Points of Interest between Buffalo, Minnesota to Rosemount, Minnesota

picture of Buffalo, Minnesota

Roadtripping through Minnesota: Museums, Parks, and Landmarks

Are you looking for an adventure to explore the beauty of Minnesota? A road trip is the perfect way to do so. From Buffalo, Minnesota to Rosemount, Minnesota, here are some of the top places to visit along the way.

Did you know that Minnesota has over 10,000 lakes? You can explore some of them on this road trip route, which spans approximately 120 miles.

Halfway through the trip, you'll come across the charming town of Wayzata, MN, situated on the shores of Lake Minnetonka. With its lovely boutique shops and restaurants, it's the perfect spot to stretch your legs and explore.

This road trip is about 2.5 hours long, but to fully enjoy all the attractions, you may want to plan to take a few days.

Top 5 Places to Visit

  1. Wright County Historical Society Museum: At this museum in Buffalo, Minnesota, you can take a trip back in time. Here, you will find exhibits on the early pioneers of Wright County, their way of life, and how their towns came to be. Additionally, the museum boasts an extensive collection of vintage cars that you can admire. A perfect stop for anyone interested in history.
  2. Minnetonka Orchards: Harvest season? Head to Minnetonka Orchards! This family-run orchard is located in Minnetrista and offers tons of activities for people of all ages. You can go apple picking, take a hayride, and feed the animals on the farm. Don't forget to visit the country store and pick up some fresh apple cider, pies, and other homemade goodies.
  3. Lake Minnetonka: Minnesota's "Big Water" is a beautiful destination and offers plenty of adventures. You can take a scenic boat tour of the lake, go fishing, and even rent jet skis and boats for a day of fun in the sun.
  4. Eagan Art House: With its rotating exhibits featuring local artists, Eagan Art House is a must-stop for all art enthusiasts. Hands-on workshops, events, and seasonal art sales make this a great place to be creative or pick up a unique souvenir.
  5. Minnesota Zoo: The Minnesota Zoo has over 5,000 animals from around the world, making it a fantastic destination for animal lovers. With its many exhibits, including the Tropics Trail, Pool Reef, and Russia's Grizzly Coast, the zoo will keep you occupied for hours. Don't miss out on the daily animal shows, and make sure to check out the IMAX theater.

Point of Interest with Each Stop

  • Wright County Historical Society Museum:

    For some more fun, be sure to check out Buffalo's Farmers Market, open every Saturday from 8 am till noon (summer-months only). Love antiques? Check out Grandpa's Attic antique mall, voted Minnesota's #1 antique store.

  • Minnetonka Orchards:

    For a scenic drive, take County Road 127 (also known as the Old Crystal Bay Road), which will take you past an array of charming small towns, forests, and wetlands along the way. Birdwatching is also fantastic on this route, with possibilities to see bald eagles, osprey, and great blue herons.

  • Lake Minnetonka:

    For those interested in yachting history, visit the Lord Fletcher's Old Lake Lodge Boathouse Museum to check out their extraordinary collection of vintage wooden boats and other nautical artifacts.

  • Eagan Art House:

    Stop for lunch at the Eagan Arms Public House, which offers an array of traditional British and Irish fare, including their famous Fish and Chips.

  • Minnesota Zoo:

    After visiting the zoo, take a short drive to the centuries-old city of Hastings, which has some exquisite architecture. The city is fantastic for strolling around and taking photos.

Conclusion

This road trip packs in a lot of fun and adventure, with plenty to do along the way. Whether you want history, nature, or just some good old-fashioned family fun, this trip has got you covered. Plan to take two or three days to really make the most of the attractions, and bring your sense of adventure!