It’s going to be a gorgeous weekend in the Willmar Lakes Area. Don’t have plans? Here are a few ideas to help you out.

Enjoy the lakes!
There are so many ways to enjoy the lakes in our area from simply taking a swim to renting a boat and going fishing. For those with a boat, try water skiing, tubing or wakeboarding on one of our beautiful lakes. Renting kayaks and canoes from the Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center is another

 great way to get out on the lake. If you’d like a more leisurely option, why not sign up for the Sunday Brunch Cruise from Green Lake Cruises or rent a pontoon and tour Green Lake? Otherwise just relax and delight in one of the two most popular beaches in our area: Saulsbury Beach on Green Lake and Games Lake County Park beach.

Pool time!
If you’d rather not jump in the lake but still want to cool off, head over to the Dorothy Olson Aquatic Center in Willmar. Fun for the whole family including two raging waterslides, a zero depth entry play pool with interactive play features for younger guests and a six lane recreation pool with two diving boards. You’re sure to work up a hunger in the sun all day so from there head over to one of the many delicious restaurants in Willmar including the new 1000 Degrees Neapolitan Pizza.

New London Water Days!
We also suggest heading over to New London for their New London Water Days and all the fun events that go along with it! Take in their Grand Day Parade, hog roast, fishing tournament and their family fun carnival. Catch one of the great performances by the Little Crow Water Ski Show as they perform on both Friday and Saturday this week. End your night with Keiki Fire and Light Show and then fireworks at dusk.

Food & Drinks!
For those that prefer the air conditioning on hot days, plan to visit Glacial Ridge Winery for a wine tasting and purchase a few gift items for those wine lovers you know. Then satisfy your hunger by stopping at O’Neil’s, Zorbaz on Green Lake or the New London American Legion for your favorite tasty meal. From there plan to stop by Goat Ridge Brewery in New London for a craft beer and great live music.

Shopping!
You couldn’t have picked a better weekend for unique shopping finds in the Willmar Lakes Area. Start off by heading to New London for their Customer Appreciation/Sidewalk Sales event. Many shops are participating and have great deals for all shoppers. And don’t forget to stop by the newest shop, Lucky Duck. You’ll also want to check out the New London Farmer’s Market and the many homegrown and handmade products offered by local vendors at Holm Park.

These are just a few ways to enjoy your weekend in the Willmar Lakes Area. For more events and attractions to see, check out our website at www.willmarlakesarea.com.