How to Spend One Day in Victoria, Minnesota
Victoria is a Cute Town Rich in History
Just 30 minutes west of downtown Minneapolis is the quaint town of Victoria, Minnesota. This town is filled with scenic views, boutiques, a bookstore, a brewery, and great restaurants. Named after the St. Victoria Church, which was built in the heart of town in 1857, this quaint little town has a lot to offer.
1. Enjoy the Lakefront Park
Right in the center of downtown is the Charlson Thun Community Bandstand. You’ll find benches made from large flat rocks and a big grassy area to throw a frisbee or set up a picnic. This is a popular spot for summer concerts and weddings, and you’ll see a nice view of Steiger Lake.
2. Check Out the Boutiques
There are a handful of beautiful upscale boutiques and a bookstore all on the same street in the heart of Victoria. You’ll find something unique and beautiful in each of them.
- Antiques Worthwhile, for interesting antiques
- Chapter One Book Store, for books, and books clubs
- Gretchen’s Room, for unique gifts and consignment items
- Willa June, for women’s apparel and accessories
- Winnie Lu, for boutique gift items, home decor, and lifestyle products
- White Birch House, for furniture, housewares, and home decor
3. Take a Scenic Bike Ride
Victoria is adjacent to Steiger Lake and the Lake Minnetonka LRT Regional Trail runs through town and past Stieger Lake. The LRT Regional Trail is a paved path that stretches for 15 miles beginning at the Carver Park Reserve in Waconia and running straight through to Hopkins. Bike on this beautiful path and stop along the way for photos and gorgeous views of the lakes.
4. Enjoy All the Great Restaurants
There are tons of options for food in Victoria, Minnesota. We’ve been to a few places and each one offers something great.
- Floyd’s Bar, for typical bar food and live music
- The Noble Lion, a chic tavern with a great patio
- Vic’s Bar and Grill, for fried fish, burgers, and giant pretzels
- Victoria Burrow, for food, drinks ax throwing, arcade games, and mini-golf
- Winchester & Rye, for upscale American fare and a whiskey bar
5. Relax at the Brewery
There is a great brewery in Victoria, Minnesota called Enki Brewery. They have a large indoor space and several outdoor spaces. I love getting a flight so that I can try a variety of beers. My favorites were Victoria’s Gold, a cream ale, and the Hootenanny Hefe Weiss, a German wheat beer. They also sell appetizers if you’re looking for a snack.
6. Enjoy a Sweet Treat
There are a couple of great places to get your sweet tooth fix in Victoria. Visit Ruby’s Roost for baked goods, donuts, and coffee. Or, walk around the block to the Social Ice Cream Parlor for generous portions of creamery goodness.
7. Visit the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Just a few miles down the road from downtown Victoria is the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. They have 1,200 acres of gardens, prairies, and tree varieties to explore. We visited during October, and I can only imagine how it changes and evolves as the seasons do. Stop by the bee and pollinator center, walk through the sculpture garden or enjoy the wildflowers. Once your feet get tired, take a spin in your car through the 3-mile loop to see even more of the property. Before you leave, be sure to check out the AppleHouse for fresh apples, mums, and gifts.
You could easily spend a couple of hours here. We saw lots of families with children, couples and two weddings taking place. Can’t wait to come back in the spring to see new flower varieties in bloom!
2 Comments
MK Dymock
What a fun way to spend the weekend. It’s absolutely beautiful.
Kez
It’s so cute! I love the idea of riding around the lake.