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Promoting travel and tourism in Southern Minnesota


Explore Southern Minnesota


Southern Lakes

Visit some of the 10,000+ lakes of Minnesota in the Southern Lakes Region. Enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, and experience the well preserved history and local towns.

Top Attractions

Sakatah Lake State Park

Waterville

Explore the 842 acre state park on a natural widening of the Cannon River.

Flame Theatre

Wells

Catch your favorite Hollywood movies at the historic Flame Theatre, built in 1912. The facility is owned and operated by the city of Wells.

MN State Public School Orphanage Museum

Owatonna

Where 10,635 neglected children were sent between 1886 and 1945. It was once the third largest institution of its kind in the nation.

Bayside Water Ski Show

Albert Lea

Bring the family and a picnic to take in the show at Edgewater Bay.

Heather Curling Club


Mapleton

This Olympic training facility has been in Mapleton since 1950. Curling is a Scottish tradition brought to Minnesota by Scottish settlers before Minensota was a state. This club will teach newbies, or you can just watch the pros.

Southern Minnesota Pond Hockey Championships

Fairmont

Is there a more Miinnesota way to gather friends, families, old teammates, or just hockey enthusiasts to play and watch pond hockey? Enjoy a wonderful winter setting, and take in some jolly Fairmont in January!

Explore Our Communities

Discover the cities, towns, and destinations that make up the Southern Lakes region.

Click each logo to learn more and start planning your visit.




Southern Lakes 

From scenic overlooks and historic downtowns to outdoor adventures and local favorites, these snapshots offer a glimpse of the experiences waiting throughout the region.

Plan Your Visit

No matter the season, Southern Minnesota is filled with memorable places to discover.

Use the resources below to find accommodations, explore trip ideas, and make the most of your visit.

Places to Stay     Visitor Guide    Trip Ideas



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