverside location provides excellent opportunities to spot wild eagles soaring above the Mississippi River, particularly during winter months when hundreds gather in the area.
10. Reads Landing Brewing Company
RIVERSIDE CRAFT BEER
Reads Landing Brewing Company offers craft beer enthusiasts a relaxing riverside destination in a historic building with spectacular views of the Mississippi River. Visitors can sample locally brewed beers while enjoying a menu filled with pub favorites made from fresh, local ingredients. The brewery's welcoming atmosphere and outdoor seating make it a popular stop for travelers exploring the scenic byways near Zumbro Falls.
11. Zumbro Valley Recreation Area
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE HUB
The Zumbro Valley Recreation Area offers diverse outdoor activities along another section of the picturesque Zumbro River valley. Visitors can explore hiking trails, participate in river paddling adventures, and enjoy seasonal hunting in designated areas. The recreation area showcases the natural beauty of southeastern Minnesota's rolling hills and river landscapes throughout all four seasons.
12. Carley State Park
WILDFLOWER WOODLAND HAVEN
Carley State Park, famous for its spectacular spring wildflower displays including thousands of bluebells, offers visitors a tranquil natural retreat near Zumbro Falls. The park features the North Branch of the Whitewater River, providing opportunities for trout fishing, hiking through wooded hillsides, and picnicking in scenic areas. Visitors particularly enjoy the park during May when the forest floor transforms into a carpet of blue during the annual Bluebell Festival celebrating these delicate native flowers.
13. Rochester International Airport
GATEWAY TO SOUTHEAST MINNESOTA
Rochester International Airport serves as a convenient travel hub for visitors to the Zumbro Falls region, offering direct flights to major cities. The modern facility provides rental cars, ground transportation options, and visitor information services to help travelers explore southeastern Minnesota. Visitors appreciate the airport's efficiency and amenities that make beginning and ending their journey to the region smooth and hassle-free.
14. Maiden Rock Bluff
LEGENDARY MISSISSIPPI OVERLOOK
Maiden Rock Bluff, located across the Mississippi River in Wisconsin, offers one of the most dramatic panoramic views in the region from 400 feet above Lake Pepin. The site is steeped in Dakota legend about a maiden who leaped from the cliff rather than marry against her wishes, adding a layer of cultural significance to the natural wonder. Visitors can hike to various lookout points within this State Natural Area to capture breathtaking photos of the river valley and spot soaring eagles and hawks riding thermal currents along the bluff.
15. Zumbrota Covered Bridge
HISTORIC WOODEN LANDMARK
The Zumbrota Covered Bridge, built in 1869, is Minnesota's last remaining covered bridge and stands as a cherished historical landmark in nearby Zumbrota. Visitors can walk through this beautifully preserved wooden structure that spans the Zumbro River and learn about its history through informational displays in the adjacent park. The bridge hosts an annual Covered Bridge Festival each June, celebrating its significance with music, food, and community activities in a picturesque setting.