Roseau Travel Guide

A comprehensive travel guide for Roseau, including places to visit, hiking/biking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture, and more.


Introduction to Roseau

Roseau is a charming city located in Northwestern Minnesota, in the Midwest region of the United States of America. It is an ideal destination for travelers who are looking for a mix of outdoor adventures, fascinating history, and a friendly small-town atmosphere. The city is surrounded by beautiful forests, lakes, and rivers, making it an ideal destination for hiking, biking, and fishing.

In this travel guide, we will explore the best places to visit in Roseau, including its culturally important attractions, natural wonders, and hiking/biking routes. We will also discuss the best things to do in Roseau, where to stay, what to buy, and how to get around.

List of Places to Visit in Roseau

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Roseau Pioneer Farm and Village: This open-air museum showcases the history of early settlers in the area. Visitors can explore old buildings, including a schoolhouse, church, log cabin, and blacksmith shop.

  • Roseau County Museum: This museum features exhibits on the local history and culture of Roseau County. You can see a recreated 1930s Main Street and view artifacts from the area’s Native American tribes.

  • Polish Genealogical Society of Minnesota: For those interested in genealogy, this society has an exceptional resource center, archives, and a library. You can access a wealth of information on Polish immigration to the area.

Natural Attractions of Roseau: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Lake of the Woods: This massive freshwater lake offers excellent fishing opportunities, including walleye, perch, and northern pike. There are also beaches for swimming and sunbathing, and plenty of spots for boating.

  • Roseau River Wildlife Management Area: This protected area has over 4,300 acres of wetlands, forests, and grasslands. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, moose, and wolves. There are hiking trails and birdwatching opportunities.

  • Beltrami Island State Forest: This forest has 713,000 acres of wilderness, including lakes, rivers, and forests. It is an excellent destination for camping, hiking, and fishing.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Roseau

  • Hayes Lake State Park: This park has miles of hiking trails that weave through birch forests and along the lake’s shoreline.

  • Zipple Bay State Park: This park offers scenic biking routes that take you through oak and aspen forests, past wetlands and along the Lake of the Woods shore.

  • Garden Island State Recreation Area: This island is accessible only by boat and has over 18 miles of hiking trails. You’ll spot nesting bald eagles and rest on sand beaches and picnic shelters.

Best Things to Do in Roseau: Activities and Tours

  • Roseau Cinema: Enjoy the latest movie releases in this modern multiplex cinema. With delicious snacks and comfortable seats, this cinema is a great venue to catch a movie with friends and family.

  • Roseau County Fair: Held annually in August, the county fair offers a variety of family-friendly events and shows. You can also sample traditional fair food, like corndogs, funnel cakes, and cotton candy.

  • Roseau County Historical Society: Explore local history with historical tours and exhibits. Roseau County Historical Society has been preserving and sharing Roseau County’s heritage since 1933.

Week-Long Itinerary for Roseau

Day Activity
1 Visit Roseau Pioneer Farm and Village
2 Explore Roseau County Museum and Polish Genealogical Society
3 Go fishing at Lake of the Woods
4 Take a hike in Beltrami Island State Forest
5 Bike at Zipple Bay State Park
6 Camp at Garden Island State Recreation Area
7 Attend a movie at Roseau Cinema

Food and Drink Scene of Roseau

Must-Try Dishes

  • Wild Rice Soup: Made with wild rice, chicken, and vegetables, this soup is a classic Minnesota dish that every visitor must try.

  • Walleye Sandwich: Walleye is a popular fish in the area, so be sure to try it in a sandwich with fries for a filling and satisfying meal.

  • Lefse: This traditional Norwegian dish is a type of flatbread made with potatoes and flour. It is often spread with butter and sugar and rolled up into a tube.

Local Beverages

  • Summit Beer: Produced in nearby St. Paul, this beer is a popular choice in Roseau. Try the Summit Extra Pale Ale for a refreshing and hoppy taste.

  • Betty’s Pies: Betty’s Pies is a famous dessert shop that’s an essential stop for visitors in Roseau. They offer homemade pies and other pastries along with a hot cup of coffee to enjoy.

Where to Stay in Roseau: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • AmericInn by Wyndham Roseau: This hotel offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities like free Wi-Fi and breakfast. There’s also a heated pool and hot tub for guests to enjoy.

  • Roseau Motel and Diner: This charming motel has a 1950s vibe and offers cozy rooms with vintage furnishings. You can also grab a meal at the on-site diner.

  • Pine Grove Park Bed and Breakfast: This bed and breakfast is tucked away in the woods, offering guests a peaceful and relaxing stay with plenty of amenities.

What to Buy in Roseau: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Wild Rice: This local grain is a classic Minnesota dish and makes for a perfect gift for foodie friends and family.

  • Wood Carvings: Local artisans make beautiful wood carvings that make for unique and authentic souvenirs.

  • Wildlife Art: The natural beauty of Roseau has inspired many local artists, whose artwork is available for purchase in galleries and shops located throughout the city.

Local Culture and Customs of Roseau

The local customs in Roseau are pretty laid back and welcoming. It is important to be respectful of other people’s cultures and beliefs and be open to new experiences.

Best Time to Visit Roseau

Roseau is a four-season destination, but the high seasons are summer and winter. The summer months bring warm weather for outdoor activities while the winter months offer opportunities for snowmobiling, ice fishing, and skiing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Roseau

Do:

  • Try the wild rice soup and walleye sandwich.
  • Take a relaxing hike or bike ride in the area’s beautiful natural landscapes.
  • Visit the local museums to learn more about the area’s history and culture.

Don’t:

  • Don’t forget to pack appropriate clothing for the season you are visiting. The winters can be very cold, and the summers can be hot and humid.
  • Don’t litter or disrespect the environment. Roseau is known for its natural beauty so please preserve it.

Safety and Health

Safety in Roseau

Roseau is a very safe destination with low crime rates. However, it is essential to take necessary precautions when engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking or camping.

Health in Roseau

The local medical facilities in Roseau are excellent, and you can easily access medical treatment if needed.

Getting to Roseau: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Roseau

  • Roseau Municipal Airport: Small regional airport that offers commercial flights to the cities of Minneapolis and Fargo.

  • Thief River Falls Regional Airport: Located about 55 minutes away, this airport offers more extensive flight options to cities like Denver, Chicago, and Minneapolis.

Bus Stations Near Roseau

  • Jefferson Lines: Offers cross-state bus service with stops in Roseau.

  • Greyhound: Offers bus service to Thief River Falls and other nearby towns.

Other Options

  • Car Rental: The best way to explore Roseau and the surrounding area is by car. There are car rental services available at the airports.

How to Get Around in Roseau

The best way to get around Roseau is by car. You can also use bike rentals to explore some of the areas outside the city center. Taxis and shared ride services like Uber and Lyft are also available.

Where to Go Next from Roseau: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Itasca State Park: Located south of Roseau, this park is home to the headwaters of the Mississippi River and offers great hiking, camping, and fishing opportunities.

  • Fargo, North Dakota: A vibrant university city located about 150 miles west of Roseau.

  • Mall of America, Minnesota: This largest mall in America is located about four hours away and offers everything from shopping to amusement parks.

Conclusion

Roseau is a charming destination that offers a unique blend of outdoor adventures and culture. With so many things to do and see, it can be overwhelming to plan your visit. We hope this comprehensive travel guide helps you make the most of your trip to Roseau. Pack your bags, and we’ll see you soon!