9 Best Things to Do in Kasson, Minnesota

Experience the Charm of Kasson’s Small Town

I’m really excited to be writing a blog post about Kasson, my husband’s hometown. There’s something so charming about a small town, and it’s really the people and community that make it so special. My husband’s best friend of nearly 30 years grew up a few blocks over, my father-in-law taught for more than 36 years in the Kasson public school system and won Teacher of the Year after just seven years. He also coached junior football and softball for several decades. My mother-in-law sees her best friends every Friday for cocktails and appetizers, and they’re both heavily involved in their neighborhood church. When we go to Kasson we seem to always run into someone they know. Kasson has an unbeatable sense of community that has created so many lifelong relationships for my husband and his family. Read on for the nine best things to do in Kasson, Minnesota!

1. Relax with Coffee at Smiling Moose

Start your morning with a visit to the Smiling Moose for coffee, tea, sandwiches, or an ice cream cone! Sip on a latte or indulge in a pastry while you sit on the outdoor patio and catch up with friends. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or simply looking for a cozy place to take a break, Smiling Moose offers a little bit of everything. The friendly locals and charming aesthetic of Smiling Moose will make you want to come back for more.

2. Find Hidden Treasures and Antiques

If you’re looking for a unique shopping experience, Kasson’s antique shop, Second Time Around, is not to be missed. These hidden treasures offer a glimpse into the past with vintage and one-of-a-kind items. From retro kitchenware to old-fashioned hats, furniture, and purses, you never know what kind of gem you might find here.

3. Shop for Unique Gift Items

Johnson’s General Store is a fairly new gift shop on Main Street. Here you’ll find a little bit of everything including slippers, jewelry, jams and jellies, home decor, and clothing. Many items come from local Minnesota artists and makers. It’s definitely a great place to find a special gift for someone in your life.

4. Grab Lunch at Tammy’s

Tammy’s Place is a great spot to grab a cold beer or lunch. We were impressed by the wide variety of items on the menu, as well as the generous portions for both food and wine! The food is always fresh, and the atmosphere is always inviting with a nice subtle Minnesota theme throughout. Take a moment to relax and enjoy the company of friendly locals while you refuel.

5. Sip Suds at Chaotic Brewery

After indulging in a savory lunch, you may want to quench your thirst with some locally brewed beer. Kasson’s only brewery, Chaotic Good, offers an extensive selection of craft beers including cream ale, red ale, blueberry wheat, rye oatmeal stout, and American IPA. Built inside an old carwash, this space lets in a lot of natural light. There’s also a big patio in the back with the occasional food truck. The brewery’s welcoming ambiance will give you a taste of small-town hospitality at its finest.

6. Visit the Historic Water Tower

Kasson has a rich history and a visit to the town’s historic water tower is a must for anyone interested in the past. Erected in 1895, 25 residents petitioned the Village of Kasson to build a waterworks system inside the village limits. The plan included an 80-foot tower and a deep well pump with a 7-horsepower engine. It’s a great place to stop and learn about an important part of Kasson’s past.

7. Veteran’s Memorial

Just outside the VFW on Main Street in downtown Kasson is a beautifully painted 37,000-pound boulder honoring our veterans. Sitting at ten feet tall, it’s artist Bubba Sorenson’s way of saying he’s grateful for what our veterans have done to protect our freedom. You’ll find these Freemom Rocks painted all across Minnesota and the surrounding states. Click here to learn more about the artist and where to find his other paintings.

8. Play a Game of Billiards

Pete’s Bar & Grill, (now called Pete’s Repeat after a fire burned down the original building) is a spot the locals love to hang out. We’ve spent countless nights here playing pool and darts, drinking very cheap beers, listening to live music, and catching up with my husband’s old classmates.

9. Sip Wine at a Winery

The Salem Glen Winery is just outside Kasson’s city limits. It’s a short drive and a fun way to spend the afternoon. Offering up a wide variety of wines all made locally with grapes grown on their property, you’ll find dry reds, sweet whites, and everything in between. Enjoy a charcuterie board and in the summer stop by for a wood-fired pizza.

Start Planning Your Trip

Kasson may be a small town, but it’s packed with charm and hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon with a cup of coffee or a competitive game of billiards, Kasson has something for everyone. For more inspiration, check out my blog post on the neighboring towns of Mantorville, and Rochester, Minnesota, which is just 20 minutes from Kasson!