Crosby: Minnesota’s Hidden Gem

Outdoor activities

• Kayaking or paddle-boarding on Crosby’s mine-pit lakes. You can rent any of these things from Cuyuna Outfitters and they will deliver directly to the lake you’d like to explore. I’d recommend starting at Pennington Mine Lake boat launch. There you can kayak a chain of gorgeous clear mine-pit lakes surrounded by trees. It is never too busy and an amazing way to soak up the sun.

• Mountain Biking: Biking is a very popular activity that people come to Crosby in the summer for. There are a lot of different trails ranging from beginner to expert. People tend to be very understanding when it comes to people trying it out for the first time. You can rent bikes from the coffee and bike shop Red Raven, right in the heart of Crosby. The staff are incredibly friendly and will give recommendations as to where you should start.

• Trail riding on ATVs: Offering a vast network of trails, this is a popular way to immerse yourself in the beauty that Minnesota has to offer. Whether it be riding an ATV in the summer or snowmobiling in the winter, this activity is a must-do.

• Saturday Farmer’s Market: Open Saturdays 9 am–1 pm. Their mission is to make the natural bounty of the Cuyuna Range area available to the local community and those who visit it.

Shopping

• Victual: a hybrid specialty store that focuses on: Ice cream, cheese, charcuterie, gourmet, gifts and spirits. In their words, their “ultra-niche is finding products that are either lactose-free or lactose-friendly, even if you’re looking for cheddar cheese popcorn for snacking.” And this store does not disappoint! The ice cream is to die for.

• Cuyuna Outfitters: An outdoor store that gives you the gear to get out there! From outdoor clothing and equipment to getting you geared up to be outside, you can find all sorts of things to make your time in Crosby that much more enjoyable.

• High Wheel Confectionary: The premier candy, toy, popcorn and full coffee shop all in one unique location. Specializing in a huge selection. There are varieties of bulk candy and over 275 flavors of bottled soda. There is also a selection of gourmet popcorn popped in their popcorn lab and a large selection of fudge, specialty truffles and chocolates.

• Smith & Trade Mercantile: Founder, curator and interior designer Kelli Kaufer was a Lead Designer for HGTV and DIY television. She has designed over 250 remodel shows over 15 years. She created a store that incorporates custom artisan pieces from the community to showcase their craft to the public.

Day trips

• Nisswa: A lake town just 30 minutes away. It has its own unique shops and restaurants surrounded by beautiful lake resorts, such as Nature Link Resort and Grand View Lodge. This is a beautiful town to spend the day or just the afternoon exploring.

• Hardwater Lounge: A cocktail lounge with rotating drinks that suit every person’s taste. The locals’ common practice is to grab a pizza from Rafferty’s and bring it over to Hardwater to relax and unwind.

• Cuyuna Brewing: Family-owned and operated, this brewery’s mission is to not make it just about the beer. It’s about the people, the camaraderie, the community. Visit our brewery taproom, where we pride ourselves on being family-owned and operated. We believe in creating a welcoming space where you can spend quality time with the people who matter most.

• Red Raven: Coffee + bike shop? Yes, please. This can be your one-stop shop in the morning: grab some coffee and breakfast before renting your bike to take out on the trails. If you’re a first-time mountain bike rider, the staff are more than happy to point you in the right direction. Make sure you’re set up for a successful day on the trails.

• Rafferty’s: The premier pizza place among the lake towns. A great spot to snag some lunch or dinner after a day of biking the trails.

• Iron Range Eatery: A favorite spot for locals and visitors alike, Iron Range Eatery offers the best in creative American cuisine. Serving comfort food favorites to unique creations you didn't see coming.

• MacDaddy’s Donut Garage: This is a staple in the area, with a large variety of donuts that satisfy every person’s craving.