The city of Cannon falls is a historic river town located in Goodhue County and it is a famous tourist attraction. Thanks to the favourable weather, the town’s strong culture and the taste of their delicious food make you come back over and over again. Those who visit Cannon Falls has lots to discover including Miesville Ravine Park Reserve, Lake Byllesby Regional Park, Lake Byllesby and numerous trails where you can hike or cycle. Apart from exploring the attractions, visitors can also participate in the available activities such as fishing, swimming and golfing among many others. In case you run out of ideas on the activities to be pursued while here, check out the list below for the best things to do in Cannon Falls, Minnesota.
1. Take a stroll around Lake Byllesby Goodhue County Park
If you are looking for a quiet place where you can enjoy a picnic or just relax as you watch the sunset and indulge in fun activities then you have to visit Lake Byllesby Goodhue County Park. While at the park, you will be able to indulge in several activities such as swimming, fishing, and kayaking. In addition to the activities that you can participate in, guests are also always welcomed to make use of the available facilities such as a swimming pool, picnic benches, portable toilets and a secure parking area. Please note that Lake Byllesby Park is not handicap accessible.
Lake Byllesby Goodhue County Park
Address: 5001 Hwy 19 Blvd, Cannon Falls, MN 55009, United States
Website: Lake Byllesby Goodhue County Park
Opening hours: 5am - 10:30pm (daily)
2. Practice your golfing skills at Cannon Golf Club
For those who love golfing, you will find Cannon Golf Club to be a jewel on the banks of the historic Cannon River. The golf club features ponds, wetlands and streams making it the perfect place to enjoy a fantastic round of golf. The large, mature bur oaks located on the banks of the streams, the ponds and Cannon River gives the course elegance and charm that only comes with age. This is the type of course which you need to play again and again in order to solve the puzzles and find the strategies needed to handle the hazards and holes.
Cannon Golf Club
Address: 8606 295th St E, Cannon Falls, MN 55009, United States
Website: Cannon Golf Club
Opening hours: 7am - 8pm (daily)
3. Arrange for a hustle-free day at Cannon Falls Pool
If you feel you need a day off from your hectic schedule, then you have to head out and enjoy yourself at Cannon Falls Pool. It is not just the perfect place to enjoy swimming, but also a fun place where the community can meet and get to know each other. For those who don’t know how to swim but would love to know, swimming lessons are also provided at the venue. Having the capability of hosting 400 guests for a sit-down and 600 standing guests, it is also the perfect venue for private dinners, informal meetings, and other outdoor functions.
Cannon Falls Pool
Address: Northwest Ct, Cannon Falls, MN 55009, United States
Website: Cannon Falls Pool
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 1pm - 7pm (closed on Sun)
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4. Set up a picnic at East Side Park
If you are looking for a place where you can relax on a cool afternoon and enjoy a picnic with your friends and family then this is the place you should be. East Side Park is strategically located only five minutes’ drive from the town centre and it features stunning views, a well-kept garden, several picnic benches, a playground area, a basketball court and a trail that is perfect for hiking. While you are here, you might want to enjoy resting on one of the benches located close to the river, enjoying the murmuring sound of the water with friends and family.
East Side Park
Address: Cannon Falls, MN 55009, USA
5. Enjoy the amazing ambiance at Hannahs Bend Park
Located at approximately 10 minutes’ drive from Cannon falls, Hannah’s Bend offers an amazing view of the Cannon River as it flows into the City of Cannon Falls. The park features incredible amenities including picnic shades, a swimming pool, playground equipment, hiking trails and a golf course for both professionals and amateurs featuring scenic holes with dual tees overlooking the Cannon River. Hannah’s Bend is also famous for hosting several colourful festivals throughout the summer and fall months. At the park, you will also witness a monument that was built to honour the 2011 visit by the president back then, Barack Obama.
Hannahs Bend Park
Address: Cannon Falls, MN 55009, United States
Website: Hannahs Bend Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
6. Enjoy stunning views at Minnieska Park
While you are at Cannon Falls spare some time and stroll through the Minnieska Park as you enjoy the stunning views. The park is strategically located south of the town centre of Cannon falls and Riverside. The park features a pond which is home to a number of swans and ducks making it the perfect spot for photographing as you will have panoramic views of Cannon Falls. If you get tired of walking around the park, the park also features several benches where you can enjoy your picnic and hike a trail connecting downtown Cannon Falls and Two Rivers Park to Minnieska Park, via a path underneath Highway 20.
Minnieska Park
Address: Cannon Falls, MN 55009, USA
Website: Minnieska Park
7. Hike the Cannon Valley Trail
The Cannon Valley Trail is a National Recreational Trail built on a former Chicago Great Western Railroad line which connects the cities of Red Wing, Cannon Falls and Welch. The trail which was opened in 1986 is 19.7 miles (31.7 kilometres) long and it runs through diverse and spectacular scenery along the Cannon River. The trail is normally open every day unless mentioned otherwise and it is perfect for cycling, skateboarding, in-line skating, walking, hiking and cross country skiing. Please note between April to November users above the age of 18 are required to have a valid ‘Wheel Pass’ when using the trail.
Cannon Valley Trail
Address: Minnesota, USA
8. Grab a burger at Nick's Downtown Diner
Nick’s Downtown Diner is a local family-owned restaurant that specializes in serving all-day breakfast, homemade pies and burgers in a cosy, vintage setting. Just like any other reputable family restaurant should do, Nick’s Downtown Diner makes sure that all of their products are fresh and healthy for consumption. You will love the cosy, hip hangout reminiscent of the diners and cafes from the past where the food is made with pride and the service brought with a smile. Nick’s Downtown Diner also handles both in-house and outside catering for any event that you may have. Whenever you are in Cannon Falls, make sure you stop by and grab a burger.
Nick's Downtown Diner
Address: 331 W Mill St, Cannon Falls, MN 55009, United States
Website: Nick’s Downtown Diner
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 7am - 3pm; Sat - Sun: 7am - 2pm
9. Master your wine-tasting skills at Cannon River Winery
It all started with a desire for distributing extraordinary wine whose quality is much better than wines from other wine-producing regions. It ended up to be one of the most preferred wineries in Minnesota. Cannon River Winery is conveniently located at the rolling hills of Minnesota’s quaint Sogn Valley and it is home to more than 9,000 vines all on 40 acres (16.2 hectares) of land. All of the wines at this award-winning winery are crafted by hand resulting in a unique taste that can only be found in Minnesota. From the vine to your glass, Cannon River Winery takes assiduous care in the wine-making process to ensure that all of the products meet customer’s highest expectations. Visit the winery and taste their passion for perfection at every single drop that you taste.
Cannon River Winery
Address: 421 Mill St W, Cannon Falls, MN 55009, United States
Website: Cannon River Winery
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 7pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 9pm
10. Experience shopping at the unique Ferndale Market
Ferndale is an independent family farm that focuses on raising turkeys naturally, without the aid of antibiotics or artificial growth stimulators. From the moment the chicks are hatched, the farm makes sure that they are cared for in a heated brooder with the aim of maximizing healthy growth during the first few weeks of life. When fully grown, they are transferred to the outdoors during the summer months, so that they can forage in nature like true free-range animals. Fully matured turkeys are then used to make turkey products such as ground turkey breast, birchwood cafe turkey burger patties and turkey tenderloin tray pack among many others. Stop by and place your order.
Ferndale Market
Address: 31659 Willow Trail, Cannon Falls, MN 55009, United States
Website: Ferndale Market
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 6pm; Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 11am - 4pm
11. Learn all about brewing at Tilion Brewing Company
Ever since it was founded by Chris Larson, Scott Larson and Ryan Seabright in 2012, Tilion Brewing Company has been the leading brewing company serving the locals with quality handcrafted beers. In addition to their crafted beers, Tilion Brewing Company also offers an interesting selection of rotating seasonal beers on tap, including lemon zest Saison, Baltic Porter, a Scotch Ale, Belgian Blonde Ale, pumpkin ale, honey wheat ale, etc. You will love the taproom which is designed to be a comfortable and friendly environment best suited for friendly gatherings. Come with friends and family and experience brewing styles that are stimulating and definitely one of the best.
Tilion Brewing Company
Address: 432 Mill St W, Cannon Falls, MN 55009, United States
Website: Tilion Brewing Company
Opening hours: Tue: 4pm - 8pm; Wed - Thu: 3pm - 9pm; Fri: 3pm - 10pm; Sat: 12pm - 10pm; Sun: 12pm - 6pm (closed on Mon)
12. Design your own at Frog Creek Pottery
Frog Creek Pottery is a stopover if you are looking for durable, stylish and affordable home furnishings. Featuring comfy couches, antic armchairs, tables and many more, the pottery is a highly equipped shop that can fix up an entire home. It is time to say bye to the empty space and bare walls, treat yourself by taking yourself shopping. Collect beautiful pieces of artwork and brighten up your space. Some of the pieces that you can find in Frog Creek Pottery include throw pillows, rugs and vases. It also offers convenient parking options nearby.
Frog Creek Pottery
Address: 32336 40th Ave Way, Cannon Falls, MN 55009, United States
Website: Frog Creek Pottery
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
13. Go canoeing on the Cannon River
If you are looking for something fun to do while you are at Cannon Falls, enjoy canoeing on the Cannon River. For this activity, you will have to canoe an 8-mile (12 kilometres) stretch from the main facility to Miesville Ravine Park. The activity normally takes two hours by canoe and three hours by a raft depending on how fast you paddle and the water levels. During the trip, you will also have the opportunity to stop and enjoy swimming in the river or have a picnic on a sandbar. A shuttle drive from the endpoint, protective gears and paddles are provided.
Canoeing on the Cannon River
Address: 615 N. 5th St. Cannon Falls, MN 55009
Website: Canoeing on the Cannon River
14. Explore the Cannon Falls Area Historical Society and Museum
Built in 1888, Cannon Falls Area Historical Society and Museum educates all about the preservation, inspection and sharing of the heritage. The museum is strategically located at Firemen’s Hall, one of the town’s most compelling and historic buildings and showcases incredible artwork such as Harvest Mural and Limekiln Motorcycle Mural, each with a compelling story and a history lesson that educates the community and visitors about Cannon Falls rich heritage. Ádmission to the museum is free and it also assists with local research requests.
Cannon Falls Area Historical Society and Museum
Address: 206 W Mill St, Cannon Falls, MN 55009, United States
Website: Cannon Falls Area Historical Society and Museum
Opening hours: Fri: 1pm - 5am; Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed from Sun - Thu)
15. Enjoy shopping at Artisan Plaza
Ever since it was established in 2018, Artisan Plaza has been the local joint for the community to enjoy a unique shopping experience of both tasty food and drink. The hall’s culture is inspired by the highway creameries that dot Southeastern Minnesota and Northern Wisconsin. You will love the hall’s thriving food market which specializes in fresh produce, organic groceries, juices, dozens of soda pops, teas, and kombucha. Whether you need a weekly grocery run, a quick lunch, or a fireside barbeque, you will find it at Artisan Plaza Market. Whenever you are here, make sure you check out the cocktail program and ask the server about the available nightly specials.
Artisan Plaza
Address: 1223 4th St S, Cannon Falls, MN 55009, United States
Website: Artisan Plaza
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 9pm; Sun: 11am - 8pm
Explore all that Cannon Falls has to offer
Be it for business reasons or for leisure, a visit to Cannon Falls will blow your mind. It is home to lots of attractions and while you are here you have to see them all. In case you run out of ideas on what to do while you are here, check out the list above.