From adults to kids, and everyone in between, you will find a ton of great things to do in Hugo, Minnesota. Hugo might be a small town in Minnesota, but it is full of small-town charm and has a lot to offer. Whether you’re looking for things to do in Hugo, Minnesota, or things to do in MN, there’s something for everyone. Come along and discover Hugo, Minnesota’s history, and everything you need to know about exploring this great town.
History of Hugo, Minnesota
The Dakota people were originally farmers in Hugo who used to grow wild rice. They would harvest the crop using a technique called “onakan” – meaning strike or knock off- during summer months when it grew abundantly on shallow lakes throughout their territory.
However, by the 1850s, European settlers had moved into this land, which led them into armed conflicts with Native Americans because both sides wanted control over these fertile lands that could produce crops year-round instead of just simply relying upon winter snowfall alone like before.
The name Oneka comes from an indigenous word “oni-k” meaning ‘to remove’, referring specifically to how they used forks or spears decorated with otter teeth (one ke) and sometimes charms made out of animal bones (two ks).
What’s Nearby Hugo?
Hugo is about an hour away from Minneapolis/Saint Paul, so it makes a great weekend getaway destination if you want to explore. It’s also easy to find places to eat near you, with plenty of options for your grocery and restaurant needs.
Fun Things to Do in Hugo, Minnesota
When you’re looking for fun things to do in Hugo, MN, there are a variety of activities you can take part in while visiting. Some things to do in Hugo include kayaking and visiting the farmer’s market on Thursday afternoons. If you want things to do for kids while staying in Minnesota, there are plenty of activities that will keep them entertained.
The Hugo Farmer’s market – Every Thursday from 3:00-6:00 pm the farmer’s market offers fresh local products for your grocery needs. You can get produce and other items here, taking them back with you to make fantastic snacks, meals, or anything else you need.
Big Wood Brewery – If you love excellent beer, then this is the place for you. Located just outside of Hugo, Big Wood Brewery offers a variety of craft beers and a taproom. Check out their website for upcoming events including live music, a chili cookoff, and more.
Lake Minnetonka – Take a ride around Lake Minnetonka in one of our kayaks or canoes – Hugo has so many things to offer right outside your door, including some gorgeous views of the lake and its many trails, animals, and other wildlife.
Blacksmith Lounge – Come by the Blacksmith Lounge for food, or if you’re lucky, there will be a car show in town. They’re usually held here, and the locals love the shows. It’s an outstanding event for the entire family! See antique cars restored and in living color at these events with thousands of enthusiasts.
Antique Malls – Places like the Trove Marketplace are great little shops to look for fascinating items from the past. They have anything from kitchen appliances to comic books, so there are things here for everyone.
River Heights Marina (Inver Grove Heights) – Here, there are rentals available for things like stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, canoeing equipment. There are plenty of places all over town that will let you enjoy spending time out on the water!
Hugo has many things to do for adults and kids, making it an excellent place for everyone. Whether you’re looking for things to do in Minneapolis or things to do in Saint Paul, this small Minnesota town offers something different from larger cities nearby while still having its own charm.
What Other Things Should I Know While Visiting?
Hugo is only thirty minutes away from the Twin Cities, so it’s perfect for a day trip or weekend adventure. Hugo has a lot going on, so if you’re looking for activities there, or in Minneapolis, Saint Paul, or MN, it’s worth the trip. There are plenty of activities between Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and Hugo. You won’t be bored while you’re visiting the area.
Hugo is a small town with many hidden gems. Whether you’re looking for things to do in Hugo, Minnesota, or places to visit when visiting Minneapolis, there’s so much opportunity for adventure!
What Are Some Events I Can Attend?
Every year Hugo hosts a variety of events for those who love art, music, and more! Some future events you can look forward to including events such as the Art Discovery Fair.
If you’re looking for things to do in Hugo or MN, there’s plenty here, so you’ll never be bored while visiting. With everything from breweries tours, car shows, and food festivals – there are always new options around town that will inspire your next adventure.
Where Do I Get More Information on Events?
The best place to get information on upcoming events in Hugo is the Visitors Center. You can visit the website or stop by in person to get more information on upcoming events for you and your family.
The Visitors Center also has a vast selection of souvenirs, gifts, and postcards! You can find local artwork around town as well. That is worth checking out while visiting Hugo. With all there is to do here, it’s no wonder people love coming back year after year – with so many reasons you’ll want to come back again soon too!
Where Can I Eat While Visiting?
Hugo has some fantastic restaurants with a variety of different food options for dining or nightlife activities. Whether you’re looking for Mexican cuisine or American fare, there are plenty of eateries to choose from. No matter what type of food you crave, it will be an easy fix while staying in town! A few restaurants include:
- Blacksmith Lounge
- Red’s Savoy Pizza
- Fiesta Cancun Grill and Bar
- Wiseguys Pizza & Pub
- Blue Heron Grill
- Dunn Brothers Coffee
Eating at any of these will promote small business in the community, which is something that Hugo prides itself on. It’s a fantastic way to support the local economy and help small businesses in town!
Where Can I Stay While Visiting Hugo?
There are many places for you to choose from when looking for a place to stay during your visit! You can find hotels around town and campgrounds which offer amazing views of nature in this gorgeous area. There is even a local B&B near downtown that offers incredible service and hospitality if you’re looking for more luxury accommodations. No matter what type of accommodation you prefer, there will be something nearby so it’s easy before, after enjoying everything Hugo has available.
The sky’s the limit in Hugo, Minnesota. From live music to art festivals to foodie havens and more, there are plenty of things that your family will enjoy doing together without breaking the bank. With so many events on the calendar, there’s always something new to do while visiting Hugo.
When you’re ready for a break from it all, come out and enjoy some of Minnesota’s best activities in this small town! Hugo is a fantastic place for you and your family to visit together, with something fun and special for everyone.
Once you’ve discovered some of the great things to do in Hugo, let us know know which activity you most enjoyed.
- About the Author
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Born in Madelia, MN, to a now 5-generation Minnesota family, Ryan’s MN roots go deep.
A painter by day, Ryan founded Life in Minnesota in 2013 with his wife Kelly to chronicle their musings on everything Minnesota. Ryan and Kelly are raising their 7 kiddos in Maple Grove, MN.
When he’s not shuttling his kids around to hockey practice, you might find him in the shop working on his leatherwork. Undoubtedly, there will be a family trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area every summer, and of course weekends at Grandpa’s cabin up north in the summer.