Some of my favorite vacations have been in Minnesota so I know you’ll enjoy this cheap weekend getaway to Sleepy Eye. Minnesota is a land of so much rugged beauty and and friendly charm. The North Shore has some of the most dramatic vistas and so many waterfalls, but it gets a lot of love already. I wanted to highlight some of Minnesota’s small town charm.
Introduction to Your Cheap Weekend Getaway
Sleepy Eye’s population is less than 4,000 so it definitely qualifies as a small town. Yet, it has some great history. Before it became a town, it was the home of the original Native American’s and one very important Chief Chief Ishtakhaba became known as Chief Sleepy Eye because of his lazy eye. He was a proponent of making peace with whites and gave advice to the settlers in his area. He signed at least 4 peace treaties and even met with President Monroe.
While Chief Sleepy Eye gave the town it’s name, some residents say that Babe Ruth coming to town was the most exciting thing to ever happen in Sleepy Eye. In 1922, Babe Ruth and Bob Meusel played a barnstorming game in Sleepy Eye as part of a 19 stop tour. There are no markers to commemorate his visit, so you’ll need to use your imagination.
Trip Length: 2-3 days
Distance from Chicago: 7 Hours
Travel “Flavors”: History, Romance
Itinerary for your Cheap Weekend Getaway
Museums and Monuments
Sleepy Eye Depot Museum and Chief Sleepy Eye Monument – The Sleepy Eye Depot Museum is housed in a restored depot that is over 100 years old. The exhibits tell the history of all aspects of Sleepy Eye. You’ll find the Chief Sleepy Eye Monument on the grounds.
The Lovable Linus Statue – Sleepy Eye’s third claim to fame is Linus Maurer, a cartoonist,illustrator, and painter. However, he is most well-known for being the inspiration for the Linus character in Peanuts. A Linus statue has been created in his honor and can be found in front of the Dyckman Free Library.
Parks and Swimming
Sportsmen’s Park – Check out Sportsmans Park for a beautiful walk around the lake, swimming or camping. During the holidays, it’s also home to a great lights show.
Sleepy Eye Family Aquatic Center – During Summer months, you’ll want to check out the aquatic center with 2 waterslides and a water play area.
Gallery
Sleepy Eye Stained Glass – Stop by to see their gallery and studio or sign up to take a class and this stained glass creator and restorer.
Historic Sites
Fort Ridgely State Park – If you like to include some history on your getways, check out nearby Fort Ridgely, an important site during the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862,
Jeffers Petroglyphs – this historic site is a 30 minute drive from Sleepy Eye, but it will be well worth the drive. It is home to over 5,000 rock carvings thought to be made by the region’s Native Americans over 7,000 years ago.
Beverages
Sleepy Eye Coffee Co and Sleepy Eye Brewing Company – These twin businesses are housed in the former Pix theater, a local landmark. Visit for your morning caffeine AND wind down with a beer in the evening.
Lodging
Winowannastay Inn – For a unique lodging experience, reserve one of the 5 themed rooms at the Winowannastay Inn.
Travel Accessory
I’m a huge fan of the product and gift lists you see floating around the internet because I usually find some new-to-me product for myself, a friend or family member. I’d like to offer you the same inspiration by highlighting a travel accessory in each post.
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Everyone in my family likes their electronic devices. When we travel, we need a lot of outlets. This power strip with 3 outlets and 3 USB ports comes in handy. The best part is the way the outlets are spaced out so if you have a charger with a big box plug you don’t have to sacrifice your access to the other outlets.
Final Thoughts
Those are just the highlights that stood out to me. For other places to visit on your cheap weekend getaway, check out Sleepy Eye’s Chamber of Commerce website. If you use my trip suggestions or if you’ve visited any of these locations in the past, please provide your reviews in the comments. Did I miss something? Please add other itinerary suggestions in the comments, especially if they are off the beaten path. Happy vacationing!