15 Fun Things to Do in Ramsey, Minnesota

Planning a vacation or holiday? For a family-friendly getaway, visitors of all ages find many fun things to do in Ramsey, Minnesota! This area of the country is home to around 27,000 residents year-round, and it is a scenic, diverse, and culturally rich locale; a small town with the flavor of a big city!

Spend an afternoon swinging for the fences at Ramsey’s indoor batting cages or take a scenic kayak trip along the Rum River enjoying the crisp fall air and foliage. If you are planning to visit Ramsey and the surrounding area, or are a resident looking for more great things to do in Ramsey, consider these fun and family-friendly adventures.

1. Open Air Theater at Windego Park

Eight minutes from downtown Ramsey, you will find Windego Park, which sits alongside the Rum River. Inside this park is the Windego Park Auditorium and Open-Air Theater, offering a wide range of performances, activities, and shows for locals and visitors alike. This theater is a landmark built in 1914 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Stroll the grounds, take in a show, or simply bask in the historical significance of this Ramsey gem!

2. Saturday Farmers’ Market

If your time in town includes the weekend, make sure to visit some of the unique markets and sales along the city streets for a great afternoon of fun things to do in Ramsey. For some great deals on produce, crafts, and local wares, make sure to visit the Saturday market in Ramsey, known as the New Life Ramsey Outdoor Market. Vendors set up in central Ramsey offering the best items buyers will find in agriculture, baked goods, and art. Parking can be limited on market day, so plan your trip early in the day, if possible.

3. Grand Slam Family Fun

If you are traveling with kids, you know how important it is to find something to pique and hold their interest during vacation, too. This is easily found at Grand Slam Family Fun Center, offering other ways to truly enjoy an afternoon in Ramsey. Kids of all ages- and adults, too- will love the many options here, including laser tag, arcade, mini-golf, bumper cars, play zone, a ninja course, and batting cages. The Grand Slam is in Coon Rapids, about 14 minutes from Ramsey.

4. Twin Cities Harvest Festival

The foliage and scenery are amazing in Fall, typically changing color in early October. If you plan to visit Ramsey in autumn, check out the Twin Cities Harvest Festival and Maze held annually for the past ten years at Brooklyn Park. This event touts the state’s largest corn maze- around 20 acres! There is a scavenger hunt for prizes, as well as photo opportunities in the pumpkin patch. The Twin Cities are about 20 minutes from Ramsey- enjoy the scenic fall foliage on the ride!

5. Oliver Kelley Farmstead

Teach your children a little something during your vacation or getaway. For a bit of history, take time to visit The Oliver Kelley Farm, a historic farmstead in Elk River, Minnesota. This is another national landmark in the National Register of Historic Places, since 1964. Enjoy a day exploring the nature trails, spending time with animals, or browsing the visitor center. This destination embraces the past and shows visitors a simpler, satisfying way of life. Make sure to visit the gift shop for a souvenir or two on your way out as a moment of one of the most historical things to do in Ramsey.

6. Rum River

Rum River runs through Ramsey, and if you travel alongside the river, you will find lots to see and do. For example, Rum River Central Park offers amenities and activities that are appropriate for all ages in Ramsey. This is a great spot to launch your boat, cast a line, or give the kids some time to blow off steam in the playground. Some fish commonly pulled from these waters include walleye and smallmouth bass- give it a try! Bring your rod, reel, and a picnic lunch to enjoy at the many sites along the shore. There are campsites available, as well as canoe and kayak rentals; contact the park directly to learn more.

7. Some Great Golf

Many feel that a vacation isn’t the same without at least one day on the golf course. Spend a day or two on the links- Minnesota has some great golf! In Ramsey, there are two exceptional courses: ‘The Links at Northfork’, a Scottish-style and challenging course, and ‘The Rum River Golf Club’, a great course for golfers of varying skill levels. Both have on-site clubhouses and restaurants, so make a day of it! While both courses offer memberships, you can pay for the day to try out the golf course during your visit, depending on availability and scheduling. Call ahead to make plans and ensure availability while you are in the area.

8. Hansen Tree Farm

Are you visiting Ramsey in winter? Enjoy the festive spirit and holiday time of year with a visit to Hansen Tree Farm, which is an annual and epic event for many local families. Cut down your own tree to take home, but first, take in some of the seasonal sights and experiences during your visit. There is cocoa and refreshments for visitors- as well as a campfire on cool days. Check out the schedule of events for hayrides and live music offerings during the month of December.

Hansen Tree Farm also displays art from a variety of local artists- look at some of the works of the region’s talented artists and craftspeople! Enjoy watching woodworking demos here- ask for a schedule to make sure you don’t miss a thing! Bring the whole family- including four-legged friends, as Hansen Tree Farm is pet-friendly, too.

9. Comedy in the City

You won’t find the same nightlife in Ramsey that you will in the Twin Cities, so you may want to make the easy half-hour trek to the clubs and lounges of Minneapolis- St. Paul. If you are looking for some laughs during your vacation, there is a slew of top-notch comedy clubs in the Twin Cities. Remember that most will be aged 18 and older, so plan accordingly if traveling with young children. Check out several different clubs and lounges that offer live comedy all week long with a short Uber or Lyft ride from the comfort of your hotel or lodging accommodation.

10. SeaQuest in Roseville

For anyone who is fascinated by marine life, check out SeaQuest Roseville, about a half-hour from Ramsey. SeaQuest is more than an aquarium of exhibits- it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the entire family. There are interactive displays as well as ample opportunity to connect with animals during your visit. Hand feed sharks, stingrays, and tropical birds! Introduce yourself to a crocodile- or snorkel in the 36k gallon habitat on site. Capture these moments with photos to reflect and remember later- this is a must-see on your trip to Ramsey, Minnesota!

11. Mall of America

Sure, there is shopping in Ramsey, but if you travel a short, 45 minutes, you will be at Mall of America. The Mall of America has over 500 shops, including a bevy of restaurants, vendors, kiosks, and a multi-screen movie theater. You won’t want to miss this extraordinary shopping excursion! Kids will be excited about finding ‘Camp Snoopy’, which is an amusement park and roller coaster, located in the center of this amazing mall.

This mall must be seen to be believed- it is truly one of a kind! Plus, this mall has been featured and showcased in a number of movies, documentaries, and television shows. Spend a day shopping at all your favorite stores, as well as many new ones that you have never seen before, all under one roof! Parking is easy, free, and ample at the mall, too.

12. Hmong Village

Ramsey is a very diverse region with a thriving Hmong population. Did you know that there are over 66,000 Hmong in Minnesota? Hmong refugees from Laos were relocated here starting in 1975. In fact, the Twin Cities boasts the largest concentration of Hmong people in this country. In St. Paul, around a half-hour from Ramsey, is Hmong Village and Shopping Center.

This unique district of the city offers a true Hmong experience, with restaurants, shops, and wares that are authentic to Hmong culture. However, for the locals shopping there, Hmong Village provides a powerful connection to other Hmong residents- as well as to their heritage and roots in Asia, primarily southern China, Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, and Myanmar. Respect the culture of this demographic with a trip to Hmong Village; come for lunch, do some shopping, and embrace the experience.

13. Art Galleries

Enjoy a quiet afternoon or evening touring and perusing the many art studios and galleries found throughout Ramsey- as well as in the Twin Cities. For a taste of Minnesota during the holidays, don’t miss the annual ‘Art at Ramsey’, a juried art show and sale held in early December for holiday shopping.  Take a short trip to nearby St. Paul and you will find many art fairs and bazaars held throughout the year. The Chamber of Commerce can provide a comprehensive listing of all events and art shows planned throughout the year.

14. Go Karts

Who doesn’t love go-karts? About 40 minutes from Ramsey is ProKART Burnsville, offering go-karts like no other! These RiMO EVO6 Race Karts run on power-boosting, low-emission, renewable methanol – which helps to create a more authentic racing experience for the rider.  This is an excellent way for weary travelers to blow off some steam and get invigorated- give it a go! A visit to ProKART Indoors will not be forgotten soon-and it is the perfect activity for young and old kids alike. Don’t worry: ProKART always puts safety first and will make sure that riders are protected with the appropriate instruction and gear.

15. Trampoline Park

Ever been to a trampoline park? Urban Air Adventure Park is the place to go and the park to visit. This is much more than a trampoline park- consider trying all the establishment’s amenities, like the ‘sky rider’, ropes course, climbing wall, ninja-warrior course, tube playground, climbing hill, tumble track, and, of course, the trampolines! There really is so much to do and see- including an on-site café that offers pizza, cold drinks, and more! Make the trip to Coon Rapids, which is less than ten miles from Ramsey proper, to visit this park; it just may well be the highlight of your kids’ entire trip to Minnesota!

Things to Do in Ramsey…

Ramsey is an exceptional vacation destination with plenty to do, lots to see, and some of the warmest people you will ever meet. Come see all that Ramsey has to offer and check out these family-friendly things to do when visiting this diverse and beautiful area of the country. Got questions about Ramsey, Minnesota? Check out the area Chamber of Commerce online to get answers, plan activities, or to make reservations; they also offer a calendar of events on their website that may be helpful when arranging and planning your trip. Have a great time!