The Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Burnsville, Minnesota and Silver Lake, Minnesota
Overview
Are you planning a road trip from Burnsville, Minnesota to Silver Lake, Minnesota? This picturesque route on Highway 5, and Highway 212, is approximately 90 miles and presents with numerous photo-worthy opportunities. The journey from Burnsville to Silver Lake can take approximately 2 hours, making it an excellent weekend drive. Along the way, you will come across Victoria, a thriving city with a population of over 10,000 people, about halfway through. This article has created a list of the best things to do on a road trip from Burnsville to Silver Lake.
Top Five Things to do
1. Visit the Valleyfair Amusement Park
A trip to the Valleyfair Amusement Park in Shakopee, Minnesota, is highly recommended. The park is famous for its ten roller coasters, including the iconic Wild Thing, which reaches speeds of up to 74 mph. There are more than 75 rides and attractions in the 90-acre park, including the Minnesota Rivers Run water ride. The park is open from May through September and offers people of all ages something to enjoy.
Interesting fact: Valleyfair Amusement Park has eight water attractions, the most of any park in the Upper Midwest.
2. Explore the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
When you take a 9-mile drive from Victoria, you will find the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, located in Chaska, Minnesota. The facility sits on over 1,200 acres and has several gardens and collections, including the Chinese Garden, Peony Walk, and the Rose Garden, which features over 2,500 plants. Additionally, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum hosts various events throughout the year, such as concerts and guided tours.
Interesting fact: The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is home to over 500 bonsai trees, including the oldest bonsai at the facility, which dates back to the early 1900s.
3. Stop by the Minnesota Twine Ball
As you drive approximately 30 miles from Victoria, you will come across the city of Darwin, home to one of the most unique attractions in Minnesota, the Minnesota Twine Ball. The 12-foot diameter ball of twine weighs over 17,000 pounds and was created by Francis A. Johnson, who began the project in 1950 and continued to wrap the ball until 1979. The Minnesota Twine Ball holds the Guinness World Record for the largest ball of twine made by one person.
Interesting fact: The Minnesota Twine Ball was featured in the 1995 movie "Jumanji."
4. Go Fishing at Spicer Castle
Located just ten minutes from Silver Lake is Spicer Castle, an establishment known for its luxurious accommodations and delectable cuisine. But, Spicer Castle also provides visitors with an opportunity to reel in some nice fish while enjoying the scenic views of Green Lake. The lake is home to several species of fish, including the walleye and northern pike. Spicer Castle rents out private boats for visitors interested in fishing.
Interesting fact: During prohibition, Spicer Castle served as a "speakeasy" where alcohol was served illegally.
5. Tour the McLeod County Historical Museum
The McLeod County Historical Museum is based in Hutchinson, a 30-minute drive from Silver Lake. The museum consists of eight galleries of exhibits, showcasing everything from the county's early settlement days to the innovations and industries which helped shape McLeod County. Visitors can enjoy interactive displays, historical artifacts, and detailed paintings of pre-1900 Hutchinson and artifacts from the various towns.
Interesting fact: The museum's collection includes a dress owned and worn by Harriet Beecher Stowe, the author of the famous novel "Uncle Tom's Cabin."
Conclusion
The road trip from Burnsville to Silver Lake is a trip worth taking. Along the way, visitors can stop in various cities and towns, experiencing many great tourist attractions. We recommend spending at least two to three days along the route to make the most of all that's on offer. Plan your road trip today and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime.