Day One

Start your adventure off at Hinterland Winery, a winery proud to offer award winning Minnesota wines, grown, produced and bottled by Hinterland. They offer wine flights, wine by the glass and bottle, wine cocktails, beer and cider, along with a delicious full food menu.

Time to check into your hotel and get your luggage situated. Choose from one of our many gorgeous hotels that are located in Willmar and Spicer.

If your stomach is still a bit hungry or perhaps looking for dessert; check out the many different dining options located in the Willmar Lakes Area.

Enjoy your night by taking in a production at The Barn Theatre in downtown Willmar. If you’re more into music, check out our Event Calendar to see which band is playing at which bar/restaurant! And then head to Foxhole Brewhouse to taste their latest craft beer creation.

Day Two

Grab a coffee and a delicious treat at one of our great coffee shops and wander around Willmar checking out some of the colorful and creative places to sit (community benches) with tiles decorated by the community and the beautifully wrapped traffic signal boxes designed by 10 local artists.

While in Willmar, be sure to stop by Mr. B Chocolates, a one of a kind chocolate company. Their gourmet chocolate will melt in your mouth and leave you with a smile on your face. Enjoy the story of how the store came to be while sampling some great treats. Then head to Spicer to check out the decorated light posts throughout town (Poles Gone Wild).

Next stop, Glacial Ridge Winery, West Central Minnesota’s Premiere Winery. You’ll receive a tour of the Winery, experience the wine making process and taste what makes this winery so special.

Time to head over to New London, a town with many unique artists and galleries. One of your first stops in New London should be at Three Sisters Furnishings, where they specialize in custom made Amish furniture! They also carry a wide line of home décor, unique gift items, children’s décor and gift items, delicious pantry items, and beautiful art. Next, you’ll need to check out greenwater garage + gallery to see an amazing art studio and possibly take part in one of their visual art workshops.

By now I’m sure you’ve worked up an appetite. Walk down to Middle Fork Café for delicious homemade Midwestern favorites such as the Grown-up Grilled Cheese, Gourmet Patty Melt or Chicken Wild Rice Salad. And when you’re ready to relax and unwind by the river, stop by Goat Ridge Brewery for one of their nine unfiltered craft beers on tap, their cold-press coffee or house-made sodas along with your meal.

When you’re done enjoying the tasty beverages at Goat Ridge, make your way through the patio area of the brewery, along the Crow River and up the artistic and windy pathway back to Main Street New London.

We hope you enjoyed this flavorful and visually appealing experience and share your photos with us using #WillmarLakesArea!