We love living and working in Blaine, MN. Located just up the road from the bustling Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area, we like to think of it as a little town with a big heart. But though it may be small in size, there’s plenty to do in Blaine, as you’ll see in just a moment.
Recognized by Money Magazine as one of the “Top 100 Best Places to Live,†Blaine, MN is a place that treasures both its traditions and its strong community values. Founded in 1877 when it separated from nearby Anoka, Blaine really took off after the Second World War, when new housing developments and the rise of the Twin Cities initiated a growth spurt that hasn’t really slowed down.
But even if Blaine has grown in size, its residents still value the smaller-town feel of its cozy neighborhoods and its sprawling greenspaces and parks. With that in mind, let’s explore a few of the top attractions and things to do in our little hometown of Blaine, MN!
Green Goods’ Top Things to Do In Blaine, MN
National Sports Center
Because Minnesota experiences such a wide range of temperatures, many of us turn to sports—both indoor and outdoor—to keep active and in shape throughout the year. So it shouldn’t surprise you that small-town Blaine is home to the largest amateur sports facility in the world: The National Sports Center! Sprawling across some 600 acres, the NSC features over 50 full-size soccer fields, a golf course and velodrome—that’s an arena for bicycle racing—and the Schwan Super Rink, the world’s largest ice arena and a major attraction in and of itself. If you’re looking to get active and involved in community sports, there’s no better place in the world to do it than Blaine, MN!
Lakeside Commons Park & Beach
One of Blaine’s most beloved attractions, Lakeside Commons Park features a beach and family swimming during the warmer months. But even in winter, the trails hugging Sunrise Lake are worth a visit on their own. It’s a quiet place to commune with nature and reconnect with Blaine’s natural beauty.
Conquer Ninja Gym
If you’re a parent right now, you’ve probably heard the phrase “I’m bored!†more times than you can count this year. That’s exactly what Ninja Gym is designed to conquer, and guess what: It’s not just for kids, either! With many veterans of American Ninja Warrior on the training staff, this well-designed and challenging indoor facility is designed to bring out the warrior in students of all ages.
Rice Creek North Regional Trail Corridor Â
If you’re looking to push a little deeper into nature and really stretch your legs, there are few better places to do it than this spectacular trail that running alongside burbling Rice Creek. Locals love its many trail options, views of wildlife and waterways, and opportunities for kayaking and other pursuits. It’s also a popular dog park if you’ve got a four-legged friend itching for some nature time!
Blaine Wetland Sanctuary
Another oth Blaine’s most-loved natural attractions, the sanctuary features over 500 acres of wetland and upland. A boardwalk offers tick-free exploration of grasslands, while the miles of paved trails invite you to observe native birds, butterflies, and other fauna. Blaine residents love it for its quiet and peaceful vibe, its spectacular sunsets, and the opportunity to reconnect with nature courtesy of Minnesota’s stunning natural terrain.
Four Seasons Curling Club
Another of Minnesota’s beloved indoor sports activities, curling has a long and proud history in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. This well-equipped and professional facility hosts many local curling leagues. If you’re just starting to get into the sport, you’ll find many individual training and practice opportunities on offer too.
Of course, another great thing to do in Blaine is visit Green Goods! We’d love to meet you!
