Arts Center of Saint Peter
Easily identified by the large Paul Granland sculpture Mobius Strip in front of the building, the Arts Center of Saint Peter is an active hub of the arts in our community. The free, open-to-the-public Colonel Theodore G. Moline Gallery hosts an ongoing variety of exhibitions from nationally and internationally recognized artists.
Just off the Gallery on the main floor is a Gallery Shop with merchandise available from area artists and musicians, an excellent place to shop for a unique gift. The Arts Center’s performing arts programming features local and regional talent — musical performances, poetry readings, theatre, and more — on stage throughout the year. The fully equipped Clay Center offers clay classes for adults, children, and families in addition to children’s clay parties and rental space for artists. The Arts Center also offers a full complement of art classes for all ages. Scheduled quarterly, class postings are available online.
For more information please fee free to visit ArtsCenterSP.org.
Nicollet County Historical Society
Visit the Nicollet County Historical Society – Treaty Site History Center to learn all about the area’s past!
Hillstrom Museum of Art
Located on the campus of Gustavus Adolphus College, the Hillstrom Museum of Art hosts an annual calendar of exhibitions from renowned local, national, and international collections.
All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.
Visit Gustavus.edu/finearts/hillstrom for additional information.
The Minnesota and Blue Earth Rivers
Whether you choose canoes or kayaks, you will find adventure on the Minnesota and Blue Earth Rivers. Take a two-hour trip on the Minnesota River from Seven Mile Creek County Park to Saint Peter or a two-hour paddle on the Blue Earth River from the Rapidan Dam to Mount Kato. The Minnesota Department of Resources designates the Minnesota River “water trail” as going 318 miles from Ortonville at the west to the Mississippi River at Saint Paul to the east. You will find campgrounds and lodging the whole way along. Try your hand at game-fishing, as there are multiple species in these waters. Bring your own vessels or rent from Bent River Paddling. Bent River Outfitter
Gustavus Arboretum
The Gustavus Adolphus College Arboretum on campus offers miles of trails and hundreds of plantings. It’s free and open to the public!
Broadway Bridge
The Broadway Bridge near the Chamber of Commerce at 101 South Front Street was created in 1930 and most recently restored for safety and aesthetics in 2017. Stroll out onto the bridge’s walkway and watch the Minnesota River flow from south to north.
Bicycle Paths
You will find miles of bicycle paths, for hours of pedaling enjoyment, on the paved paths and the skinny-wheel-friendly streets of Saint Peter. City leaders have made a conscience effort over the past decades to add multi-use paths. The most prominent paved paths are are Community Spirit Park, along the avenues of Jefferson, Sunrise and Nicollet and in various other parklands. There is a push to add a paved bicycle path along Highway 22 South to link up with the Sakatah Trail, Red Jacket Trail and trails along the Minnesota River, all accessible from Mankato.
Disc Golf
Saint Peter is fortunate to have a premier disc golf course in Riverside Park. The 18 baskets are all within par 3 and par 4 range, and the course doesn’t generally have a lot of contours. The targets are challenging, especially with the tighter-than-average fairways, but the it’s all designed by experienced players so the angles and distances make sense. Expect to see wildlife like deer and eagles, along with stunning views of the Minnesota River. The course plays best in the spring and fall months.
Breweries
Relatively new on the exciting scene in Saint Peter are Tremendous Brewing Company and Paddlefish Brewing Company. Everyone is saying the beer here is top notch, and the atmosphere is also upper echelon. These are places to relax, hear live music, enjoy beer and non-alcohol beverages created right there and even play a board game or two with friends and family members.
Trails
Trails cater to all ages and walks of life, and the Saint Peter area features plenty. Getting into the woods can deliver a peaceful feeling not found elsewhere. The Traverse des Sioux trails accessible behind the Treaty Site History Center and the sidewalk just north of Hunt Plumbing and Heating (across the highway east of Dairy Queen) afford awesome views of the river and about eight miles of trekking on slightly undulating terrain. McGill Park in the Saint Peter neighborhoods offers short walks in the woods. Seven-Mile County Park is about six miles south of town along Highway 169 and has trails that stack in scenic ways against many in the state. Try the three miles of the 8-Loop in the west end of the park; experience six bridges and lose yourself in the babbling rapids below. The ups and downs definitely count for a strenuous workout.