Looking for something fun and different and local to do while visiting Southern Minnesota in The Spring? We’ve got some great hidden gems to share with you!

Are you recently engaged? Or just in the deep fun of dating your better half? Are you looking for something fun to do for your first date? Perhaps you are looking for something fun in Southern Minnesota to do this Spring to celebrate your 1st Anniversary? Keep reading for some of our favorite local places to enjoy as a couple this Spring!

Photo Credit: Sarah Marschall Photo. Capturing a recently engaged couple visiting the farm at The Barn at Ballard Creek!

LOCAL OUTDOOR SITE SEEING AND EXPLORING

If you live in Minnesota, you know how long, cold, dreary and grey winters are! We all dream of the time we will see green grass, hear birds chirping and wake up from our 6 month slumber and get outside and do ALL THE THINGS!! That’s how we feel at least! During the long winter months, we dream of places to go eat at, where to hike, fish, listen to some great concerts, visit fun local farms and maybe even just soak up some sun! We curated a list of some fantastic places to enjoy in Southern Minnesota as a couple! So grab you partner in crime, hubby or wife, life long partner or new fling and check out some of these fantastic finds!

With the grass greening up and the waters starting to flower, what better place to go exploring in Southern Minnesota than Minneopa State Park? Our family loves to travel there all year long, but the spring is especially beautiful! The famous falls start to flow, the lawns turn green and the buffalo and calves if you’re lucky, will be out to pasture! Grab your significant other and explore on perfect walking trails! Don’t forget to check out the beautiful old mill, too.

Photo Credit: https://hammockliving.co/things-to-do-at-minneopa-state-park/

SWEET TREATS TO SHARE – OR NOT!

Another great local place to visit in the spring time in Southern Minnesota as a couple is an all time favorite – Mom and Pop’s Ice Cream! Located at 629 N Riverfront Drive, Mankato, Mom and Pop’s Ice Cream will give you that instant, giddy spring time fever! Mom and Pop’s is locally owned and has a HUGE variety of favorite classics as well as vegan, dairy free and gluten free options, too! Our favorites are superman (well, the KIDS love that one!), praline and cream, cookie dough, cotton candy, sticks and stones.. the list goes on and on! Their location is great – right on Riverfront Drive which has recently been completely renovated! The sidewalks have become extremely pedestrian friendly and parking greatly improved! So grab your love bird and some delicious ice cream, stake a stroll down riverfront for some good shopping and enjoy that fresh spring time air!

Photo Credit:  Mom and Pop's Facebook Page - Go like, follow and grab some ice cream! 

Don’t forget to get some delicious samples while you are there! Take a seat on their shaded back patio or continue to enjoy Riverfront and Front Street for loads of great shopping and dining. You can also walk a few blocks down to the river, The Blue Earth County Library or visit the Reconciliation Park.

LOCAL RESTAURANTS – TABLE FOR TWO PLEASE!

Don’t forget to stroll down to Mankato for some incredible eats! Lunch, dinner, brunch or breakfast. Mankato has so many great options for all the Southern Minnesota couples hungry in spring for some fresh new eats! Take a list at some of our top places to eat in Southern Minnesota as a couple!

Number 4 Steakhouse is known for their steak of course, but also their incredible drink list, burgers and most delicious french fries and dipping sauces! You may want to order a few extra!

Photo Credit: https://www.number4mankato.com/

Some other local favorites are Pub 500, Blue Bricks, Boulder Tapp House, NolaBelle Kitchen + Bar, The Wooden Spoon and Swiss and Madison.

CONCERTS TO ENJOY IN SOUTHERN MINNESOTA

If you love good blue grass, folk and country music, you will not want to miss Allison Kraus coming to Mankato! Vetterstone Ampitheater is an incresdible outdoor amphitheater surrounded by lawns and beautiful trees. Get tickets here! If you enjoy more classics, do not fret! Bob Dylan is coming to Southern Minnesota for couples to enjoy, too! You cannot go wrong at the state of the art Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center. Grab your tickets here . Looking for some country!? You won’t want to miss Justin Moore at Vetterstone Amphitheater for a great couple’s night out. Get your tickets here before it’s too late!

FARMS AND FLOWER FIELDS TO VISIT IN SOUTHERN MINNESOTA AS A COUPLE

The Barn at Ballard Creek loves giving couples tours all year round, but the spring might be one of our favorites! The trees are budding out, the tulips and daffodils are fresh in bloom, the wild flowers are slowly coming alive and the birds are chirping! We get to finally let the cows out to pasture and guests can come tour the venue and sneak the cows an apple or two! The Ballard Creek Farm has chickens to entertain you while you walk the grounds. While you are here, don’t forget to stop by the flower fields from the Little Cobb Flower Farm. With over 3,000 perennials and annuals, this is a flower experience you won’t want to miss. The Little Cobb Flower Farm specializes in all sorts of flowers and has a special love for dahlias! In the spring you’ll get to enjoy the yarrow, zinnias, iris, peony and some baby’s breath. Come back in July and August for a splendor of dahlias, celosia, sunflowers and so much more! Follow the Little Cobb Flower Farm on Facebook for U-Pick events and other fun collaborations through the summer and fall!

We hope you’ll consider having your wedding here at The Barn at Ballard Creek, no matter what stage you are at as a couple! The Barn at Ballard Creek is a wonderful Southern Minnesota Wedding Venue and will make your wedding dreams come true! Modern, traditional, country, rustic, whimsical, it all becomes the perfect venue to say your I Do’s! Take a minute to look at our packages for more info and fill out our contact form so we can visit here soon! We can’t wait to hear from you!

XOXO

Lindsey

Photo Credit: https://tiffanychesleyartistry.com/

It’s never too early to start dreaming and planning your wedding! If you have been dating for a while, recently engaged or just wanting to explore options and give your loved one a little nudge, please visit our website now to see all we have to offer. The Barn at Ballard Creek will not only give you and your partner a wedding of a lifetime, but will also give your guests an experience they will never forget!

Thanks so much for reading our blog and reading about all of the wonderful things there are to do in Southern Minnesota and Mankato in the spring time! We’re so excited about using our blog to highlight locally owned wedding venues. These venues often bring a more personal touch and dedication to your wedding day. As you plan your wedding, we hope you’ll consider a locally owned venue like ours! Check out this wedding venue map to discover many wonderful locally owned venues across the country. Sending a big shout out to all the amazing locally owned wedding venues out there!

Celebrations Event Center, The Hillcrest Estate, The Hidden Abbey, Ellas Garden, Round Barn Farm