Wabasha is a weirdly charming place. Most people only know it because of a movie from the 90s or because they saw a sign for eagles while driving down Highway 61. But honestly? There’s a lot more going on in this corner of the Mississippi River than just grumpy old men and birds of prey. If you’re looking for things to do in Wabasha MN, you’ve gotta look past the gift shops and see how the river actually dictates life here.
It’s small. Like, really small. But that’s the point. You aren't fighting for parking or dealing with insane lines. Instead, you're watching a barge push through the lock and dam or wondering if that bald eagle on the tree branch is real (it usually is).
The National Eagle Center and the "Real" Residents
Everyone goes to the National Eagle Center. You should, too. It’s basically the centerpiece of downtown. But here's the thing: it’s not just a museum with some pictures. They have live resident eagles that can't be released into the wild.
Sitting there and looking a Golden Eagle in the eye from five feet away is... intense. It makes you realize how huge these things are. The center recently underwent a massive renovation, so it feels way more modern than you’d expect for a small-town attraction. On March 21, 2026, they’re hosting the Soar with the Eagles event, which is the big one. If you want to see professional bird handlers and learn about conservation without it feeling like a middle school field trip, that’s the day to go.
Beyond the center, just walk outside. The observation decks behind the building offer some of the best views of the Mississippi. Bring binoculars. Or don't. The eagles are everywhere in the winter because the water near the bridge doesn't freeze, making it a buffet for them.
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Things to do in Wabasha MN for the Grumpy and the Young at Heart
You can’t talk about Wabasha without mentioning Grumpy Old Men. Even though a lot of the movie was filmed on soundstages or in the Twin Cities, the soul of the story is here.
The 33rd Annual Grumpy Old Men Festival
Mark your calendar for February 27 and 28, 2026. This isn't some corporate-sponsored "festival." It’s a chaotic, cold, and hilarious celebration of winter.
- The Grumpy Plunge: Watching people jump into a hole in the ice in late February is peak Minnesota entertainment.
- Ice Fishing Tournament: It starts at 8:00 AM on Saturday on the backwaters.
- The Lost Dutchman Breakfast: They do a "Grumpy Style" buffet that is basically just a mountain of eggs and bacon. No frills.
If you miss the festival, you can still visit Slippery’s Bar & Grill. It’s the spot from the movie. Kinda. The original "shack" burned down years ago, and the current building is much nicer, but they still have the "Chuck’s Bait Shop" sign and the actual ice house from the movie in the gift shop. Get the Slippery Burger. It’s massive, greasy, and exactly what you want after a day on the river.
LARK Toys: It's Not Just for Kids
About six miles south in Kellogg (basically a suburb of Wabasha) is LARK Toys. Calling it a toy store is an insult. It’s a sprawling complex with a hand-carved wooden carousel that is legitimately a work of art.
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You’ve got to ride the carousel. I don't care how old you are. Each animal is unique—some are dragons, some are standard horses, and others are just weird creatures of the imagination. They also have an 18-hole indoor mini-golf course and a "Memory Lane" toy museum that will make anyone over thirty feel ancient. "Oh look, I had that lunchbox!" You'll say it. Everyone does.
Getting Out on the Water (Properly)
If you visit in the summer and don't get on the river, you’ve failed. The Mississippi here is part of Pool 4, which includes Lake Pepin. It’s a massive, wide stretch of water that feels more like an inland sea than a river.
Rent a pontoon from Pool 4 Adventures. They’re located right in town. If you’re not comfortable captaining a boat, check out Broken Paddle Guiding. They do kayak tours through the flooded forests of the backwaters. It’s quiet. You’ll see herons, turtles, and maybe a beaver if you’re lucky. It’s a totally different vibe than the main channel where the big barges move.
Where to Eat When You’re Sick of Burgers
Wabasha has a surprisingly decent food scene for a town of 2,500 people.
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- The Olde Triangle Pub: This is arguably the best Irish pub in the state. No joke. The pot roast on Tuesdays is legendary, and they pour a perfect Guinness. It’s cozy, dark, and feels like it’s been there for a hundred years.
- Reads Landing Brewing Company: Just a few minutes north. It’s in an old 1869 dry goods store. The views of the river from the patio are unbeatable. They make their own beer, and the "North Meets South" menu is actually creative.
- Hoppy Girl Brewing: Located in the back alley of the Turning Waters B&B. It's tiny. It’s weird. The beer is fantastic.
The Stuff Nobody Tells You
Most tourists stick to Main Street. Don't do that.
Drive up to the Coffee Mill Golf Course even if you don't play golf. It’s sitting on top of the bluffs. The view from the clubhouse looking down into the valley is one of the best kept secrets in the county. In the winter, this area turns into the Coffee Mill Ski Area, which has a surprisingly high vertical drop for the Midwest.
Also, if you're into history, take the walking tour of the Commercial Historic District. Wabasha is one of the oldest cities on the entire Mississippi. Some of the brickwork on the buildings near the water dates back to the mid-1800s. You can see the old high-water marks from floods etched into some of the stone foundations if you look closely enough.
Planning Your Trip
Wabasha isn't a place where you need a strict itinerary. It’s a place where you park the car, walk to the river, and see what happens.
If you're coming in 2026, keep these dates in mind:
- Grumpy Old Men Festival: Feb 27–28.
- Soar with the Eagles: March 21.
- Wabasha County Fair: July 15–18.
- Taste of Wabasha: September 19.
Actionable Next Steps:
Start by booking a room at the Anderson House Hotel. It’s the oldest hotel in Minnesota. They used to "rent" cats to guests for the night to make it feel more like home (they don't do that anymore for health code reasons, unfortunately). Once you have your home base, walk across the street to The Olde Triangle for a drink and ask the bartender what the river level is. They’ll know. That’s how you start a real Wabasha weekend.