The Small Town In Minnesota That Is Booming With Summertime Activity
By Betsy Rathburn|Published July 19, 2019
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Betsy Rathburn
Author
Betsy is a Minneapolis-based writer who's lived in Minnesota for 20 years. If you know of any amazing Minnesota restaurants, nature areas, or other attractions, feel free to let her know about them at brathburn@onlyinyourstate.com or on Twitter @betsyrathburn.
When summer is in full swing, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by all that there is to do. After all, winter is just around the corner. We Minnesotans have to make up for lost time by soaking in every minute of sunshine during our hazy, humid summers. Instead of rushing to every corner of the state to fulfill your summer bucket list, why not concentrate your activities into one area? There’s a small town in Minnesota that is absolutely booming with summertime activity. Read on to learn all there is to do in Lake City, Minnesota, in the summertime.
Lake City is a small town in southeastern Minnesota. It's about 70 miles southeast of the Twin Cities. As you might expect with a name like Lake City, the town is full of summer activities.
Summer - and every other time of year - brings a lovely atmosphere to Lake City's downtown area. The many local shops and restaurants open their doors to locals and visitors alike. It's a charming place to spend a day exploring.
Once you've gotten your fill of the town's historic streets, tun your eyes to the lake that gives Lake City its name. Lake Pepin is a wide part of the Mississippi River, perfect for summer recreation.
The many sailboats parked at the Lake City Marina are beautiful whether they're stationary or gliding across the water. But you don't need a sailboat to enjoy Lake Pepin. Any boat will do for fishing or cruising the water.
But you can still enjoy the lake if you stay on shore. Beaches along Lake Pepin include a lovely one at Lake City's Hok-Si-La Municipal Park and Campground. Sink your toes in the sand and enjoy the gorgeous scenery.
You can even enjoy Lake Pepin from above! Eagle Hang Gliding is a Lake City business that takes visitors high into the air! If you can stomach this thrilling ride, you will see some of the best views around.
But if you prefer to seek your thrills in a more low-key way, Lake City has you covered. There are three golf courses in town, each with rolling greens surrounded by gorgeous southeastern Minnesota scenery. You'll love the open spaces and bluff views.
That's still not all there is to do in Lake City. This town also has its own state park! Frontenac State Park has 13 miles of hiking, birdwatching, and fantastic views of Lake Pepin and the Mississippi River. If there's only one reason to visit Lake City, this is it!
