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Minnesota Nice: The Best & Fun Things To Do + Places To Visit In Lake City

Lake City sits on Lake Pepin, which is the widest part of the Mississippi River. That one fact explains the whole town. It is why the riverboats stopped here, why a pearl-button industry grew up, and why a teenager could invent water skiing on this water in 1922. The walking along the shore is flat and easy. The effort is up in the bluffs at Frontenac State Park, and those are proper climbs.

Planning a trip to Lake City, Minnesota and wondering what to do? You are in the right place. Lake City sits on the banks of Lake Pepin, the widest spot on the Mississippi River. It is known for its scenery, its outdoor activities, its historic sites, its local cuisine and its festivals. Solo, with friends or with family, Lake City has a version of it.

The Adventures of Lake City do not run out. Walk the Lake City Riverwalk for the views, or take a Pearl of the Lake tour out onto Lake Pepin. For something harder, there is water skiing, fishing or kayaking. History readers get the local museums and historic sites, including the birthplace of water skiing, invented in 1922 by Ralph Samuelson. And Lake City runs festivals and concerts across the year, the Water Ski Days Festival and the Lake City Music Festival among them.

On somewhere to stay, Lake City has hotels, motels and bed and breakfasts. Golfers will want the Jewel Golf Club, which stands among the better courses in the Midwest. And the food and the shopping are worth the time. Kelly Lake House is the one for a meal with a view over Lake Pepin. For shopping, work the local boutiques and antique shops.

Key Takeaways

• Lake City, Minnesota, offers endless adventures, from scenic walks to water sports and historic sites.
• You can stay in a variety of accommodations, including hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts.
• Lake City has a rich local cuisine and shopping scene, as well as several festivals and concerts throughout the year.

The Adventures of Lake City

Welcome to Lake City, where the water is the point. Nature person or someone after more effort, this town has a version for both. So take the gear, get on a boat, and start with the lake.

Start on the water. Lake Pepin handles boating, sailing and kayaking, and the calm water and the bluffs behind it do the rest. For something harder, water skiing or wakeboarding will give you the day. And pack a picnic for the beach afterwards.

If fishing is more the point, Lake City has it. Cast a line for walleye, bass or trout. Or go after a catfish or a northern pike if you feel lucky. And if fishing is not your thing, the swimming is right there.

But the water is not the whole of it. Hike the bluffs for the views down over the valley. Or, for something slower, work the local parks and gardens. And there is rock climbing and zip lining for anyone wanting more.

And there is the wildlife. Watch for bald eagles overhead, and for deer and turkeys out in the fields. A black bear or a bobcat is a much longer shot around here.

So what are you waiting for. The adventures of Lake City are out there.

Outdoor Activities

Lake City, Minnesota rewards anyone who wants to be outside. Seasoned hiker or someone after a slow walk, there are trails for both. And bird people should know that Lake City carries a broad range, bald eagles and peregrine falcons included.

Hiking and Biking Trails

Frontenac State Park is where the hiking and biking happen around Lake City. The park runs over 13 miles of trails, from easy through to demanding. The trails wind through the park and open out over Lake Pepin. And the hike up to King’s Bluff is the one people make for the views over the Mississippi River, though the 4.5-mile figure quoted for it is worth checking at the trailhead.

Water Sports

For water sports, Lake Pepin is the place. The lake handles boating, fishing and swimming. Rent a boat or a kayak from one of the local outfitters and take it at your own pace. And for something harder, water skiing or wakeboarding.

Camping Sites

Lake City has camping for anyone wanting to stay out. The Hok-Si-La Municipal Park runs RV and tent sites along with cabins for rent. The park also has a beach, a playground and picnic areas, which makes it work with children.

So Lake City, Minnesota is a strong destination for outdoor time. Hiking and biking trails, wildlife, water sports and camping, and something in there will fit. So pack the bags and the boots and go.

Historic Sites and Museums

Lake City’s History

Lake City carries a long history and the sites that hold it. Did you know Lake City was founded in 1855? That is older than most of what is standing. One of the best places for the city’s history is the Lake City Historical Society Museum, in the 1866 Reed-Turner House, filled with artifacts and exhibits telling the story of Lake City’s past.

The other historic site to make is the Ralph Samuelson Museum and Statue. Who was Ralph Samuelson? He invented water skiing. Lake City is the birthplace of the sport and the museum lays out how it happened. And there is a statue of Samuelson himself, which is where people take the photograph.

Cultural Museums

Lake City also holds cultural museums worth the time. The Lake Pepin Pearl Button Museum is the first of them, covering the pearl button industry that was once a major part of the local economy. You see how the buttons were made and learn about the people who made them.

Another museum that turns up in the listings is the Lyon County Museum, in the historic Lyon County Courthouse, built in 1899. The exhibits cover the history of Lyon County, the early pioneers and the Native American tribes who lived in that area. It is a long drive west of here rather than a local stop, so check the map before you set out.

History reader or simply after something to fill an afternoon, Lake City’s historic sites and museums hold up. So put the walking shoes on and go.

Local Cuisine and Shopping

Local Cuisine

Lake City eats better than its size suggests, with a range of dining available. Classic American comfort food through to international cuisine, it is all here. And take the sweet potato tots, which are the local order.

Looking for a proper breakfast? Head to the Lake House on Pepin for the blueberry pancakes. And for comfort food, check out Nosh Restaurant and Bar, where the mac and cheese is the order.

For something different, visit Port 104. The restaurant sits right on the water with the views over Lake Pepin. And the menu runs seafood, fresh oysters and lobster rolls included.

Shopping Spots

Lake City is also good for shopping, with stores carrying things you will not find elsewhere. For antiques, stop by the Lake City Antiques Mall, which holds vintage furniture, jewelry and collectibles.

For something with local history in it, head over to the Lake Pepin Pearl Button Company. They carry clothing, jewelry and accessories built around the famous Lake Pepin pearl buttons.

And for something sweet, check out the Lake City Bakery. They run a range of baked goods, the apple turnovers included.

Whatever you are after, Lake City has a version of it. So come down and use the place.

Festivals and Concerts

Lake City knows how to run an event, and the festivals and concerts prove it. Music, food or simply a good weekend, there is a version of each.

Concerts

Looking for some live music? You’re in luck. Lake City has a thriving music scene, with concerts happening all year round. From local bands to big-name acts, you never know who you might see on stage. Check out the Visit Lake City MN website for a list of upcoming concerts.

Festivals

Lake City also runs some of the better festivals in the state. Here are a few of our favorites:

• Johnny Appleseed Days: This fall festival celebrates all things apple, with tastings, contests, and more. Don’t miss the apple pie eating contest – it’s a sight to behold.
• Fall Wildlife Festival: If you’re an animal lover, this festival is for you. From bird watching to nature walks, there’s plenty to see and do.
• 4th of July at Turner Hall Park: What’s more American than a 4th of July celebration? This festival has it all – food, music, and of course, fireworks.

Street Markets

For unusual souvenirs, or simply to see what the local makers are turning out, work one of Lake City’s street markets. Here are a few for the itinerary:

• Lake City Farmers Market: Fresh produce, handmade crafts, and more – this market has it all. Stop by on a Saturday morning and see what treasures you can find.
• Autumn Moon Festival: This festival takes place in September and features a street market with vendors selling everything from jewelry to pottery.

So that is the festivals, the concerts and the street markets. Get out and see what turns up.

Accommodations in Lake City

Planning a trip to Lake City, Minnesota and wondering where to sleep? You are in luck, because Lake City has accommodation across the budgets and preferences.

For something luxurious, there are hotels and condominiums with views over Lake Pepin. You wake to the water and take the coffee out onto the balcony. Some of these places run over 100 rooms facing the lake, so there is a choice.

For something quieter, Lake City has bed and breakfasts that give you a more personal version of a stay. You get a homemade breakfast and hosts who will tell you what to see and do in Lake City.

And for something between the two, there are lake-side vacation rentals. You get the privacy of a house while staying close to the water and the attractions.

Wherever you stay, Lake City is a welcoming town and you feel it quickly. So pack the bags, book the room, and go to Lake City, Minnesota.

Hotels in Lake City

Looking for a hotel in Lake City? There is a range of options here. These are the ones people book:

Hotel	Description
AmericInn by Wyndham	This hotel offers comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi, an indoor pool, and a hot tub.
Willows on the River	This hotel offers luxurious rooms with river views, a restaurant, and a bar.
Lake House Inn	This hotel offers cozy rooms with lake views, a restaurant, and a bar.
The Jewel Golf Club	This hotel offers spacious rooms with golf course views, a restaurant, and a bar.

Whichever hotel you pick, you are close to what Lake City has. So book the room and go.

With children, build the day around Hok-Si-La Municipal Park. There is a beach, a playground and picnic areas, and camping if you are staying over. The Pearl of the Lake paddleboat is the thing they will actually remember, and it is air-conditioned, which counts for a great deal in a Minnesota July. Frontenac State Park is the afternoon, though the bluff trails are too much for small legs. The museums downtown are short enough to work.

Golfing in Lake City

You may not be the next Tiger Woods, and you can still have a good day on the course. Lake City has options for a swing and the scenery to go with it.

The Jewel Golf Club

For a challenge, The Jewel Golf Club is the one. This 18-hole course was designed by the golf legend Hale Irwin and looks out over Lake Pepin. It is known for fast greens, awkward bunkers and water hazards. Bring the A-game and plenty of golf balls.

Tips for a Successful Golfing Experience

• Don’t forget to stretch before you hit the course. You don’t want to pull a muscle on your first swing.
• Dress appropriately. Golf courses usually have dress codes, so make sure you check before you arrive. And don’t forget the sunscreen!
• Bring snacks and water. Golfing can be a workout, so it’s important to stay hydrated and fueled.
• Don’t take yourself too seriously. Golfing is supposed to be fun, so don’t get too caught up in your score. Just enjoy the beautiful scenery and the company of your fellow golfers.

Seasoned player or beginner, golfing in Lake City is a good way to spend a day. So grab the clubs and go.

Sightseeing in Lake City

You have made it to Lake City, Minnesota, and there is plenty to see. Start with the big one, the Mississippi River. The river runs right past the town and you cannot miss it. Walk the riverfront and watch the boats. And for something more active, rent a boat and take the river yourself.

But the Mississippi is not the only water worth seeing in Lake City. Lake Pepin is the other, a natural lake within the Mississippi River, known for its sandy beaches and picnic areas. Pack a lunch and give it the day. And the swimming is there if you feel brave.

For the wide view over Lake Pepin and the bluffs, head to one of the observation points in the area. Reads Landing and the Frontenac State Park are both good. You get the river valley laid out and the wildlife with it.

For a longer road trip, consider the North Shore Scenic Drive. The route runs along Lake Superior with the lake and the wilderness either side. And the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is out that way too. Both are a long way north, so give them their own trip rather than a day.

And you do not have to leave Lake City behind for natural country either. High Falls comes up on every list of waterfalls in the state, a 120-foot drop that draws hikers and picnickers. It is a long way north rather than near the city of Saint Paul, though, so treat it as a separate journey.

Whatever the interest, there is sightseeing enough in Lake City. So grab the camera and go.

Pearl of The Lake Tours

For something you will not do elsewhere in Lake City, check out the Pearl of the Lake Tours. This air-conditioned paddleboat is a replica of the riverboats that worked the Mississippi River in the early 1900s. It is the way to see Lake Pepin and get the history of the area with it.

The Pearl of the Lake Tours runs a range of options, so something will fit the schedule. There are public excursions, private charters and themed tours like the Wine and Cheese Cruise. Whichever you take, the views over the lake and the country around it come with it.

One of the better things about the Pearl of the Lake Tours is the air conditioning. That sounds minor and it is not, because it gets hot and humid in Minnesota through the summer. So it is the way to stay outdoors without cooking.

The boat also runs a full-service bar, so there is a drink while you look. And catered meals can be arranged on board. It is a comfortable way to see Lake Pepin.

So the Pearl of the Lake Tours is the one to make in Lake City. History reader, nature person, or simply after a good afternoon, it works for all three. So grab the friends and family and get on the water.

Winter Activities

Winter in Lake City, Minnesota is cold and clear and the town does not shut. There is plenty on through the colder months if you dress for it.

First, skiing and snowboarding. If going downhill fast appeals, Lake City has options nearby. Mount Frontenac and Welch Village both come up in the listings, though the downhill operation at Mount Frontenac has not run for years, so check before you load the car.

And if skiing is not the thing, there are other winter sports in Lake City. Take a turn on the ice skating rink, or work the cross-country trails in your area. Just dress warmly, because it is genuinely cold out there.

Winter in Lake City is not only sport. Walk the town when the snow is down and the scenery does the work for you. Or warm up with a hot cup of cocoa in one of the cozy cafes.

Whatever you do, take the winter as it comes and enjoy it.

Trips Around Lake City

So you have worked through Lake City and want to go further? There are good trips around the area. Here are a few of our favorites:

Red Wing

Head north to Red Wing for the scenic drive along the Mississippi River. Stop at the Red Wing Shoe Company for a pair of boots, or look at the historic St. James Hotel. And the Red Wing pottery is the thing people take home.

Duluth

For a longer drive, head northeast to Duluth. This charming city on the shores of Lake Superior carries plenty. Check out the Glensheen Mansion, walk through Canal Park, or hike the trails at Gooseberry Falls State Park. It is a long way each way, so give it a weekend rather than a day.

Two Harbors

Just up the coast from Duluth is Two Harbors, a small town with real character. Visit the historic Split Rock Lighthouse, camp at Gooseberry Falls State Park, or drive on up to Grand Portage. All of that sits at the far end of the state from here.

Twin Cities

For city time, head west to the Twin Cities. Minneapolis and St. Paul carry the attractions, from the Mall of America to the Minnesota State Fair. And the Juicy Lucy burger is the local order.

Wisconsin

Just across the river from Lake City is Wisconsin, with small towns like Bay City and Stockholm to work through. And the cheese curds are the reason people cross.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the wildest adventure you can have in Lake City, Minnesota?

For something with more edge in Lake City, Minnesota, head to Lake Pepin. The lake works for kayaking, paddleboarding and windsurfing. And for the real thing, water skiing, which is where the sport started. Hold on tight.

Looking for the best local cuisine in Lake City, Minnesota?

For local cooking in Lake City, Minnesota, the Railhouse Grill is the answer. The place is known for its burgers, its steaks and its salads. And the Railhouse fries are the side to order.

What’s the most unique attraction in Lake City, Minnesota?

The most unusual attraction in Lake City, Minnesota is the Lake City Historical Society Museum. The museum holds artifacts and exhibits covering the history of the area. The old schoolhouse exhibit is the one people remember. Accounts differ on which historic building it occupies, so check the address before you set out.

What’s the best way to soak up the sun in Lake City, Minnesota?

To sit in the sun in Lake City, Minnesota, head to Hok-si-la Park. The park sits right on the shores of Lake Pepin and it is where the afternoon goes. Swim, take a picnic with friends, or simply lie down and let it happen.

Where can you find the most Instagram-worthy spots in Lake City, Minnesota?

For the Instagram-worthy spot in Lake City, Minnesota, head to the Lake City Marina. The marina is the picturesque one, with the boats and the lake behind them. And with luck there is wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled for eagles and ospreys.

What’s the best way to unwind after a day of exploring Lake City, Minnesota?

To finish a day of exploring Lake City, Minnesota, head to the Lake City Brewing Company. The brewery runs craft beers and a room people stay in. Take a pint out onto the patio and look at the lake.

Frequently asked questions about Lake City, Minnesota

When is Lake Pepin at its best for the water?

July and August, without much argument. The lake warms slowly because of its size, so early summer is colder than the calendar suggests and the swimming does not really start until the school year has ended. September is the sailing month, when the wind picks up and the crowds have gone home again. Winter closes the water entirely. Book anything on the water well ahead for those two peak months.

When does the Water Ski Days festival run?

In the summer, and the whole town fills up for it. It marks the invention of water skiing here and it is the biggest weekend of the Lake City year by a considerable distance. Beds go early and the prices rise with them. Book months ahead, or stay out of town and drive in for the day. The Lake City Music Festival is the quieter alternative later in the season.

Which Lake City park is worth it in winter?

Frontenac State Park, and it is a different place under snow. The bluff trails stay open for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, and the view down the valley is clearer once the leaves have gone. Eagles concentrate along the open water through the cold months. Dress for it properly before you set out on the trail. The park has no shelter to speak of once you are out on the ridge.

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