The Best Places to See When Driving from Arlington to Chanhassen
If you're looking for a fun road trip in Minnesota, try driving from Arlington to Chanhassen. There are plenty of great stops along the way to keep you entertained and educated. From quirky roadside attractions to scenic parks, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So, pack up the car and get ready for a memorable trip!
In this blog post, we'll highlight the top places to see when driving from Arlington to Chanhassen. We've organized them into different categories to make it easy for you to plan your trip. Let's get started!
Quirky Roadside Attractions
If you're a fan of quirky roadside attractions, you'll love these stops on your drive from Arlington to Chanhassen. Here are our top picks:
World's Largest Ball of Twine (Darwin): This unique attraction started as a hobby for a local farmer, but it has since grown into a massive ball of twine that weighs over 17,000 pounds! You can take a tour and learn more about the history of the ball of twine and the farmer who created it.
Paul Bunyan Statue (St. Cloud): Paul Bunyan is a legendary lumberjack, and this statue in St. Cloud is a great tribute to him. The statue is over 26 feet tall and weighs 2.5 tons. It's a great spot for a photo op!
Dala Horse Statue (Mora): The Dala Horse is a Swedish symbol of good luck, and this statue in Mora is a great way to get a taste of Swedish culture. The statue is 30 feet tall and weighs 12,000 pounds, so it's hard to miss!
Scenic Parks
Minnesota is known for its beautiful parks, and there are several great ones to explore on your drive from Arlington to Chanhassen. Here are our top picks:
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum (Chaska): This 1,200-acre arboretum has over 5,000 plant species to explore. You can take a leisurely stroll through the gardens and enjoy the beautiful nature around you.
Minneopa State Park (Mankato): This park is home to the beautiful Minneopa Falls, which are a must-see on your drive. You can also explore the park's hiking trails and see bison in their natural habitat.
Lake Minnetonka Regional Park (Minnetrista): If you're looking for a spot to relax and enjoy the outdoors, Lake Minnetonka Regional Park is a great choice. You can fish, swim, and hike around the lake.
Museums and Historical Sites
Minnesota is rich in history, and there are several great museums and historical sites to explore on your drive from Arlington to Chanhassen. Here are our top picks:
Nicollet County Historical Society Museum (St. Peter): This museum is a great way to learn about the history of Nicollet County. You can see artifacts from the 1800s and learn about the lives of early settlers in the area.
Scott County Historical Society Museum (Shakopee): This museum is dedicated to preserving the history of Scott County. You can see exhibits about the county's early settlers, Native American history, and much more.
Harkin Store (New Ulm): This historic general store was built in the 1870s and has been preserved as a museum. You can see the original merchandise and learn about what life was like in rural Minnesota in the 1800s.
Fun Activities
If you're looking for some fun activities to do on your drive, we've got you covered. Here are our top picks:
Valleyfair Amusement Park (Shakopee): This amusement park has something for everyone. You can ride roller coasters, enjoy live entertainment, and cool off in the water park.
Le Sueur County Pioneer Power Show (Le Sueur): If you're interested in agriculture and vintage machinery, you'll love this annual event. You can see tractors, threshers, and other antique machines in action.
Crow River Winery (Hutchinson): This winery is a great spot to stop for a tasting or to enjoy a picnic lunch. You can sample local wines and enjoy the beautiful views of the vineyard.
Conclusion
Driving from Arlington to Chanhassen is a great way to see some of the best that Minnesota has to offer. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or quirky roadside attractions, there's something for everyone to enjoy on this drive. So, pack up the car and hit the road!