Photo courtesy Round Lake Vineyards
The friendly city of Worthington is nestled at the intersection of Interstate 90 and Minnesota State Highway 60. Between lots of recreation opportunities and great places to grab a bite to eat, Worthington is a sure bet for a weekend or day trip. Before you hit the road, make sure you add these six destinations and activities to your itinerary:
Explore Downtown Worthington
Photo courtesy Ricker's Photography Studio
Quaint lighting, comfortable benches, and decorative columns give ambiance for the wide variety of unique shops and restaurants found in downtown Worthington. Along Oxford Street, North Humiston, and Ryan’s Road, you can also find everything from retail stores, hotels, and restaurants to furniture, gifts, jewelry, auto sales, financial institutions, convenience stores, farm implements, beauty supplies and service, and so much more.
Visit Lake Okabena or Go on a Walk
Lake Okabena is situated in the center of Worthington and features 10 different lakeside parks for visitors to enjoy. Each offers different amenities such as restrooms, picnic and shelter areas, playground equipment, sand volleyball courts, basketball courts, boat launches, and more. The splash pad is ideal for small children or those with disabilities. Newly renovated, the Beach Nook offers canoe, paddle board, and kayak rentals, plus food and beverages (open 12-9 p.m. daily). For an afternoon bike ride, head to the 7.5 miles of bike paths around Worthington.
Enjoy the Patio at Round Lake Vineyards & Winery
Established in 2007, Round Lake Vineyards & Winery is a family-owned and operated business located on scenic Round Lake. With 15 different wines available, you’re sure to find something you love! You are welcome to sit by the lake and take in the comforting views of nature all while sipping on Round Lake Vineyards’ wine. Food from the bistro, live music, and other annual events take place any day of the week and they’re open year round.
Photo Courtesy the Globe
Try a Beer at Forbidden Barrel Brewing Co.
Nestled in downtown Worthington, Forbidden Barrel Brewing Co. recently opened in 2019. As the only micro-brewery in the area, they offer locally crafted beer, wines, and whiskey. Non-alcoholic drinks, pizza, nachos, and daily food specials are also on the menu and visitors can enjoy trivia nights, live entertainment, and other events throughout the year. As a nod to local heritage, the name and logo for Forbidden Barrel are derived from an 1872 story about East Coast settlers who didn’t abide by Worthington’s temperance movement. During a Fourth of July celebration, Prof. Ransom Humiston, Worthington’s founder, learned there was a keg of beer in the Worthington House Hotel. His reaction? He seized it, dragged it outside, and destroyed it with an axe.
Walk through Spomer Classics
Don’t miss the outstanding collection of classic cars and automotive memorabilia at Spomer Classics. Pristine porcelain, neon signs, and clocks spanning several decades will take you back in time. The amazing historical collection contains over 1,000 items, including more than 200 neon signs, as well as rare automobiles and other fascinating artifacts.
Tour the Historic Dayton House
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Historic Dayton House is a genuine showcase of Worthington’s early days. George Draper Dayton built this magnificent house back in 1890. He arrived in Worthington in 1883 and—recognizing Worthington’s potential—helped establish a thriving agricultural community. In 1902, the family left Worthington to purchase a mercantile business in Minneapolis which later became the famous Dayton’s Dry Goods Co. or simply Dayton’s.
