The Best Things to Do in Crosby MN

Located in central Minnesota, the city of Crosby MN (population 2,300) is truly a vacation destination—and an up-and-coming one at that. This area of Minnesota has recently become popular, along with the neighboring town of Cuyuna, due to their outdoor adventure scene (a lot of lakes, biking, and hiking) and an increase in downtown shops and bars. All that said, grab your paddle boards and your mountain bikes (don’t worry, there are rentals!)—and hit the road to Crosby Minnesota!

How Far is Crosby MN from the Twin Cities

Crosby Minnesota is 2 hours and 14 minutes from Saint Paul and 2 hours and 4 minutes from Minneapolis, traveling mainly on 169 N. It’s that perfect distance to get out of the city, enjoy a true north Minnesota weekend, and not feel like you spent too much time in the car.

Where to Stay in Crosby MN

Cuyuna Cove has followed the trend and quickly become the popular spot to choose in the Crosby/Cuyuna area. Their small cabins in the woods are a big hit and everyone loves their stay. Make sure to book early!
Crosby Lofts are another popular pick right in the heart of downtown Crosby, next to all of the shops, bars, and restaurants. They have 4-6 person lofts as well as a big outdoor rooftop deck!

We covered the logistics. Let’s get to the “what to do in Crosby Minnesota” part! You can spend a long weekend (or more!) in the area and pack each day with outdoor adventure, good beer, and memorable plates of food. First things first:

Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area

This Minnesota location really has Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area to thank when it comes to their major boost in popularity. Getting out here is easily one of the best things to do in Crosby Minnesota. It is a mountain-bikers (or fat-tire bike enthusiasts) dream-world with tight turns on the red dirt that take you around scenic views across 800 acres, including those of the crystal-clear lakes. There are cycle paths for all types from beginners to advanced. And speaking of the lakes; they are the perfect destination for those who love to get out paddle boarding. There are miles of natural shoreline and an amazing view at every turn. Talk about outdoor adventure. This recreation area does it right and is one of the best in the United States.

Mountain Bike Trails

Former mining pits and rock deposit stockpiles now boast some of the best biking trails in North America. Whether you’re a seasoned vet or just getting started, there are places for you on the trails.

25 miles of mountain bike trails.
8 miles of paved bike trails (Cuyuna Lakes State Trail—great for hiking as well.)
40 miles of groomed fat tire bike trails in the winter (also good for cross country skiing and snowshoeing.)

Hiking Trails

Walk the paved Cuyuna Lakes State Trail: amazing views with lookout points and lakes.
Walk the Miner’s Mountain Overlook: located right near Miner’s Mountain Rally Center—there is a parking area, you can walk to an overlook of Huntington Mine Lake. Note, you can drive up but it is closed to vehicles in the winter.

Things to Know About Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area

Vehicle Permits are required: $7 for one day or $35 for an annual pass (which includes all state parks)
The bike paths are currently (March 2021) closed for spring thaw so make sure to check the website for when you’re able to get out on the trails again.
Grab all your maps beforehand here: most of this area is remote and your cell phone is likely not going to work!

Rental Shops in Crosby MN

Don’t worry if you don’t own equipment for enjoying everything Crosby/Cuyuna, Minnesota has to offer. There are a few great shops that are happy to rent to you!

Red Raven: You can rent bikes here for 4-hours or a full day (store open-close). And the bonus? They sell delicious food/drinks as well—more on that below.
Cykel: Rent bikes for 4-hours, a full day (store open-close), or 24 hours.

Serpent Lake & Crosby Memorial Park

If all of these fat-tire bikes, hikes, and paddleboard mentions are a bit overwhelming and you are simply looking for a great place for a walk or casual swim, Serpent Lake is for you. Crosby Memorial Park is right on the water with play areas and spots to chill out.

Shopping in Crosby MN

Victual

This is an AWESOME gift shop in Crosby Minnesota. Victual is one of my new favorite shops and that’s no exaggeration. Many people stop in to grab premium ice cream or gourmet cheeses, but they have a lot beyond that! Home décor, clothing, Northern Minnesota gifts and knick-knacks, and my personal favorite, gourmet foods. Different sauces and spices along with specialty noodles and snacks. I could have perused forever. Located right in downtown Crosby, it’s in a central location that you’re sure to pass as you explore. Stop in!

Others Gift Shops

Gifts Galore sits on 3^rd Ave. NW near Red Raven and Restoration Books & Gifts and Red Threads (apparel and custom design) are on E. Main St.
If you’re into searching for hidden gems, 202 Antiques on Main, Hallett Antique Emporium, and Crow Wing Antiques are all right downtown along E. Main St.

Great Restaurants in Crosby MN

You are in for some memorable food when it comes time to eat in Crosby Minnesota. And show up craving pizza because you have a couple of options!

Rafferty’s

Rafferty’s in Crosby in a casual place (one of their four restaurants/pick-up locations in the area) where you can grab traditional or wood-fire pizza—with a delicious crust. It’s a fun environment with a lot of young employees who are smiling and having fun and you can choose to sit at the bar (they have big TVs) or at a table or booth in the dining area. The “Basil Peso” was delicious.

Note: the Crosby location is the only one with a wood-fire grill. Which obviously makes it the best!

Iron Range Eatery

Another popular spot where you can grab some high-quality pizza is Iron Range Eatery. There are also burgers, pasta and fish dishes, and a few apps like build your own bruschetta and calamari fries. The restaurant is on the smaller side, though very cute and community-driven, with a few bar stools and small tables. And in the warmer months, you can grab a seat outside! Order The Hawaiian if you’re all about the pineapple, like me—YES, it belongs on pizza. And if that’s not up your alley, you can’t go wrong with The Iron Ranger.

Red Raven

Turns out, Red Raven isn’t just a bike shop! It combines as a coffee shop and bar that serves everything from coffee and smoothies to sandwiches and beer—which of course, makes it one of the best things to do in Crosby Minnesota. It has an industrial hipster-vibe full of color with bikes that line the walls along with outdoor gear and Red Raven merch. They serve delicious coffee, but the real winner here is the smoothies! Order from various fruit options, your milk, and any add-ons like protein or greens. And that’s it! Super healthy. No addition of sugary yogurt or ice cream. The perfect pre-bike or hike meal. My recommendation: Blueberry Banana with Oat Milk, Power Greens, and Flax. YUM.

Mixed Company – A Kava House

Your classic coffee shop where you can grab your morning kava (the Croatian term for coffee) before hitting the trails! Mixed Company is very cozy inside with a couple of tables and fun art and knickknacks to look through and purchase. Their menu has all of the classic coffee drinks, sandwiches, paninis, pastries, and smoothies. Their breakfast burrito with bacon is a great start to any day!

Spalding’s and Trailside Tavern (below) also serve food—classic American bar menus. But they really belong in the Places to Drink in Crosby Minnesota section.

Places to Drink in Crosby MN

If I am being honest, what is one of the best things to do in Crosby Minnesota? Party. Ha. There are so many fun places to grab a beer or a cocktail and have a fun night.

Cuyuna Brewing Company

A bright and fun location that is a great stop for a beer and a must-stop if you’re one for the breweries. Both locals and tourists stop in Cuyuna Brewing Company and the beers keep them coming back—many people stop in just to fill up their growler. Cuyuna Brewing Company is downtown Crosby MN and has an industrial vibe with bar seats and wooden tables. They have a rotating tap list, mixed drinks (with beer), and non-alcoholic drinks like root beer and kombucha. There are quite a few IPAs and Pale Ale’s but you know I’m boring and got the Belgium Blonde which I’d recommend!

Hardwater Lounge

I could go on and on about this place. I love it. It’s a cocktail lounge that I think feels even more fun because you’re in a small town vs. a swanky downtown. The inside of Hardwater Lounge is elegant and simplistic with seating at the bar, booths, and window tables with décor that’s limited but pops. Their specialty? Smoked cocktails. Order your choice of drink and, if you wish, receive it in a smoker box where you leave it for a couple of minutes to add flavor. Once you open it up, smoke pours out and you grab your flavorful drink. It’s a cool experience. And makes your margarita taste delish!

Spalding House

If you’re like me, you’re always sniffing out the dive bar with big TVs and cheap beer. Well, you’re in luck because you can head on over to Spalding House and find just that! A classic bar scene, find a seat at the bar and mingle with the locals. They have your typical bar menu. And be careful…this place tends to get wild.

Trailside Tavern & Patio

If you want the bar scene without a headache in the morning, go to Trailside Tavern & Patio. This is a good place with a friendly neighborhood vibe. One side is dedicated to a bar and a few high-tops and another room has bigger tables with a few games. Don’t forget to do some pull tabs—I scored $155 here so there must be good vibes!

Brainerd Lakes Area Restaurants and Bars

Not all of the great food in the Brainerd Lakes Area is in Crosby. Check out all of the best places to eat in the area if you are going to venture out a bit.

What Else to Do in Nearby Crosby

The town of Crosby is only about 20 minutes from Brainerd and other neighboring towns for even more fun. Here are some other places you can go while you’re in the area:

Paul Bunyan Land: you don’t even have to go in, just stop for a picture with the Blue Ox! It’s perfect for your drive in.
Paul Bunyan Trail: the longest Minnesota bike/hike trail at 120 miles!
Dennis Drummond Winery: This place is incredible and worth the 20-minute drive from Crosby! Tons of wine, love the vibe, and their food is great.
Jack Pine Brewery: another one to check off the list! This is in Baxter, Minnesota.
Traditions Mini Golf: if you need to distract the kids for a while!
Mille Lacs Lake: Minnesota’s second-largest inland lake