Sauk Centre is a city located in Stearns County, Minnesota. Its population is approximately 4,555, according to the 2020 census. The city is part of the St. Cloud, Minnesota, Metropolitan Statistical Area. There are a number of places to visit in Sauk Centre.
Jitters Java Coffee Cafe
Jitters Java Coffee Cafe is a cozy place that offers a variety of coffee drinks. It also offers a wide selection of fresh baked items and other quick snacks. The coffeehouse is open Monday through Friday from 6am to 5pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 6am to 2pm. The cafe has plenty of seating, and is a great place for groups to hang out.
If you’re in Sauk Centre, you can find Jitters Java Coffee Cafe at the corner of Main Street. The store is easy to find, and there is plenty of parking available. The menu includes an extensive coffee menu and weekly specials. There are even drinks and wines to enjoy.
The town is also known for being the birthplace of acclaimed American author Sinclair Lewis. It’s a charming small town in Central Minnesota that is the perfect getaway. The town’s unique combination of outdoor activities and history makes it an ideal place to spend your next vacation.
Andy’s Candies and Confections
Andy’s Candies and Confections has been a tradition in Sauk Centre for over a century. The store opened in 1917, when Andrew Sykut was a young man who had a dream of owning a sweet shop. He sold tobacco products, including cigarettes and cigars, and made homemade candy. The business is now run by his grandson. In addition to the original store in Sauk Centre, the company has other locations in Henrietta, Penfield, and Webster.
The store is located at 4580 Rachel’s Lane. The shop features a great selection of candy. You’ll find chocolate-covered strawberries, as well as exquisite fudge. Andy’s Candies and Confections in Sauk Centre offers a wide variety of chocolates, including fudge and truffles. The shop is family owned and operated, and the confections are all hand-made in-store.
Panther Distillery
Panther Distillery is the first legal whiskey distillery in Minnesota. It was founded in 2010 and began distilling spirits in May of the same year. It uses a 500-gallon copper still and uses fresh, local ingredients from area farmers. It also won a grant for $16,000 from the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s Safe Routes to School program.
Sauk Centre is also known for being the birthplace of the famous writer Sinclair Lewis. Born in 1885, he was raised in this small town and became famous for his Main Street novel. The boyhood home of Lewis can be seen in the town center. It is furnished with period antiques and features family memorabilia. Although the home is currently closed for renovations, it is scheduled to reopen in the spring.
Kensington Runestone
If you’re looking for a new vacation spot, Sauk Centre Kensington Runestone is a great option. For one thing, there are some great deals on vacation packages. Hotwire offers vacation packages that include round-trip flights, multi-day hotel stays, and more. These packages are great for couples, families, and single travelers. You can save money by choosing a package that includes flights, hotels, and other activities.
Visitors to Sauk Centre can explore the area’s history and culture. There are numerous museums and attractions in the town, including the Runestone Museum. The museum features exhibits about the history and heritage of the area, as well as exhibits on natural sciences. Another option is to take a ride on the Paul Bunyan Trail, an 80-mile paved trail. Visitors can travel through seven segment maps and 14 individual city descriptions of each city along the way. The Mille Lacs Indian Museum is another place to visit if you’re interested in the history and culture of this indigenous tribe.
You can also visit the Kensington Runestone, a huge stone that is 16 inches long and 31 inches high. It weighs 202 pounds and has been carved with runes. It is one of the largest in the world and was discovered in 1898. However, many people believe it’s a hoax.
Sauk Rapids’ Prairie Lane Trail
Sauk Rapids’ five off-road recreational trails are great for hiking, rollerblading, biking, and cross-country skiing. One of the most popular trails is the Ox Cart Trail, a 2.18-mile route that winds through four city parks. This historical route was once used to transport goods by oxcarts along the Red River.
The trail starts in a residential neighborhood and wraps around landscaped retention ponds. It’s paved and has benches and lighting for viewing wildlife. It connects to the 6th Avenue Prairie Lane Park, but can be extended to the Eastern Star Trail by crossing 18th Street. Although it has no dedicated parking, there is plenty of free parking nearby.
During the winter months, Sauk Rapids hosts a Winter Parade of Lights and Family Fun Day. The event features a grand parade, holiday music, and selfies with llamas. It’s also a great time to check out the local businesses, which offer specials and holiday treats.
Sinclair Lewis Campground
Sauk Centre is an excellent choice for camping with a lake view. The campground offers lakefront sites and access to a public boat launch. There are also swimming beaches and a skate park for the kids across the street. If you want to stay in town, you can choose from one of the many hotels in the area. Downtown Sauk Centre is a short drive away. Several restaurants offer local cuisine, and you can take advantage of the city’s art scene.
Sinclair Lewis Campground is a 27.2-acre recreational area located near Sauk Centre’s downtown area. The campground is adjacent to a lake with recreational activities and is city-run. The campground offers both tent and RV camping with electric service. Most campsites offer either 30 or 50 amp service, while others have only water and electricity.
The town has a friendly, small-town feel. Locals wave to one another, and shopkeepers welcome everyone as if they were family. You’ll find people who are genuinely interested in the town, and are more than happy to help a stranger. In Sauk Centre, you’ll feel that people are proud to call their town home.
Sauk Centre’s I-94 Raceway
Sauk Centre, Minnesota, is home to the 7,000-seat I-94 Raceway. This ASA-sanctioned asphalt track is the perfect place to take the family for a day of family entertainment. The track has hosted many NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers. It is also the former home of Sinclair Lewis, the first American to win the Nobel Prize in literature.
