Attractions and Places To See in Renville County - Top 5

Renville County is rich in history, particularly related to the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862. Key historical sites include the Birch Coulee Battlefield, where a significant event of the war took place, and the Morton Monuments, which commemorate settlers and Native Americans involved in the battle. You can also visit the Renville County Historical Society & Museum, the Lower Sioux Agency, and the Joseph R. Brown Historic Site.

Yes, Renville County offers several family-friendly spots. Buffalo Lake City Park is a great option with playgrounds and picnic shelters, perfect for a break. Many county parks, like Vicksburg County Park and Skalbekken County Park, also provide open spaces for recreation and nature exploration suitable for families.

The county boasts over 1,300 acres of parkland. Vicksburg County Park offers ancient granite outcrops, fishing, and canoeing on the Minnesota River. Skalbekken County Park provides panoramic overlooks, hardwood forests, and trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horse riding. The Minnesota River Valley itself is home to unique habitats and some of Earth's oldest bedrock formations.

Renville County is home to distinctive natural features, including 3.6-billion-year-old bedrock outcrops along the Minnesota River. These ancient rocks support unusual plants like the Great Plains prickly pear cactus and water hyssop. Vicksburg County Park specifically features these granite and gneiss outcrops, along with a large sandbar and oxbow ponds.

Beyond its historical significance, Renville County has some quirky and notable points of interest. The Giant Corn Gazebo in Olivia is a unique landmark. For those interested in architecture, several buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Renville County Courthouse and Jail, and the Episcopal Church, which has an interesting history of being moved between cities.

Yes, you can find camping opportunities. The Beaver Falls Primitive Campground offers a nice, quiet spot with picnic tables and fire pits. Skalbekken County Park also provides rustic camping options, including horse camping.

Renville County offers a variety of trails. Skalbekken County Park has dedicated trails for horse riding, hiking, and mountain biking. During winter, some park roads in county parks like Anderson Lake, Beaver Falls, Birch Coulee, and Lake Allie are groomed for walking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and fat-tire biking.

Driving the Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway is an excellent way to experience the historical landscape. This byway connects many significant sites, including the Birch Coulee Battlefield, the Rudi Memorial, the Joseph R. Brown Historic Site, and the Schwandt Monument, offering a comprehensive historical tour.

Yes, Renville County's diverse natural areas provide opportunities for wildlife viewing. Parks like Skalbekken County Park, with its hardwood forests and water views, are known for abundant wildlife. Vicksburg County Park is also home to specific species like the Five Lined Skink and Juniper Hairstreak Butterflies.

Even in winter, Renville County offers outdoor activities. Several county parks, including Anderson Lake, Beaver Falls, Birch Coulee, and Lake Allie, groom their roads for winter use. Visitors can enjoy walking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and fat-tire biking on these trails.

The Renville County Historical Society & Museum in Morton is the primary place to delve into local history. It features six buildings, including the Main Museum with exhibits on local history and the U.S.-Dakota War, the Norfolk Schoolhouse #28, and the 1869 Lerud Log Cabin. They also house artifacts from Fort Ridgely and a research library.

Yes, Renville County has four golf courses for enthusiasts: Oakdale Golf Club, Olivia Golf Club, Stoney Creek Golf Club, and Mayflower Golf Club, offering various options for a round of golf.