Cozy. Relaxing. Charming. Nisswa, Minnesota, is a quaint town and one of the most popular weekend destinations in the state. Nestled between lakes and giant trees, the best things to do in Nisswa, Minnesota include getting outside, eating, drinking, and shopping in a cute downtown area. Despite its size, this central Minnesota town has a lot to offer and…
A weekend in Nisswa feels like a true escape.
How Far Is Nisswa, Minnesota from the Twin Cities?
It’s 138 miles and takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes to get to Nisswa, Minnesota from the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. It is far enough away from the cities to make it feel like a true getaway, while also being close enough for a quick weekend away.
When is the Best Time to Visit Nisswa, Minnesota?
ANY TIME! If you haven’t been to Niswa, Minnesota yet, make your way here during any season. Whether it’s 80° or 8°, you can enjoy this small towns vibe. Enjoy all of the lakes, turtle races, or a water park in the summertime. Ice fish, downhill ski at Mount Ski Gull, or ice skate in the winter.
The Best Things to Do in Nisswa, Minnesota:
Where to Grab Coffee in Nisswa, Minnesota
Of course, we have to start the day with a cup of coffee—one of my favorite things. And you have a couple of different options.
Stonehouse Coffee & Roastery
Coffee roasted in-house and daily, Stonehouse Coffee & Roastery is a great place to grab your morning cup of joe! Starting in 2001 as a small, family-run business, Stonehouse has now expanded into three different locations in Nisswa and the Brainerd Lakes area. And their slogan, Seriously Good Coffee, rings true.
There is a reason this place has been rated a Top 5 Coffee Shop in MN!
Stop in the Nisswa location (right on Nisswa Lake near the Paul Bunyan Trail access) and you will love the community vibe as you sip an Americano and enjoy a famous scone. It’s a great way to start the day!
Adirondack Coffee
Another option for your morning in Nisswa, Minnesota is Adirondack Coffee—artsy and eclectic with delicious coffee, plus homemade treats and breakfast items. Located right downtown Nisswa, stop in first thing in the morning, or for an afternoon treat as you walk and shop around.
Where to Eat in Nisswa, Minnesota
Nisswa, Minnesota goes beyond coffee! There are so many places to grab a bite to eat no matter if it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner! Here is where to go:
Ganley’s Restaurant
Hungry for breakfast—even if it’s 2 pm? If so, it’s got to be Ganley’s Restaurant, a small, old-school, family-owned diner setting with a classic breakfast-served-all-day menu. Eggs how you like them, bacon, hash browns, and pancakes. Everything you need, right in town!
And you don’t want to skip the cinnamon roll. Make sure to get here early enough; they do run out! Both original and caramel are great options, but I stick with the original—look at that thing!
Main Street Ale House
Located downtown, this modern lodge-style restaurant/bar is perfect for lunch while shopping or dinner towards the end of your day. Take a seat at the long bar and order from their list of 30+ tap beers—many of them from Minnesota. Or grab a table and enjoy a sit-down meal.
The Main Street Ale House menu includes burgers, sandwiches, and tacos, as well as main entrées like ribeye and walleye. And my hot tip: make sure to order the Brussels Sprouts from the appetizer menu. If you’re a fan, you’ll love them! (Even if you don’t…it includes bacon.)
Rafferty’s Pizza
If you are in the central Minnesota area, you are sure to see a Rafferty’s Pizza! This pizza place (with 5 different locations in the area) serves both classic and creative pizza complete with a delicious crust. And you’ll find wings and sandwiches on the menu to go along with it.
Go with your go-to pizza order or something fun like Baked Potato, Jamaican Jerk, or Taco! You’ll enjoy it in a fun atmosphere with both indoor seating and an outdoor patio for those warm summer days.
Read 11 Best Restaurants & Bars in the Brainerd Lakes Area
Where to Drink in Nisswa, Minnesota
Drinking your calories today? Ha, there are plenty of places to do so in Nisswa! From breweries to dive bars and everything in between, there is something for you.
And it’s the perfect town for a bar hop!
Big Axe Brewing
Definitely make time to have one (or four) in Big Axe Brewing, located right in downtown Nisswa—it’s always a great time! This local brewery brews beers worth talking about. Their rotating menu has something just for you whether you are into lagers, IPAs, stouts, or sours.
Pick your favorite (along with some good food) and find a table in the small front area or over in the taproom. I highly recommend the Axetoberfest (I’m a lager-drinker.) Love your beer? Don’t forget a growler on the way out!
Roundhouse Brewing
Another brewery in the area is Roundhouse Brewery, located just as you get into town from the south. It’s a historic setting and a family-friendly environment where tasty and creative beers are brewed! Stop in for a few brewski’s and don’t forget to stop at the Dining Car—counter-service eats like nachos, wings, burgers, and tacos.
Roundhouse Brewing is also focused on building a space for their great community to connect. Stop in for Trivia and Bingo Nights, Live Music, or Meat Raffles. Plus, there is a Wreck Room where you can test your ax-throwing skills!
Ye Old Pickle Factory
More of a dive bar fan? (Me too.) A Nisswa, Minnesota staple since 1950, Ye Old Pickle Factory is a bar to experience! You will find locals, pool tables, TVs, and plenty of domestics. And their menu is full of bar-fried appetizers like cheese curds, onion rings, and, of course, deep-fried pickles. You’ll also find a page full of basic pizza options. Stop in and you might not want to leave!
Where to Get Outside in Nisswa, Minnesota
Outdoor recreation in Nisswa, Minnesota is everywhere you look. Whether it’s summer, fall, or you are getting through the winter months, there are outdoor activities for you!
- Crow Wing State Park: Check off one of Minnesota’s state parks. 18 miles of trails through the woods along the Mississippi River. There’s also snowshowing in the winter!
- Paul Bunyan Trail: 115 miles long! Spaces that are flat and open as well as scenic and hilly. You can hop on the Paul Bunyan State trail right from downtown Nisswa. Enjoy a nice hike or…
- Up North Bike Rentals: Hit the trail on wheels! Rent bikes right in town and cover even more ground.
- Brainerd Lakes Best Rentals: Summertime? Rent a boat for the day and enjoy some fun in the sun! Beautiful Lakes surround this entire area so you have many options to choose from.
Where to Shop in Nisswa, Minnesota
One of the most fun things to do in Nisswa, Minnesota is shop! The cute downtown is full of unique stores, fun shops, and aesthetically-pleasing boutiques. Specialty foods, clothing, gifts, chocolate, and books are just the beginning! Here are a few of my favorites:
Loide’ Oils & Vinegars
I have decided that in my next life I am going to own an oil and vinegar shop—lol. These stores have me pulling out my wallet faster than any other type of store, and this one was no different.
Loide’ Oils & Vinegars is your typical tasting room with what feels like endless options to choose from. Try (and buy!) a bottle of something classic—original, garlic, basil. Or step outside the box with something more daring—if you love spicy, try the Baklouti Green Chili Oil. In addition, you’ll find bottles of vinegar, treats, and fun gifts.
Turtle Town Books & Gifts
If you love a good booksore, make sure Turtle Town Books & Gifts is one of your stops. The owners are beyond friendly and are always ready to help you find exactly what you are looking for that day.
Books, gifts, puzzles, and games, as well as toys, fill the shop where you can easily spend a couple of hours. The shop is very geared towards kids, so definitely bring them with you! And don’t worry, if you are there for yourself, there is plenty to peruse.
Nisswa Totem Pole Boutique Marketplace
Right next to the bookstore, visit Nisswa Totem Pole Boutique Marketplace. It’s a fun gift shop where you are sure to find gifts for the special people in your life—and they go all out at Christmastime! Find handcrafted and locally sourced gifts (the best kind) that include apparel, home furniture and decor, mugs, candles, and trinkets.
More Boutqiues and Gift Stores
- Anchored in Nisswa: Another favorite of mine with a great aesthetic.
- The Fun Sisters Up North: Fun, affordable fashion for all women.
- Meg’s Cabin: Up north gifts you will definitely want to buy! Homemade salsas, candles, soaps, and Minnesota souveniers.
The Chocolate Ox
One of the most well-known shops in Nisswa, Minnesota is The Chocolate Ox. Stop in this candy shop plus ice cream parlor for all of the sweet treats. Who could pass it up!? Grab a classic chocolate ice cream cone while you walk around downtown—and don’t forget a bag of goodies to bring home!
Where to Stay in Nisswa, Minnesota
Brainerd and the surrounding area, including Nisswa, is known for its big resorts and fun places to stay—a true tourist destination. Check out the Lodging and Travel page for a ton of different options whether you are looking for hotels, resorts, or campgrounds.
One of the most beautiful (and sought after) stays up north is at the Grand View Lodge. I highly recommend it—everyone in the family will enjoy it!
Grand View Lodge
One of the most popular, year-round resorts in Minnesota. Grand View Lodge has been around since 1916 and was rated a Top 5 Resort in the Midwest! Located right in the forest with a long, beautiful beach, you can take advantage of golf courses, the spa, hot tub, indoor pools, and a bunch of restaurants.
Your family is sure to make memories at this unique location.
The Best Things to Do in Nisswa, Minnesota
A day trip or weekend trip to Nisswa is 100% worth it! Make it a weekend getaway with your spouse, bring the entire family, or have a fun girls weekend! You will love the warm and cozy feeling of the area. And what can beat a day started off with coffee, followed up with exploring the outdoors, shopping, eating, and drinking? It’s the perfect getaway.
