I had the opportunity to travel to WAY northern Minnesota to explore the town of Warroad, MN in early August. Most of you might know Warroad as Hockeytown USA or the headquarters of the well known Marvin Doors and Windows, but I was excited to come explore on my own to see what the town had to offer! We came for the Yellow Rose Race weekend, an 18 year long tradition, to see the town come together and celebrate their community and ultimately debut their new plans for Warroad’s future.
After a weekend there, it has officially been added as a spot on my return list 🤩 From the natural beauty to the community driven town this place is really something special. Here are some fun facts that I learned while visiting!
🐟Warroad is the only American city on Lake of the Woods and this area is considered the walleye capital with over 317,000 acres of water to fish!
🏒No US men’s hockey team has won a gold medal without someone from Warroad
⛸Last year, the town came together to make a 2.5 mile skate path with the river that runs through town. Rumor has it it’ll be back and better than ever again this winter 😉
🚂The railroad that runs through the town is one of the most frequented by the Canadian National Railway. 20-24 trains non-passenger trains per day pass through Warroad!
🔑The Hampton inn was uniquely designed just for Warroad – you won’t find a similar one elsewhere!
⛳️The golf course, Warroad Estates, has Minnesota shaped green on its #9 hole!
Now, read more about these facts and where to visit when you plan your trip to Warroad now!
Stay
Hampton Inn & Suites
Newly built in 2021, the Hampton Inn & Suites is the perfect play to lay your head after a fun fill day in Warroad. They have a full bar with breakfast and fast Italian restaurant on site with great views from their rooftop deck as well. Relax with the jacuzzi and pool, head up for a cocktail on the roof, and also make sure to check out their special hockey room as well! You won’t see another Hampton like this, as it was specially designed for this town.
Eat + Drink
Lake of the Woods Brewery
Minnesota’s Northern most Brewery, you’ll find Lake of the Woods Brewery right along the beginning of the Warroad River. With a large indoor/outdoor taproom, there’s room for everybody and they have an amazing selection of beers on tap. I tried their shandy version of Lakeside Kolsch and it was a perfect summer sipper. Eric had their Nautical Disaster – a dry hopped IPA and was immediately impressed! They are open late so you can snag a late night pizza should you forget to eat dinner before the restaurants close (like we did, ha!).
Bec’s Drive In (Seasonal)
A true old school drive in, Bec’s is a small, seasonal place located when you’re heading out of town. Just simply park near the sign and one of the friendly staff persons will come out to your car menu in hand if you need it! They have amazing burgers + sides plus phenomenal shakes! Highly recommend the chocolate peanut butter shake 🙂
Daisy Gardens
There is a large Laotian community in Warroad so you’ll be surprised (I was!) to find there are several Asian eateries in such a small town! Daisy Gardens was our pick of choice it didn’t disappoint! We ordered to go and the portion were large and delicious. I highly recommend the Hoisin chicken, Sweet and Sour Chicken Balls, & the Cream cheese Wontons! Other options in town are Sap Sap Kitchen, and Vientiane Lao & Thai too.
Izzy’s
Your favorite neighborhood bar & Grill, Izzy’s has amazing bar grub in a relaxed hockey themed atmosphere. Adorned with photos, jerseys, and autographs there is definitely some fun memorabilia housed here! I highly suggest coming for a drink and order a burger or the wings!
Lake of the Woods Coffee
Located right along the main road, you can’t miss Lake of the Woods Coffee! A beautiful family owned coffee house, this is your go to place to get caffeinated, meet with friends, and even do a little shopping or grab a bite to eat! They have a convenient drive thru too and serve breakfast all day. Definitely a stop (or more) is required when visiting Warroad!
Nomad Tavern
If you’re craving pizza, Nomad Tavern has you covered! The pizza chef reigns from New Jersey originally and has ranked as one of the top pizza tossers in the country! (So you know if must be good!) It’s located right near the campground, outdoor swimming pool, & beach so it’s a fun relaxed atmosphere to catch a sunset too! Get there early for pizza as they do sell out and are only open a few days a week!
Shop + Play
Plaid Walleye
If you’re looking for a cozy and charming store, the Plaid Walleye is it! It features handcrafted and repurposed items from local artists as well as gifts, vintages items and more!
Bloomin’ Creations
While Bloomin’ Creations is Warroad’s local flower shop, they also have super cute gifts and decor inside too! The staff are so helpful and friendly and you never know what little gems you might find inside!
The Shed
Even if you aren’t into automobiles, the Shed needs to be on your list! A private automobile collection housed in a museum like setting, this places has over 100+ unique cars including a 1926 Ford Model T and a Playboy Bunny Special Order Ford Mustang Coupe! If the green light is on – it’s open! Otherwise feel free to call and set up a time to visit with the owner and get a personalized tour. You can be there anywhere from 15 mins to 2 hours!
Warroad Threads
Make sure to deck yourself out in some Warroad swag from Warroad Threads. They have all your Hockeytown USA gear as well as TJ Oshie’s (the hometown hero) line, Warroad Brand. Definitely the place to pick up your momento gear from your Visit in Warroad!
Allison Park
A city park in the heart of the town, Allison Park will usually host events during the town’s festivals or holidays! While we visited they hosted events around the Yellow Rose Race so we were able to see live music, music, and then take part in the 5K festivities the next day!
Warroad Estates Golf Course
Have you ever golfed a MN shaped green? I didn’t think so! Warroad Estates Golf has a unique number 9 green – made in the shape of Minnesota. It’s a just another beautiful place to enjoy in Warroad during the spring and summer seasons!
The Point
Catch a stunning sunset at the the Point in Warroad. They have plenty of parking and visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, and fishing all right there!
Garden and Olympic Arenas
Can you come to Hockeytown USA and not visit the hockey arenas?! While we unfortunately missed when they were open to the public it’s worth taking a visit when they are open to see where some of the legends have played and practiced!
City Office – Old Train Depot
When in town, make sure to stop and take a photo with the Old Canadian National Depot! It was the railway station for the Canadian National Railway and now the building serves as an office for the City Of Warroad.
Zippel Bay State Park
While not technically in Warroad, Zippel Bay State Park is a quick 30 mins from Warroad and worth a Visit! Three miles of white sandy shoreline amongst tall pines give it the best of both worlds. They have groomed paths in winter for skiing and a large beach to cool off in the summertime. They also have great camping sites too!
Have you been to Warroad? This magical little town has stolen my heart and I can’t wait to visit in Wintertime! I hope you enjoy this little and use it to help with your next trip north!