Top 10 Spring & Summer Activities
Water Ski Days Festival
Annual Festival where over 20,000 people help celebrate Ralph Samuelson's invention of Water skiing on Lake Pepin. Live bands each evening in the Beer Tent, Carnival Rides, Arts and Craft Fair, Antique Auto Show, Family Games and Activities, Grand Parade, and more.
Pearl of the Lake Paddleboat
This modern day replica of the grand riverboats that traveled the Mississippi River in the 1800’s is run by twin paddlewheels. With a climate controlled lower deck and an open air upper deck, along with two restrooms, a full service bar, and catering services, there is plenty of room for up to 115 people.
Golfing
Practice your swing at one of Lake City’s beautiful golf courses. You can spend the day at Lake City Golf, Lake Pepin Golf Course, Frontenac Golf, or the Jewel Golf Course.
Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration
The grand fireworks are held at Dusk at Ohuta Park on the Lake Pepin riverfront. Live entertainment and food are available for your enjoyment as well.
Farmer’s Markets
Take your pick of the bountiful produce from around the Lake City area as well as other interesting items Do all of this while enjoying live musical entertainment by the lake.
Guided Fishing Tours
Catch the one that got away during tours guided by professional fishermen on gorgeous Lake Pepin.
Historical & Architectural Tours
Lake City has 2 walking tours, which include the Residential and Downtown District. Some of the buildings are on the National Historic Register and locations include the old opera House, Pearl Button Factory, City Jailhouse, and the location of Hotel Lyon when it was in existence.
Tour De Pepin
The first ever bicycling event based in Lake City, MN. The Tour de Pepin is offering enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy the captivating terrain and historic towns that line Lake Pepin along the Great River Road, as well as scenic views from the comfort of a genuine replica 1800s paddleboat.
Girls Day Out
Browse through our specialty shops, check out the spring items, participate in sampling & activities in our shops, and enjoy lunch, tea, or a snack. Collect tokens from participating merchants and you can register for a Girl's Day Out grand prize give-away!
Wabasha County Historical Society Museum
The museum is located in the old schoolhouse in Reads Landing that was built in 1870. It is said to be the only second brick school built in Minnesota. Displays open to the public include a school, country store, Mississippi River artifacts and industry information, antique agricultural equipment, and much more. See the new exhibit that is a recreated schoolroom with many original furnishings.
Top 10 Fall & Winter Activities
Apple Orchard Tours
Pepin Heights Apple Orchard is the country’s premier grower, packer, and marketer of the now world famous Honey Crisp apple. A family-owned company founded in 1949, Pepin Heights produces approximately 25% of the annual 700,000-bushel apple crop produced in Minnesota. Shop the company retail shop and experience a fascinating tour of the state-of-the-art packinghouse.
Birding
Lake City is located in a major migratory flyway. Over 250 species of birds have been sighted in the area, including the Tundra Swan, C. Merganser, the famed Bald Eagles, and hundreds of rare migrating songbirds, ducks, and hawks. There are many designated areas to look for these birds and view their beauty and migration routes.
Driving Tours
Choose one of the four driving tours in the Lake City area, which have some of the most scenic views of the Mississippi River, Lake Pepin, and the surrounding bluffs. The natural beauty and cultural heritage along the way will leave you in awe. Options include the Farm, Country, and Woodland Tour; Historic Theilman Tour; Fall Foliage Tour; and the Lake Pepin Tour.
Johnny Appleseed Days
Fresh apples and apple products, apple pie sales, harvest contests, arts & crafts market, children’s activities, chili cook-off, pancake breakfast, and much more. Wild Wings also hosts their Fall Festival with professional artist demonstrations and wildlife viewing with demonstrations.
Shopping in Downtown district
Lake City offers a great selection of specialty shops and one-of-a-kind stores for all of your shopping needs. You are sure to find whatever you are looking for, for your holiday needs and more!
Ice Fishing Contests
Ice fish on beautiful Lake Pepin and get a chance to win prizes and money for doing something you love.
Craft Day
Spend a day or evening scrapbooking or quilting at the Dragonfly Dreams Retreat Center, former doctors residence/office that is now designed with ample craft space and work stations. Get all of your supplies from the local Scrapbook Store or Rather Bee Quilting Store.
Villa Maria Retreat & Conference Center:
Founded as a boarding school for girls in 1891, it shifted focus in the 1970’s to host meetings and groups, as well as offering guided spiritual programs and retreats. Located just north of Lake City, in historic Frontenac, the center overlooks the surrounding river bluff country, and provides a setting for restorative peace through nature.
CPR Holiday Train
Support the local Food Shelf and come see the fantastic lights on this train. The entertainment car performs music and Santa will be there for the kids. This train makes over 40 stops in the U.S. and 70 stops in Canada.
Holiday Home Tours
The Miss Lake City organization sponsors tours through a number of homes decorated for the Holidays.
