Recreation

Averi Ellestad, 12, flashes a smile as she finishes her run down the hill and turns to head back up for another run. Tyler Jansky strikes an approach shot during a Litchfield High School boys golf meet at Litchfield Golf Course.

Grand Army of the Republic Hall & Meeker County Museum 304 N. Marshall Ave., Litchfi eld

Built in 1885, the Litchfield Grand Army of the Republic Hall is one of very few left in the nation and is the only authentic one remaining in Minnesota. Designed by one of the members to look like a military fort, the G.A.R. Hall is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The brick is local from the Henry Ames brick yard which was just north of Litchfi eld. The G.A.R. Hall was almost immediately given to the city of Litchfield with the understanding that it would be kept in its original condition. This hall also served as the fi rst public library in Meeker County and was one of the main gathering places for community events.

Civil War roundtables, featuring speakers who have expertise in war history, have been a regular feature, though these events were cancelled throughout much of 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Meeker County Historical Museum is attached to the rear of the GAR Hall. Several photos and information about Civil War veterans can be found here.

This historical attraction is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and from noon to 4 p.m. Sundays. Admission is $3. For additional information, call 320693-8911. Litchfi eld Civic Arena 900 Gilman Ave. N., Litchfi eld

The Litchfi eld Civic Arena hosts Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato boys and girls hockey games and also offers open skating every Sunday throughout the winter from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. for $3. The arena also features skate sharpening, community room rental, meeting rooms, table and chair rental and dry fl oor activities — business expos, auctions, banquets, family reunions, physical-education and dance classes — through March until the end of September. For more info, call 320-693-2679.

Litchfi eld Golf Club 405 Pleasure Drive W., Litchfi eld

The Litchfield Golf Course is located on the beautiful shores of Lake Ripley. With four sets of tee boxes, ranging from 6,400 yards to 5,000 yards, Litchfi eld Golf Club has 18 uniquely challenging holes. The Par 70, Championship layout will be sure to give the most accomplished golfers a true test of golf, yet allow for the novice to enjoy their round and have fun. For more info, call 320-693-6059.

Litchfi eld Bowling Center 1227 Sibley Ave. S., Litchfi eld

The Litchfield Bowling Center offers numerous leagues for all ages and open bowling on Friday from 4 p.m. to close, Saturday from 1 p.m. to close and Sunday from 1-5:30 p.m. Lanes at the bowling center are available to rent for events. The kitchen offers a variety of food, including fresh-made pizza, chicken dinners, appetizers and nachos, and a full bar is also available. For more information, call 320-693-9077.

Meeker County Off-Highway Vehicle Park South of Darwin, north of Hutchinson, at 18738 County Road 9

Meeker County’s only OHV Park opened to the public in 2015 and welcomes OHV riders of all ages. The 40-acre Meeker County OHV Park features fives miles of ATV trails, six miles of off-highway motorcycle trails, a picnic shelter and a youth ATV training area. The park is open seven days a week from dusk ‘til dawn, depending on weather conditions. For information about the condition of the park, visit www.mndr.gov and click “Current Conditions.” Driving from Darwin the park can be found by going west on U.S. Highway 12, turning south on to Co. Rd. 9 and continuing for approximately six miles; the entrance is on the east side of the road. For more information, visit www.dnr.state.mn.us/ohv/trail or call Alvin Bertram at 320-587-9505.

Darwin Rod and Gun Club 27902 668th Avenue, Darwin

The Darwin Rod and Gun Club is a sportsmen’s club that offers year-round range shooting to members (membership is $20) and trap shooting on Wednesdays between late May and August. The club’s clubhouse — complete with full commercial kitchen and beer on tap — is also available for rental for weddings, birthday parties or other events. For more information, call Ken Porth at 320-693-8722.