Plymouth, Minnesota is a charming suburb located just west of Minneapolis. With its quaint small-town feel yet close proximity to the Twin Cities, Plymouth offers the best of both worlds. From historical sites and cultural attractions to family-friendly activities and outdoor recreation, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Plymouth.
This article will highlight 12 of the top things to do in Plymouth, Minnesota. It covers iconic landmarks, museums, parks, shops, restaurants and more that you won’t want to miss. Read on for how to make the most out of your visit to this Minnesota gem.
1.Explore the Plymouth Historical Society and Museum
As one of the oldest cities in Hennepin County, Plymouth has a long and storied history beginning with the Dakota and Ojibwe people who originally inhabited the land. The Plymouth Historical Society and Museum allows visitors to step back in time and learn about Plymouth’s past firsthand.
Spread across two floors in an old church, the museum houses rotating exhibits related to local and natural history. Visitors can immerse themselves in the agricultural roots of Plymouth’s early settlers or learn about important events like the Great Halloween Blizzard of 1991. The site also includes the Campbell House, an authentic Victorian home adjoining the museum open for tours during summer months.
History buffs of all ages will enjoy discovering Plymouth’s heritage at this highly-rated local museum. Expect to spend 1-2 hours taking it all in.
2.Shop and Dine Your Way through Downtown
The heart of Plymouth is its charming downtown area brimming with locally-owned boutiques, galleries, restaurants and cafes. Independent shops like Gathering Grounds and Uffda Gifts offer fun finds across fashion, home décor, accessories and more. The downtown district is also home to outposts of larger chains like Patina, Chico’s and Yankee Candle.
When it comes time for a bite, downtown Plymouth serves up everything from cozy coffee shops to sit-down dining destinations. Grab a table at flavorsome establishments like Holly’s Corner, Maynards or Plymouth Creek on the Patio. The elegant Tea House redo provides an idyllic escape for afternoon tea complete with homemade pastries.
Plan to park and walk when exploring downtown Plymouth. There is always something new to discover in this vibrant small town scene.
3.See a Show at the Old Log Theatre
For over 50 years, the Old Log Theatre has entertained visitors and residents alike as one of the longest-running theaters in Minnesota. This local performing arts staple puts on an array of comedies, dramas and musicals in its unique log cabin-style space.
Quality shows, talented casts and an intimate theater-in-the-round setting make the Old Log Theatre a fantastic night out. Previous productions range from beloved musicals like Fiddler on the Roof to offbeat comedies like Calendar Girls. Patrons can opt to enjoy the show along with dinner catered on-site.
Catch a spectacular show in Plymouth’s backyard at the Old Log Theatre. Program calendars and tickets are available on their website.
4.Play a Round at Plymouth Creek Golf Club
Boasting an impressive 36-holes across two championship courses, Plymouth Creek Golf Club stands out as one of Minnesota’s premier public golf destinations. Both the Creek Nine and the Ridge Nine deliver stunning views and challenging play for golfers at every skill level.
Designed by renowned golf architects Stephen Kay and Carter Morrish, the layouts blend seamlessly with the natural wetland environment. Accuracy is key as golfers navigate rolling fairways dotted with mature trees and bunkers defending small, undulating greens. Amenities include a large double-ended practice range, a short game area, rental clubs and more.
Test your swing at Plymouth Creek’s panoramic parkland-style courses. Book your tee time online well in advance of visiting.
5.Hike and Bike the Medicine Lake Trailway
Covering over 3 miles between Plymouth and Medicine Lake, the picturesque Medicine Lake Trailway provides the quintessential backdrop for hiking and biking. Following along an abandoned railroad corridor, the flat paved path connects a string of charming neighborhoods and parks.
The spring-fed Medicine Lake itself offers a scenic rest stop midpoint along the trailway. From here, visitors can pick up the Schaper Pond Boardwalk circling through wetland scenery nearby. Interpretive signs detailing natural features and native wildlife further enrich time spent on the trail.
Grab your walking shoes or bike helmet for an active outdoor adventure in Plymouth along the family-friendly Medicine Lake Trailway. Access is open daily from dawn to dusk.
6.Catch a Baseball Game at the Hilde Performance Center
Home to the Minnesota Twins’ Class A Minor League baseball team, the Cedar Rapids Kernels, the Hilde Performance Center offers premium entertainment right here in Plymouth. The multi-use facility features turf playing fields, batting cages and pitching areas where future MLB stars hone their skills.
Beyond player development, the venue also hosts the Kernels’ occasional home games against other Midwest League opponents. Fans can catch rising talent on the field while enjoying ballpark eats like hot dogs, popcorn and more. Stick around post-game for a concert on the performance lawn or a fireworks extravaganza.
Experience the thrill of America’s pastime just minutes from downtown Plymouth at the Hilde Performance Center. 2023 game and event schedules are posted online.
7.Pizza and a Movie at Hawaiian Village Cinema Grill
For a uniquely tropical twist on dinner and a movie, look no further than Hawaiian Village Cinema Grill. The Plymouth hot spot transports guests to a Hawaiian oasis through festive island-themed décor across two auditoriums and an on-site restaurant.
While waiting for first-run films to start, movie-goers can order island-inspired dishes like jerk chicken pizza, coconut shrimp and pineapple bowls from their cinema seats. There’s also a full bar mixing up Mai Tais, lava flows and signature POG cocktails to complete the island experience.
Catch new film releases in paradise without leaving Plymouth at Hawaiian Village Cinema Grill. Keep tabs on showtimes and menus online before heading over.
8.Relax at Parkers Lake Park
Surrounded by peaceful wetlands, the scenic 80-acre Parkers Lake Park provides a perfect nature retreat right in Plymouth. Visitors delight in nearly 2 miles of tree-lined walking paths circling the lake. Plentiful benches create ideal spots for reading or observing local wildlife like songbirds, turtles and frogs.
Recreational amenities at Parkers Lake Park include playgrounds, a skate plaza and bags courts. The historic grain elevator looming over the pond stands as an iconic backdrop for photos. Visitors can also wet a line from the fishing pier in search of sunfish, crappies and bass lurking in the lake’s waters.
Spend a laid-back afternoon immersed in nature at Plymouth’s Parkers Lake Park. The grounds, trails and pier are open year-round from 6AM to 10PM daily.
9.Get Interactive at Paragon Escape Rooms
Paragon Escape Rooms promises next-level fun for families and friends through a series of real-life escape room games. Guests work together to search for clues and solve intricate puzzles in order to break out of different themed environments. Settings range from a vintage library to an off-the-grid bunker to an ominous medical lab.
Advanced reservations secure your team a private room along with an expert gamemaster on hand to provide hints and ensure an optimal experience. Some games even use augmented reality elements or custom props to further immerse participants. Expect an adrenaline rush unlike anywhere else in Plymouth at Paragon Escape Rooms.
Book your breakout experience online in advance then head to Paragon prepared to tap your inner sleuth. Games last around 60 minutes from start to finish if successful.
10.Savor a Juicy Lucy at JL Beers
Serving over 50 regional and craft brews alongside loaded burgers, JL Beers adds a lively gastropub vibe along Plymouth’s main drag. The menu at this local favorite features their signature JL Beers Juicy Lucy stuffed with oozing American cheese sandwiched between medium-rare beef patties.
Customize your burger or select from other stacked options like the Tater Pig with bacon, cheddar and tangy BBQ sauce. Every meal tastes better with JL Beers’ famous spun fries or onion petals on the side. With many gluten-free and vegan items too, the entire squad can indulge together.
Belly up to the bar for Plymouth’s best burgers and brews at JL Beers. Check out the location and hours online before heading in to watch your meal cooked over an open flame.
11.Treat Yourself at Coco & Cooper
For sweet tooth satisfaction, Coco & Cooper whips up artisan confections using premium local ingredients. Their eclectic menu runs the gamut from signature truffles and turtles to cream puffs, macarons and cheesecakes. Alongside classic flavors come creative combinations like salted maple caramels and dark chocolate lavender squares.
The boutique dessert shop doubles as a cocktail lounge pouring champagne, wine and dessert-inspired drinks like the Key Lime Martini. Visitors can order goodies to-go or stick around Coco & Cooper’s chic interior to indulge on the spot. Groups should inquire ahead to reserve space in their semi-private tasting room.
Indulge your cravings for cocoa, caramel and everything in between at Coco & Cooper’s cozy Plymouth location. Check their website for current hours before heading over.
12.Work Up an Appetite at Hyland Hills Ski Area
Just 10 minutes outside downtown Plymouth rests Minnesota’s most beloved skiing and snowboarding destination—Hyland Hills Ski Area. Offering terrain and features for all ages and abilities, this 300-vertical-foot hill delivers rides less than 60 seconds long ensuring short lift lines all winter.
Eight downhill runs include a terrain park, moguls course and the iconic Minnesota Monster touting an impressive 197-foot vertical drop—the highest in the Midwest! Youngsters 3 and up can learn on gentle slopes in the Ski Bugs and PJ Bear programs. Visitors can warm up or refuel afterward at Hyland’s Lodge restaurant.
Grab your gear during winter months for thrilling snow sports right in Plymouth’s backyard at Hyland Hills Ski Area. Lift tickets, lessons, rentals and more are just clicks away online.
Conclusion
From cultural attractions and shops to dining, nature and recreation, Plymouth invites visitors to experience the best of small town Minnesota. Use this guide highlighting 12 top things to do in Plymouth to make the most of your upcoming travels. Let hidden gems like the Plymouth Historical Society Museum and Hawaiian Village Cinema Grill show you sides of this charming suburb you never expected.
Of course, part of Plymouth’s appeal stems from local finds only knowledgeable residents could recommend in addition to popular stops covered here. Wherever your interests take you, enjoy discovering the very best of this vibrant Twin Cities community.