Planning a Perfect Labor Day Weekend in Southwest Minnesota
Labor Day Weekend in Southwest Minnesota is the perfect chance to escape the city buzz and discover the region’s rich tapestry of hidden gems—small-town character, untamed nature, and delightful dining experiences that often fly under the radar. Here’s our recommendations for the perfect end to the end of Summer in Minnesota.
Saturday, August 30th
Start the Day in Mankato
After a short drive to Mankato, stop off at the River Rock Coffee & Tea and grab a coffee and a handpie, a pastry puff stuffed with local ingredients like sausage, egg, cheddar, and roasted organic potato. Then rent a bike at the Nicollet Bike & Ski Shop and hit the Red Jacket Trail.
Afternoon in Blue Earth
Depart Mankato for a short drive to Blue Earth. Snap a photo with the town’s defining giant—the 55-foot-tall Jolly Green Giant Statue. Eat like a local at Farmer’s Daughters Kitchen, a charming café praised for hearty breakfast burritos and BLTs. Then take a stroll through the peaceful trails at Shady Oak Campground along the Watonwan River.
Courtesy of Explore Minnesota
Evening in Fairmont
Drive onward to Fairmont—set amongst five sparkling, interconnected lakes. Settle in with dinner at the Channel Inn with great views of Hall Lake. Afterward, linger by the lakes at Gomsrud Park, where early autumn evenings come alive with quiet waters and gentle breezes. Wind down and reserve a room at the Hampton Inn Fairmont.
Sunday, August 31st
Morning in Worthington
Start the day exploring Worthington’s Pioneer Village, an open-air museum boasting 40+ authentic buildings preserving the region’s 19th-century homestead heritage. After revisiting the past, head south to Okabena Lake where you can rent a paddleboard or kayak.
Courtesy of Tripadvisor
Afternoon in Luverne
A short drive west brings you to Luverne. For lunch, cozy up at Tasty Drive-In, a local institution known for classic milkshakes, hearty burgers, and friendly service. At the North part of town, visit the state’s only free-ranging bison herd and watch these majestic creatures graze peacefully.
Evening in Split Rock Creek State Park
Spend Sunday evening at an off-the-radar oasis of limestone bluffs, wildflowers, and a recreational lake built by the 1938 WPA project. Walk the well-maintained 2.5-mile trails passing the impressive stone dam & waterfall cascade. Rent a kayak or canoe to cut quietly through glassy water or fish from the accessible pier with family. After a full day of activities, recharge at the Grandstay Hotel in Pipestone.
Courtesy of Tripadvisor
Monday, September 1st
Courtesy of Minnesota Historical Society
Morning in Jeffers Petroglyphs
From Pipestone, head East to Jeffers Petroglyphs National Monument near Comfrey, MN. This sacred Sioux quartzite site features 5,000+ ancient Native American carvings—turtles, thunderbirds, and hunting scenes etched into stone up to 7,000 years old. Tour the interpretive trails with a guide or on a self-led walk, exploring cultural history and appreciating the high-quality tallgrass prairie backdrop. Be sure to visit the visitor center to learn about the petroglyphs’ spiritual significance, making it a enriching cultural stop.
Afternoon in New Ulm
Continue your trip in this charming city steeped in German tradition. Climb the Hermann Monument for outstanding views of the Minnesota River Valley, where past meets present. For lunch, savor bratwurst, pretzels, and craft beers at August Schell Brewing Company, Minnesota’s oldest family-owned brewery, which also hosts lively events and tours.
Courtesy of Schell’s Brewery
Evening in Spicer
Begin your stay in Spicer by enjoying the serene beauty of Green Lake, where you can take a leisurely sunset paddle on a rented kayak or pontoon. As the day winds down, head to O’Neil’s, a mainstay with great food and cocktails right off the lake. Afterward, retreat to the comfort of the Hampton Inn & Suites Spicer, where modern amenities and lakeside views provide a restful oasis.
This three-day, eight-stop itinerary offers an ideal balance of relaxation, history, nature, and regional flavor—the very ingredients for a memorable Labor Day Weekend. Southwest Minnesota’s charm is rooted in its wide-open prairies, tight-knit communities, and cultural landmarks—from bison herds roaming ancient mounds to small-town restaurants serving fresh, authentic fare. Whether paddling quiet lakes, indulging in local cuisine, or following ancient petroglyph paths, this road trip delivers layers of discovery for the curious traveler.
Pack a camera, an appetite for exploration, and an openness to surprise—you’re in for a true hidden gem experience this Labor Day in Southwest Minnesota.