Looking for a fun Minnesota day trip that combines small-town charm, outdoor adventure, local shopping and plenty of delicious food? Put New London, Minnesota, on your list!

Located in the heart of the Willmar Lakes Area, New London is a perfect destination for a day trip in Minnesota. Start your morning with locally roasted coffee, browse unique shops downtown, get out on the water, enjoy a delicious meal and finish the day with a sweet treat—all without having to travel far between stops.

From the Crow River and Mill Pond to nearby lakes, trails, public art, boutiques, restaurants and the famous Little Crow Water Ski Show, there’s plenty to see and do in and around New London.

So grab your favorite people and get ready for a day of exploring!

Coffee, Fresh Baked Treats & a Little Culture

Every great day trip needs a great start—and in New London, that means coffee!

Begin your morning at Waysetter Coffee, a local favorite for espresso drinks, lattes and drip coffee. After temporarily serving from the Little Theatre Auditorium, Waysetter is getting ready to welcome customers back to its Main Street location in downtown New London. Keep an eye out for its reopening and make it one of your first stops when exploring town!

If you’re visiting on a Sunday, check out Sunday Espresso at the Little Theatre Auditorium, presented by the Little Theatre Auditorium and New London Roaming Cinema. Most Sundays feature Sunday Matinee Movies with a different theme each week, giving you a chance to relax, hang out and enjoy a movie with friends. A barista is on hand to create espresso drinks, and cold non-alcoholic beverages are also available for purchase.

And don’t forget to stop at New London Bakery while you’re downtown. Pick up a fresh-baked treat, bread or other goodies to enjoy now—or take some home for later. It’s never too early to plan ahead for a snack!

Stroll Downtown, Discover Local Art & Shop Small

With your coffee in hand, take some time to simply stroll around downtown New London. This is the perfect time to slow down, take in the sights and discover some of the public art, murals and sculptures throughout the community.

New London’s creative spirit is easy to spot as you explore. Keep your eyes open for colorful murals and unique art installations along the way. You could even turn it into a mini scavenger hunt and see how many pieces you can find!

Then it’s time to shop.

One of the best things about a day trip to New London is the variety of unique shopping experiences you’ll find throughout the community. Leave a little room in the car—you never know what you’ll discover.

Make stops at:

• Bag Buffet & beyond – Browse hundreds of unique designer handbags, bags, wallets, accessories and décor, including vintage treasures and one-of-a-kind finds.
• Dragonfly Boutique – Browse clothing, jewelry, accessories, home décor, consignment finds and other unique treasures.
• K & Company – Find trendy, affordable women’s clothing and accessories, along with Minnesota-made gifts and other unique finds.
• Lucky Duck – A fun stop for families and anyone who loves toys, games, puzzles, gourmet popcorn and ice cream.
• Paisley Threads – Quilters will love this specialty shop filled with quilting fabrics, supplies, patterns and inspiration for their next project.
• The Happy Sol – Shop clothing, jewelry, gifts and home décor in this boutique focused on style, fashion and fun.
• Three Sisters Furnishings – Just outside of town, this family-owned destination features Amish furniture, home décor, gifts, pantry items, children’s items, art and more.

Take your time, browse the shelves and chat with the local shop owners. That’s part of the charm of shopping in a small Minnesota community!

Refuel with a Delicious Lunch

After all that shopping, you’ll probably be ready for lunch—and New London has several tasty choices to fuel your afternoon adventure.

Sweet River Café

For a cozy downtown lunch, stop at Sweet River Café. This locally owned café serves breakfast and lunch, including sandwiches, salads, soups, baked goods, desserts and specialty coffee drinks.

Keep in mind that Sweet River Café is open until 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday, making it a great midday stop rather than a dinner destination.

Mother’s Cupboard Remedy Bar & Market

Looking for something a little different? Mother’s Cupboard Remedy Bar & Market offers restorative teas, juices and elixirs along with a curated selection of herbal remedies, bulk herbs, natural products, gifts and home goods. They also serve lunch, including a weekly lunch special, making it a unique and tasty stop during your New London adventure.

Planning tip: Mother’s Cupboard is open Wednesday–Friday from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m.–2 p.m., so be sure to plan your visit accordingly.

Max’s on the Green

Looking for a lunch with a view? Max’s on the Green offers a delicious midday dining option in a beautiful golf course setting just outside New London. It’s a great place to relax and refuel before heading out for an afternoon of exploring.

Whichever you choose, you’re in for a lunch that feels distinctly local.

Spend the Afternoon Outside

Now it’s time to experience one of the biggest reasons New London is such a great destination: the outdoors!

With lakes, rivers, trails and parks all around the community, it’s easy to turn your New London day trip into an outdoor adventure.

Paddle the Crow River

Bring—or rent—a kayak or canoe and explore the Crow River and Mill Pond. The water winds its way through the community and provides a peaceful way to see New London from a different perspective.

The Mill Pond is part of the Crow River system, and paddlers can explore the water while enjoying a different view of the community.

Cast a Line

New London is surrounded by lakes and great fishing opportunities. Spend a little time fishing Mill Pond, Games Lake, Lake Andrew, Nest Lake, Norway Lake or Ringo Lake.

Whether you’re an experienced angler or simply looking for a relaxing way to spend an afternoon, there’s plenty of water to explore.

Explore Sibley State Park

Just a short drive from New London, Sibley State Park is a must for anyone who loves hiking, biking, wildlife and beautiful Minnesota scenery. With nearly 2,900 acres of prairies, hardwood forests, wetlands and lakes, there’s plenty to explore in every season.

For one of the area’s best views, hike to the top of Mount Tom, one of the highest points within a 50-mile radius. From the summit, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of forests, farmland, prairie knolls and sparkling lakes.

The park also offers 18 miles of hiking trails, including more than 3 miles of bicycle trails, plus opportunities for boating, fishing and horseback riding.

Pack a picnic, lace up your hiking shoes and spend a few hours exploring one of west-central Minnesota’s most scenic outdoor destinations.

Bike the Glacial Lakes State Trail

If you’d rather explore on two wheels, hop on the Glacial Lakes State Trail. The trail passes through the New London area and connects with communities, lakes and other recreational opportunities throughout the region.

It’s a great way to enjoy the scenery at your own pace—and you can always reward yourself with an ice cream stop afterward!

Play a Round of Golf

If golf is more your speed, make time for a round at Little Crow Golf Club. Located just outside New London in nearby Spicer, the course offers another way to enjoy the beautiful Minnesota outdoors during your getaway.

Get Out on the Lake

Want to make your afternoon a true lake day? Sunset Rentals LLC rents premium pontoons in the New London and Spicer area and delivers them to several area lakes, including Games Lake, Lake Andrew, Nest Lake and Norway Lake.

Whether you’re planning a family outing, a relaxing afternoon with friends or a little sunset cruising, there’s nothing quite like spending a Minnesota summer day on the water.

Catch a Little Crow Water Ski Show

Planning a summer Friday in New London? Be sure to check the schedule for a Little Crow Water Ski Show at Neer Park.

The Little Crow Ski Team has been entertaining audiences in New London for decades with impressive pyramids, barefoot skiing, jumps and other water-skiing acts. They perform on most Fridays throughout the summer, making it easy to build a show into your summer plans.

It’s a one-of-a-kind Minnesota experience and a fantastic way to cap off an afternoon outdoors.

Pro tip: Check the schedule before your visit and plan your day around the show. You won’t want to miss it!

Stay for Dinner

By now, you’ve earned a delicious dinner!

Alley on Ash

For food and fun all in one place, head to Alley on Ash. Grab a burger, pizza, appetizers or another favorite, then stick around for a little bowling. It’s an easygoing spot to relax and enjoy the evening.

Goat Ridge Brewing Co.

For craft beer, food and a riverside atmosphere, Goat Ridge Brewing Co. is another New London favorite. Located along the Crow River, Goat Ridge features a taproom and riverside beer garden, along with craft beer, house-made sodas, coffee and food from its artisan pizza kitchen.

Depending on the night, you may even catch live music!

Max’s on the Green

Located at Little Crow Hotel & Conference Center just outside New London, Max’s on the Green offers a delicious dining option with a beautiful golf course setting. It’s a great choice for relaxing over dinner after a day of exploring the New London area.

New London American Legion

Looking for live music to go with your dinner? The New London American Legion Post 537 is another local option. The Legion is a popular community gathering place and often hosts live music on Friday or Saturday nights.

If you’re hoping to catch some live music during your visit, be sure to check the Willmar Lakes Area Events Calendar for the current schedule and plan your evening around what’s happening in town.

End Your Day with a Sweet Treat

No perfect day trip is complete without dessert!

The Deep Freeze

The Deep Freeze is a summertime classic, serving soft-serve ice cream in cones, sundaes, shakes, snowstorms and other fun creations. It’s a perfect stop after a day of exploring, especially if you’ve worked up an appetite on the trails or water.

Lucky Duck

If you didn’t get your ice cream fix while shopping, Lucky Duck is another sweet stop, with ice cream and gourmet popcorn alongside its selection of toys, games and puzzles.

After a full day of exploring New London, there’s no better way to wrap things up than with a scoop (or two!) of something sweet.

Stay Overnight & Make It a Getaway

Once you discover everything there is to do around New London, you may decide one day isn’t enough!

Games Lake County Park

Located on the east shore of Games Lake along the Norway chain of lakes, Games Lake County Park offers campsites, camper cabins, swimming, fishing, hiking and biking trails and a variety of rental equipment.

Hide-Away Campground

Hide-Away Campground offers campsites on Long Lake, along with swimming, fishing, kayaks, paddle boats, pontoon rentals and easy access to the Glacial Lakes State Trail.

Shores of St. Andrew Bible Camp

For a retreat-style stay on Lake Andrew, consider Shores of St. Andrew Bible Camp, which offers cabins, rooms and group lodging during available seasons.

Little Crow Hotel & Conference Center

Prefer a hotel over a tent, camper or cabin? Little Crow Hotel & Conference Center is located just outside New London in nearby Spicer, making it a convenient option for extending your New London adventure. The property is also home to Max’s on the Green and Little Crow Golf Club, giving you even more opportunities to enjoy the area without going far.

Whether you’re camping under the stars, relaxing at a lakeside retreat or enjoying the comforts of a hotel, staying overnight gives you even more time to experience the New London area.

Plan Your Perfect New London Day Trip

A day in New London, Minnesota, is about more than checking attractions off a list. It’s about slowing down, supporting local businesses, enjoying the outdoors and discovering the little surprises that make a small town special.

Start with coffee. Stroll downtown. Discover local art. Shop small. Enjoy a delicious lunch. Get out on the water or hit the trails. Catch a water ski show. Enjoy live music and dinner. Finish with ice cream.

That’s a pretty perfect Minnesota day.

Ready to plan your own New London adventure? Explore the Willmar Lakes Area website to find more things to do, places to eat, events, shopping and places to stay in New London and throughout the area.

Frequently Asked Questions About New London, Minnesota

What is New London, Minnesota, known for?
New London is known for its outdoor recreation, area lakes, the Crow River, the Little Crow Water Ski Show, local shopping, restaurants, arts and entertainment. Its location in the Willmar Lakes Area makes it a great destination for a Minnesota day trip or weekend getaway.

What are the best things to do in New London, MN?
Some of the best things to do in New London include paddling the Crow River, fishing area lakes, hiking at Sibley State Park, biking the Glacial Lakes State Trail, exploring local art, shopping downtown and watching a Little Crow Water Ski Show.

Is New London, Minnesota, good for a day trip?
Absolutely! New London is a great Minnesota day trip destination with local coffee shops, unique boutiques, restaurants, outdoor recreation, arts and entertainment all within a relatively compact area.

Where can I eat in New London, MN?
Popular New London dining options include Sweet River Café, Mother’s Cupboard Remedy Bar & Market, Alley on Ash, Max’s on the Green, Goat Ridge Brewing Co. and the New London American Legion.

Where can I shop in New London, MN?
Visitors can shop at Bag Buffet & beyond, Dragonfly Boutique, K & Company, Lucky Duck, Paisley Threads, Three Sisters Furnishings and The Happy Sol, along with other local businesses and specialty shops.

What outdoor activities are available near New London, MN?
Outdoor activities include kayaking and canoeing the Crow River, fishing area lakes, hiking at Sibley State Park, biking the Glacial Lakes State Trail, golfing at Little Crow Golf Club and boating on area lakes.

When does the Little Crow Water Ski Show perform?
The Little Crow Water Ski Team performs on most Fridays throughout the summer. Check the current schedule before your visit, as dates can vary.

Where can I stay near New London, Minnesota?
Visitors can choose from campgrounds and lodging options including Games Lake County Park, Hide-Away Campground, Shores of St. Andrew Bible Camp and Little Crow Hotel & Conference Center.