Guest Blogger and Author, Antonia Grant from Knead to Roam [Hosted stay at Sweetbriar Ridge]

Pine City, Minnesota, is a charming town nestled along Hwy 35 between the Twin Cities and Duluth. Just one hour north of Minneapolis, Pine City is a great destination for a quick weekend getaway with kids, especially during the summer! The area boasts scenic river views, plenty of nearby state parks, and a small-town vibe that will charm even the most experienced of travelers. Based on our recent family trip, this is how I recommend planning a weekend itinerary for Pine City with kids this summer. 

If you’re planning a quick family trip, this guide will undoubtedly help you create a fantastic summer itinerary for Pine City of your own with all the best things to do and places to eat. Once you have read through our itinerary, you’ll find even more ideas for nearby things to do, places to eat, and additional places to stay in the area below. Keep reading to discover everything from our favorite things to do, where to eat, and where to stay in Pine City with kids. 

Tips + Packing List for Pine City, Minnesota

Before diving into the best things to do in Pine City with kids, you should know a few things about visiting the area first. 

A Few Tips 

Here are a few tips for visiting Pine City, Minnesota, with kids:

• Stay in a cozy cabin! One of the best ways to experience Pine City with your family is to stay in comfortable accommodations surrounded by nature (ideas below!).
• Pine City is best explored slowly – don’t feel like you need to rush. Don’t miss out on the chance to relax by the river, take long walks in the woods, or simply play games together.
• Pine City is about one hour north if you’re traveling from Minneapolis (like we did).
• See our highlights of Pine City on Instagram here!

Packing

In addition to the things you usually pack for a family trip, don’t forget these things on your Pine City packing list:

• If you plan to hike in one of the nearby state parks, don’t forget your hiking boots and gear. Here are the hiking shoes we like for kids and for me. 
• Games for cozy afternoons at your accommodations
• Fishing pole and tackle (if you plan to fish) – remember that adults need a license to fish in Minnesota
• Swimming suits
• Insect repellent and sun protection
• Water bottles or a hydration pack

Day 1 in Pine City with Kids

Day one in Pine City with kids is all about getting settled in your accommodations and getting a sense of the area. The downtown area is lovely; be sure to leave time before or after dinner to walk around a bit and get a lay of the land.

Where to Stay in Pine City with Kids

Once you arrive, get settled at your accommodations. We stayed (and highly recommend) booking a Dome at Sweetbriar Ridge. Sweetbriar Ridge is nestled on 56 acres of woods and prairie, just a short drive from Pine City. It’s the perfect place to curl up with a good book, play games together, and explore Pine City with kids.

We stayed in Solidago Dome, which comfortably sleeps 4 (1 King and 1 Queen bed). The kitchen is stocked with a microwave and a stovetop. They even offer kids’ dishes and utensils. Plus, the luxurious bathroom includes amenities like a towel warmer, spacious shower, and soft robes. Then, outside, there is a private outdoor firepit and plenty of outdoor spaces to explore. Each morning, you will be greeted by melodic birds and beautiful sunrises.

Dinner at Pizza Pub

If you’re wondering where to eat in Pine City with kids, Pizza Pub is a great spot for your first night in town! Not only can you munch on delicious pizza, but there is a fun arcade in the restaurant, too. While we waited for pizza, my daughter loved playing pinball and skeeball. When you’re ready to order, we highly recommend the pub pretzel and the taco pizza! If you’re not up for pizza, they also have burgers, salads, and sandwiches on the menu.

Catch the Sunset + Go Star Gazing

After dinner, catch the sunset together. Central Minnesota is the perfect place to enjoy a beautiful sunset, especially on the prairie. When it gets dark outside, cuddle up together and go stargazing. We saw so many constellations when we were visiting. If you’re lucky, your accommodations may even have a campfire for s’mores! No summer itinerary for Pine City with kids is complete without enjoying a night under the stars.

Day 2 in Pine City with Kids

Day two starts with coffee and ends at one of the best restaurants in Pine City with kids. Not to mention, a fair share of exploring together in between! This morning, refuel at Cabina Coffee to start your day. Breakfast is served until 11:00 am and features items like breakfast burritos and sandwiches, oatmeal, and a large selection of baked goods. They have both coffee and non-coffee beverages too. 

Snake River Fur Post + Lunch in Pine City

At the Snake River Fur Post, you can learn something new and discover stories of the fur trade. Operated by the Minnesota Historical Exhibits, the exhibits here feature history and information about the North West Company, local Native American tribes, French voyageurs, and British fur traders in the early 19th century. It’s undoubtedly one of the best summer activities in Pine City.

Start your morning at the visitor center, where you can gain an understanding of life at the fur post. After you tour the indoor exhibits, step outside to explore an Ojibwe camp recreation. Self-guided and guided tours are both available to assist you in learning more. Afterward, if you have time, you can also meander the 1.5 miles of hiking trails on the grounds. Finally, please note that the Snake River Fur Post is only open on Fridays and Saturdays in the summer.

After your visit, head into town for lunch at Mom’s Parkside Cafe. This quaint cafe in Pine City serves some of the best scratch-made soups, hot sandwiches, and burgers around! It’s an excellent spot for lunch with kids in Pine City.

Explore Banning State Park 

After lunch, drive 30 minutes north of Pine City to hike at Banning State Park. This beautiful Minnesota State Park is beloved for its secluded forests, roaring Kettle River, and sandstone quarry ruins. Banning State Park has 17 miles of hiking trails, many of which feature scenic views and a chance to spot wildlife. We saw a snake during our hike! Plus, there are other birds, small mammals, and reptiles who call this park home.

We recommend the 1.8-mile Quarry Loop Trail with kids. The trail offers beautiful views of the rapids along the Kettle River, quarry ruins, and forests. The quarry ruins also include informational signs to explain the history of the mines. This trail is certainly one of the best outdoor things to do near Pine City with kids! Alternatively, you can take the 4-mile loop Wolf Creek Trail, which features exposed boulders and a 20-foot waterfall hidden in the woods.

If you are planning to bring a canoe or kayak, experienced paddlers can tackle whitewater routes ranging from Class III-V! on the Kettle River. There are designated places to enter the river, and paddlers are expected to coordinate their route with the park office.

Spend the Late Afternoon + Evening in Downtown Pine City

You’ll definitely want to cool off after your hike at Banning State Park! We recommend returning to Pine City for an afternoon treat from the local Dairy Queen. Is there anything better than ice cream on a hot summer day?

You can also take your treats to Voyageur Park and Playground. This park, set along the Snake River, is just a few miles from Dairy Queen. One of the best things to do with kids in Pine City is to visit this park, which features a huge redwood Voyageur statue. Near the statue, there is a large playground and green space for families to play together. The playground features swings, slides, spaces to climb, and more. Finally, if you want to cast a line with your kids, a fishing dock for the public to use is available along the river bank.

After playing in the park, grab dinner and drinks at The Garage. One of the best places to eat in Pine City, this restaurant features an extensive menu, including a nice kids’ menu. On the menu, you’ll find everything from pub fare to burgers, Wraps, and broasted Chicken. If you are a cheese curd connoisseur like I am, you will want to order those, too! The restaurant also features an excellent patio and a rooftop terrace so that you can eat outdoors in the beautiful summer weather.

Day 3 in Pine City with Kids

Your final day in Pine City will be a low-key day of exploring any final locations you want to see in the area. For us, that meant a quiet coffee and exploring the beautiful property at Sweetbriar Ridge. For you, that may mean adding a final activity or two in Pine City (see options listed below).

During our recent trip, we started our final day with coffee and breakfast at Sweet Briar Ridge. If you plan to do the same, stock up on some baked goods from Cabina Coffee the day before to have on hand (or pack something like pancake mix!). There is a small stove top, fridge, and microwave to assist with cooking at Sweetbriar Ridge.

After breakfast, head into the woods and prairie to do some exploring. You may even find a small fort made with sticks behind the domes. Keep an eye out for grouse, turkeys, and other small birds and animals. 

Lunch in Pine City + Head Home

Before you head out of town, have brunch or lunch at Mia’s Cafe. Located in downtown Pine City, this veteran-owned diner features comfort food at its best. Your family can munch on classics like hearty melts and sandwiches, loaded hashbrowns, and all-day breakfast. They also offer yummy boba teas, as well as handmade spring rolls and egg rolls. Everything we tried hit the spot just right! It’s a great place to fill your tummies before going home.

More Summer Activities in Pine City with Kids

Do you have more time to fill in your Pine City itinerary with kids this summer? Or, perhaps you are planning a more extended visit? Don’t miss adding these fun things to do in Pine City with kids to your summer itinerary. 

• Governor Knowles State Park is a Wisconsin State Park just over the border (about 16 minutes from Pine City) along the St. Croix River. It is adored for its hiking and biking trails and excellent fishing.
• St. Croix State Park is just 30 minutes from Pine City. This Minnesota State Park features an excellent trail system and a fire tower. After embarking on your selected hike, take a scenic drive and climb the fire tower!
• Mountain Biking trails are located in Chengwatana State Forest. The trail is rated for beginners and offers a 30-mile route.
• Paddling is widely available in the area for canoers and kayakers. If you don’t have your own gear, you can rent kayaks and canoes from Snake River Outfitters of Minnesota.
• Fishing is offered in several locations near Pine City, including along the Snake River and in the nearby state parks.

More Great Places to Eat + Stay in Pine City with Kids

When you are exploring Pine City with kids, there are plenty of great places to eat and stay! We enjoyed only a few during our recent trip. Here are a few more family-friendly options to add to your summer itinerary!

More Places to Eat in Pine City with Kids

• Lotus Thai Cuisine
• Maverick’s Saloon Bar and Grill
• Pine Brook Restaurant and Bar in nearby Cambridge
• Wings North (at a hunting range)

More Places to Stay in Pine City with Kids

• Wooded Retreat offers four rental units and a cozy log house in Pine City.
• Camp at one of the nearby state parks, like Governor Knowles Trail, St. Croix State Park, or Banning State Park.
• Camp or RV at the Snake River Campground in the Chengwatana State Forest.

Enjoy Pine City with Your Kids this Summer!

Now that you know all the best activities for families in the area, it’s time to plan your own summer itinerary for Pine City with kids. From hiking and playing together to dining at some of the best restaurants in the area, Pine City will surely provide a charming backdrop to unforgettable family memories this summer. Enjoy Pine City with your kids!

Unless otherwise noted, all images in this article were taken by and belong to the blog’s author, Antonia Grant. This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy for more information.