This post, featuring winter things to do in Hinckley and St. Croix State Park with kids, may contain affiliate links. I also worked with Hinckley CVB to create an article for their website, though this article was not part of our partnership, and all opinions are my own. For more, please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy.
Winter is one of my favorite seasons for enjoying day trips in Minnesota with kids. Fewer crowds, cozy meals, and snow-dusted trails are just a few of my favorite things about exploring our home state in the winter. We recently had the opportunity to partner with the Hinckley CVB and explore the area. This article is my guide to exploring St. Croix State Park and Hinckley, Minnesota, with kids this winter!
Where is Hinckley, Minnesota?
I can confidently say that Hinckley is a great area for families to explore in the snow! About 75 minutes from Minneapolis, this charming town is known for its history (such as the 1894 Great Hinckley Fire) and its iconic cinnamon rolls, which can be found at Tobies Restaurant, nestled alongside Highway 35. It’s also the halfway point between Minneapolis and Duluth, making it a great stop on your winter travels north.
With plenty of winter things to do in Hinckley, you and your kids can enjoy outdoor fun in the snow and then warm up at a delicious local spot. Indeed, if you’re looking for things to do near St. Croix State Park, there’s no shortage of activities in town to keep your family entertained, from exploring the park’s many trails to cozying up in town. A quick day trip here is sure to be a hit with your crew! In this guide, I’ve included everything you need to know for a fun day trip to Hinckley with kids, including things to do and kid-friendly places to eat.
Grab Coffee + Breakfast at Tobies Station
Start your day by waking up early and making the trek to Hinckley in time for breakfast at Tobie’s Station. It is conveniently located right off Highway 35! Offering Caribou Coffee and in-house-made donuts and treats, this is a must-stop for families. There’s something for everyone, from world-famous rolls to filled Bismarcks and cookies.
My daughter couldn’t get enough of her sugar cookie, while I enjoyed a delicious glazed donut. It was one of the best I’ve ever had! This local favorite is the perfect spot to start your day before checking out some of the best winter things to do in Hinckley with kids. Indeed, if you’re wondering where to eat breakfast or grab a coffee in Hinckley, Tobie’s Station will surely hit the spot!
Looking for a more substantial start to the day? Head over to Tobies Restaurant & Bakery for a hearty family breakfast. With options like omelets, French toast, and pancakes, it’s an excellent choice for families with kids of all ages. Plus, they have a kids’ menu, making it even easier to please everyone! They also have an on-site shop where you can grab items for home, including baked goods and small gifts. Either way, Tobie’s is the ideal stop for a cozy meal and a taste of local flavor before your winter adventures in Hinckley.
Explore the Many Trails at St. Croix State Park
St. Croix State Park is a winter wonderland packed with family-friendly adventures. With 11 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails, families can glide through peaceful woodlands and along scenic riverbanks. For a faster pace, explore 80 miles of snowmobile trails that connect to nearby state forests and even lead into Hinckley. Snowshoeing and hiking are welcome anywhere in the park—just steer clear of the groomed ski trails.
For a shorter winter hike, park at the St. Croix Lodge and follow the 1-mile loop from the River’s Edge Trail to the River Bluff Trail for stunning river views. This is what we did, and the river views were amazing! We even got to see snow geese while we hiked along the water!
Before we selected our trail, we also attempted to check out the fire tower. While there is no information online saying that it is closed during the winter, a barrier was blocking the road during our visit. There is a small parking area near this blockade, but the hike would have been a few miles to see if we could reach the fire tower. We rerouted ourselves to the trail mentioned above instead.
After your hike, warm up at the All-Season Trail Center, which has heat, restrooms, and fire pits. It’s perfect for a cozy snack before exploring a new trail or heading into town. If you’re looking for exciting winter things to do in Hinckley with kids, St. Croix State Park offers endless opportunities to explore together!
Warm Up with Lunch at a Local Cafe
Hungry after exploring? Of course, you are! The Whistle Stop Café is one of the best places to eat in Hinckley with kids. This cozy diner along old Highway 61 is perfect for families craving comfort food to warm up after their morning hike.
Their all-day breakfast—think fluffy pancakes and hearty omelets—is always a hit, and lunch options like burgers, soups, and the classic Hot Beef Sandwich are perfect for refueling and warming your tummies. Kids will love the dedicated kids’ menu, and no visit is complete without a slice of their famous pie (locals swear by the Sour Cream & Raisin!). Obviously, I had to go with the Hot Beef Sandwich, while my travel crew devoured their BLT and a ham and cheese, respectively.
After lunch, you’ll be ready to keep exploring together. Looking for more things to do near St. Croix State Park? Your afternoon is filled with even more family fun!
Explore Downtown Hinckley
Exploring Hinckley’s cozy downtown is next! One of the best winter things to do in Hinckley is to explore the downtown and surrounding area with your kids, which offers several cute shops to browse and treasure hunt, especially thrift and antique shops!
Start at Thriftee Troll for quirky home goods and trinkets, then pop into Grandma’s Thrift Store for secondhand clothes and decor. Antiques America is a must for vintage lovers, packed with collectibles ranging from comic books to cookie jars. Personally, this was our favorite stop in the afternoon! Need a sweet treat? Stop by April’s Candies & Gifts for homemade goodies (it reopens in February for the season).
READ NEXT: 10 Outstanding Winter Day Trips near Minneapolis with Kids (all within about 90 minutes)
Stop at The Great Hinckley Fire State Monument
While not a long stop, it’s worth checking out the Great Hinckley Fire State Monument. This monument is dedicated to the many people who died during the 1894 Great Hinckley Fire. In just four hours, 250,000 acres were consumed by flames, leaving several communities wholly destroyed. It’s an important part of local history and one that should be noted during your visit.
While the Hinckley Fire Museum is not open during the winter, summer visitors can also learn about the fire at The Hinckley Fire Museum. The museum is located downtown, near an old train car, which can be seen in the winter. You can walk up the ramp and peek into the train car.
Go Bowling + Get Dinner at the Rival House
Wrap up your day of winter fun in Hinckley with a visit to Rival House, located inside the Grand Casino. It’s one of the most affordable winter things to do in Hinckley with kids! The four-lane bowling alley features HyperBowling, adding a fun, interactive twist to the game. Bowling is only $30/lane for the whole family, including shoes (available in child and adult sizes)! Younger kids can use ball guides and automatic bumpers, making it easy for everyone to join in.
Not into bowling? No problem! Rival House also offers free-play arcade games like skeeball, billiards, darts, PAC-MAN, and table-top shuffleboard. In fact, if you have multiple children, they can play skeeball in between turns if it’s not too busy! After the games, grab a family-friendly meal—don’t miss the cheese curds and locally-made pizza—and maybe even catch live music from local bands.
Since Rival House has a separate entrance from the casino, it’s easy for families to enjoy the space without stepping into the gambling area. It’s the perfect spot to relax and celebrate a day of exploring Hinckley and nearby St. Croix State Park!
NOTE: Rival House has limited hours and is only available on weekends, opening at 6:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays (all day on Sundays). If you are visiting on a Friday or Saturday, plan your day so that you arrive at 6:00 pm, or add one of the additional winter things to do below to fill more time between exploring downtown and dinner/bowling. Finally, Rival House is 18+ after 9:00 pm.
A Few More Winter Things to Do in Hinckley with Kids
Need a few more winter things to do in Hinckley to round out your itinerary? Here are some kid-friendly ideas!
- Catch a movie at the family-owned Grand Cinema! It’s an excellent spot for a family flick and in-house-made pizza.
- Willard Munger State Trail has multiple trails that you can explore between Hinckley and Duluth. Trails are multi-purpose for activities like hiking, fat tire biking, and snowmobiling.
- Chengwatana State Forest features cross-country ski trails, along with 20 miles of snowmobiling. Bring your own gear.
Have Fun Exploring Hinckley this Winter with Your Kids!
Hinckley and St. Croix State Park offer the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation for a memorable winter day with your family. From exploring snowy trails and spotting wildlife at St. Croix State Park to discovering even more fun winter things to do in Hinckley with kids, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the season together. Warm up with delicious meals at family-friendly spots like Tobie’s and the Whistle Stop Café—two of the best places to eat in Hinckley with kids. Then, cap off your day with games and bowling at Rival House. Whether seeking outdoor adventures or cozy dining, this winter itinerary is packed with kid-friendly activities and tasty options that make Hinckley and St. Croix State Park a perfect cold-weather day trip for all ages!
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.
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