Attractions and Places To See around Staples - Top 20

Staples offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling along routes like the Connecticut Gold Coast, which is known for its scenic views and courteous drivers. The South Norwalk Reservoir provides beautiful spots for a break. For more extensive cycling, running, or road cycling routes, explore the guides for Cycling around Staples, Running Trails around Staples, and Road Cycling Routes around Staples.

Yes, Staples has several family-friendly options. The South Norwalk Reservoir is a beautiful spot for families to enjoy the scenery. Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum offers engaging historical tours suitable for families. Additionally, Burying Hill Beach is well-equipped with restrooms, changing facilities, and picnic tables, making it ideal for a family day out.

The most prominent historical site is the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum. This exquisite Victorian mansion, built in 1868, is one of the oldest and most distinguished in the United States, offering captivating insights into its original equipment and history. The Staples Historic Depot also houses a mini-museum exploring the town's rich railroad history.

For natural beauty, visit the South Norwalk Reservoir, which offers beautiful spots to take a break and enjoy the scenery. The Connecticut Gold Coast cycle way provides scenic views, especially during weekend mornings. Dower Lake Recreation Area is another prominent natural feature, ideal for swimming, boating, and picnicking, with Minnesota's longest fishing pier. The Crow Wing River is popular for tubing, kayaking, and canoeing, offering scenic views.

Yes, Burying Hill Beach is a sand and rock beach perfect for resting or meditating. It's well-equipped with restroom and changing area facilities, as well as picnic tables. Dower Lake Recreation Area also has a designated sandy beach for swimming.

For a unique experience, consider the Leader Area Pig Races. Holst Acres offers year-round laser tag and seasonal activities like a 'Haunted Hollow' and Santa's Workshop. The Central Minnesota Barn Quilt Trail is a driving tour showcasing unique and colorful painted wooden squares on barns throughout the region.

The paved Legacy Trail offers miles for walking, jogging, and biking through scenic areas. More rustic hiking trails can be found in Pine Grove Park and Dower Lake Recreation Area. Old Wadena Park also offers historic trails and scenic views of the Crow Wing River. You can find specific running routes in the Running Trails around Staples guide.

Yes, Staples has several parks and gardens. Living Legacy Gardens is a 10-acre public garden featuring an orchard, vineyard, and native prairie. Pine Grove Park is known for its white and red pine forest and nature walking trails. Lakewood Community Park, also known as 'The Dinosaur Park,' offers an impressive playground and a multigenerational exercise path. Northern Pacific Park hosts outdoor concerts during summer months.

The Connecticut Gold Coast is a popular cycle way with beautiful views. The paved Legacy Trail is also excellent for biking. For a variety of routes, explore the Cycling around Staples and Road Cycling Routes around Staples guides, which include routes of varying distances and difficulties.

Visitors particularly enjoy the scenic beauty and peaceful atmosphere. For instance, the South Norwalk Reservoir is praised for its beautiful spots to take a break. The Connecticut Gold Coast is appreciated for its beautiful views and drivers who are courteous to cyclists. The historical tours at Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum are also highly recommended.

Yes, Kneads Bakery is a highly recommended spot for a cafe stop. They offer good coffee and excellent breakfast sandwiches and cakes, making it a great place to refuel during your exploration.

Yes, camping is available at Dower Lake Recreation Area, offering a rustic experience. Old Wadena Park also provides opportunities for rustic camping.