Table of Contents
Map Of Walnut Grove Minnesota
Introduction
Walnut Grove, Minnesota is a charming town located in the southwestern part of the state. Known for its rich history and scenic beauty, this place has something to offer for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, foodie, or adventure seeker, Walnut Grove has something to keep you engaged and entertained throughout your trip.
Top Attractions
1. Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum
The Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum is a must-visit attraction for fans of the Little House on the Prairie books. This museum showcases the life and times of Laura Ingalls Wilder, the author of the books, and her family. Visitors can see the original homes that Laura and her family lived in, as well as many artifacts from the pioneer era.
2. Plum Creek
Plum Creek is a beautiful stream that runs through Walnut Grove. Visitors can enjoy fishing, swimming, and picnicking along the banks of the creek.
3. Walnut Grove City Park
The Walnut Grove City Park is a great place to relax and unwind. This park features a playground, picnic tables, and walking trails.
Hidden Gems
1. Walnut Grove Mercantile
The Walnut Grove Mercantile is a hidden gem that offers a unique shopping experience. This store sells a variety of gifts, home decor, and clothing items.
2. Walnut Grove Cemetery
The Walnut Grove Cemetery is a peaceful and serene place to visit. This cemetery is the final resting place of many of the town’s early settlers.
3. Walnut Grove Depot Museum
The Walnut Grove Depot Museum is a hidden gem that showcases the history of the railroad in Walnut Grove. Visitors can see many artifacts from the early days of the railroad, as well as learn about the impact it had on the town.
Food Scene
Walnut Grove has a diverse food scene that offers something for every taste bud. Some of the must-try dishes in Walnut Grove include:
1. Walnut Grove Cafe’s Burgers
The Walnut Grove Cafe is known for its delicious burgers. These burgers are made with fresh ingredients and are cooked to perfection.
2. Homemade Ice Cream at Hanson’s
Hanson’s Homemade Ice Cream is a popular spot for dessert. Visitors can enjoy a variety of flavors, including the famous “Little House” flavor.
3. Walnut Grove Pizza Ranch
The Walnut Grove Pizza Ranch is a great place to enjoy a family dinner. This restaurant serves delicious pizza, chicken, and salad bar.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Traveling can be expensive, but there are ways to save money in Walnut Grove. Here are some budget-friendly tips:
1. Plan Your Trip in the Off-Season
The off-season in Walnut Grove is from November to March. During this time, you can find great deals on accommodations and activities.
2. Visit Free Attractions
Many of the attractions in Walnut Grove are free to visit, such as the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum and the Walnut Grove City Park.
3. Cook Your Own Meals
If you’re staying in a vacation rental or hotel with a kitchenette, consider cooking some of your meals. This can save you a lot of money on dining out.
Outdoor Adventures
Walnut Grove is surrounded by scenic beauty and offers many opportunities for outdoor adventures. Here are some of the top outdoor activities to try:
1. Fishing on Plum Creek
Plum Creek is a great spot for fishing. Visitors can catch a variety of fish, including trout, bass, and walleye.
2. Hiking at the Laura Ingalls Wilder Memorial Prairie
The Laura Ingalls Wilder Memorial Prairie is a beautiful spot for hiking. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the prairie and wildlife.
3. Camping at Plum Creek Park
Plum Creek Park is a great spot for camping. This park offers campsites with electricity, water, and fire pits.
Historical Landmarks
Walnut Grove has a rich history and many landmarks that showcase its past. Here are some of the top historical landmarks to visit:
1. Ingalls Family Homestead
The Ingalls Family Homestead is the original home of Laura Ingalls Wilder and her family. Visitors can see the house, barn, and other buildings that the family lived in.
2. Redwood County Historical Society Museum
The Redwood County Historical Society Museum is a great place to learn about the history of the area. This museum showcases artifacts from the pioneer era, as well as the history of the railroad and local businesses.
3. The Charles Ingalls Cabin Site
The Charles Ingalls Cabin Site is the original site of the cabin that Charles Ingalls built for his family. Visitors can see the foundation of the cabin and learn about the challenges the family faced while living on the prairie.
Family-Friendly Activities
Walnut Grove is a great place to visit with kids. Here are some of the top family-friendly activities to try:
1. Walnut Grove City Park
The Walnut Grove City Park is a great place for kids to burn off some energy. This park features a playground, basketball court, and open space for running around.
2. Swimming at the Community Pool
The Walnut Grove Community Pool is a popular spot for families. This pool features a diving board, water slide, and kiddie pool.
3. Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum
The Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum is a great place for kids to learn about the pioneer era. Kids can see the original homes that Laura and her family lived in, as well as many artifacts from the time period.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
If you’re looking for something a little different, here are some off-the-beaten-path experiences to try in Walnut Grove:
1. Walnut Grove Mercantile
The Walnut Grove Mercantile is a unique shopping experience. This store sells a variety of gifts, home decor, and clothing items.
2. Redwood Falls Golf Course
The Redwood Falls Golf Course is a beautiful spot to play a round of golf. This course features stunning views of the prairie and wildlife.
3. Redwood Falls Farmer’s Market
The Redwood Falls Farmer’s Market is a great place to buy fresh produce and handmade goods. This market is open on Saturdays from May to October.
Natural Wonders
Walnut Grove is surrounded by natural beauty. Here are some of the top natural wonders to see:
1. Plum Creek
Plum Creek is a beautiful stream that runs through Walnut Grove. Visitors can enjoy fishing, swimming, and picnicking along the banks of the creek.
2. Laura Ingalls Wilder Memorial Prairie
The Laura Ingalls Wilder Memorial Prairie is a stunning natural area that showcases the beauty of the prairie. Visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing here.
3. Lake Shetek State Park
Lake Shetek State Park is a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts. This park features a lake, hiking trails, and campsites.
Vibrant Nightlife
Walnut Grove may be a small town, but it still has a vibrant nightlife scene. Here are some of the top places to check out:
1. Walnut Grove Tavern
The Walnut Grove Tavern is a popular spot for drinks and live music. Visitors can enjoy a variety of cocktails and beer, as well as listen to local musicians.
2. Prairie’s Edge Casino Resort
The Prairie’s Edge Casino Resort is a great place to try your luck at the slot machines or table games. This casino also features several restaurants and bars.
3. Redwood Lodge
The Redwood Lodge is a popular spot for drinks and dancing. This lodge features a dance floor, stage, and bar.
Local Markets
Walnut Grove has several local markets that offer fresh produce and handmade goods. Here are some of the top markets to check out:
1. Redwood Falls Farmer’s Market
The Redwood Falls Farmer’s Market is a great place to buy fresh produce and handmade goods. This market is open on Saturdays from May to October.
2. Walnut Grove Farmer’s Market
The Walnut Grove Farmer’s Market is a small market that sells