Located less that an hour south of the Twin Cities in rural Minnesota is the community of Waseca. The town is no metropolis by any means, but like most small towns, it is full of charm, and one of a kind! Whether for a day, a weekend, or a lifetime, Waseca is a wonderful place to visit. Here are all of the things to do and see in Waseca, Minnesota.
Shopping:
1. Past and Present Gifts & Antiques-
Past and Present has been in Waseca for over 20 years and is the perfect place to find antiques, home goods, crafts, and special gifts for just about anyone.
2. That Old Blue Door-
3. Waseca Music-
Whether you are looking to purchase an instrument, your favorite record, or an old band's poster, this beloved community staple is a must-stop when visiting Waseca.
4. Craft My Party-
On top of being a store with gifts, home decor, and handmade goods this unique shop offers workshops in which customers can create and make their own sign or piece of decor with a wide variety of stains, paints, stencils, and lots of inspiration!
5. Summer House Farms-
Based in a re-purposed barn, this craft and antique store offers both unique, vintage, and classic gifts, decor, and home goods.
6. The Refinery-
This "unique and chic boutique" is truly a one stop shop for all things gifty, crafty, and trendy!
7. Zinnia's Boutique-
Zinnia's is a fun boutique full of jewelry, clothing, gifts, and decor.
Eating:
8. Barney's Drive-In-
A true blast from the past, this 1950's style drive-in dinner is the perfect place to treat yourself to a burger, fries, and an old fashioned root beer float.
9. The Boathouse Bar & Grill-
Conveniently located right off of the lake, this bar and grill is fun whether you chose to boat or drive to it for the evening.
10. Jonnie Bean's Cafe-
This cozy little cafe is the perfect place to grab a bite for lunch, a cup of coffee, and enjoy the atmosphere.
11. The Daily Grind Espresso Bar and Restaurant-
This coffee house and cafe combo also features a shop full of organic foods, body care items, and treats.
12. El Molino's Mexican Restaurant-
Whether you chose to order a margarita or any item of food off of the authentic Mexican menu, you will not be disappointed when dining at this restaurant.
13. Club 57-
Housed in a repurposed warehouse, this bar and grill often features live entertainment and has spacious patio seating.
14. Yellow Mushroom Pizza-
A hometown favorite, this classic pizzeria that also features a small ice cream parlor is a community favorite!
15. The Pheasant Cafe-
There is nothing better than fresh coffee and home cooking in the morning! This quaint little cafe offers just that and a perfect option for breakfast or brunch!
16. Oscar's Restaurant-
Advertised as "All-American Food", Oscar's offers cuisine to satisfy just about any taste bud!
17. Pleasant Grove Pizza Farm-
If you are craving pizza as well as a unique experience, this is the place for you! Guests are seated outside and served gourmet wood-fired pizza.
Attractions:
18. Kiesler's Campground-
With a pool, large outdoor park, 18-hole mini golf course, lake access, sand volleyball court, and lots of space to camp, Kiesler's Campground is a wonderful weekend getaway!
19. Clear Lake-
On top of being a beautiful lake, Clear Lake's shore features a wonderful swimming beach, picnic pavilion, multiple children's parks, and sand volleyball courts.
20. Waseca Water Park-
With two giant water slides, a play-zone, diving board, and lots of room to both swim and sunbathe, the Waseca Water Park is the perfect place to spend a summer afternoon.
21. Farm America-
Farm America is a unique agricultural interpretive center that offers an opportunity for education on farming history and procedures. On top of a visitor center and many exhibits (including an actual farm house, school house, and barn from the early 20th century) Farm America holds lots of events throughout the year including a fall festival, tractor pull, and even a haunted corn maze and feed mill!
22. Historical Society-
"Look forward to our past", Waseca is home to an elaborate historical museum that features lots of exhibits, resources, and over a 100 years of records.
23. Harvest Hills Farm-
Along with patches of pick your own pumpkins, Harvest Hills Farms also features a harvest store, antique tractors, and farm animals to visit!
24. Waseca Art Center-
Waseca's favorite art gallery is open to the public and is sure to inspire.
Events:
25. Waseca County Fair-
All county fair's are great, but Waseca's, referred to as "Summer's Best Party", has it all! With a midway, beer garden, grand stand, livestock and commercial buildings, and of course, lots of food, there is much to do at the Waseca County Fair!
26. Christmas Times a Comin'-
This annual holiday themed musical variety show features the immense talent held in the Waseca Community, from which many community members have gone on to have careers in the music industry.
27. A Touch Of Country Class Craft Sale-
For two weekends each fall and two weekends each spring, an entire farm site outside of town become a large and welcoming craft sale with multiple barns, sheds, and buildings full of crafts, sweets and treats, pumpkins, and other handmade goods.
28. Sleigh and Cutter Festival-
The annual Waseca Sleigh and Cutter Festival has been bringing people to Waseca for almost 70 years now. With two weeks of festivities, Sleigh and Cutter activities include a polar plunge, snowmobile ride, large parade, dinner and dance, medallion hunt, ice sculpture exhibit, and many more events.
29. Irish Celebration-
Irish or not, you are sure to enjoy The Irish American Club of Southern Minnesota's annual Irish Celebration each March. The celebration is approaching 50 years of tradition and the day features activities such as a Wild Irish 5K Run, Mass, parade, Mulligan Stew, Irish Rally with traditional music and song, Miss Saint Patrick Pageant, and a dance and lots of green beer!
30. Lakefest-
Waseca's annual 4th of July Celebration, Lakefest, is always sure to entertain with events such as a Freedom 5K Fun Run, live entertainment, a boat parade, fireworks, and more!
31. The Waseca Marching Classic-
Every year, high school marching bands from around the state come to Waseca to compete in the annual marching classic. The Waseca tradition brings in hundreds of spectators and features both a large parade and a field show.
