Explore Houston, MN
Explore all Houston, MN has to offer. From camping and trails to explore, to kid friendly playgrounds and places to grab a bite to eat, we are sure you will find something for all members of the family to enjoy.
Root River Trail
Explore all the Driftless Region has to offer on Minnesota’s historic Root River Bike Trail. Formally a railroad line, the Root River Trail now offers visitors a paved 42 miles of beautiful and unique landscape to enjoy.
Although the trail extends through one of Minnesota’s hilliest area, the Root River Bike Trail is mostly on flat ground, giving all members of the family, no matter age or skill level, the ability to enjoy Minnesota’s beauty.
Houston Nature Center
Located in Trailhead Park, the Houston Nature Center features a one-acre natural playground, a tent campsite, and a community garden.
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This one-acre natural playground features a large sand area, stone tunnels and caves, and a raised ouse accessible by a swinging bridge. This large playground is the perfect place to offer kids the opportunity to be active while connecting with nature.
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Trailhead Park offers 10 tent campsites, all located two blocks from down town businesses yet secluded from vehicle and camper traffic, each are equipped with a shade tree, fire ring and picnic table.
Sites are $10 a night and access to the Nature Centers 24-7 full bathrooms and showers are included.
For more information or to reserve your campsite, call 507-896-4668.
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With the goal to promote healthy lifestyles and provide fresh produce to volunteers and organizations such as the Houston Food Shelf and Valley View Nursing Home, the Houston’s Community Garden is always seeking volunteers to help water, weed, plant, and, when the time is right, harvest!
If you are interested in helping maintain the 100% community volunteer garden, contact Audrey Alfson at 507-894-3713.
International Owl Center
Focused on education and research, the International Owl center offers interactive displays and activities to learn all about owls!
Not only can you meet the owl ambassadors, you can feel how soft an owl wing is, explore owl art from around the world, find out more about the language of the Great Horned Owl, learn how to identify owls by their calls, and experience a stunning collection of mounted owls.
The International Owl Center is open Friday-Monday, 10:00AM to 4:00PM and is open until 5:00PM during the summer months.
Learn more about their programs and events by clicking the link below.
Barista’s Coffee House
Located right behind Owl City Cycles, this coffee house has been serving local favorites since 2008. With beautiful outdoor seating featuring a secret garden and fish pond, this coffee house is a perfect spot to grab a coffee brewed to perfection, real fruit and local honey smoothie, or a panini sandwich after a long day of cycling.
Barista’s Coffee House is open Monday-Friday 6:30AM-4PM, Saturday 7AM-4PM, and Sundays 8AM-2PM.
*Hours may differ per season. Check out their Facebook page for more information and to see their menu.
Houston Community Parks
This completely inclusive playground, located in Houstons central park, offers all individuals the chance to get outside and play. Equipped with ramps and a liberty swing, this park embodies inclusion to all members of the community.