2023 Cottage Grove Minnesota Visitor Guide

Lodging

Country Inn and Suites

Quick access to restaurants, parks, the Mississippi River and local businesses. Country Inn and Suites is a perfect place to stay for those who want all the comforts of home but need to stay connected. Country Inn and Suites has its own indoor pool and is within walking distance to local restaurants. Have a question? The front desk staff is available 24 hours a day to guide you in the right direction.

Corn Crib Cottage

If you’re looking for luxurious, romantic and rustic all rolled into one experience, Hope Glen Farm Corn Crib Cottage is for you. Enjoy the two-person whirlpool, rain shower and beautiful full kitchen. Take some time to relax in front of the fireplace as you admire the cottage’s vaulted ceilings and grand staircase. The luxury villa is also steps away from Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park.

Tree House Suite

Leave the kids at home for this fun getaway and relive your childhood with a stay at Hope Glen Farm Tree House Suite. Relish in the luxury of the fireplace, outdoor decks, jacuzzi and rain shower. Search for the secret hidden room before climbing up the suite’s 40-foot tower to gaze at the stars. This cozy tree house is great for couples, solo adventurers and business travelers.

Wakota Inn

Located at Highway 61 and 80th Street South, Wakota Inn is a quick drive from St. Paul and Minneapolis and within walking distance to several local businesses. A complimentary continental breakfast is served daily. Have a question about what to do while you’re in Cottage Grove? The front desk is staffed 24 hours a day. If you need to get some work done during your stay, check out the business center.

Welcome to Cottage Grove

Welcome and thank you for visiting our great city! As someone who grew up here, I know firsthand that Cottage Grove has plenty to offer. We hope this visitors guide will spark your imagination and get you started on exploring our city!

You’ll find that Cottage Grove has convenient access to urban opportunities and is a short drive to Minneapolis and St. Paul. While we are close to the Twin Cities metro area, our community prides itself on our small-town feel.

Our city offers ample recreational amenities, open spaces, shopping, restaurants, entertainment venues and top-notch lodging. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway or in town for the week on business, we know you’ll enjoy your time here.

When in Cottage Grove, you are always near one of the city’s 33 parks — many of them connected via our trail network. Our city also boasts one of the state’s largest inclusive playgrounds. We have a bike park, dog park, disc golf course, splash pad, municipal golf course and a state-of-the-art ice arena — just to name a few.

We have a variety of food options to tempt your palate! From fast food options to sitdown restaurants, Cottage Grove has plenty to offer when it’s time to take a break and grab a bite to eat. No matter your taste in food, we have something to make your taste buds dance. Need some essentials or just love to shop? Stop by one of our locally owned or national retail shops to make your purchases.

Our convenient location, friendly residents, recreational amenities, open spaces and outstanding business community all come together to make our city a great place to live, visit, work and play!

Thank you for visiting Cottage Grove! Enjoy your time here!

Myron Bailey, Mayor City of Cottage Grove

in the zone

take a mulligan

RIVER OAKS GOLF COURSE & EVENT CENTER

With a great view, delicious food, a top-notch golf course and driving range, and friendly staff, River Oaks Golf Course & Event Center is a gem just off Highway 61 on the city’s southern border. Players of every skill level will have an opportunity to enjoy the game at River Oaks. Eagles Bar & Grill, located inside, offers tasty food and a full bar for dinners and events. River Oaks also offers an event center, outdoor space and bar area for private rental to accommodate a variety of events including weddings, sports banquets, birthdays, rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, baby showers, corporate events, holiday parties and more.

PRACTICE YOUR SWING

Located just 15 minutes from downtown St. Paul, River Oaks offers an impressive 18-hole public golf course. From tee boxes to the greens, the golf course is well-maintained and features a beautiful view of the Mississippi River.

River Oaks is excited to offer Toptracer Range, the ultimate practice tool that takes the guesswork out of range sessions by offering an engaging, data-driven experience that appeals to everyone. Guests of all ages and handicaps will enjoy playing iconic courses or taking aim at virtual targets and seeing if they can climb the global leader board.

Pictured: River Oaks Golf Course

DINE OUT

Eagles Bar & Grill offers a picturesque view of the Mississippi River Valley. With its mouthwatering food, friendly staff and compelling social atmosphere, it is a great stop for a night out or to pick up food to go and enjoy in your own setting. Known for its popular fish fry during Lent and a beautiful patio in the summer, you will enjoy the setting, scenery and staff.

The restaurant also offers signature dining options during the off-season. These reservation-only events feature some fan favorites along with a few special additions from the chef.

HAVE FUN

River Oaks is the perfect place to get together with any group. River Oaks’ bocce ball courts and bean bag area feature an

and the Mississippi River. This beautiful outdoor area is a great setting for a birthday party, retirement party, family reunion, team building, wedding party or any other event. River Oaks can host groups up to 200 people outside and 32 people for bocce.

GET MARRIED

River Oaks offers couples a variety of amenities along with a beautiful, spacious and elegant venue. These picturesque views are great for cherished wedding photos as well. River Oaks’ attentive staff takes a hands-on approach and will be there to assist you in any way from food selection to room set up to those last-minute details to ensure a perfect and unique event.

INSIDER INFO

▸ More infor mation on weddings at River Oaks on page 31.

COTTAGE GROVE BIKE PARK AT WEST DRAW PARK

The Cottage Grove Bike Park is a free three-acre urban style bike park that offers the perfect place for you to practice and improve your BMX skills. The all-inclusive park is open dawn ‘til dusk weather permitting and includes a 4x track, two-pump track, tot track, two mountain bike skills areas and dirt jumps. One of the most popular bike parks in the Twin Cities metro area, the slope style course and tot track provide an opportunity for more kids and families to get outdoors and become active. The family-friendly bike park is safe, clean and well maintained. The bike park was built and maintained by volunteers from the Minnesota Off Road Cyclists group. The bike park is part of West Draw Park, a 26-acre park in the Pine Summit neighborhood. West Draw Park holds a small play structure, two sports fields, trails, open space and a picnic shelter. It is connected to Meadow Grass Park to the north and Hidden Valley Park to the east.

Features: Bike park, picnic shelters, playground, two sports fields, trails.

Pictured: Cottage Grove Bike Park

HAMLET PARK

Hamlet Park is Cottage Grove‘s largest park with more than 150 acres. There is plenty of space for you to roam, whether you are walking your dog, enjoying a stroll with a friend or taking a run. Visit the park during the warmer months and you’ll likely catch a youth sporting event on one of the nine baseball diamonds or even a pickup volleyball game between friends on one of the two sand courts. There are plenty of options to enjoy the outdoors at the city’s largest park.

Features: Nine baseball diamonds, two basketball courts, skate park, two football fields, picnic area, grill, picnic shelter, picnic tables, playground, restrooms, three soccer fields, two tennis courts, three-plus miles of trails, two sand volleyball courts, ice skating rink, warming house.

SKATE PARK AT HAMLET PARK

The Skate Park at Hamlet Park is a great spot to advance your skills. In the park, you’ll find bank ramps, flat rails, half pipes, grind ledges, pyramids and quarter pipes, providing plenty of opportunities to increase your ability.

INSIDER INFO

▸ SAVE THE DATE! Join us Saturday, Aug. 19 for the 10 year anniversary of the Cottage Grove Bike Park!

KINGSTON PARK

The 55-acre Kingston Park is not only home to 11 of Cottage Grove’s soccer fields, it’s also our most popular park for hosting large-scale events or tournaments. In addition to the fields, you can rent the park’s picnic shelter alongside its playground. Kingston is also next to the Grey Cloud Elementary and Cottage Grove Middle School Athletic Complex, and its trail system links to the Cottage Grove Trailway Corridor from the west and to 80th Street from the south.

Features: Two basketball courts, two tennis courts, an adult fitness equipment station, picnic area, picnic shelters, grill, picnic tables, playgrounds, restrooms, 11 soccer fields, trails.

OAKWOOD PARK

Oakwood Park is home to the Cottage Grove Disc Golf Course. With over 36 acres of park land, the premier course has hosted national and world disc golf tournaments. Oakwood has a beautiful overlook of the city with several benches and picnic tables. Enjoy the picnic shelter, hammock grove, or hike on some of the extensive trails throughout the park.

INSIDER INFO

▸ In 2022, Oakwood became home to a brand new naturebased playground and picnic pavilion!

Features: Baseball/softball diamond, disc golf, hammock grove, picnic shelter and tables, playground, sledding hill, trails.

Pictured: Oakwood Park

Glide in our paddleboats

cool off @ the splash pad

WOODRIDGE PARK

In addition to having sports and picnic amenities, Woodridge Park is home to one of the largest inclusive playgrounds in Minnesota. This 23,000 square foot sensory playground has something for everyone and offers kids opportunities to develop fine-motor skills and have a great time just playing! While there, enjoy a nature-based trail experience with paved trails around a large pond and natural trails through the old Oak forest.

Features: ADA accessible, two baseball diamonds, two basketball courts, paved and natural trails, rental building, picnic areas, picnic shelters, grill, picnic tables, restrooms, sledding hill, two tennis courts, sand volleyball court, ice skating rink, warming house.

HAZEN P. MOOERS PARK

Hazen P. Mooers Park is home to Cottage Grove’s Paddle Share System, which allows the public to kayak the Mississippi River back waters. The kayak rental system is selfaccessible by phone or computer; you get a locker, a code and a kayak, and get on the water! (Reservations are required and can be accessed at cottagegrovemn.gov under City Recreation.) Hazen P. Mooers is also a great spot for fishing, picnicking, and bird and nature watching on the Mississippi River.

Features: Mississippi River access, picnic area, picnic tables, kayak/canoe launch, kayak rentals.

Pictured: Hazen P. Mooers Park

COTTAGE GROVE

RAVINE REGIONAL PARK

This 515-acre park holds beautiful hills, a lake, miles of cross-country skiing trails and heavily wooded ravines. There are activities for all the seasons at here, such as hiking and fishing in the spring, summer and fall, and crosscountry skiing, skijoring and snowshoeing in the winter!

Features: Cross country ski trails, fishing, hiking trails, paved trails, picnic pavilion, playground, Ravine Landing rental building/ shelter.

AFTON STATE PARK

Afton State Park offers landscapes of many kinds, from glacial landforms and bluff land to forests and prairies. Camping and lodging facilities allow the park to host long-term visitors while daily park passes allow for a single day getaway. A beach along the St. Croix River rewards hikers at the end of the trail for their effort.

Features: Camping, fishing, swimming, hiking, cross country skiing, interpretive exhibit, rentals, firewood, picnic area, picnic shelter, picnic tables, grills, fire rings, volleyball, horseshoes, warming house.

HIGHLANDS PARK

This 65-acre park is complete with rolling grassland, woodlands and wetlands! The gem of the park is the everpopular splash pad. On those hot summer days, the splash pad is the best place for letting the kids cool off!

Features: Baseball/softball diamond, three basketball courts, rental building, football field, picnic area, grill, picnic shelter, picnic tables, restrooms, sledding hill, two soccer fields, splash pad, two tennis courts, four-plus miles of paved trails, ice skating rink, warming house, paddle boat.

Get Active Outdoors

The Water calls

Position the Pallino

KAYAK RENTAL

Ever wanted to paddle down the backwaters of the mighty Mississippi River? Lucky for you, you can do just that right here in Cottage Grove! No equipment required. With the paddle share program at Hazen P. Mooers Park and Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park, kayaks, paddles and life jackets are provided. Paddle on your own in one of the single kayaks or paddle with a buddy in one of the tandems. Whenever summer rolls around, these are a big hit and are reserved quickly.

DISC GOLF

We know the disc golf scene in Minnesota is top notch, which is why the course at Oakwood Park is too. The Oakwood Park Disc Golf Course is a premier course that has hosted national and world disc golf tournaments. The course offers terrain of all kinds, from open space to wooded canopies. Short and long tees make the course perfect for disc golfers of all skill levels.

BAGS

Grab a group of friends and head to River Oaks Golf

Course for a game of bags. Or corn-hole. Whatever you call it, River Oaks’ outside bar and Mississippi River views provide the perfect change of scenery from your typical backyard game. Reservations are required so call ahead!

BOCCE BALL

Head to Lamar Fields or River Oaks Golf Course for a friendly game of bocce ball. Both venues offer official courts and are free for use. Doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or a pro, the game is a fun way to get outside and get moving.

Pictured: Oakwood Park

GOLF

River Oaks Golf Course offers an impressive 18-hole public golf course featuring a beautiful view of the Mississippi River. There are 57 sand bunkers and three ponds located amongst the course, which offer slight challenges for experienced golfers and fun obstacles for those still new to the sport!

Check out the Toptracer Range, the ultimate practice tool that takes the guesswork out of range sessions by offering an engaging, datadriven experience that appeals to everyone.

HIKING

The city offers several wellkept parks filled with trails where you can explore. A short drive will take you to Afton State Park, Carpenter Nature Center or St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park, all great options for adventurers looking to stretch their legs in the great outdoors.

BIKING

In addition to miles of bike trails in our parks, Cottage Grove Bike Park is home to a paved pump track, a dirt pump track, four progressive dirt jump lines, a slope style course, a 4x track, a tot track and two mountain bike skills areas. Don’t forget! You

can always get rolling by checking out the many miles we have along the Mississippi River Trail as well.

POINT DOUGLAS PARK

A Washington County Park that boasts a very popular beach and fishing at the confluence of Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers. It is also a trailhead for the Point Douglas Regional Trail that leads from Prescott to downtown Hastings.

INSIDER INFO

▸ View page 25 for our handy parks and paths map.

▸ View our bike map online for easy access to trails.

SHOP

Shop in store or online for a great selection of the best that disc golf has to offer. We carry all major brands including Innova, Discraft, MVP, Dynamic Discs, Discmania and more. Stop by the store to check out bags, carts, and accessories, or if you would like some friendly assistance to get started in the sport. We are conveniently located across from the Oakwood Park Disc Golf Course.

PLAY

Join a league or play in a tournament. We host a weekly league at Oakwood Park during the summer, and host many tournaments for all skill ranges throughout the year in the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota.

FOLLOW

Check out our website or follow us on Facebook to stay up to date on all events, new releases and sales.

Best Patios in the Grove

Sometimes nothing sounds better than a meal and a cold beverage while sitting outside enjoying a beautiful Minnesota afternoon or evening with friends or family. Cottage Grove has several outdoor eating options that fit the bill so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery and the sunshine.

EAGLES BAR & GRILL

AT RIVER OAKS

Just off Highway 61, Eagles Bar & Grill at River Oaks Golf Course offers a picturesque view of the Mississippi River Valley. The incredible food, friendly staff and compelling social atmosphere make it a must stop for a spring or summer night out. During the warm-weather months,

the patio is a great spot to check out the chef’s latest creations while taking in the action of the practice range and enjoying the beautiful surroundings.

MUDDY COW BAR & GRILL

Located just north of 80th Street South and East Point Douglas Road, the Muddy

Cow Bar & Grill is locally owned and operated and features appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, wraps, pizzas, soups, salads and several mouth-watering entrees. Have a sweet tooth? Try the mini donuts or loaded funnel cake fries for dessert.

Muddy Cow’s patio is a great spot to enjoy their gooey

Pictured: Eagles Bar & Grill at River Oaks Golf Course

cheese curds, juicy burgers and 2-for-1 drinks every day, all day. Open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

JUNCTION 70

Follow your nose to the corner of 70th Street South and Hinton Avenue South to Junction 70, the perfect place to grab a craft beer and a pizza. Maybe a hand-cut steak, juicy burger or authentic BBQ is more your style. Junction 70 has a huge menu for taste buds of all kinds. The restaurant features a gorgeous, full-service patio leading directly into the bar through three glass-

paned garage doors that let in natural light and warm summer air. There is a game room for the kids (and grownups, too). Open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

LAS MARGARITAS

If you’re craving authentic Mexican food, look no further than Las Margaritas Mexican Restaurant. Conveniently located on East Point Douglas Road, Las Margaritas is family owned and operated. Their outdoor patio offers a cozy setting to sip a delicious margarita while treating your taste buds to fresh chips

smothered in Las Marg’s famous cheese dip. You can enjoy a full menu of authentic Mexican favorites like quesadillas, fajitas, flautas and fried ice cream Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

INSIDER INFO

Discover Cottage Grove

Strawberry Fest

June 15-18, 2023

9195 75th St. S., Cottage Grove| cottagegrovestrawberryfest.com

The Cottage Grove Strawberry Fest is a four-day, family-focused event that offers something for everyone. An estimated 20,000 to 25,000 people will enjoy wonderful food, fantastic bands, a carnival and much more!

Neighbors, family and friends from Cottage Grove and surrounding areas come to the event — typically held the third weekend in June — to celebrate while they relax and enjoy the kick-off to summer.

Cottage Grove’s rich history includes multiple strawberry fields dotting the city’s landscape. People carried home buckets filled to the brim with juicy berries, turning them into delicious treats for everyone to enjoy. That’s why our annual community festival has a strawberry theme — to keep that connection to our past alive!

The Strawberry Fest has evolved since the first celebration — Fun Fest — in the 1960s. Strawberry Fest in its current form first began to take shape in the mid-1980s with a multi-day carnival that included a kiddie parade, Little Miss Strawberry Shortcake contest, BMX races and an old-fashioned ice cream social at Cedarhurst Mansion.

In the 1990s, the annual festival had several names, including the Celebrate Cottage Grove Festival and the Great Grove Get-Together.

Fast forward to 2006 when the event found its way back to one of its original names — Strawberry Fest, a moniker that has stuck ever since. Strawberry Fest found its home at Kingston Park that year as well.

The Cottage Grove Strawberry Fest is run completely by community volunteers whose goal is to make as much of the event free to the public as possible. There is no admission fee or cost to watch the main stage events/live entertainment.

The mission of Cottage Grove Strawberry Fest is to bring the community together. From residents, businesses, city government, sponsors and nonprofit organizations, volunteers take pride in creating an event in which everyone can be proud.

Strawberry Fest is one of the community’s favorite events each year. We hope you’ll join us for some fun, food and friendships.

Bubble gum-blowing contests and carriage rides were highlights during the fest’s early days. Since then, Strawberry Fest has grown to include live music, a large parade, fair food, a carnival, a business showcase and more, including:

Bean bag tourney Fireworks Doggie dash Kids tractor pull Pet show Car show

Softball tourney Pie eating contest Talent show Water wars

Public safety events 5K run

Farm Fresh

FARMERS MARKET

7008 Lamar Ave. S., Cottage Grove 651-399-8869 | cguccfarmers’market

The Cottage Grove Farmers Market runs every Thursday throughout the summer and into the fall. Featuring all your favorite fruit and vegetables, as well as some unique varieties from local farmers, the market is the perfect place for all your farm to table needs.

• Homemade beauty products: Soaps, lotions and bath bombs.

• Sweets: Syrups, honey, candies, jellies and baked goods.

• Goods: New, used, and homemade clothing and jewelry.

Grab some hearty ‘farm to you’ meats for the family and top it off by bringing your knives, scissors and shears to the mobile knife sharpener! And if you don’t feel like cooking dinner, opt for the hot-off-the-grill hot dogs or the various food trucks that stop by each week!

WHISTLING WELL FARM

8973 St. Croix Tr. S., Hastings 651-998-03101 | whistlingwellfarm.com

Like another well-known apple picking option in the area, Whistling Well Farm has a lot to offer in terms of picking and activities. What makes Whistling Well unique is its laid-back, easygoing nature. With no admission fee it’s a great spot to get out and be in nature, while keeping the flexibility of hopping in the car just before nap time.

• Apple Picking: Eight delicious varieties.

• Pumpkin Patch: Pumpkins of all sizes.

• Mums: Colorful mums for the perfect fall decor.

• Country Store: Preserves, jellies, pumpkin butter, pancake mixes, maple syrup and so much more!

• Other fun: Kids climbing area and petting farm.

Before leaving, toss a coin into the whistling well and make a wish! Money is matched dollar-fordollar by the farm and donated to the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital.

Pictured: Whistling Well Farm

AFTON APPLE ORCHARD

14421 90th St. S., Hastings 651-436-8385 | aftonapple.com

Whether you want to enjoy the sun and summer breeze picking fruit in the fields, or bring the kids over for a fun day of play, Afton Apple Orchard offers a wide variety of things to do just outside Cottage Grove.

• Apple Picking: Delight in the 15 varieties of apples to choose from. Pick your own or select pre-picked options.

• Berry Picking: Raspberries, blackberries, and black raspberries to choose from!

• Pumpkin and Gourd Picking: Pumpkins, squash, gourds and ornamental corn for decorating, carving and cooking needs.

• Shop: Pick up packaged items like frozen pies and crisps, jams, local honey, baking supplies, gifts and more.

• Hot and Fresh: Craving something sweet, salty or robust? Opt for the warm apple cider, donuts, hot dogs, cider brats and other fall favorites.

Need a break from picking out your fresh and ripe take-aways? No problem! Say hi to the goats and llamas as you stroll past the petting farm, let the kids play on the playground or have a picnic together in the shade. There are so many things to do at Afton Apple Orchard you really can make a day of it!

SPECIAL EVENTS

In the fall, join Afton Apple for their apple festival weekends full of magic shows, yard games and more. Another fall favorite? The giant 15-acre corn maze with all the twists, turns, and mini mazes you can imagine.

Halloween in the Grove

Halloween Extravaganza

Skate the spooktacular

Spooky?  Fun?  Kid-friendly?  Cottage Grove has something for everyone and is the perfect place to celebrate Halloween.

MONSTER BASH PARADE

The Monster Bash parade is an annual family fun tradition held the Saturday before Halloween along East Point Douglas Road South. Individuals and families are welcome to dress up to participate in the fun.

HALLOWEEN EXTRAVAGANZA

Dodge Nature Center hosts this family-friendly event where children can delight in hayrides, face painting, axe throwing, apple slingshots, live music, trick-or-treating through the woods and an abundance of other activities. Typically held the same day as the Monster Bash Parade, this event couples perfectly for a full day of family fun in Cottage Grove.

PUMPKIN CHUCK

Toss it. Launch it. Roll it down a slide. Join us after Halloween for your last chance to wear your costume and get rid of your Halloween pumpkins in a fun way.

Pictured: Monster Bash Parade

THE HAUNTING EXPERIENCE

Every Halloween, a frightening fever sweeps the nation with thrilling hayrides, creepy mazes, and haunted houses. If you dare, head over to the Haunting Experience located at Zywiec’s Garden Center to experience a night filled with your darkest nightmares.

The Haunting Experience has all of the attractions you need for a fun Halloween scare.

THE HAYRIDE

Gather up your family and friends and take a ride on Minnesota’s longest consecutively running haunted hayride; now in its 37th year!

Beware! This hayride is not for the faint of heart. It’s filled with spine-chilling surprises as you’re taken through the haunted forest and the terrors of Wilhelm Steelworks. Along the way, you will also encounter creatures that lurk along the trails. Be careful, they might turn you into one of them.

THE HAUNTED HOUSE

After the hayride, test your mettle through one of the scariest haunted houses that you’ve ever encountered.

The Haunting Experience’s famous haunted house is filled with perils and dark entities that are hungry for screams of terror.

FALL FUN FEST

Halloween doesn’t always have to be about a spine-chilling experience. If you are looking to dip your feet into something a little less scary and more playful, head over to Zywiec’s Garden Center where you’ll find family-friendly fun including:

• Goat feeding and petting

• Hayrides

• Coloring station

• No-scare haunted house tour

• Pumpkin painting station

• Sand art station

▸ Bo th the Haunting Experience and the Fall Fun Fest can be found at Zywiec’s Garden Center 10900 E. Point Douglas Road S. Cottage Grove 651-459-3500 | zywiecs.com

INSIDER INFO

▸

The city’s parks and recreation department also hosts a Skating Spooktacular in October where participants are encouraged to dress in costume and skate the night away. This event sells out quickly but is a hometown favorite!

▸

For location, date and times of events listed, visit discovercottagegrove.com.

Pictured: The Haunting Experience

Pictured: Fall Fun Fest,

Holidays in the Grove

HALE TO THE BIRD 5K

When three friends had a tradition to run the downtown Minneapolis turkey day race Thanksgiving morning, but found themselves frustrated with the parking, huge crowds, and inability to race at a comfortable speed, they decided to start their own Thanksgiving 5K right here in Cottage Grove!

Fliers were created, t-shirts were ordered and proceeds of the 5K were set to help support the local Friends in Need Food Shelf.

The organizers thought it would be great if they could get 15 people signed up, and now they get hundreds of runners each year! The Hale to the Bird 5K has become an annual event that

continues to grow, but is proud to maintain the charm of a small run!

HOMETOWN HOLIDAY CELEBRATION

Cottage Grove is known for its cozy, small-town feel while being only minutes from downtown St. Paul. The Hometown Holiday Celebration is a hallmark of the city’s holiday events filled with cheer and fun. With gleaming lights all around, visitors can enjoy joyful carolers, festive games, holiday music, photo opportunities with Santa, a brightly lit firetruck and a variety of food trucks. If you’re lucky, you might even see live reindeer! This is also the perfect chance to drop off the kids’ holiday wish lists in the mailbox for the North Pole!

Hometown Holiday Celebration

HAle to the Bird 5K

CANADIAN PACIFIC HOLIDAY TRAIN

Each December, crowds gather to watch the festive Canadian Pacific (CP) Holiday Train roll through Cottage Grove. The colorfully lit line of 14 train cars, about 1,000 feet in length and decorated with hundreds of thousands of LED lights, is decked out for the holidays in a cheery glow.

Free to attend, the train also allows visitors to enjoy musical performances by popular entertainers. Performances take place inside a train car where families can look on for a unique and memorable experience.

With Santa around for a meet and greet, food trucks parked outside, and a warming tent put

on by sponsors, the Holiday Train is the perfect stop for families looking for a fun and impressive holiday tradition.

SANTA BREAKFAST AND SLEIGH RIDE

Bring the whole family to River Oaks Golf Course for Breakfast with Santa! Hosted annually the second Sunday in December, admission includes a North Pole breakfast, time for a photo with Santa, a sleigh ride and s’mores! This event is the perfect way to get in a jolly holiday mood.

INSIDER INFO

▸ For more information and upcoming event dates, visit discovercottagegrove.com

Pictured: Canadian Pacific Holiday Train

Winter Activities

SNOWMOBILE

The Star Trail consists of 140 miles of snowmobile trails between Scandia and Hastings. For some added fun, the trails and feeder trails run right up to a few restaurants in Cottage Grove: the VFW Post 8752 and Carbone’s Kitchen and Pub.

SKI & SNOWBOARD

Located just ten miles from Cottage Grove, Afton Alps is the perfect place for winter thrill seekers. With a variety of terrain features, there’s something for downhill skiers and snowboarders of all skills and abilities.

INSIDER INFO

▸ Shepard Farm is open 365 days a year for hiking from sunrise to sunset.

HIKE

Our parks have miles of paved hiking trails, in addition to the Cottage Grove Trailway Corridor and the Central Greenway Regional Trail. If you’re in need of a short hike, head to Highlands Park that has two-plus miles of paved trails, or try Hamlet Park for a one or two mile walk around the gorgeous pond. Opting for unpaved natural trails? Head to Ravine Regional Park, Grey Cloud Sand Dunes Scientific and Natural Area, or Shepard Farm for a hike through nature.

ICE FISH

Two ponds in Cottage Grove provide ample opportunities for ice fishing; Ravine Regional Park, stocking Walleye and Sunfish, and Hidden Valley Park, which stocks Sunfish.

SNOWSHOE

Strap on those snowshoes and embrace the cold! The city offers 33 neighborhood parks and ten trails you can get out and explore. Need snowshoes? Visit Oakwood Park where you can find the city’s new and affordable self-serve snowshoe rental. River Oaks also has groomed trails for snowshoeing and cross country skiing providing a lovely backdrop for your explorations.

SKATE

Lace up your skates and head outdoors to our rinks at Hamlet, Hearthside, Highlands, Old Cottage Grove, Peter Thompson, Woodridge and Pine Tree Valley parks. The city’s ice arena also offers public skate opportunities and has a pro shop for necessary hockey supplies.

Pictured: Snowmobiling in Cottage Grove

Get Marrried

Hope Glen Farm

10276 E. Point Douglas Road S., Cottage Grove 612-202-2886 | hopeglenfarm.com

RUSTIC ELEGANCE

If your dream wedding is a combination of elegant and rustic, Hope Glen Farm is the place for you to say “I do.” The historic and picturesque farm offers a restored Civil War-era barn and large pavilion and is surrounded by the serene views of the 500-acre Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park. The farm has beautiful outdoor landscapes combined with rustic elements that will make your big day unforgettable. One of the best parts? Your big day is made easier because you can have your ceremony and reception all in one place. The farm’s peaceful pasture provides the perfect backdrop for your vows. Have a rustic indoor/outdoor happy hour before moving to the pavilion for your reception. End the night in the historic barn dancing with your family and friends.

“Our family and friends raved about this beautiful, charming, quaint wedding dream.”

- Regina A.

Get Marrried

John P. Furber Farm

ROMANTIC COUNTRY

Gothic architecture comes together with a gorgeous scenic natural landscape to provide a unique and special backdrop for your wedding at John P. Furber Farm. If you want to host a big event that will be the talk of the town, Furber Farm has got you covered with enough room for up to 500 guests. The centerpiece of the farm is a gothic, archedroof dairy barn built in the

1940s that adds to the rustic elegance that will make your wedding day unforgettable. The farm offers both an indoor and outdoor option for your reception and the staff will be right by your side to make sure your special day is as fun and stress-free as possible.

Get Marrried

River Oaks Golf Course & Event Center

11099 Highway 61, Cottage Grove | 651-438-2121 | riveroaksmunigolf.com

SCENIC SIGHTS

Breathtaking views of the Mississippi River Valley coupled with an elegant venue, delectable food and friendly staff make River Oaks Golf Course and Event Center the perfect place for your big day. River Oaks takes the stress out of your wedding day so you can take time celebrating your new lives together with your family and friends. Your guests have plenty of places to comfortably enjoy

sweeping views of the golf course and the Mississippi River Valley, which are both great spots to have photos taken. River Oaks staff pride themselves on their hands-on approach, helping you with food selection, room set-up, and any last-minute details. They work hard to ensure your wedding is perfect and unique. River Oaks’ amazing food will be the talk of all your guests.

“I could not have asked for a better venue. The clubhouse and grounds are absolutely gorgeous, and they make it easy for you to go from a romantic ceremony to a rocking reception with no hassle, and for a fantastic price. ” - Jane K.

Memorable Meeting Spots

IN COTTAGE GROVE

Cottage Grove offers multiple locations to host your event, from classy to casual. No matter what kind of space or environment you need for your event, Cottage Grove can accommodate. Check out these venues where you can get a change of scenery.

COUNTRY INN AND SUITES

Pictured above, the north rink of the Cottage Grove Ice Arena.

COTTAGE GROVE ICE ARENA

The Cottage Grove Ice Arena hosts parties, trade shows, corporate events, concerts and everything in between. One rink at the arena can even be cleared off to create 17,000 square feet of floor space (between April-September), enough seating for 1,200 people, an additional 600 in the bleachers, and standing room for 300. This space also fits 82 10’x10’ booth spaces. Concessions and vending areas are available on site, or you can bring in your own food.

The Country Inn and Suites makes having out-of-town meetings easy. Holding up to 40 guests, all they have to do is book a room and walk down the hall. The hotel has a wedding and event coordinator who can arrange catering for you and customize your event to meet all your scheduling and activity needs, including making a custom event website. The hotel also offers special group rates and room blocks for your entire party.

FURBER FARM

The historic Furber Farm boasts over 12,000 square feet of floor space and can accommodate 1,750 people, with indoor and outdoor spaces that are equally beautiful. The grandiose 19th century dairy barn is surrounded by a patio, balconies and a lush natural landscape. To keep a lively atmosphere, send your guests to the dance floor or the game room. This unique space is sure to make your event memorable.

HERO CENTER

The HERO Center has a variety of rooms available for rental. Capacities and seating for rooms range from 24 to 120 people and include a kitchenette. Public safety agencies that rent meeting rooms also have other amenities they can add to their rental, including indoor and outdoor reality-based rooms and a training simulator.

HOPE GLEN FARM

Hope Glen is a historical farm renovated to become the perfect setting for weddings, cocktail hours, corporate functions and other special occasions. The farm can host a sit-down dinner for up to 250 guests, or an open house style event for up to 1,500. The staff

can help with setting up teambuilding activities, ceremonies, silent auctions, dances, games and other activities. While you’re there, you can also rent out their unique, luxury suites: the Tree House and the Corn Crib Cottage.

RAVINE LANDING

Ravine Landing, our newest facility on this list, is nestled amongst 515 acres of beautiful scenery in Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park. Boasting spectacular views, inside you’ll find 84 chairs, eight round cafe tables and 12 rectangular tables are available for use. This facility boasts spectacular views along with a lectern, audio and video technology and a kitchenette.

RIVER OAKS GOLF COURSE & EVENT CENTER

With capacity of 200 guests, you can get all your business done inside and then head outside for the fun. Treat your guests to golf, bocce ball and corn hole. The Golf Course a nd Event Center is located on the banks of the Mississippi River and offers some gorgeous views.

VFW POST 8752

The rental hall at the VFW in Cottage Grove is a great space for everything from weddings to birthday parties to club meetings. With a capacity of about 200, it can accommodate intimate gatherings or medium-sized groups.

Pictured above: Ravine Landing at Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park.

Photography by: The Lauren Rose Collective

Businesses at a Glance

Looking for something else? There’s even more to discover in Cottage Grove. Below, find our at-aglance guide to view businesses and shops in the area. *This is not a complete list of all businesses and due to the printing date of this guide, may not be up to date.

Fitness and

Nutrition

• Anytime Fitness • Burn Boot Camp • GNC • Grove Nutrition • National Karate Academy • Orange Theory • Planet Fitness • Training for Warriors • Whenever Fitness Center

Food - Fast Casual • Chipotle Mexican Grill • Lisu Thai Taste • Noodles & Company

Sushi Cafe Food - Fast Food

Arby‘s

Burger King • Caribou Coffee (2 locations)

Culver‘s • Hy-Vee Market Grill

Jimmy John‘s

McDonalds • Starbucks (3 locations) • Subway (3 locations)

Taco Bell • Wendy‘s

Food - Pizza

Bella Pizza • Cassini‘s Pizzeria • Domino‘s Pizza

Papa Murphy‘s

• Pizza Hut

Rocco‘s Pizza

Food - Sit-Down Restaurants

Applebee‘s Grill & Bar

Carbone‘s Kitchen & Pub

Eagles Bar & Grill

Ho King

Junction 70 Grill

Las Margaritas

Muddy Cow • Tom-Moy Cafe (take out only) • VFW • Wahlburgers

Grocery

• ALDI

and Liquor Stores

Cub Foods

Dennis Brothers Liquors

G-Will Liquors

Hy-Vee

Top Ten Liquors Health and Beauty

All About Nails

B&G Hair

Bella Nails & Spa

Bellisimo Salon and Day Spa

Great Clips (2 locations)

The Healing Place

New Century Salon

Pretty Nails

Red Nails

Sally Beauty

Salon 80 Hair Studio

Whole Health Massage LLC

Orchards and Gardens

Afton Apple Orchard

Dodge Nature Center, Shepard Farm

Whispering Gardens • Whistling Well Farm

Zywiec‘s Garden Center

Pet Supplies and Grooming • Chuck & Don‘s Pet Food and Supplies • Cottage Grove Animal Hospital

Hound Around Resort

La Pooch Grooming

Lisa‘s Fabulous Paws

PetSmart

Retail Shops

ACE Hardware

Boondocks Vintage Boutique

Cottage Grove Florist

Dollar Tree

HomeGoods

Goodwill

Gray Duck Disc Golf

Kohl‘s

Menards

Rustic Floral and Boutique

Target

TJ Maxx

Walmart

INSIDER INFO

For more business information be sure to also visit cottagegrovechamber.org