20 Things To Do In Victoria MN

Victoria, Minnesota, is a short 30-minute drive from Minneapolis and St. Paul, yet a world apart from the big cities in its small-town charm. With a population of just under 10,000 and the nickname of “City of Lakes and Parks”, it’s easy to imagine people fall in love with Victoria. In fact, it’s constantly voted as one of the best places to live in Minnesota due to its friendliness, excellent public schools and proximity to all the amenities of the Twin Cities.

Even if you’re visiting for a day or two, there’s no doubt you’ll mark Victoria as a place to come back to. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the massive Carver Park Reserve, home to 30 miles (48 km) of hiking trails, multiple lakes, picturesque campsites and the Lowery Nature Center. It’s not just the outdoors that makes Victoria a splendid place to visit, though. Indoor activities range from ice rinks to axe throwing, and numerous wineries, breweries and local restaurants are scattered around town.

While small-town Minnesota may not be initially on your travel list, we promise after trying out a few of these 20 best things to do in Victoria, Minnesota, you’ll have a new favourite destination to tell your friends and family about.

Victoria MN

20 Things To Do In Victoria

1- Have Fun At Victoria Borrow

Topping our things to do in Victoria list is to visit the lively and hipster-esk Victoria Borrow.

On any night, you’ll find this ‘gaming den’ buzzing with locals sharing a laugh over delicious food, cold drinks and fun games.

Think of is as a playground for adults, complete with axe throwing, mini golf, arcade games, foosball and bocce ball.

Plus, with a full bar, kitchen and live music, the entire family will be well-fed and entertained for hours.

Keep in mind the Victoria Borrow is only open during evenings, except on weekends when it’s open from the afternoon, so don’t rock up at noon on a Wednesday.

Victoria Borrow is at 7999 Victoria Dr, Victoria, MN 55386.

2- Visit The Lowry Nature Center

Located within the Carver Park Reserve (more on that later), the Lowry Nature Center was the Twin Cities’ first nature centre and still welcomes visitors from near and far.

During your visit, you’ll learn about native Minnesota wildlife, why it’s essential to protect the land around us, and what scientists are doing to ensure Minnesota plants and animals can flourish.

Programs offered throughout the year include everything from learning about the tiniest insects to helping scientists study branded birds – so head on in and discover what’s waiting for you at the Lowry Nature Center.

Lowry Nature Center is at 7025 Victoria Dr, Victoria, MN 55386.

3- Enjoy Time In Diethelm Park

At any time of day or month of the year, you’ll find Diethelm Park buzzing with locals enjoying the many amenities.

Amenities range from softball, football, and soccer fields to hiking trails, playgrounds and a fitness centre.

Or, pack snacks and a picnic blanket and enjoy the fresh air and serenity in the open grassy fields.

Entrance is free, and the park is located just outside of town, making it easy to spend anywhere from a half-hour lunch break to a full day at Diethelm Park.

Diethelm Park is at Brandon Ct, Victoria, MN 55386.

4- Have A Hit At Big Stone Mini Golf

While technically located a 15-minute drive from Victoria, trying your hand at the Big Stone Mini Golf is a fun activity when in the area.

If the name didn’t give it away, Big Stone Mini Golf features unique sculptures throughout the mini golf course.

With hole names like Eye of the Donut, Holey Ship, Across the Universe, and Shoot the Rapids, you can imagine the crazy things you’ll encounter on the 14-hole course.

When you’ve had enough mini golf for one afternoon, you can roam the family farm and sculpture garden for free.

Insider Tip: Big Stone Mini Golf accepts cash only and does not have an ATM nearby, so come with cash.

Big Stone Mini Golf is at 7110 County Rd 110 W, Minnetrista, MN 55364.

5- Test Your Aim At Carver Archery Range

By the end of this list of best things to do in Victoria, you’ll realise Carvery Park is the crown jewel of this small town.

Besides the already mentioned Lowery Nature Center, Carvey Park is also home to the Carver Archery Range.

Learn the skill of using a bow and arrow, tone up your target practice, or test your aim on the more challenging walk-through course during the summer months.

Entrance is free for those 15 and younger and $6 for everyone else.

Carvery Park is at 6920 Springview Drive, Waconia, MN 55387.

6- Go Shopping At Winnie Lu

In need of the perfect souvenir, gift, or a little something for yourself? We promise you’ll find just the thing at Winnie Lu.

Unlike your typical souvenir store, Winnie Lu prides itself on selling homemade decor and gifts sourced from small, woman-owned businesses in Minnesota and across the United States.

Having a browse through the boutique store is sure to leave a smile on your face, and chances are high you’ll leave with a little Minnesota-inspired gift.

Winnie Lu is at 7924 Victoria Dr #101, Victoria, MN 55386.

7- Drink Beer At ENKI Brewing Co

Kick back with friends and enjoy good food and beer in an awesome atmosphere: ENKI Brewing Co is your place.

Set on the picturesque shores of Stieger Lake, you’ll feel immediately relaxed as you sip your favourite beer style while watching lake life drift by.

Beers on tap constantly change and range from flavour-packed porters to light cream ales. And if you’re headed home and haven’t had your fair share, growlers are available for purchase.

ENKI Brewing Co is at 1495 Stieger Lake Ln, Victoria, MN 55386

8- Enjoy The Outdoors At Lake Auburn Campground

Even though Victoria is only a 30-minute drive from downtown Minneapolis, you can still get a fully immersive nature experience without leaving town.

While basic, the 57-site Lake Auburn Campground is the perfect place to unwind, disconnect, and enjoy the many outdoor activities.

A swimming beach right next to the campsite provides a great place to spend a hot afternoon, and the many trails make for great all-day exploration.

Plus, as the campsite is a mere 1.7 miles (2.7 kilometres) from Victoria’s town centre, you won’t have far to drive if you forgot the sunscreen or need some extra snacks.

Lake Auburn Campground is at 7290 Victoria Dr, Victoria, MN 55386.

9- Drink Wine At Schram Vineyards Winery & Brewery

It doesn’t get more Minnesota beautiful than the Schram Vineyards Winery & Brewery.

Set on six acres (2.4 hectares) of rolling vineyards dotted with large oak trees and complete with a backdrop of Reitz Lake – the only thing more enchanting than the atmosphere is the award-winning wines.

Famous for its dry red blends, like the Bonfire and Barrel 4, and refreshing syrah rosé, there’s no doubt you’ll find your perfect wine.

Or, if you’re not a wine fan, opt for a flavourful beer brewed by Schram Vineyards Winery’s sister brewery, Schram Haus Brewery.

Schram Vineyards Winery & Brewery is at 8785 Airport Rd, Waconia, MN 55387

10- Get Active At Victoria Recreation Center

When the weather acts up, or you need an indoor break, Victoria Recreation Center provides abundant indoor fun for all ages.

Choose from a day pass or discounted monthly and yearly passes and, in return, have access to a gymnasium complete with sports equipment, fitness centre, walking track, locker rooms and amenities.

Victoria Recreation Center also organises sports camps, safety, dance and art classes throughout the year.

Victoria Recreation Center is at 8475 Kochia Ln, Victoria, MN 55386.

11- Shop At Victoria Farmers Market

You’ll have to plan your visit to Victoria accordingly to take advantage of the Victoria Farmer’s Market. But if you are in town on a Thursday afternoon in summer, you can’t miss this Victoria Farmers Market.

Everything from just off-the-farm fruits and vegetables to freshly baked bread and home-cured meats are available for sale.

Or, if you’ve come hungry, indulge in the sweet treats or purchase lunch from one of the local food trucks.

Oh, and parking is at the ENKI Brewing, so it only makes sense to stop in for a cold beer afterwards.

Victoria Farmers Market is at 1495 Stieger Lake Lane, Victoria, MN.

12- Hug A Llama At Carlson’s Llovable Llamas

Ready to walk with a llama, feed a llama, hug a llama, do yoga surrounded by llamas or simply admire the llama’s cheekiness?

Then visiting Carlson’s Llovable Llamas may just be your dream activity on this list of things to do in Victoria, Minnesota.

As the llamas have all been raised by the Carlson family, they are used to people of all ages and love interacting with visitors.

The farm is open year-round, but it is recommended to schedule your farm visit as only a small number of visitors are allowed with the llamas at a time.

Carlson’s Llovable Llamas is at 8380 County Rd 10 E, Waconia, MN 55387.

13- Eat A Caramel Roll At Ruby’s Roost Bakery

Before setting off on any of these best things to do in Victoria, Minnesota, start your day off right with a visit to Ruby’s Roost Bakery.

Open from 7 am most days, you can indulge in freshly baked caramel rolls, raspberry white chocolate scones, buttermilk baked doughnuts, gluten-free scones, and so much more.

As the offerings are baked daily and only available until sold out, it’s best to get in early to get first pick of the best treats.

Dogs are also welcome, with organic peanut butter and honey dog biscuits baked on site.

Ruby’s Roost Bakery is at 7924 Victoria Dr #101, Victoria, MN 55386.

14- Visit Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

Also known as the Arb by University of Minnesota students, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is located just three miles (5 km) down the road from Victoria.

It is a splendid place for nature lovers to spend an afternoon.

In summer, wander the peaceful trails and beautiful gardens, and in winter, trade the hiking shoes for cross-country skis or snowshoes and explore the winter wonderland.

Also on site is the Oswald Visitor Center, complete with a cafe and garden centre.

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is at 3675 Arboretum Dr, Chaska, MN 55318

15- Learn Farming Secrets At Grimm Farm

Did you know the German-born Grimm family were the first farmers to successfully plant and harvest winter-hardy alfalfa in North America?

No?

We don’t blame you. But after a visit to the Grimm Farm Historic Site, you’ll be amazed by how important this was to the progression of agriculture in the United States.

We don’t want to ruin the surprise, so we’ll keep the details of the seed-saving process to ourselves, but if you’re in Victoria, why not stop at this historic farm for a free tour?

Grimm Farm Historic Site is at 7200 Park Dr, Victoria, MN 55386.

16- Join In The Fun At Volksfest Festival

Held every September, the Volksfest Festival will leave a lasting impression on your visit to Victoria.

Live music, beer tents, food trucks, a kid zone, and a street market are buzzing with locals throughout the day.

Then, as the day turns into night, a full-on party ensues.

Finding the festival is easy, listen for the sound of music and fun while you’re in downtown Victoria and walk that way, or park down at ENKI Brewing.

Either join the festival from downtown Victoria or from ENKI Brewing at 1495 Stieger Lake Ln, Victoria, MN 55386

17- Eat Whitefish Cakes At The Noble Lion

One of our favourite things about Victoria is the abundance of local shops and restaurants.

Instead of chains, you’ll find locally owned gems like The Noble Lion.

The menu combines Minnesota classics with European flair, with dishes including Gouda Curds, Lake Superior Whitefish Cakes, Bouillabaisse and Mediterranean Chicken.

Prices may be higher than your standard diner, but the locals agree that the delicious food is well worth the extra dollars.

It’s always a great feeling to support locals.

The Noble Lion is at 7940 Victoria Dr, Victoria, MN 55386.

18- Step Back In Time At Carver County Historical Society

Before you scroll or drive on past, give the Carver County Historical Society a chance.

It may not have the high fun rating like other places on this list of things to do in Victoria, Minnesota – but if you’re looking for an indoor educational activity, Carver County Historical Society is your place.

Inside you’ll find six different galleries, each telling a different story of Carver County’s unique heritage.

Check out farming relics from bygone times, pay respect to Carver Country citizen war veterans or peek into the lives of the Akta Dakota, who were thought to be the first peoples to live here.

Carver County Historical Society is at 555 W 1st St, Waconia, MN 55387.

19- Watch A Hockey Match At Victoria Ice Arena

Minnesota is also known as the ‘State of Hockey’, so it only makes sense to add the Victoria Recreation Center Ice Arena to your list of things to do.

The ice arena is home to three high school hockey teams, and with enthralling fast-paced games featuring both boys and girls teams, you’ll have to stop in for a watch if you’re in town during winter.

Or, if you want to test out your own skills, bring along a pair of skates and join the Open Skate held throughout the year.

Victoria Recreation Center Ice Arena is at 8475 Kochia Lane, Victoria, MN 55386.

20- Drink Wine At Parley Lake Winery

Last on this list of 20 things to do in Victoria, Minnesota is one of our favourites – the Parley Lake Winery.

Set on the rolling hills just outside Victoria, Parley Lake Winery makes it its mission to give visitors an authentic Minnesota experience complete – from the view and delicious wines to the Minnesota artist-produced sculptures and artwork scattered throughout the winery.

The winery even has its own gallery featuring the work of owner Deb Zeller and other local artists.

A favourite activity for many visitors is grabbing a glass of wine, wandering the grounds and discussing the many pieces of artwork.

Parley Lake Winery is at 8280 Parley Lake Rd, Waconia, MN 55387, United States