News & Information

Explore the Outdoors in Harmony, Minnesota!

Welcome to Harmony, MN—a charming small town known for Niagara Cave, its fascinating Old Order Amish community, and a destination beloved by antique hunters, foodies, boutique shoppers, and nature lovers alike. Today, we’re shining the spotlight on the outdoor recreation that makes Harmony the perfect getaway for all ages and interests.

🚴‍♀️ Hit the Trails: Root River & Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail

Harmony is your southeast Minnesota gateway to over 60 miles of paved, DNR-maintained trail that connects nine scenic communities across southeast Minnesota. Ideal for biking, walking, jogging, and running, these trails offer beautiful landscapes and small-town charm at every turn.

To be completed in 2025, a 6-mile extension will link downtown Harmony directly to Niagara Cave and the Iowa border—perfect for even more adventure.

No bike? No problem!
Stop by the Harmony Visitor Center to take advantage of the free Harmony Bike Share program, which includes bikes and helmets at no cost.

⛳ Three Ways to Golf in Harmony

Whether you’re a traditional golfer or just out for some fun, Harmony has you covered:

• Harmony Golf Club – A relaxing 9-hole course with a welcoming clubhouse to unwind post-game.

• Trailhead Park Disc Golf – Enjoy a laid-back round of 9-hole disc golf. Need discs? Borrow them at the Visitor Center.

• Mini Golf at Niagara Cave – Try your hand at 18 holes of outdoor mini golf, with the first 9 holes wheelchair accessible!

🌄 Discover the Wonders of Niagara Cave

Not exactly outdoors—but perfect for nature enthusiasts! The one-hour guided tour of Niagara Cave reveals a hidden world of dramatic stone formations and a breathtaking underground waterfall. A must-see on your Harmony visit!

🎶 Family Fun at Trailhead Park

Trailhead Park is a hub for family fun, featuring:

• A picnic pavilion and playground

• The Harmony Splash Pad, open daily 11am–7pm, Memorial Day to Labor Day

• Freenotes interactive musical instruments—great for kids and adults alike!

Don’t forget—Harmony is home to several other parks with picnic shelters, playgrounds, tennis & basketball courts and wide-open spaces to enjoy the sunshine.

Whether you’re planning a day trip or a weekend retreat, Harmony is your perfect destination for exploring the great outdoors. Come for the trails, stay for the charm—Harmony, Minnesota awaits! 🌳🚲🌞

Looking for a memorable, family-friendly adventure? Look no further than Harmony, Minnesota!
Tucked away in southeastern Minnesota, Harmony is a charming small town that’s just a short drive from several metro hubs: 2 hours from the Twin Cities, 1 hour from La Crosse, WI, and 3 hours from Madison, WI. It’s the perfect weekend destination for families looking to unplug, explore, and make memories.

🕳 Explore the Depths of Niagara Cave

One of the top-rated caves in the country, Niagara Cave is a must-visit for families. The one-hour guided walking tour winds through stunning underground chambers featuring waterfalls, fossils, and impressive rock formations. After the tour, stick around to play mini golf, mine for gemstones and fossils, or enjoy a picnic on the grounds. Pro tip: stop by Harmony Foods—the local grocery store—for everything you need for a delicious picnic lunch.

📚 Step Back in Time with Laura Ingalls Wilder

Just a short drive away in Burr Oak, Iowa, fans of Little House on the Prairie will love the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum and Park. This is the only childhood home of Laura still standing on its original site. It’s also where her little sister Grace was born. A visit here feels like stepping straight into the pages of a beloved book.

🐴 Discover the Amish Way of Life

Older kids and curious minds will enjoy a tour of Harmony’s Old Order Amish community. Learn about Amish culture and craftsmanship with a guided experience from Amish Tours of Harmony, or explore at your own pace with a self-guided map available at the Harmony Visitor Center. Visit local farms, shop handmade goods, and take in a slower pace of life.

🚴‍♀️ Bike, Splash, and Play at Trailhead Park

Harmony sits right on the Root River and Harmony-Preston Valley State Bike Trails, which are ideal for walking or biking. Start your day at Trailhead Park, where families can enjoy a playground, picnic shelter, and a free Splash Pad (open daily 11 a.m.–7 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day). You’ll also find a 9-hole disc golf course—borrow discs for free at the Visitor Center!

🍽 Where to Eat in Harmony

Whether you’re grabbing a hearty breakfast or winding down after a busy day, Harmony has a variety of delicious dining options:

• Gabby Lou’s Kitchen – Don’t miss their famous homemade caramel and cinnamon rolls!

• On The Crunchy Side, Estelle’s Eatery & Bar, and The Bite – All great choices for lunch and dinner.
  Find full details on these and more by visiting our Dining Page.

🛌 Where to Stay

Harmony offers several cozy options for overnight stays.

• The Country Lodge Inn – A clean, comfortable local motel.

• Harmony Municipal Campground – Conveniently located in town with electric and water hookups.

• Area campgrounds and Airbnb’s also offer a wide range of settings, from rustic to luxurious. Click here to explore lodging options.

🎬 Catch a Movie at The JEM

Cap off your day with a visit to The JEM Movie Theatre, Harmony’s historic one-screen cinema showing new releases at budget-friendly prices. Open Friday through Sunday, this gem of a theater also hosts a free summer outdoor movie series. Check their Facebook Page for showtimes and event updates.

🚗 Ready to Hit the Road?

From underground adventures to splash pad fun, from historical stops to handmade Amish treasures, Harmony has something for every family member. It’s an easy and affordable road trip that will leave your crew with lifelong memories—and maybe even a few souvenirs.

Big Time Pony Rides will be with us again this July 4th in Selvig Park.
Kids love the pony rides and who can blame them? Check out these pics of their newborn foals.

Great news! The City of Harmony’s Splash Pad at Trailhead Park will be open starting Memorial Day and through Labor Day.
The Splash Pad will be open daily from 11am to 7pm.

The Harmony Freenotes musical instruments are also at this location,
as well as restrooms, playground equipment, and soon the Bruce Bigalk Memorial Pavilion.

Photos by J Photography and Design

Save the dates! Plan to grab your girlfriends and get your BINGO on at the Harmony Golf Club this summer.

They’ve got BINGO lined up for three dates this summer.

We (the HACC) are pleased to be sponsoring the BINGO this season. See you there!