Cottage Grove Travel Guide

Explore the cultural and natural attractions, hiking and biking routes, delicious local food, accommodations, transportation options, and nearby excursions to plan your trip to Cottage Grove, Minnesota.


Introduction to Cottage Grove

Cottage Grove is a charming city located in Washington County, just 15 miles southeast of Twin Cities in Minnesota. The city boasts a rich history and culture, with stunning natural landscapes and exciting outdoor activities. Whether you are seeking a relaxing getaway or an adventure-packed weekend, Cottage Grove has something for everyone. Let’s explore what Cottage Grove has to offer.

List of Places to Visit in Cottage Grove

  • Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
    • Cottage Grove Heritage Museum
    • Opitz House Museum
    • Grey Cloud Island
    • Saint Paul Park Historical Society
  • Natural Attractions of Cottage Grove: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
    • Pine Tree Apple Orchard
    • Ravine Regional Park
    • Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park
    • Creekview Park

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Cottage Grove Heritage Museum

The Cottage Grove Heritage Museum is an excellent place to explore the area’s rich history and culture. The museum houses a remarkable collection of artifacts, photos, and documents that highlight the city’s development and growth. The museum opens from Wednesdays to Saturdays, between 10 AM to 1 PM. The admission is free.

Opitz House Museum

The Opitz House Museum is another must-visit historical place in Cottage Grove. This beautifully restored historic home tells the story of mid-19th century pioneer life in Minnesota. The museum opens from May to October, on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, from noon to 4 PM. Admission is $4 for adults, while children under 12 are free.

Grey Cloud Island

Do not miss the opportunity to pay a visit to the Grey Cloud Island, located in Cottage Grove. It is a small, secluded island in the Mississippi River, and it was once the home of the Dakota Native American tribe. It is a beautiful and peaceful place where visitors can experience the natural beauty of the area.

Saint Paul Park Historical Society

The Saint Paul Park Historical Society is another great place to explore. The museum gives visitors a glimpse into the city’s history and showcases notable residents’ contributions. It was also a location for US troops during the two world wars. The museum opens on Wednesdays from 1 PM to 4 PM and on the first Sunday of the month from 1 PM to 4 PM. Admission is free.

Natural Attractions of Cottage Grove: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Pine Tree Apple Orchard

The Pine Tree Apple Orchard is a must-visit spot, particularly in fall. The orchard offers a wide variety of apples, bakery goods, and other farm products. It is also a perfect spot for family outings, hayrides and bonfires during the fall season.

Ravine Regional Park

The Ravine Regional Park is renowned for scenic views of the 35-feet waterfall that cascades into the Ravine Lake. Also, visitors can explore the hiking and biking trails or have a picnic.

Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park

The Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park has more than 500 acres of natural landscapes. The park has several trails which provide an opportunity for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.

Creekview Park

For family-friendly recreation, do not miss the opportunity to visit the Creekview Park. Activities include playing basketball, softball, baseball, and horseshoes.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Cottage Grove

Cottage Grove offers a variety of hiking and biking trails for outdoor enthusiasts of every level of experience. The trails either cover hilly terrains or flat stretches along the Mississippi River, offering breathtaking views.

The trails are suitable for any form of outdoor enthusiasts, ranging from beginners to advanced bikers. Some of the popular trails that you can explore include Cottage Grove Bike Trail, Mississippi Dunes – Cottage Grove to Hastings Trail, and Hastings Ravine Regional Park Trail.

Best Things to Do in Cottage Grove: Activities and Tours

There is always something to do in Cottage Grove. Whether you are looking for outdoor adventures or cultural experiences, there is something for everyone. Some of the best things to do in Cottage Grove include:

  • YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities – This facility offers a variety of fitness classes and family activities.
  • YMCA Camp St. Croix – This is a perfect place for families that enjoy outdoor activities like rock climbing, archery, and zip-lining.
  • Twin Cities Trolley Tour – This is a tour that takes you through the landmarks, attractions, and history of the Twin Cities.
  • Minnesota Transportation Museum – This museum features historic transportation artifacts, including trains, buses, and streetcars.
  • Mississippi Riverboat Cruises – This offers a chance to experience the beautiful Mississippi River on a paddleboat.

Week-Long Itinerary for Cottage Grove

Here is a week-long itinerary to help you plan your Cottage Grove, Minnesota, visit.

Day 1 – Visit the Grey Cloud Island and explore the small town of Saint Paul Park in the afternoon.

Day 2 – Visit Opitz House Museum, Cottage Grove Heritage Museum, and explore the various downtown shops.

Day 3 – Plan a picnic at the Ravine Regional Park and enjoy the hikes, scenic views and bike rides.

Day 4 – Check out the YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities Gym and attend a fitness class, explore the area park system and spend time with nature.

Day 5 – Take the Twin Cities Trolley Tour to explore the landmarks, attractions and iconic history of the Twin Cities.

Day 6 – Take a day trip to visit the Minnesota Transportation Museum.

Day 7 – End the week with an exciting Mississippi Riverboat Cruise.

Food and Drink Scene of Cottage Grove

Cottage Grove has an outstanding food and drink scene that offers a selection from classic American fare to international cuisine. Do not miss trying out the following must-try dishes and local beverages.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Juicy Lucy at 5-8 Club – Enjoy the American culinary classic made with two thin beef patties and cheese stuffed in the middle.
  • Flatbread Pizza at Pizza Man of Cottage Grove – This is the best stop for delicious and crispy flatbreads.
  • BBQ at Kingston Grill – Enjoy succulent ribs, brisket, tacos, and burgers.
  • Bacon-Wrapped Clams at Nova – Enjoy the seafood delights with the perfect bacon twist and hit of spice.

Local Beverages

  • Wine at Next Chapter Winery – Enjoy the extensive selection of wine and craft beer at the Next Chapter Winery.
  • Beer at Tin Whiskers Brewing Company – Enjoy the brewery taproom experience and the wide assortment of local beers.

Where to Stay in Cottage Grove: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Cottage Grove offers visitors several accommodation options ranging from hotels to guesthouses. Here are the best options to consider:

  • Best Western Plus – This hotel is ideal for visitors who prefer proximity to city attractions and easy access to major transport routes.
  • Econo Lodge – This budget-friendly option is perfect for travelers who want to save money on accommodation.
  • The Cozy Cottage Inn – This guesthouse is perfect for couples or groups who want a home-like experience.
  • Inn on the River – This option is ideal for travelers seeking a little bit of luxury. The B&B offers a unique experience, with rooms overlooking the scenic Mississippi River.

What to Buy in Cottage Grove: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Cottage Grove has several shops and outlets that offer a wide range of souvenirs and local products. Here are some items worth checking out:

  • Honey at Meadow’s Bee Farm – The honey they produce is extraordinarily pure and is worth taking home.
  • Handmade Candles at Patchouli Garden – A range of fragrant candles, made from natural ingredients, is a great choice for a gift or for oneself.
  • Chocolate at A la Mode Boutique & Nail Spa – This boutique offers delicious chocolates, perfect souvenirs or gifts.

Local Culture and Customs of Cottage Grove

Cottage Grove and the wider Twin Cities area is a welcoming place that values respect above everything else. Politeness in social interactions is appreciated, and visitors may find that locals may not initiate conversation unless they feel comfortable doing so. Visitors should also walk on the right side of corridors, steps, and escalators.

Best Time to Visit Cottage Grove

The best time to visit Cottage Grove is between August and October, when the weather is mild and there are fewer crowds. The fall season is especially beautiful, with the leaves turning vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow. Summer is also an excellent time to visit, especially for outdoor activities; however, the high temperatures can be uncomfortable for some visitors. Winter can be extremely cold, with temperatures dropping significantly below freezing, making some outdoor activities unbearable.

Do’s and Don’ts of Cottage Grove

Do:

  • Say “hello” and “goodbye” to the locals.
  • Tip servers- 15-20% is the common tipping rate
  • Respect the natural environment and the history of the area.

Don’t:

  • Smoke in public places.
  • Litter in the area.
  • Be too loud in public spaces.

Safety and Health

Safety in Cottage Grove

Cottage Grove is a relatively safe area, with lower crime rates than the Twin Cities. However, visitors should take usual safety precautions, such as keeping an eye on valuable items in public and not walking alone late at night.

Health in Cottage Grove

Visitors should take the necessary health precautions when traveling, including carrying necessary medication and having comprehensive health insurance. Also, note that COVID-19 restrictions have impacted the area, so visitors should adhere to the restrictions to stay safe.

Getting to Cottage Grove: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Cottage Grove

The Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) is the closest airport to Cottage Grove, about 25 miles away.

Bus Stations Near Cottage Grove

The closest bus station is in Saint Paul, which is just 14 miles from Cottage Grove.

Other Options

Visitors can also consider renting a car, using ride-share services, or taking a taxi to reach Cottage Grove from surrounding cities.

How to Get Around in Cottage Grove

Public transport services in Cottage Grove is limited, so visitors may need to rent a car or use ride-share services for their trips. However, visitors can opt to cycle or walk, which is a great way to explore the area’s natural landscapes.

Where to Go Next from Cottage Grove: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Cottage Grove is a great base to explore other nearby towns and cities such as Saint Paul, Minneapolis, Bloomington, Rochester, and many other great towns in the region.

Conclusion

Cottage Grove is an excellent travel destination for visitors seeking to experience the region’s rich history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you are planning for a week-long vacation or a weekend getaway, the city provides a range of activities and attractions that accommodate a plethora of interests. With this comprehensive travel guide in hand, you can plan an unforgettable trip to this beautiful city.