Friendship

Girls Weekend Getaway

Take some time away and have a fun weekend with your girls.
Day One – Friday

First things first, check-in to your hotel and meet up with your friends at a nearby restaurant.

If you’re staying in Willmar, we suggest staying at the Best Western Plus or Holiday Inn Express & Suites so that you’re next door to two amazing restaurants with patios: Green Mill and Ruff’s Wings & Sports Bar. If you’re staying in Spicer, we suggest staying at SureStay Hotel or the Hampton Inn as they are both close to the downtown Spicer activity. Then you can always meet at O’Neil’s or Zorbaz for a delicious supper and a few drinks.

After you catch up with your friends over supper, then head into New London to see the amazing and talented Little Crow Ski Team perform at Neer Park (Fridays June-August) or check to see if the Little Theatre Auditorium has any performances going on.

Finish off your first night together over a delicious craft beer at Goat Ridge Brewery, O’Neil’s or Zorbaz on Green Lake while listening to a live band or DJ. Check out our Event Calendar to see who is playing where.

Day Two – Saturday

Make the most out of your full day with your friends by starting out early in the day.

The Willmar Lakes Area is unique in the fact that it boasts a variety of coffee shops that serve their own unique blend of coffees, beverages and delicious baked goods. If you’re in Spicer, we recommend stopping at Jacked Up Coffee Co and if you’re in New London we recommend Lake Affect Coffee. Willmar is lucky to have seven different coffee shops that’ll make sure your day starts off right! You’ll definitely find something you love at one of these delicious coffee shops.

Then it’s time for some seriously fun shopping! The Willmar Lakes Area is home to a variety of unique shops and boutiques that are sure to have what you’re looking for. The quaint little town of New London is known for it’s unique shopping. Some of our favorites in New London include the Lucky Duck, Ali J Boutique, The Happy Sol, Dancing Goat Studio, K & Co. Boutique & Gifts and Three Sisters Furnishings. No shopping visit would be complete without stopping at Urban Escape in Spicer! Their store is an uplifting environment that’ll help you leave behind the chaotic day and immerse you in an eclectic mix of women’s apparel, accessories and gifts. Willmar also has a variety of shops that we think you’ll love including Glow by J. Boutique, Lotus on Burlington, Mainstream Boutique, Primrose Boutique, Shoppe 14, and Stacy’s Nursery & Floral. So maybe you won’t be able to visit all these amazing stores in one day, but I’m sure your gal pals wouldn’t mind extending the trip or planning another one!

Not in the mood for shopping, plan ahead and make a reservation for a Bloody Mary Cruise with Green Lake Cruises (usually Saturdays in June-August) or book your own private cruise for you and your friends. You’ll love the scenic view of Green Lake aboard the ‘Danny Boy’ and the amazing relaxed atmosphere that this 56 foot houseboat creates.

And whether you decide to get lunch before or after, a stop at Mr. B’s Chocolates is a must on any visit to the Willmar Lakes Area. You’ll get to sample some of the best Belgian chocolates in Minnesota. But they are only open until 1:30pm on Saturdays so make sure you plan accordingly.

There are so many dining options in the Willmar Lakes Area that it can be hard to choose sometimes. It really depends on what you’re in the mood for. For amazing authentic Mexican food, we would suggest heading to downtown Willmar to enjoy your favorite dish at Azteca, Copaneco Restaurant or Spurs Bar & Grill. For delicious pizza head to Jake’s Pizza, Giovanni’s Pizza or Zeppole’s Pizza and Pasta. For a meal that makes you think you’re at Grandma’s house, stop by Frieda’s, Middle Fork Cafe, or McMillan’s Family Restaurant.

Now that you’re refueled, we suggest wearing off some of that energy by enjoying a leisurely walk, bike ride or kayak adventure. Some of our favorite walking and biking trails include the Glacial Lakes State Trail, the Eagle Lake Trail, Robbins Island trails and the beautiful road route around Green Lake. Don’t have a bike? Rent one from one of eleven BikeWillmar bike share hubs throughout Willmar. You can also call to make a reservation for a kayak or fat tire bike from Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center. Just make sure to call 24 hours in advance or by noon on Friday for a weekend reservation.

Let’s bump up the fun a notch and head to Big Kahuna Fun Park! Enjoy some racing action on their go-karts, cool off on their Wet & Wild bumper boats with squirt guns, and enjoy a competitive game of mini-golf on their large 18-Hole premier mini-golf course (Open Memorial Day-Labor Day). And you’re never too old to enjoy some arcade games and ice cream, are you?

The best way to end this amazing Saturday with your gal pals is to enjoy a delicious meal and a glass of wine at Green Mill Restaurant, Max’s on the Green, O’Neil’s, or The Oaks at Eagle Creek.

Day Three – Sunday

Before you part ways and head back to your normal life, enjoy a leisurely breakfast that will have you refueled for the day to come.

If you’re in Spicer, head over to Westwood Cafe for an amazing breakfast menu that’ll have your mouth watering. If you’re in Willmar, McMillan’s Family Restaurant is known to have the best brunch menu in the area! And if you’re not quite hungry enough for a full brunch buffet, they also have amazing cinnamon and caramel rolls that’ll satisfy your hunger!

After a weekend in the Willmar Lakes Area with your besties, you’ll definitely feel recharged and ready to get back to work the next day!

Public Beaches

Missing the beach but don’t want to travel far? Willmar Lakes Area has got plenty of beaches and lakeshore for you to enjoy this summer.

Lakes & Water Recreation

Places to stay

Whether you revel in the outdoors or are looking for all the comforts of home, we’ve got plenty of campgrounds, hotels, and resorts to fit your needs and budget.

Places to Stay

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