MN hidden gems in Albert Lea

Top things to do in Albert Lea MN

Cole and I were invited to the Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener in Albert Lea, MN and we were so excited to explore a new Minnesota town! We spent a full two days in the area, so keep scrolling to read all about our top things to do in Albert Lea MN. Everything on this list was discovered by us or recommended by locals – who are some of the nicest humans we’ve ever met!

Where we stayed

We stayed at the Country Inn and Suites which served as the headquarters for the Governor’s Fishing Opener. The room was clean, the front desk staff were friendly, and there was free breakfast in the morning! We just had a standard hotel room, but I have all good things to say about our stay and the hotel’s location to everything to do in Albert Lea.

B&B Café

The amount of recommendations we received to try B&B Café was insane! This restaurant is famous for its pancakes, so I had to order some. I got the blueberries and cream and I’ll have to admit they are the best pancakes I’ve ever had. So creamy and delicious! We loved the experience of this old school café and definitely recommend!

The Color Wheel

If you’re looking for a cute local shop, The Color Wheel is it. Located right downtown, this shop is full of fun décor, gifts, knick knacks, and features local makers from around the area. I gravitated to the leather goods and the MN themed jewelry – so cute!

Fountain Lake Park

Fountain Lake Park is located right in the middle of Albert Lea and is right on Fountain Lake. Bring a picnic or just walk around the area – the lakeshore is owned by the city so there’s walking paths around most of the lake. Grab a few photos here and relax!

Katherine Island

On the other side of Fountain Lake is Katherine Island, a small park on an island that’s connected by a picture perfect bridge. Take in the pretty views in this area that include fountains and mermaids!

Pelican Breeze II

Take a ride on the Pelican Breeze II to learn all about the history of the Albert Lea area. Public tours are $10 per person and run at 6:00 pm every Friday and 1:00 pm every Sunday from the dock on Albert Lea lake. We enjoyed the sunshine and lake breeze while we sipped some beer and watched for pelicans on the lake. A very relaxing and fun way to learn about the area!

Kayak on the lake

I was so excited to see the iPaddle Ports on Albert Lea Lake. It’s essentially a kayak rental system that’s really similar to renting bikes in most big cities. Just go to the website, put in your payment info, and get your access code to get your gear! Such a cool idea! We didn’t have time to do this, but if you do please let me know all about it 🙂

The Interchange

Located right downtown, the Interchange was another top recommended restaurant by locals. First of all, the building it’s located in is incredible. Second of all, this is a great spot for coffee but also for beer and wine! We stopped by for dinner and ordered a beer and some flatbread. Again, the people here were so nice and welcoming and the pizza was nice and crispy – just the way I like it.

Three Oak Wines

Visiting Three Oak Wines makes you feel like you stepped out of Minnesota and into rustic wine country. This place was my highlight of our time in Albert Lea and has plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. I ordered a glass of the Marquette which is grown and made on site. We stood at the bar and talked to the owners and bar staff for over an hour – have I mentioned how nice everyone is in Albert Lea?? My favorite part was the outdoor event space. So so pretty and perfect for a wedding!

112 on Broadway

If you’re looking for a lively bar downtown, 112 on Broadway is your place. We sat outside during the festivities that were happening downtown for the fishing opener and forgot to take a photo inside!

Bruno’s Corn Dogs

I’m a HUGE corn dog lover and always have to order one when they’re available. The Bruno’s Corn Dog truck is popular in the Albert Lea area and has been around since 1977. Definitely try to scope it out if you’re in town!

Fishing

Being we were in town for the fishing opener, we had to get some fishing in! We had a great local guide who took us out on his boat on Fountain Lake. The fishing was slow, but the company was great! Make sure to get out on one of the many lakes in the Albert Lea area, there’s so many!

Cabin Coffee

We had Cabin Coffee a few times while in Albert Lea. This coffee shop literally has everything you would want from a coffee shop: good coffee, specialty drinks, plenty of baked goods, and even lunch! Grab a cup and take walk around Fountain Lake.

Bonus – Things to do in Austin MN

 

Spam Museum

Take a quick 20 minute drive from Albert Lea to Austin to experience an iconic piece of Minnesota – the Spam Museum! We were so close and have never been, so we spent about a half hour exploring the museum and gift shop. It’s a fun spot especially for kids! And it’s free admission.

Greetings from Austin sign

Need a good Instagram shot? Me too 🙂 Right around the corner of the Spam museum is a fun “Greetings from Austin MN” sign. Get your smile ready!

Gravity Storm Brewery Cooperative

Right across the street is the Gravity Storm Brewery. It was full of locals and visitors passing through, so we fit right in. It has tropical vibes and tips its hat to Jimmy Buffett (who I love!). The beers reflect the paradise theme and are great for summer drinking – make sure to try the creamsicle!

Austin Artworks Center

Make sure to stop by the Austin Artworks Center which features local artists from the Austin area! There’s lots of fun stuff to hunt for here.

Hormel Historic Home

If you’re in Austin during the week, you can take a tour of the Hormel Historic Home. It’s a piece of Minnesota history and I wish we would have been able to tour! It’s not open on the weekends, but we made sure to stop by to get a look at the outside.

 

This area is such a fun getaway for a day or two and is the definition of a Minnesota hidden gem. There’s so many fun things to do in Albert Lea MN and the surrounding area – especially in the spring and summer. Happy exploring!