Faribault is filled with fun things to do all year round, and the summer is no exception! Live music, farmers markets, fun events, and the great outdoors all beckon you to come visit!
1.) The Downtown Faribault Car Cruise nights create the perfect setting for an evening spend admiring vintage and innovative vehicles, grabbing a bit to eat, and taking in all the action while music plays in the background. Held monthly with events dates on May 20, June 17, July 15, August 19, and September 16 from 6-9pm, the car cruises are free to attend and fun for the entire family. Learn more here.
2.) With 10 lakes within 10 miles, the Faribault area is great for fishing, boating, canoeing, swimming and creating memories. Learn more about area resorts and the lakes here. Summer days are meant for enjoying with the calming sound of the water lulling you into relaxation. Bring your paddle board, pontoon, or inner-tube and splash into fun!
3.) Faribault Family Aquatic Center is splash-tasic fun for the whole family. The Aquatic Center offers a zero-depth pool, 2 flume slides, drop slide, lily pads, one meter diving board, interactive toys, fountains, water basketball, family changing rooms, concession stand, shade umbrellas & deck furniture. Learn more here.
4.) If you enjoy a day spent on two wheels, bring your bike and plan to pedal around Faribault! The River Bend Nature Center has 10 miles of trails, and the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail, with 39 miles of paved trail, starts in Faribault. There are also trails around town, and an off-trail biking area.
5.) Music fills the air on Thursday evenings in Faribault’s Historic Central Park for the 136th anniversary season. This summer’s music schedule boasts 10 nights of free concerts that community and visitors alike are invited to attend. Grab your lawn chairs, blankets, and friends and family and plan to be at Central Park in Faribault (unless otherwise noted) on Thursday evenings this summer. The historic band shell in Faribault provides a great home to a summer tradition. There is no cost to attend the concerts, and the music starts at 7PM each Thursday. Learn more here.
6.) If you’re looking for the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors and see the natural wildlife of Minnesota, the River Bend Nature Center is the answer. Whether you want to bird watch, take a class, or enjoy the trails, the Nature Center is great for everyone of all ages. Boasting 750 acres of woods, prairie, rivers and ponds, the River Bend Nature Center is a true gem in Faribault!
7.) Summertime in Minnesota is patio season, and the Faribault area has a few that were perfect for spending an afternoon or evening! You can sip away the day with locally crafted beverages on the patios of Vintage Escapes Winery or 10,000 Drops Craft Distillery and Corks and Pints. If you’re looking for lakeside views, Winjums and the Channel Inn provide a peaceful backdrop. For additional delicious dining explore the Hy-Vee Market Grill patio, Crooked Pint, or the Depot Bar and Grill‘s patio. Frequently, live music fills the air. Gathered around with friends, laughing and soaking up the Minnesota summer weather, these patios are hard to beat.
8.) The Nerstrand Big Woods State Park is comprised of the largest remnant of Big Woods vegetation in Minnesota. The rolling hills and valleys are traversed by Prairie Creek and the picturesque Hidden Falls waterfall. The Big Woods is reflective of the central hardwood community during presettlement times, containing sugar maple, basswood, oak, ash, and ironwood trees, over 100 varieties of wildflowers, and many varieties of ferns and mushrooms. Learn more here.
9.) The Blue Collar Festival is a must do for music enthusiasts. Twelve hours of music fill Teepee Tonka Park for the annual Blue Collar Festival on August 12-13th. Grab a friend and spend the day enjoying the live bands, compete in the corn-hole tournament, stroll through artisans showcasing their wares, and grab some delicious food while live music projects from the stage!
10.) For those of us whose perfect afternoon consists of spending time on fairways and putting greens, Faribault has multiple golf courses that you can visit. Indulge in one of the town’s many golf courses and enjoy your day walking the course or in the club house. Spend a great day at the Legacy Golf Course, Faribault Golf & Country Club, or Straight River Golf Course
For more fun in Faribault ideas, click here!
