Activities, Tours & Historic Sites

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The Chisago Lakes area has an abundance of activities for people of all ages.  From art, wineries, breweries, gardens, markets and orchards, to golf, water sports, ice skating, snowboarding, skiing, and more, there is something for nearly everyone, any time of year. 

Take in the many historic sites, from historic landmarks and buildings, to statues and museums.  There are also several scenic and historic tours available in the area (guided or self-guided).

For community events, click HERE.

ARTS & THEATRE

(For website click on activity or business name. Click on address for Google Maps.)
Franconia Sculpture Park
Franconia Sculpture Park is the pre-eminent, artist-centered sculpture park in the Midwest.  A 50-acre outdoor museum, active artist residency program, and a depth and breadth of community arts programming for a diverse and engaged public.
651-257-6668
St. Croix Festival Theatre
Live theater venue with several shows each year.

WINERIES, VINEYARDS & BREWERIES

(For website click on activity or business name. Click on address for Google Maps.)
Winehaven Winery
The 50 acre estate is situated between 3 lakes, and offers stunning views, as well as a wide variety of award-winning wines made from honey, fruit and grape wines.  Several events take place throughout the year.  The estate is also available for rent for private events and weddings. Winehaven is included on the Three Rivers Wine Trail.
Wild Mountain Winery
Despite being a small site of only 15.5 acres, it is considered one of the premier operations in Minnesota.  Wood-fired pizza, cheese and bread platters offered in addition to a wide variety of wines.  Enjoy a tasting, free music events, camping, and more.  
For winery, call 651-583-3585 (Please leave a voicemail.)
For camping, call 763-297-1322
Rustic Roots Winery
New winery and tasting room offering approachable, flavor-forward wines in a downhome setting.  Beautiful view of the St. Croix River Valley.
651-433-3311
Uncommon Loon Brewing Company
An independently owned brewery and taproom, offering the finest quality craft beer in a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere.  An adjacent event center is available for rental.  Brewery hosts events regularly.

TOURS, MUSEUMS & HISTORIC SITES

(For website click on activity or business name. Click on address for Google Maps.)
Chisago County Cemeteries
The Chisago County Historical Society has extensive records of all 42 cemeteries in the county.  Several are historical, including the well-known Glader Cemetery, which is just a short walk from the Karl Oskar House.
Lindström & Chisago Lakes Area
651-257-5310
Chisago County Historical Society
Museum features an extensive variety of permanent and rotating collections that highlight the area's heritage.  The old-time style store is filled with unique Scandinavian and Lindström themed gifts, candy, accessories, and more.  A research library is also on site.
651-257-5310
Chisago County Veterans Memorial
The Chisago County Veterans Memorial honors our country, paying tribute to the five military services and recognizing the individual sacrifices and service of all the veterans from throughout the Chisago Lakes Area, Chisago County, and neighboring counties.
Chisago Lake Lutheran Church
The first Swedes came to the Chisago Lakes region in the early 1850s, and this church was established in 1854.  Schedule a guided tour (for a nominal fee) of the church's Archives Room, which houses more than 160 years of local records. 
This historic building was also featured in the 1993 film "Grumpy Old Men".  Click HERE to view KSTP Channel 5's "So Minnesota" news segment about the role the church played in the film.
651-257-6300
Clover Blossom School
See what it was like to go to a rural school with all the students in one room.  Now located at the Almelund Threshing Company grounds, this historic building is generally open to the public during the Almelund Threshing Show (event admission fees apply).  Call or visit website to check for other dates/times that may be open to the public.
Delmore-Fransen Log House
Information coming soon.
Gammelgården Museum
Meaning “old farm” in Swedish, the Gammelgården Museum is an open-air museum devoted to preserving, presenting, and promoting Swedish immigrant heritage in the United States.  Through the historic buildings that have been preserved, artifacts on display, special events, and classes, visitors can experience the daily lives of early immigrants in Minnesota through a Swedish lens.
Gustaf Anderson House
This historic redbrick home is the current site of Gustaf's Eatery on Main.  For more information about this historic building, click HERE and find #13 in the South Loop Tour.
Ironhorse Central Railroad Park
By appointment only.  Enjoy a 1.5 mile scenic, full-sized train ride, see over 25 pieces of railroad equipment, over 100,000 artifacts, and much more.
Kaffe Kanna Park-Historic Coffee Pot Water Tower
This iconic water tower is located on the north side of Lindström's Municipal Bar, in conjunction with the bar patio.  Click above and find #4 in the North Loop Tour.
Karl Oskar and Kristina Nilsson Statue
View the iconic Karl and Kristina statue in front of the Chisago County Press building, across Linden St. from the Veteran's Memorial and the Chisago Lakes Chamber.  For more information, click above and find #2 in the West Loop Tour.
Karl Oskar House (Nya Duvemåla)- Tours & Events
Swedish novelist Vilhelm Moberg visited the Chisago Lakes area in 1948 and subsequently wrote his acclaimed series: The Emigrants.  Moberg’s fictional characters Karl Oskar and Kristina Nilsson were based on his research of real life Swedish settlers in the Chisago Lakes area, and this homestead was the fictional homestead of Karl and Kristina.  Tours are available by appointment May through September.  Several Swedish folk music and other events are scheduled throughout the season as well.
Visit their website for current contact information to schedule a tour.  https://friendsofthekarloskarhouse.org/contact/
Lindström Historical Walking Tour
Learn all about the history and makers of our statues, our Swedish heritage history, and explore the historic sites of downtown Lindström.  There are three routes- the Downtown West Loop, the Downtown South Loop, and the Downtown North Loop.  Each route starts at the Veterans Memorial on the west end of downtown.  All tours are self-guided.
Moody Round Barn
Visit the only remaining round barn in Chisago County at Moody Lake Park.  It is still painted the same blue-grey color as when it was constructed in 1915.
Take a scenic drive along the Highway 8 corridor to view the wide variety of quilt squares along the Swedish Barn Quilt Trail.  The trail showcases the local artists who created the quilt squares, and brings awareness to our area’s Swedish heritage.  Over 30 of the nearly 80 beautiful quilt squares in downtown Lindström.
Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours
Learn about the area’s history and unique rock formations that were left behind as the glaciers retreated thousands of years ago.  Daily boat tours, private charters, and event rentals available.
The Moberg Trail
In 1990, the Minnesota Legislature proclaimed Highway 8 from Taylors Falls to Forest Lake "The Moberg Trail".
Vilhelm Moberg Statue
Moberg Park features the statue of Vilhelm Moberg for which it was named.  Moberg, a Swedish author and historian, traveled the Chisago Lakes area in 1948 by bicycle.  Moberg’s fictional characters in The Emigrants series were Karl Oskar and Kristina Nilsson, who were based on his research of real life Swedish settlers in the Chisago Lakes area.

GARDENS, ORCHARDS, PUMPKIN PATCHES & FARMERS' MARKETS

(For website click on activity or business name. Click on address for Google Maps.)
Lindstrom Farmers Market
Local produce, locally made cottage food items, handmade gifts, and more.  Wednesdays from 3pm-6pm, and Saturdays 8am-noon, July through October.
Chisago City Farmers Market
Local produce, locally made cottage food items, handmade gifts, and more.  Friday afternoons July through September.
Franconia Art & Farmers Market
Located at Franconia’s 50-acre outdoor museum and sculpture park.  The first Sunday of each month, May-October from 10am-2pm, local farmers and artists come together to provide a variety of fresh produce and handmade crafts.
Panola Valley Gardens
Gorgeous gardens, cobblestone paths, fountains & more.  A beautiful & popular event venue.  Make reservations to enjoy afternoon tea in the summer months.
Pleasant Valley Orchard
The orchard’s pick-your-own strawberry season runs from mid-June through mid-July. The fall apple orchard season featuring your favorite Minnesota Grown apples.  Pick-your-own pumpkins is available in the fall.  Tours, activities, and a gift shop is available.
Lendt's Pumpkin Patch
Free admission!  Hayrides, playground equipment, corn play pit, and other activities available.  Pick-your-own pumpkins (for a fee).  Pumpkins, gourds, gifts, and concessions available for purchase.

FARMS & CORN MAZES

(For website click on activity or business name. Click on address for Google Maps.)
Evergreen Oasis Farm & Market
Petting zoo, u-pick flowers, farm market and event center.
Shafer Corn Maze
This well-known corn maze is in the process of relocating.  Check their Facebook page for updates.
Shafer, MN
Slattengren Farms
10 acre corn maze with a scavanger hunt & corn trivia.  Open in the fall.  Maple syrup & pumpkin farm.

STABLES

(For website click on activity or business name. Click on address for Google Maps.)
Oasis Equestrian Center
Horse boarding, riding lessons, and horse training available.  An active event center.  Facilities include an indoor arena, and indoor and outdoor stable areas.
Sunborn Stables
Horse boarding, riding lessons, and horse training, and horse breeding available.  Facilities include an indoor arena, outdoor trails, and round corral, and more.

WATER SPORTS & ACTIVITIES, HIKING & MORE

(For website click on activity or business name. Click on address for Google Maps.)
Captain Shawn's Rentals
Pontoon, kayak & motorized fishing boat rentals.  Located along the Chisago Lakes Water Trail, at the mouth of the channel between Chisago Lake & South Lindstrom Lake. info@Captainshawnsrental.com
Sunrise River Tubing
Beautiful & scenic family friendly tubing on the Sunrise River through Wild River State Park.  Patio & picnic area.  In historic downtown Sunrise.  Visit website for hours.
Wild Mountain Camp/Ski/Water Park
Wet and dry activities, including the Wild Adventure Island water park, lazy river, water slides, alpine slides, go carts, FreeFall XP, club dining and sun deck.  Available for birthday parties and more.  Available for weddings, meetings and room rentals.
Eric's Canoe & Kayak Rental
Canoe rental and shuttle service available at this location and also at Wild River State Park. Wildlife and nature tours of St. Croix Valley.
Taylors Falls Canoe & Kayak Rental
Canoe or kayak this tranquil, family-friendly stretch of the St. Croix River for a few hours, half the day, all day, or a few days.  The Taylors Falls Canoe & Kayak Rental Base is located inside the Minnesota Interstate Park in Taylors Falls and is open 7 days a week, from the first Saturday in May through the second Sunday in October.  Click above for details.  Online booking available.
For more information on lakes & fishing, click HERE.
For more information on parks & trails, click HERE.
For more information on camping, click HERE.

GOLF COURSES, PICKLEBALL, TENNIS COURTS & FITNESS

(For website click on activity or business name. Click on address for Google Maps.)
Chisago Lakes Golf

A public, 18-hole course with excellent greens.  Cart rental, practice range, pro-shop, full restaurant and bar, etc.

12976 292nd St., Lindstrom, MN 55045

 651-257-1484

Chisago Lakes Tennis Courts
Located outdoors on the west end of the Chisago Lakes Middle School property, just 1 block north of Highway 8.  Multiple tennis & pickleball courts are generally available.
Flytta Physio
Offering yoga, HIIT, strength & cardio classes, as well as physical therapy, sports performance training, and more.
Wildcat Community Center
Indoor Pickleball courts.  See open gym schedule.  Monthly & yearly memberships available.  Non-members can pay a daily user fee.  The courts can accommodate volleyball, tennis, pickleball, basketball, and batting cages.  Indoor walking track, cardio & weight rooms, fitness classes, and more.

WINTER SPORTS & ACTIVITIES

(For website click on activity or business name. Click on address for Google Maps.)
Chisago Lakes Ice Arena
Open skating or ice time must be scheduled in advance.  Email for questions or to schedule ice time: chisagolakesarena@gmail.com
Chuckie Lundquist Memorial Park  & Ice Rink
This park features a leisure rink, hockey rink, warming house, & access to snowmobile trails.  For safety reasons, hockey play is not allowed on the leisure rinks at any time.  Click the link for rink hours, weather related closures & more.
Franconia Ice Rink
Located at the famous Fronconia Sculpture Park, this ice rink is free & open to the public.  Click above link for hours, amenities, & more.
Snowmobiling Minnesota DNR Maps
Maps, trail conditions, sled registration, rules & regulations, new rider info & certification, & more.
Wild River Snowmobile Club
Find resources, maps, grooming info & more.  WWRC maintains most of the snowmobile trails in the Chisago Lakes Area.
651-583-2060
Wild Mountain
Downhill skiing, snowboarding & snow tubing.  Lessons & equipment rental available.

MISCELLANEOUS & ACTIVITIES

(For website click on activity or business name. Click on address for Google Maps.)
Geocaching
Geocaching is a type of global treasure hunt of people looking for caches, or hidden stashes of objects. Geocaching may also be described as a series of hide-and-seek games, where hiders provide online clues for seekers.
Letter Boxing
Letterboxing is an intriguing “treasure hunt” style outdoor activity. Letterboxers hide small, weatherproof boxes in publicly-accessible places (like parks) and post clues to finding the box online on one of several Web sites.