Here Are 4 Must Visit Central Minnesota Patios This Summer

We are starting to hit that sweet spot here in Central Minnesota. The days are comfortable and long, the nights are refreshingly cool, so when your workday is done and you are looking to get out and soak up some sun, a good patio can be that mini life break you've been craving. Here are 4 must-visit patios for you to enjoy this summer in Central Minnesota.

What Makes A Great Patio?

What makes a great patio in your mind? Is it located in a downtown area so you can people watch as well as kick back with your favorite dish or beverage? Maybe you like a patio that is quieter and more secluded for you to unwind in relative peaceful zen.

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Opinions on patios are everywhere, and everyone seems to have one. How I picked my 4 was based on my experience, so before the trolls hit the comments, know Central Minnesota has a bunch of GREAT patios and outdoor areas, these are just 4 of those that have stood out to me.

Boulder Creek Wine Bar - Santiago/Becker

This is a place where it feels like you are in your own private backyard. There is a HUGE covered seating area, with a bar that holds 20-25 people around it. Open just a few weekends a month during the summer, this is a must-stop for my wife and me at least once a summer. The vibes from the live music (check the website to see if they have any) and various food trucks make this a fun, relaxing, yet cozy hidden oasis. Below are some pictures from my first visit to Boulder Creek in August of 2024.

These pictures whisper zen, can't you smell those flowers?

Ultimate Sports Bar - Waite Park

This is a patio where you can enjoy watching your favorite sports team, circled up around a table with friends while also eating some nachos, making it feel at times that you are at the game you are watching. While the patio is open to everyone, on these perfect summer nights, it fills up fast, so if you are planning on stopping out, you might want to get there sooner rather than later. The patio has a partially covered portion, so even if it is raining, you can still enjoy sitting out on the patio.

Red Goat Bar & Grill - Watkins

I call this patio a true Minnesota patio. It's nothing fancy, tables with umbrellas, a couple of chairs, fenced in on three sides with an outdoor bar area under some corrugated steel. The Red Goat Bar & Grill is known for their Bloody Marys, so I would suggest planning on spending some time enjoying not only the sunshine, but also one of their signature Bloody Marys while you are there. I was just at The Red Goat for the first time this spring with some friends, and the atmosphere was awesome. It's well worth the drive out to Watkins to experience this patio!

Frosty's - Pierz

A Soo Line Tradition for the Shea family, Frosty's in Pierz is a great stop after a long day out riding the Soo Line, located just south of Pierz. Whether you are looking to just unwind after a day on the trail, or you are just wanting to relax after a long week at work, this is a great small town patio, that has a TV, a couple of tables and chairs with umbrellas to keep the sun off your head. This patio hasn't always been there. Back in 2015, the patio went in, and it still looks great 10 years later.

Find your spot and enjoy your time

Whether or not you agree with these suggestions from Zen, to small town traditional to small town modern, to a sports bar patio, I encourage you to find something that makes you happy, find that spot, and enjoy your time there.