Willmar isn't just another dot on the Highway 23 corridor. Most people driving through West Central Minnesota see the silos and the retail chains and keep their foot on the gas, heading for the bigger lakes further north. They're missing out. Honestly, if you're looking for things to do Willmar has a weirdly perfect blend of gritty agricultural roots and some of the best water-based recreation in the state. It's a place where you can eat authentic Somali sambusas for lunch and be on a pristine glacial lake by sunset.
The town itself sits in Kandiyohi County—a name that literally translates to "where the buffalo fish abide." There are over 300 lakes in this county. That isn't a marketing gimmick; it's a geographic reality that defines every weekend here.
The Sibley State Park obsession
You can't talk about things to do Willmar adjacent without mentioning Sibley State Park. It's about 15 minutes north of town. While everyone else is fighting for a parking spot at North Shore parks, Sibley offers Mount Tom. Is it a mountain? Not by Colorado standards. But it’s one of the highest points in the region. From the top, you get this panoramic view of the prairie meeting the forest that actually explains why the pioneers stopped here.
The hiking trails at Sibley aren't just flat gravel loops. They're hilly. They're wooded. They're buggy in July, so bring the heavy-duty spray. Most people stick to the swimming beach at Lake Andrew, which is fine if you like crowds. But if you want the real experience, rent a canoe and head to the western edge of the lake where the lily pads get thick. You’ll see egrets. You’ll probably see a painted turtle sunning itself on a log. It’s quiet.
Robbins Island and the destination playground
Back in the city limits, Robbins Island Regional Park is the massive green lung of Willmar. It’s surrounded by Willmar Lake and Foot Lake. The centerpiece is Guri Endresen’s cabin, a historical marker that reminds you this area has some heavy, often violent history involving the US-Dakota War of 1862. It’s not just a park; it’s a graveyard and a monument.
But for families, the draw is Destination Playground. It’s a 19,000-square-foot behemoth of a play structure. It’s made of wood and modern materials, built by volunteers. It’s the kind of place where kids disappear for three hours and come back covered in wood chips and sweat. If you’re a disc golfer, the 18-hole course on the island is legendary for being punishingly long. Don't bring your favorite driver if you aren't prepared to see it sink into Foot Lake on hole 14.
Eating your way through 4th Street
Food is where the "hidden" part of Willmar really lives. This isn't just hotdish territory anymore. Because of the turkey processing industry, Willmar has become a melting pot. You’ll find some of the most authentic East African and Hispanic food in the Midwest right here.
Go to 4th Street.
Find a small bodega or a Somali restaurant. Order the goat meat with basmati rice. It’s usually served with a banana—yes, you eat the banana with the savory meat. It works. The spice profiles aren't what you’d expect for rural Minnesota. We're talking cardamom, cloves, and ginger. It's a sensory shift. Then, hit up a panaderia for some conchas.
If you want the classic "Minnesota Nice" experience, the Blue Heron Coffeehouse is the local hub. It’s where the professors from the community college and the local artists hang out. Their scones are legendary. No, seriously. They sell out fast.
The water and the winter
Foot Lake isn't just for looking at. In the summer, the Little Crow Ski Team performs water ski shows. These aren't amateur hour; they are high-level regional performers doing human pyramids and jump acts. It’s a classic Americana vibe that feels like a time capsule from the 1950s but with better boat engines.
When the lakes freeze—and they freeze hard—the things to do Willmar offers just move onto the ice. Ice fishing here is a serious business. You’ll see "villages" of ice houses pop up on Green Lake (in nearby Spicer) and Foot Lake. People have TVs, heaters, and full kitchens in these shacks. It’s a culture of its own. If you aren't into fishing, the Glacial Lakes State Trail is the move. It’s a paved rail-to-trail project that runs for miles. In the winter, it’s a snowmobile highway. In the summer, it’s prime territory for road bikers who want to avoid traffic.
The Arts Scene at the Barn
Culture isn't dead in the cornfields. The Barn Theatre is exactly what it sounds like—a community theater housed in an old barn. They put on remarkably high-quality productions. It’s intimate. You can hear the floorboards creak, which adds a layer of authenticity to whatever drama is unfolding on stage.
Then there’s the Willmar Education and Arts Center (WEAC). It hosts the local symphony and various traveling exhibits. It's a reminder that this town puts a premium on keeping the lights on for the arts, even when the economy gets weird.
Why Green Lake in Spicer matters
You can't visit Willmar without spending an afternoon in Spicer, which is basically Willmar’s backyard. Green Lake is the "jewel." The water is unnaturally clear for Minnesota—sort of a turquoise hue on sunny days.
- Saulsbury Beach: The place to see and be seen.
- The Glacial Ridge Winery: Local grapes, decent wood-fired pizza, and live music on the patio.
- Big Kahuna: Rent a pontoon here if you don't have a friend with a boat.
Green Lake is 5,500 acres of pure recreation. It’s deep, reaching over 100 feet in spots. This depth keeps it cooler and clearer than the shallower "slough" lakes nearby. If you’re a diver, there are actually things to see down there.
The weird and the wonderful
Ever heard of a "Turkey Store"? Jennie-O is headquartered here. You can visit the company store and find every imaginable iteration of turkey. It sounds boring until you realize how much the town’s identity is tied to this bird. There’s a statue. There are festivals. It’s quirky in that specific Midwestern way where people embrace the niche.
For those who want to get away from people, the Grass Lake Wildlife Management Area is a massive stretch of wetlands. It’s raw. It’s not "manicured." You go there to see ducks, geese, and the occasional deer. It’s the perfect spot for photography if you have a long lens and the patience to sit in the tall grass for two hours.
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Practical steps for your visit
If you're actually going to do this, don't just wing it. Willmar is a "know before you go" kind of place because things close early on Sundays and the wind off the prairie can be brutal.
1. Check the Little Crow Ski Team schedule.
They usually perform on Friday nights during the summer. It’s free, though they ask for donations. Bring a lawn chair because the bleachers get hard after thirty minutes.
2. Gear up at West Central Marine.
If you're fishing, talk to the locals at the bait shops. They won't give you their "honey holes," but they'll tell you what’s biting on Diamond Lake versus Lake Wakanda.
3. Timing is everything.
Visit in late September if you hate humidity. The colors around Sibley State Park are incredible—oaks, maples, and sumac turning brilliant reds and golds. The air is crisp, and the mosquitoes have finally died off.
4. Stay at a local B&B or the Spicer Castle.
Skip the generic highway hotels. The Spicer Castle (on Green Lake) has history and a bit of a "haunted" vibe that makes for a much better story.
Willmar is about the contrast. It’s the sound of a speedboat on Green Lake and the silence of a prairie sunset. It’s a town that doesn't try too hard to impress you, which is exactly why it usually does. Just don't forget the bug spray. Seriously.