It doesn’t get much better than a summer weekend in northern Minnesota. We spent last weekend in Walker Minnesota, which is about 3 hours from the Twin Cities, and it’s now one of my favorites!
This is the perfect local trip for a couple, family, or even extended family. Keep scrolling to see why you need to spend a weekend in Walker Minnesota, too.
Trappers Landing Lodge
We stayed two nights at Trapper’s Landing Lodge on Leech Lake. It’s about 15 minutes east of the town of Walker, but you could literally stay here for a week and never need to leave – the resort has everything you need! The cabins are beautiful, there’s outdoor games, water toys like paddle boards and kayaks, and lakeside fires that are lit for you every night at 7! I can’t say enough good things about this place.
Paul Bunyan Statue
Located in nearby Ackeley Minnesota, you can find one of the most unique Paul Bunyan Statues in Minnesota. There won’t be a long line of people waiting AND you can climb up into his hand! Right next door is a Paul Bunyan museum that we didn’t have time to visit, but we will next time!
The Merit
Located on the grounds of Trappers Landing Lodge, but open to the public (you can even pull up on your boat!), is The Merit. It’s one of the best rated restaurants in the area and has beautiful views of Leech Lake whether you sit inside or out. We ordered the almond curated walleye and Mac and cheese. It was so yummy!
Leech Lake
My parents are members of Your Boat Club for the summer which has a location on Leech Lake. The marina is located right next to Trappers Landing Resort, so it was easy access for us! If you don’t have your own boat, you can rent one from Your Boat Club here for the day. Get out on the lake, go for a ski, and anchor down next to the sandy beaches for a day you’ll never forget!
Walker Bay Lighthouse
Located right on the public beach in Walker is the Walker Bay Lighthouse. We saw this while driving by and decided to pull over to check it out! Makes for a great photo backdrop or you can even pack a picnic and eat inside.
Walker Bay Coffee Co.
If you gotta get that caffeine fix, stop by Walker Bay Coffee Co. It’s full of both locals and visitors, and serves all sorts of coffee and pastries.
Walker General Store
Walker Minnesota is full of cute little shops, but my favorites are the Walker General Store and Christmas Point Wild Rice Co. (mentioned next!). Go to Walker General Store for all sorts of candy and cute Walker gear!
Christmas Point Wild Rice Co.
I thought Christmas Point Wild Rice Co. was just going to be full of Christmas decorations and wild rice but I was WRONG. This store is HUGE and has everything from unique Minnesota gifts to some of the best lake friendly clothing around!
The Piggy BBQ
If you only have time to go to one restaurant while in Walker, make sure it’s The Piggy BBQ. Located right downtown, it has a great patio space and the nicest servers! My whole family loved what they ordered, but I think my favorite was the sliced brisket sandwich – SO GOOD! Make sure you also get the homemade cornbread with fresh honey drizzled on top.
Forestedge Winery
Forestedge Winery is located about 20 minutes west of Walker, but is definitely worth the drive. This local Minnesota winery is so unique! They make all their wines from fruit (no grapes), have a beautiful garden patio, and even have a gallery of local artists on site. Stop by for a tasting or sip on a glass on the patio while you look over their rhubarb garden. Click here for 7 reasons you need to drink wine at Forestedge Winery!
Now, get in your car and go enjoy a weekend in Walker Minnesota! You’ll be so glad you did!
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