20 Things To Do In Wabasha, MN & More
Wabasha, MN is a wonderfully small Mississippi River town in Southeast Minnesota. Considering I am a short drive from it, I have compiled a list of 20 things to do in Wabasha, MN & more – from a local! Enjoy the history, delicious food, fun activities, & gorgeous view of the Mississippi River during your visit!
What is in Wabasha MN?
Because of Wabasha’s perfect location along the Mississippi River – it is home to many activities, great places to eat, cute shops & fun things to do. This picturesque small town is bustling during the summer months, beautifully decorated during fall, fairly lowkey during winter, & come spring – everyone is filled with the anticipation of summer! Continue reading to learn more about things to do in Wabasha, MN.
20 Things To Do In Wabasha, MN & More
Planning a trip to Wabasha? It’s a great place for a day trip or a weekend get away, not to mention there are so many different things to do in Wabasha, MN – there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
1. Visit the National Eagle Center
The National Eagle center is located in downtown Wabasha along the Mississippi River. It is a non-profit known to be a world class interpretive center for the education of bald eagles, viewing of bald eagles & also their rehabilitation. The National Eagle Center is open year round with an observation deck overlooking the Mississippi River.
2. Rent a Boat or Pontoon
Wanting to hit the water, soak up some sun & explore the Mississippi River? You can rent a fishing boat, pontoon, or fishing kayaks with Pool 4 Adventure out of Wabasha. While your cruising the river be sure to head up the river a few miles & watch the sunset over Lake Pepin – you won’t be disappointed!
3. Go Golfing at The Bluffs – Coffee Mill Golf Course
Another one of the best things to do in Wabasha MN is visit their 18 hole golf course sits at the top of the bluffs in Wabasha. They are known to have a top-tier golf layout along with their clubhouse, driving range, Bluff View Grille & a great facility for hosting events.
4. Take a Tour with Broken Paddle Guiding
Broken Paddle Guiding is a great way to get out on the water, learn about the area, & explore some of the best places along the Mississippi River. They offer kayak, paddleboard & fat bike tours for those who are just beginners looking to try something new or those who are experienced but looking for a fun adventure!
5. Get out on the water with Sail Pepin
Looking for a unique experience? Although this is not located directly in Wabasha it is very close & super fun! Because of Lake Pepin’s distinct location on the Mississippi River, you will find many sail boats out on this Lake. Take a cruise with Sail Pepin & explore the beautiful sites of Lake Pepin. They also offer team building programs & lessons.
6. Go Fishing
Located right on the banks of one of America’s longest rivers- the Mississippi River. Wabasha has no shortage of great fishing spots. Visit Wabasha for a weekend filled with catching crappie, sunfish and perch! If you want to hit the water, take out your boat to see what you can catch: large mouth bass, walleye or more!
7. Eagle Hang Gliding
Do you like seeing the view from above or looking for an activity that gives you some thrill? Eagle Hang Gliding fits the bill while offering tandem hang gliding experiences & lessons. Head up the river to Lake City, MN & hang glide over Lake Pepin. While there – take a walk around the marina & look at the boats!
8. Head down the road to Lark Toys
Lark Toys is very popular among locals & those who are visiting the area! This toy store has won many awards & has so much to offer in conjunction to it’s toy store such as mini-golf, a food court, a bookstore, & an indoor carousel! They are open every day from 10am-6pm & is very busy one the weekends, so you may want to plan accordingly.
9. Go on a Wabasha Walking Tour
Take a Wabasha Walking Tour & discover the history throughout town! There are four different tour options: the Commercial Historic District, the Lower Lawrence Boulevard, the Social, Civic, & Domestic tour, & the Historic Neighborhoods tour. Ranging from 5 miles to only a 1/2 mile, you will not only get your steps in but also view some of the best places in Wabasha!
10. Grab a bite to eat at Silver Star Saloon
This Saloon is located right in downtown Wabasha with a cute & fun western theme in their bar, dinning area, & even their bathrooms! Silver Star Saloon is known for it’s wide variety of burgers along with other options if you so choose. P.S. if you like sweet potato fries — Silver Stars’ are to die for!
11. Ski at Coffee Mill
Looking for something to do in the winter months? Coffee Mill offers a one-of-a kind experience. With “bowl” arrangements for lift accessibility and protection from cold winter winds, you’ll never want to go anywhere else; not to mention, the views from the top of the bluffs! Extra long slopes combined with high capacity chairs provide an unforgettable skiing experience.
12. Enjoy a Beer & Food at Reads Landing Brewing Company
Reads Landing Brewing Company is just up the river from Wabasha, in the small town of Reads Landing – don’t blink you might miss it! Reads Landing Brewery Co. is in a 1870 dry goods store where they have updated it but you can still feel & see the history while sitting along side the river with a great indoor & outdoor seating areas. They have have a wonderful menu selection as well as their craft beers on tap!
13. Visit during SeptOberfest
The Annual SeptOberfest Celebration takes place each year at the end of September-beginning of October. Have fun and wander through the small, midwestern town that showcases fall like you’ve never experienced it before. Explore art displays are made with pumpkins, cornstalks, & flowers among natural beauty of Mississippi River & the picturesque bluffs! This is a fantastic time to visit!
14. Bring your bike & check out the many trails
Wabasha is located along the Mississippi River Trail & The Great River Road making for great views & opportunities for biking trails. There are approximately 9 trails, connecting Minnesota to Wisconsin & vise versa while allowing for different lengths & difficulties. The Biking Guide to Wabasha does a great job of mapping out all 6 trails & what you can expect.
15. Anderson Gardens Wabasha MN
If you are looking for a great way to spend a day with your friends, Anderson Gardens is the perfect place. There’s always something going on at these gardens and it seems like there will never be an end of new flowers blooming! Whether you’re coming as part of garden club, group or just visiting, this spot has plenty in store for all types of visitors. They are located at: 64784 141st Ave in Wabasha.
16. Swim in the Mississippi River at Beach Park
Another one of the best things to do in Wabasha MN is to go swimming at Beach Park. Beach Park is located on the bank of the Mississippi River between Slippery’s Bar & Grill & Parkside Marina. There is a nice sandy beach area with grass picnic area. This beach is open to the public but does occasionally get affected by green algae during the warmer months, which then the city closes it down.
17. Explore downtown & go shopping in Wabasha, MN
Downtown Wabasha is a picture perfect example of small town U.S.A with brick buildings, large glass windows, mom & pop shops, cute boutiques, & glimpses of the Mississippi River between buildings. For a list of shops check out the Wabasha Chamber of Commerce Directory: Shopping in Wabasha
18. Enjoy a meal with a view & live music at Slippery’s
Slippery’s Bar & Grill is one of the most popular places to eat in Wabasha. It offers wonderful views of the Mississippi River & the bridge that connects Minnesota & Wisconsin. You can get there by land or dock your boat, allowing for both indoor & outdoor seating with a great selection on the menu. Usually, on the weekends they have live music & a great crowd!
19. Celebrate Grumpy Old Men Days during Winter
One of the best things to do in Wabasha MN is to visit during Grumpy Old Men Days. This winter festival is named after the film, Grumpy Old Men which had a bar scene filmed at Slippery’s Bar & Grill in Wabasha. During this festival you can expect fun events, delicious food, a fishing contest, skiing, skating, a polar plunge & more!
20. Take an 8 Minute Drive to the Nelson Cheese Factory
The Nelson Cheese Factory also known as the Nelson Creamery is a great stop across the river into Wisconsin. They offer a variety of cheeses (go figured!), a meat selection, other goods, & ice cream! They also have a wine room & a great outdoor patio along the river.
Restaurants in Wabasha, MN
Since Wabasha is located along the water, there is a great variety of places to eat whether you have spent the day out on the river or visiting Wabasha from out of town. Not to mention, many great options for outdoor seating in the summer months with views of the Mississippi River. For a list of places to eat in Wabasha, visit the Wabasha Chamber website.
What does the word Wabasha mean?
Wabasha is one of the oldest cities on the upper Mississippi River and has been occupied continuously since 1826. The town got its name in honor of an Indian Chief, Wa-pa-shaw. This group’s principal camping ground was located at a valley by the Mighty Mississipi River, where they would camp for months each year to take care of their spiritual needs as well as hunt buffalo or deer nearby
What is Wabasha MN famous for?
Wabasha MN is known to be one of the oldest cities along the upper portion of the Mississippi River. History shows that Wabasha had been inhabited as early as 1826, also making Wabasha one of the oldest cities in Minnesota as a whole.
Wabasha is also famous for the movie: Grump Old Men, which a bar scene was was filmed at Slippery’s Bar & Grill along the Mississippi River. This 1993 movie has made quite the impression on Wabasha as they celebrate “Grumpy Old Men Days” each winter.
Wabasha MN Upcoming Events
Planning a visit to Wabasha & want to see what’s going on or maybe you are looking for things to do in Wabasha MN this weekend? Visit the official Wabasha website to find out about any upcoming events in the area – Wabasha Events.
How far is Wabasha Minnesota from Minneapolis?
Wabasha is 70 miles southeast of Minneapolis. Considering Wabasha has a population of less than 3,000 – it is centrally located in between many larger cities such as Winona, Rochester & Red Wing. Some of which provide shuttle services, Amtrak destinations, & other services to Minneapolis if you do not have a vehicle.
Parkside Marina Wabasha
Parkside Marina in Wabasha offers pontoon rentals, a variety of options for slips, fuel docks & other services making them a full-service marina. Address: 829 3rd St W, Wabasha
Places to Stay in Wabasha, MN
There is only one hotel in Wabasha & that is the AmericanInn. This hotel allows pets & offers free breakfast & has an indoor pool. This AmericanInn is also located right off of Highway 61 & can’t be missed!
There is also a Bed & Breakfast in town called Turning Waters. Which is also a part of a Hoppy Girl Brewery. If you stay here you will be located right down town within walking distance of many great places to eat & fun activities!
Overview: 20 Things To Do In Wabasha, MN & More
Here are just a few things you can do in this beautiful little town. Enjoy local restaurants, activities & some time on the water during your visit! If there is something on this list that interests you, feel free to contact me on Instagram or shoot me an email. Thanks for reading 20 Things to do in Wabasha, MN & More!