Location: Granite Falls
Top Things to do in Granite Falls
Top Restaurants in Granite Falls
Top 7 Things to do in Granite Falls, United States
Granite Falls is a city in Chippewa, Renville and Yellow Medicine counties in the State of Minnesota. The population was 2,897 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Yellow Medicine County. The Andrew John Volstead House, a National Historic Landmark, is located in Granite Falls.
Restaurants in Granite Falls
1. Fagen Fighters WWII Museum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By Morgman - Burnsville, Minnesota
For anyone with a passing interest in history this is a must-see destination. Even our 17-year-old millennial said it was "awesome". There are several operational aircraft, jeeps, tanks, motorcycles and other displays spread over 3 climate controlled hangars. There is a reference library with tons of things to peruse. One could easily spend half a day just in there. They do a great job of making the displays come to life by seamlessly blending wall murals into floor displays, giving them a 3-D effect. The Normandy Beach landing craft scene is especially cool, as it has sand taken from the actual beach (Utah Beach) from the D-Day invasion. FYI, the landing craft itself is actually a well-concealed set of restrooms. There is a control tower providing a panoramic view of the airport that can be accessed via a 4 flights of stairs. There is a sobering holocaust section and a film documenting one soldier's incredible experiences. At almost an hour, it's a little long, especially if you have young children, but most will find it fascinating. They say you can fully experience the museum in 2-3 hours, but to take in everything, see the film and spend some time in the library I would say 3 -4 hours minimum. There are tons of places to sit and take a load off as well.
2. Upper Sioux Agency State Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By Daveptaz - Minneapolis, Minnesota
we stopped here on our quest to reach 125 miles for the MN state parks 125th anniversary. there's a promotion this year where you get some acknowledgement for hiking, biking, canoeing 125 miles. Happy to say we accomplished our 125th mile at this park. Sue in the park office is so nice and helpful. she also talked about the passport program that we knew nothing of, even though we've been to 20-25 state parks. we liked this park because it is good sized, yet very quiet. we hiked 13 miles over 2 days. one day on the MN River side, and one day on the bluffs side. There are a bunch of horse trails and a nice campground for the horse people. then there are 2 other campground areas. one is called rustic, it is down along the river. there are 7 sites there and has a small boat launch. fishing is the main attraction there. the main campground has around 30 sites, and a half dozen with teepees. we were surprised how quiet this campground was. I'm sure part of the reason is they've had some storm damage in the last month. so not all the campsites are useable yet. but you can tell they've put in a lot of labor trimming trees, etc. I bet this park is stunning in the fall, especially on the bluffs side where most of the horse trails are. we stayed in campsite #21. gave us some privacy and afternoon shade.
3. Prairie's Edge Casino
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By AJ1313Minnesota - Minnesota
This is a small, but very clean casino with plenty of nice amenities. We stayed in a 2 room suite on 4th floor. Room was very nice. Furnishings were updated, and king bed was very comfortable. This was a quiet section of hotel also...heard NO hallroom noise at all. Casino itself had a nice selection of slot machines, which is the only gambling that we do. Machines were loose enough to keep you interested, instead of frustrated! Cigarette smell was not overwhelming, which was a nice surprise.
The only downfall of our stay was the buffet. We agreed that is was probably the worst buffet we had ever been to! Considering it was a weekend, there was not much selection, and what there was left a lot to be desired. Pork loin was highlighted at carving station and was very dry. What they tried to pass off as shrimp scampi was about the worst quality seafood that can be served. Even the ice cream machine did not keep the mixture frozen... Pull the nozzle and it runs out already melted. Soup and salad bar was the best part. Buffet would get a 1/5 if rated separately.
We did sit in the Firefly Lounge and have a couple drinks and watched some football on the big screen TVs. Very nice atmosphere and you can order food off a menu there. The food that passed by us looked delicious and portions were big... So definitely eat there and skip the buffet!
All in all it was an enjoyable stay and given the opportunity would do so again.
4. K.K. Berge Building
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By Cindystar858 - Ramsey, Minnesota
The gift shop was not very large but most items were made by local artists. There is also art displayed around the large room. Awesome photography! This building also houses the Chamber of Commerce. We visited on a Saturday and the gal working was very helpful telling us about town and what not to miss during our visit.
5. The Treasure Stop
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By KittyvDK - Metro Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Minnesota
The second floor above the Granite Fall's "Dollar Store" is an antique store. The place is crammed full of knick-knacks - especially dishes. While it probably started as organized, there are now so many things in every nook and crannery, with overflowing boxes on the floor, etc. it is hard to even move. One has to be careful walking through, as one might cause an entire stack of dishes to fall to the floor if you bump that side table as you pass by. Everything is a bit dusty.
I've certainly been to well-organized and cleaner antique stores - yet honestly the mess and chaos is some of its charm. You never know what you'll find. If you like digging through piles of stuff looking for hidden treasures -- then this is the place for you. If chaos and lack of order give you a headache, then you will be overwhelmed and need to flee.
I have visited this place many times over the years, as I have passed through Granite Falls, and I have found some great finds (two rare books) and often also left with nothing. But isn't that what antiquing is all about? The thrill of the hunt?
6. Capone and Company
Overall Ratings
3 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By KittyvDK - Metro Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Minnesota
This small antique store emphasizes 1920s/Prohibition era collectibles and features merchandise that is a blend of vintage items, new items that are 1920s-inspired (such as headbands from the era or long cigarette holders) or T-shirts. A small room in the back has some vintage clothes.
It won't take long to pop in and pop out and the owner is nice.
It is on Prentiss, which is the "main street" of Granite Falls, right across from The Dollar Store. There are 4-5 antique stores along main street (and a cafe, Carl's, farther down). If one is in town, one might as well stop in each one, if antique shops are your thing.
7. Prarie Mercantile Antiques
Overall Ratings
3 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By KittyvDK - Metro Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Minnesota
With relatives in the area I stop by this antique store, housed in a former road-side gas station, every other year or so. The individual booths are almost always neat and orderly (some more than others, and occassionally perhaps a bit messy if in a state of transition or a display being redone). The staff is always friendly. I've found some interesting things - an antique medical prescription pad (the doctor noted everything he'd prescribed). Some of the individual booths have "themes" (like one does sort of Southwestern.)
Parking is free.
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