City in Minnesota, United States
Photo: Jon Platek, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Pine City is a city in east central Minnesota with the tagline "North. Nice and close." The Pine City zip code (55063), which is a more accurate reflection of the size of the town, has a population of approximately 10,000 people and even more native pine trees. It's an easy day trip from the Twin Cities to Pine City, the largest city in, and county seat of Pine County.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Learn how school was over 100 years ago in this restored, one-room schoolhouse that was relocated to near downtown Pine City. It is operated as a museum by the Pine County Historical Society.
François
A historic fur trading post from the early 1800s.
Located throughout town. Woodpecker Ridge Park is home to a Gulf War memorial. World War I and II monuments are located outside of the Pine Government Center, downtown. And, look for them at the library, cemeteries, etc.
Take a class or browse the gallery. The arts are for everyone.
Excellent sightseeing, plenty of wildlife.
Show off your new pair of board shorts or that rockin' henna tramp stamp. If you want to see and be seen, this is where you need to be. Join a beach volleyball match, toss the Friz, or just keep your shades down and get your creep on; this beach is your oyster, shuck it. The horseshoe pits are well-manicured and chances are you'll have them all to yourselves unless it's Monday night. The beach is home to some of the City's most beautiful sunsets.
Since 2010, Mr. Anderson has tilled his land and broken his back so city folk can spend an afternoon getting lost amid acres of America’s favorite crop. Presidents, Senators and Congressmen get in for free.
In 1905, 35 acres of rural lakeside land was set aside for a tuberculosis hospital here—half a day’s journey north from St. Paul, where a prominent doctor held office. That doctor was Longstreet Taylor, and he specialized in tuberculosis patients. It was abandoned in 1986 and the building still stands. It has become commonplace to ghost hunters and "My Ghost Story" (Season 5, Episode 13) recounted one such investigation. There are lots of bats. And, this is private property so it is best to contact the owner for permission.
St. Croix Trail
The Sandrock Cliffs Trail is a 5-mile system of loop trails north of Highway 70 along the St. Croix River. The southern-most trail is a 3-mile loop. Connecting trails provide 2 additional miles to explore and feature picturesque sandstone cliffs. Trail heads are located at the Highway 70 Landing parking area and off of Tennessee Road near the north end of the trail system. The trail is open year-round and is for foot-traffic only. No motorized vehicles or bicycles are permitted.
Early April
"Pride in the Park" LGBTQ Pride Fest
First Saturday each June in Robinson Park. This was America's first rural gay pride.
In Robinson Park, mid-July.
The first weekend in August each year. The "Great Pine County Get Together". Home to Minnesota's largest, and hardest-hitting demolition derby.
Longest-running event in Pine City area. The booyah recipe is a secret but it's darned good stuff.
Labor Day Weekend
Pokegama Lake (hosted by the Snake River Valley Conservation Club)
Hilltop Park and Korbel Arena grounds. Late Jan. This annual weekend tournament highlights the talents of many local athletes and brings spectators from far and wide. The hot and fast action nearly melts the ice, despite the frigid January temperatures. On the pond, skill, speed and toughness are tested to their limits and champions are immediately vaulted into iconic status within the community, free to revel in glory for eternity.
Boat and pontoon rental.
Canoeing adventures and tours.
For over 40 years, the Pine City Country Club, a nine-hole par 36 golf course, has been the primary destination for golf enthusiasts in the area. It offers PGA professional instructions for both amateurs and professionals.
Experience disc golf where a Guinness World Record was set in 2011.
Over 100 miles of groomed trail.
Red, fruit and white wines.
Karate, TKD, Hapkido, Judo, and Aikido. Adult and youth classes.
Unlimited free WiFi if you have your own computer. The Internet workstations can only be accessed by East Central Regional Library cardholders.
Health foods, organic menu and items, with gluten-free and vegan options.
Full Chinese menu, no MSG.
One of the few Thai restaurants in Greater Minnesota, and according to Heavy Table it could be put up against any of them in the Twin Cities.
Don Julio's
One of six locations of Don Julio's. Excellent fajitas, salsa and other Mexican food!
Located in: Pokegama Shores RV Resort
American and Thai.
Berchin's A&W
All-American food and carhop. Ask for the "Dragon Meal".
Pizzeria and family restaurant; considered by some to be a Pine City staple. Best time to go: Friday nights.
Great breakfasts all day long and world famous chicken dumpling soup.
Hmong owned. Eat like a local and hear local happenings, all with a laid back atmosphere and free WiFi Internet.
Giant arcade in back. Fun for the kids.
Ice cream and a downtown stroll, parkside? Oh yeah.
Pine City's first and finest watering hole. Try the "Village Idiot".
Local favorite with deejay keeping a lively dance floor weekends. Try "The Froggy Burger".
Locally referred to as "The Wrinkle Room".
Great rooftop patio during warm months.
A craft brewery and taproom.
Unique 'Up North' feel, serving a wide selection of coffee drinks and smoothies as well as bakery items.
Campsites consist of a cleared area, fire ring and table. In addition, vault toilets, garbage cans and drinking water are available. All sites are on a first-come, first-served basis.
RV Park has a 9-hole golf course (Par 3) and a large heated swimming pool, among many other amenities.
Retreat in this perfect place to get away well-suited for scrapbooking (of course) but also stamping, quilting, gaming, and crafting.
Marina with boat maintenance and repair services.
Get your Minnesota fishing license and bait here.
Get your Minnesota fishing license and bait here.
Featured on CBS national news as a unique business type.
Historic Sauser's is a living museum, an old-fashioned hardware with creaky wood floors that offers virtually everything one can think of (e.g., welding supplies, lawn mowers, paints, trimmers, appliances, and unique gifts).
The summer market opens in July and runs through October every Friday and Saturday, 11AM-1PM. Activities for kids, farm-to-table recipes and master gardeners at your service.
Up-cycled and vintage home decor and furniture.
By car
Interstate 35 links Pine City with Duluth to the north and the Twin Cities to the south. Pine City is about an hour drive north of downtown Minneapolis and of downtown St. Paul.
By plane
By thumb
It's not uncommon to see hitchhiking along the Interstate 35 corridor.
By taxi
By car
Driving is probably the best option for getting around Pine City. The city generally does not have any traffic problems, although it can get congested before and after school hours.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Saint Cloud · Regional · STC
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