Nesting just 10 miles (16 kilometers) south of Saint Paul, Cottage Grove is located in Washington County and is considered a picturesque suburb, offering some of the best uplifting outdoor sceneries in the US. A spectacular and lively county in the state of Minnesota, Cottage Grove is famed for its enthralling nightlife scene, outstanding clubs and bars, and opulent buildings towering over its calm streets. So, if you are planning on taking a short vacation, having a look at these top things to do in Cottage Grove, Minnesota, for an exciting time here.
1. Take a rejuvenating nature walk at Oakwood Park
Oakwood Park Disc (Golf) Couse - Cottage Grove, MN http://www.dgcoursereview.com/course_pics/689/109de1f4_m.jpg
Posted by Steve Stone on Saturday, 5 July 2014
If you are a staunch outdoor enthusiast, and you are looking for a tranquil place in Cottage Grove to enjoy the quiet respite that nature provides, then Oakwood Park is where you will find it abundantly. A world of palpable peace where you can free your thoughts and reflect on the inner you, this park offers a serene environment away from the city hassles where you can relax to the soothing tunes of the chirping birds as you admire the inspiring beauty of the cityscapes. This incredible park also features a stunning disc golf course where you can take a swing and enjoy golfing.
Oakwood Park
Address: 7851 Harkness Ave S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016, United States
Website: Oakwood Park
Opening hours: 9am - 9pm (daily)
2. Enjoy a nice family day at Woodridge Park
If you are a family guy and you are looking for an inclusive playground where your family can enjoy the uplifting outdoor vibes, then grab your necessities and make your way to Woodridge Park for a chance to enjoy a wide variety of exciting outdoor games with your kids. Being one of the largest and inclusive playground in Minnesota, Woodridge Park in Cottage Grove packs something fun for all ages. From swings to thrilling slides, this expansive playground guarantees you an exquisite, fun-filled family time as you indulge with your kids in a fun interaction.
Woodridge Park
Address: 9000 90th St S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016, United States
Website: Woodridge Park
Opening hours: 6am - 10:30pm (daily)
3. Hike Grey Cloud Dunes Scientific and Natural Area
Over the past 50 years, the Scientific and Natural Area Program has expanded beyond just SNAs! In 1987, Native Prairie...
Posted by Minnesota Scientific & Natural Areas on Tuesday, 11 June 2019
If you are looking to witness the magical outdoor scene of Cottage Grove, then Grey Cloud Dunes and Natural Area would be the perfect place to start. Being one of the largest intact prairie systems located within Twin Cities, and with sculpted dunes bordering high above the Mississippi River, this outstanding place is home to a plethora of scenic breathtaking biomes including the rare sea-beach grass and the iconic North American blue racer – a snake species not commonly found in Minnesota. Visitors to this alluring landmark also find it a peaceful place to enjoy birdwatching, hiking, and a peaceful nature study.
Grey Cloud Dunes Scientific and Natural Area
Address: 13th St S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016, United States
Website: Grey Cloud Dunes Scientific and Natural Area
Opening hours: 12pm - 11:30pm (daily)
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4. Play basketball at Hamlet Park
Posted by Eternity Homes, LLC on Tuesday, 25 June 2019
If you enjoy the engaging play that comes with basketball and you’re looking for somewhere with a modern court to enjoy the game, then make your way to Hamlet Park. A favorite place of young basketball enthusiasts, Hamlet Park is a recreational venue that offers you a serene and quiet place to enjoy balling and eventually grow your skills. Boasting a full-size paved basketball court with accurate markings and averagely tall basketball goalposts, this park is the ideal place to visit for an exciting training session with your friends or colleagues. The park also features scenic walking trails that offer a relaxing option if you’re looking to unwind after a game.
Hamlet Park
Address: 8883 Hamlet Ave S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016, United States
Website: Hamlet Park
Opening hours: 6am - 10:30pm (daily)
5. Practice your swing at River Oaks Golf Course
If you consider yourself a golfer, then make your way to the iconic River Oaks Golf Course for a chance of learning a thing or two about the enjoyable game. Being one of the top-rated golf courses in the entire state, River Oaks Golf Course is a fantastic golfers’ paradise that offers a serene and beautiful place to enjoy the game, with lush green grass and cascading landscapes. It is a premier location for golfers to practice their swing, regardless of whether you are a beginner or an expert. Furthermore, this astounding golf course also features a full bar and grill that opens every Friday and Saturday, where you can enjoy a meal after a day golfing.
River Oaks Golf Course
Address: 11099 US-61, Cottage Grove, MN 55016, United States
Website: River Oaks Golf Course
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 6:30am - 9pm; Mon - Fri: 7am - 10pm
6. Pamper yourself at The Healing Place Of Cottage Grove
Located on 10 acre's in Old Cottage Grove - Just minutes from Cottage Grove
Posted by Ramona Westerberg on Saturday, 20 December 2008
Everyone deserves a chance of getting pampered and cared for every once in a while, and that’s precisely what’s on offer at The Healing Place of Cottage Grove and a whole lot more. Being one of the most comprehensive spas in Minnesota, this astounding spa offers experienced beauticians, quality beauty and skincare products, and a series of beauty programs, making it an ideal place for a quality personal time. Rejuvenate your mind, renew your body, and elevate your spirit as you regain a sense of well-being to help you cope with the stress of modern living.
The Healing Place of Cottage Grove
Address: 8617 W Point Douglas Rd S #140, Cottage Grove, MN 55016, United States
Website: The Healing Place of Cottage Grove
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 8pm; Sat: 9am - 2pm (closed on Sun)
7. Surround yourself with nature at Zywiec's Garden Center
Surround yourself with nature’s soothing respite at Zywiec’s Garden Center and get to increase your knowledge on a wide variety of topics as you get to learn great details about the different plant species in Cottage Grove. With its allure being the beautifully curated gardens showcasing thousands of flourishing plants, trees, and insect species, Zwyiec’s Garden is simply an astounding getaway that offers you the perfect place to enjoy the relaxing vibes that come from nature. Soak up the breathtaking views of the lush scenery and take in the sweet alluring scent of the beautiful flowers.
Zywiec Berryland Farms
Address: 10900 E Point Douglas Rd, Cottage Grove, MN 55016, United States
Website: Zywiec Berryland Farms
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 7pm; Sat: 9am - 6pm; Sun: 9am - 6pm
8. Try biking adventures at Cottage Grove Bike Park
If you happen to be in Cottage Grove and you are looking for something unique to put your efforts into, then Cottage Grove Bike Park is where you are guaranteed to find it. As the name declares, Cottage Grove Bike Park is a picturesque bike park that provides you with a perfect place to enjoy and showcase your biking skills in a fun-filled ambiance and serene atmosphere. With a series of excitingly smooth dirt trails traversing through the park and the lush green surrounding sceneries, this park offers you a nice place to enjoy the thrilling action and endless adventure that comes with biking.
Cottage Grove Bike Park
Address: 7050 Meadow Grass Ave S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016, United States
Website: Cottage Grove Bike Park
Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)
9. Engage in outdoor sports at Highlands Park
Posted by Doreen Ann Lendway on Saturday, 25 May 2019
If you are a sports buff and you’re looking for a place in Cottage Grove to enhance your various sporting skills and eventually expose your talent, then Highlands Park is an ideal place for you to visit. Enjoying a convenient location just a stone’s throw from Cottage Grove Trailway Corridor, this park features a series of outstanding fields including basketball and tennis courts, lush baseball and soccer fields, and an ice skating rink. With accurately marked extensive fields, Highlands Park is an ideal place where you can enjoy a wide variety of sporting action in Cottage Grove.
Highlands Park
Address: 6975 Idsen Ave S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016, United States
Website: Highlands Park
Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)
10. Go fishing at Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park
It's another Free Tuesday in our Parks which means no vehicle permit is required today! Come and see the leaves start to change #WashCoParks
Posted by Washington County Parks MN on Tuesday, 1 October 2019
A favorite location for people looking to fish, camp, or enjoy a relaxing boat ride, Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park Lake is a 25-acre (10 hectares) fishing lake in the city. Located along County Road 19, this city-owned lake offers you a place to relax and engage in a variety of exciting watersport activities such as boating, fishing, etc. The lake park features a boat ramp, a fishing pier with paved walking paths and wheelchair access, several refreshing picnic spots, and convenient amenities like grills and excellent parking spaces. The park makes an ideal place for a fun-filled family weekend getaway.
Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park
Address:9653 Keats Ave S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016, United States
Website: Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park
Opening hours: 7am - 9pm (daily)
11. Play football at Kingston Park
Posted by Liga Centenario MN on Tuesday, 8 August 2017
If you are a sports fanatic and football is your thing, then grab your ball and make your way to Kingston Park. Located along Jessen Avenue, just adjacent to Grey Cloud Elementary School, Kingston Park offers you an amazing soccer field nestled in a serene atmosphere, where you get a chance to showcase your talent and practice your skills. With a series of outstanding lush green fields, equipped with accurately placed goalposts, and area markings, this park offers you a place to enjoy and experience the game first-hand. This park also features playgrounds equipped with swings and slides where your kids can enjoy themselves.
Kingston Park
Address: 9195 75th St S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016, United States
Website: Kingston Park
Opening hours: 6am - 10:30pm (daily)
12. Go for a scenic bike ride at Camel's Hump Park
If you are a stalwart biker and extreme biking is your thing, then get your bike and gear and make your way to Camel’s Hump Park for a chance of indulging in an enthralling bike ride in one of the city’s favored parks. Located at Gateway North Open Space at 7600 Burr Oak Cove, this park offers you a serene place to enjoy a relaxing bike ride as you take in the scenic beauty and rustic outdoor charms of Cottage Grove. With spectacular panoramic views overlooking highway 61, and relatively smooth trails, Camel’s Hump Park packs an exciting biking adventure.
Camel's Hump Park
Address: 7600 Burr OAK Cove S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016, United States
Website: Camel’s Hump Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
13. Visit Belden Park for a refreshing experience
Posted by Jim Gyalog on Saturday, 3 August 2019
Another park to visit if you are looking to explore the rustic outdoor charms of Cottage Grove is Belden Park nestled right in the heart of Cottage Grove and just a short walking distance from Cottage Grove Armory. A perfect place especially, if you’re a keen outdoor enthusiast, this park offers you profound serenity, with its allure being its scenic views and lush green surroundings. With extensive fields covering 3.5 acres (1.4 hectares), this park offers you a perfect place to enjoy outdoor games from softball to football and everything else in between. The park also features a kid’s playground with swings and slides.
Belden Park
Address: Cottage Grove, MN 55016, United States
Website: Belden Park
Opening hours: 6am - 10:30pm (daily)
14. Go shopping at Kohl's Cottage Grove
You might be looking for a new place to scratch your shopping urge. Make your way to Kohl’s where you are guaranteed a convenient shopping experience. A stupendous indoor shopping mall in Cottage Grove, Kohl’s features a series of impressive shopping stalls ranging from chain department stores that offer trendy brand-name clothing to antique jewelry stores where you can buy inspiring handcrafted jewels. This mall is a shopper’s paradise where you can source out a variety of quality goods and services all under one roof.
Kohl's Cottage Grove
Address: 7990 Hardwood Ave S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016, United States
Website: Kohl’s Cottage Grove
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 9am - 10pm; Fri: 9am -11pm; Sat: 8am - 11pm; Sun: 9am - 9pm
15. Enjoy a day of ice skating at Peter Thompson Park
If ice skating is your thing, and you are looking for a place in Cottage Grove to practice and showcase your talent, then grab your skate boots and make your way to Peter Thompson Park for a chance to enjoy a thrilling ice skating adventure. A premier gathering place for area residents and visitors alike, Peter Thompson Park is popularly known for its astounding outdoor ice skating rinks, which play host to several of Cottage Grove’s ice skating events. Nestled on a 5-acre (2 hectares) lush green ground, this park also features a kid’s playground with swings and slides, a picnic pavilion, and a grill where you can enjoy a perfect family picnic.
Peter Thompson Park
Address: 6327 Highland Hills Ln S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016, United States
Website: Peter Thompson Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
16. Be one with nature at Hearthside Park
Can you guess where this picture was taken in the National Park? www.hearthsidecabinrentals.com
Posted by Hearthside Cabin Rentals on Tuesday, 31 January 2017
Take a moment to soak in the magical outdoor scene and be one with nature as you take a rejuvenating stroll in the scenic Hearthside Park. A favorite place among area residents and visitors alike for its cool ambiance and profound tranquility emanating from the shading of tall trees, this beautiful park is located just across the road from Cottage Grove Ice Arena and offers you a scenic space to unwind and enjoy the quiet meditation that comes from nature.
Hearthside Park
Address: 8245 Hearthside Rd, Cottage Grove, MN 55016, United States
Website: Hearthside Park
Opening hours: 6am - 10:30pm (daily)
17. Go for a thrilling bike ride at West Draw Park
Pick up your friends or family and head to West Draw Park for a chance to enjoy an exhilarating mountain biking experience in Cottage Grove. A favorite park for stalwart bikers looking to explore the scenic outdoors of Cottage Grove, West Draw Park is a premier biking area with an abundance of enthralling, relatively smooth-surfaced trails which cut through most of the town’s scenic attractions and beautiful landforms. With tall trees covering most of the trails with the much-needed shading, West Draw Park makes a perfect spot for an entertaining discovery of Cottage Grove’s beautiful outdoors.
West Draw Park
Address: 050 Meadow Grass Ave S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016, United States
Website: West Draw Park
Opening hours: Sat - Thu: 6am - 10:30pm (closed on Fri)
18. Relax at Old Cottage Grove Community Park
Another to park to visit if you are looking to get in tune with the breathtaking outdoor scenery of Cottage Grove is Old Cottage Grove Community Park nestled right in the heart of the city, just adjacent to the verdant Heschke gardens along Langley Avenue. Free your mind as you delve into the beauty of the park’s breathtaking plant life from ferns to deciduous trees and everything else in between. With a thriving birdlife that breathes life to this park, Old Cottage Grove Community has lots to offer especially to the keenest outdoor enthusiast with a thing for serenity and tranquility.
Old Cottage Grove Community Park
Address: 7500 Langley Ave S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016, United States
Website: Old Cottage Grove Community Park
Opening hours: 6am - 10:30pm (daily)
19. Walk through the scenic trails of North Ideal Park
North Ideal Park, Cottage Grove
Posted by Tree Trust on Tuesday, 9 July 2013
It’s a known fact that walking daily as part of your daily routine can significantly increase your quality of life in terms of health and physical balance. So, If you are in Cottage Grove and you are looking for a chill place to enjoy a relaxing nature walk, then make your way to North Ideal Park and enjoy the scenic trails that cut across the park. Stretching to over 7 acres (3 hectares), this outlandish park features a pond and thriving birdlife.
North Ideal Park
Address: Cottage Grove, MN 55016, United States
Website: North Ideal Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
20. Witness sunset views at Arbor Meadows Park
If you are looking to add some fun to your evening, then make time and head to Arbor Meadow Park where you will get a chance not only to witness the magical sunset views of Cottage Grove but also feast your eyes at some of the region’s lush scenery and breathtaking landscapes. Its lush, scenic surrounding offers you a serene place to enjoy the soothing comforts of nature’s respite. There is also an astounding pond that breathes life to the park. Indeed, Arbor Meadow Park is a true beauty to behold and makes a perfect escape if you are looking for a place to have a unique retreat with nature.
Arbor Meadows Park
Address:ohansen Ave S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016, United States
Website: Arbor Meadows Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
21. Reconnect with nature in Hazen P. Mooers Park
A relaxing and peaceful park, this place is just perfect for a unique retreat with nature. Hazen P. Mooers Park is a scenic 1 acre (0.4 hectares) park with several exciting attractions and indulging activities from watersports to hiking and everything else in between. The park borders the majestic waters of the Mississipi River, which plays host to lots of entertaining watersport activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding, boating, swimming, and fishing. Tucked away on Grey Cloud Trail South on Grey Cloud Island, visitors to this beautiful park can also enjoy birdwatching or just a relaxed picnic with friends and family.
Hazen P. Mooers Park
Address: 10657 Grey Cloud Trail S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016, United States
Website: Hazen P. Mooers Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
22. Delight in enticing flavors at Dairy Queen
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
If you are a staunch ice cream lover and you are looking for the perfect ice cream experience in Cottage Grove, then Dairy Queen is where you will find it aplenty. Located not far from Fort Harrison Park, this eatery not only serves the best ice cream but it’s also a premier fast-food restaurant known for its excellent fries and delicious burgers. Boasting a brilliant interior with an intimate setting and emanating a casual vibe and an impressive menu that puts together a combination of tantalizing dishes, this restaurant makes a great place to share a meal with your friends and family.
Dairy Queen
Address: 714 S Goshen-Divide Hwy, Cottage Grove, OR 97424, United States
Website: Dairy Queen
Opening hours: 11am - 9pm (daily)
23. Savor authentic American cuisine at Junction 70 Grill
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Junction 70 on Thursday, September 19, 2019
If you are new in Cottage Grove and you are looking for the perfect restaurant to enjoy sumptuous delicacies, then Junction 70 Grill would be the perfect eatery to visit. This exquisite restaurant is best known for its authentic, mouthwatering North American dishes in the city. Perfectly designed with a touch of elegance emanating a lavish vibe, this restaurant is the ideal place for you to enjoy a romantic dinner with your loved ones. Also, Junction 70 Grill features a fully stocked bar that offers you a wide selection of craft beers, specialty cocktails, and intriguing wines.
Junction 70 Grill
Address: 6933 Pine Arbor Dr S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016, United States
Website: Junction 70 Grill
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 12am; Fri - Sat: 11am - 1am; Sun: 10am - 11pm
24. Treat yourself at Culver's
Not too fancy and with the perfect touch of simplicity, Culver’s is designed to be the perfect home restaurant that you can visit any time you want to grab something delicious to eat. Known exclusively for its tantalizing array of mouthwatering dishes, from fries to frozen custard and everything else in between, Culver’s restaurant is the place to be if you’re looking to discover the food culture of Cottage Grove. Try out their signature burgers made with Midwest beef and dairy, or take a bite of their ridiculously delicious crunchy, roasted chicken. You can also choose to delight in their intriguing handcrafted cocktails that come in exciting flavors like vanilla, peanut butter, and strawberry.
Culver's
Address: 1599 Landmark Dr, Cottage Grove, WI 53527, United States
Website: Culver’s
Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (daily)
25. Dine at Las Margaritas Mexican Restaurant
Located in the iconic streets of Harkness Avenue is a place where you can get the best Mexican food in the entire town. Las Margaritas Mexican Restaurant is a great restaurant sitting right adjacent to Oakwood Park. Other than the delicious meals and buffet options on offer, a visit to this restaurant gives you a chance to wine and dine while enjoying the stunning views of the cityscapes. With an alluring interior décor and an impressive menu that offers you a wide selection of mouthwatering Mexican delicacies to choose from, you are sure to enjoy only the best Mexican dishes in the area.
Las Margaritas Mexican Restaurant
Address: 7750 Harkness Ave S #101, Cottage Grove, MN 55016, United States
Opening hours: Sun: 11am - 10pm; Mon - Tue: 11am - 9:30pm; Wed - Sat: 11am - 10pm
26. Relish a delicious plate at Carbone's Kitchen & pub
If you are new in Cottage Grove and you are looking for somewhere to savor a memorable meal then, treat yourself to a tantalizing burst of ridiculously delicious flavors at Carbone Kitchen & Pub. Located right in the heart of Cottage Grove, just a stone’s throw away from Joplin Avenue, this eatery offers you a chance to relish authentic mouthwatering dishes from pizza to home-cooked meals and everything in between. Boasting a brilliantly designed intimate interior that emanates a cool inviting ambiance from the relaxing music, this exquisite restaurant also features a full bar that offers 12 different tap beers, including locally crafted specialties and intriguing cocktails.
Carbone's Kitchen & Pub
Address: 155 Jorgensen Ln S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016, United States
Website: Carbone’s Kitchen & Pub
Opening hours: 11am - 10pm (daily)
Discover Cottage Grove
With a myriad of exciting places to visit and engaging fun-filled activities to keep you engaged and well occupied, Cottage Grove, Minnesota, is a tourist’s paradise worth checking out, especially if you are a keen outdoor buff.
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