The Perfect Fall Family Staycation
Are you looking for a family-friendly fall break getaway without the hassle of traveling far from home? Look no further than the Willmar Lakes Area, where you can enjoy a perfect staycation with plenty of fun activities for the whole family to enjoy.
First things first, you’re going to need a hotel. The Willmar Lakes Area has a wide variety of hotels that have everything you need for a relaxing night (or week) stay. The Best Western Plus is conveniently located in the same building as the Willmar Conference Center, Ruff’s Wings and Sports Bar and the Green Mill Restaurant. If the kids need a little more excitement while swimming, then book a stay at the Country Inn & Suites and let them enjoy the 90-foot waterslide while you relax in the hot tub. Another great hotel option is the Hampton Inn Green Lake Resort in Spicer. Along with your clean and comfortable stay in their hotel, you’ll be located right across the road from the Glacial Lakes State Trail where you can enjoy the beauty of nature during your walk, run or bike ride. On the other side of the hotel, your kids can enjoy the large Wildcat Cove Playground at Pirrotta Park while you take in the beautiful views of Green Lake. In the evening, take advantage of the outdoor fire pit and patio, exclusively for Hampton Inn guests, while you share stories of your day’s adventures. Other great hotel options include SureStay Hotel by Best Western and Little Crow Resort & Conference (a Trademark Collection by Wyndham) in Spicer and the AmericInn and Days Inn in Willmar.
Next up, let’s find you and your family some outdoor activities you’re sure to love! Whether there’s snow on the ground or not, you’ll love exploring the trails at Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center on their fat-tire bikes. Make sure to call at least 24 hours in advance to book your bike rentals. If the fat-tire bikes aren’t your cup of tea, you can always enjoy the trails by walking and slowly taking in the views of the fall colors and the fall bird migration. For nature lovers, a visit to Sibley State Park is a must. As one of Minnesota’s top 20 attractions, you can explore the many beautiful hiking trails, take part in one of the intrepretive programs, or even try your hand at fishing. Hike to Mount Tom, one of several high points in a 50-mile radius, and see a patchwork of forest, farmland, prairie knolls and lakes. It’s the perfect location to check out all of the amazing fall colors. Don’t forget your camera!
Need the kids to wear off even more energy? Then take them to the Destination Playground at Robbins Island Regional Park in Willmar. There they will get to enjoy 19,000 square feet packed with swings, merry-go-rounds, and draw bridges, all on a soft rubbery flooring. The fully-enclosed and accessible playground offers a safe and fun place for children of all ages and abilities to play and interact while the surrounding area provides seating and gathering areas for families. Ample parking is available near the playground along with restrooms and picnic shelter facilities for all to enjoy. Be sure to take a walk through the trails or around the lake to take in all of the beauty and recreation that Robbins Island has to offer! And if you’re family loves disc golf, don’t forget to pack your discs so you can enjoy the long and short holes, wide and narrow fairways and hilly terrain at Robbins Island Disc Golf Course. This 18-hole disc golf course is set between two lakes and offers a challenge through a beautiful park filled with scenic terrain, trails through forested oak hills and grassy knolls. Other great disc golf courses in the area include Ridgewater College Disc Golf Course and Tadd Lake Disc Golf Course.
If golf is more your style, then book a tee time at one of five beautiful golf courses in the Willmar Lakes Area. The Hawk Creek Country Club in Raymond has nine holes of fun plus a full-size driving range and putting green. Valley Golf is conveniently located on the east side of Willmar with nine holes offering fun, affordable golf to both the novice and experienced golfer. Island Pine Golf Club on the southwest edge of Atwater has a gently rolling course with scenic natural wetlands and the largest greens in the area. The signature par 3, 18th hole, is a beautiful island green that makes for an exciting finish to your round. At Eagle Creek Golf Course in Willmar, golf enthusiasts can enjoy a championship 18-hole golf course that features a combination of two very different nines creating a true challenge for all skill levels. Little Crow Country Club offers three distinct nines with 27 holes total as well as a full service driving range. Check out their Stay and Play golf packages to get the most out of your visit. And if the weather isn’t quite cooperating, reserve a bay at Willmar Indoor Golf, where you can practice your swing rain or shine. Indulge in some friendly competition with golf simulator technology so advanced that you will feel like you are actually playing the best and most beautiful golf courses on the planet.
Looking for more indoor fun? Head to Alley on Ash in New London for an afternoon or evening of bowling with your family all while enjoying their delicious burgers, pizzas and variety of beers! The Willmar Lakes Area is also home to two great theatres; Spicer Cinema 4 and Golden Ticket Cinemas Kandi 6. At Spicer Cinema 4 they offer four screens with stadium seating featuring the best quality picture from new digital projectors and premium digital sound. They also boast the lowest concession prices around with delicious family recipe popcorn that is second to none! If you’re traveling with young ones, you’ll want to check out The Village Children’s Museum where your kids can enjoy hands-on exploration of cultural and academic exhibits including plenty of space for physical activity. And for those that love history, be sure to make a stop at the Kandiyohi County Historical Society to see the variety of exhibits that depict the many years of history that has taken place in Kandiyohi County. The kids will love to explore the Great Northern Steam Engine #2523 that was built in 1916 and is now on display outside of the museum. Finally, unleash your inner artist by painting ceramics at Artsy Fartsy, where you can create personalized souvenirs to remember your fabulous staycation in the Willmar Lakes Area.
With a perfect blend of outdoor adventures, creative experiences, and family-friendly attractions, Kandiyohi County offers the ideal destination for a memorable fall break staycation that your family will cherish for years to come.
Fish our lakes
The possibilities are endless on our 30 recreational lakes…boating, swimming, fishing, water skiing, tubing, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boating, hydro biking, paddle boarding and so much more!
Fishing Report
Explore our Trails
Surrounded by beautiful lakes and scenery…who wouldn’t take a hike or a leisurely bike ride to enjoy the view? With miles of trials to choose from, you can always find new places to explore.
Trail Report
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