Our Nagel Assisted Living and Memory Care community sits right in Waconia, MN, so we are always on the lookout for fun things to do around town with residents and their families. We have gathered the most family friendly spots, plus a few wineries for mom and dad, to enjoy in Waconia through every season. Here are 16 local favorites worth a stop.
Top Food and Drink in Waconia
Waconia has a great mix of local restaurants, cafes, and wineries. From a sit down dinner to a quick coffee downtown, here are a few of our favorites.
1. Schram Vineyards
Schram Vineyards is one of the top spots in Waconia and Minnesota’s first combined winery and brewery. Set on a vineyard overlooking Reitz Lake, it pours wine, mead, and a rotating list of craft beers by the glass or the flight. The tasting room is also home to the Bonfire and Barrel restaurant, and you can pick up bottles, gifts, and gift cards to take home.
2. Iron Tap
Iron Tap has been a downtown Waconia favorite for years. This tavern is known for its rotating list of more than 30 craft beers on tap, along with house smoked meats, burgers, and sandwiches, plus a rooftop and patio for warmer days. It is a comfortable spot for a family meal or a night out.
3. Mocha Monkey
Stop by Mocha Monkey for coffee and a relaxed visit in downtown Waconia. This local coffeehouse is a welcoming place to catch up with family or friends, take a break while exploring town, or pick up a treat.
4. D’Vinci’s Restaurant
D’Vinci’s has served classic Italian food in Waconia since 1986. Stop in for lasagna, ravioli, tortellini, and other family favorites, or pick up a casserole to take home and feed the whole table. Check their menu and hours before you go.
5. Parley Lake Winery
Parley Lake Winery sits on rolling, wooded acres next to Carver Park Reserve, with handcrafted, award winning wines and beautiful views. It is a relaxing place to sample a flight, and it is one of three stops on the local Waconia wine trail. Reservations are recommended, and you can also shop wines and merchandise online.
6. Egg-Cetera Cafe
Egg-Cetera Cafe is a small local spot with plenty of charm and comforting classics like Denver omelets, patty melts, and old fashioned cheeseburgers. It is a good pick for a laid back breakfast or lunch in Waconia.
7. Waconia Brewing Company
Waconia Brewing Company sits right in the middle of town with a cozy taproom that feels like a real neighborhood bar, complete with leather couches and plenty of seating. Locals and visitors come in for freshly brewed beer, and there is often a food truck parked outside. Grab a pint or fill a growler to take home.
8. Lola’s Lakehouse
Lola’s Lakehouse serves great food and drinks with a patio right on Lake Waconia, which makes it one of the best places in town for a meal with a view. They offer weekly family dinner specials, and you can order online to dine in or take out.
Our Favorite Places to Shop In Waconia
Downtown Waconia is full of local shops worth a browse. Here are a few of our favorites for clothing, home goods, and secondhand finds.
9. The Stash of Waconia
The Stash of Waconia is a small shop in Waconia that believes clothing for women that makes you feel and look good should also be affordable and stylish. They are a small operation so to order online you can actually message them on their Facebook page for any availability in sizes and they’ll ship anywhere for $6 shipping!
10. Yetzer Home Store
Yetzer Home Store has been a Waconia furniture and flooring fixture since 1941. It is a great place to shop for quality home furnishings and flooring, or simply browse for design ideas. You can schedule a free in-home flooring estimate through their website.
11. Trending Upward Thrift Shoppe
For secondhand finds, stop by Trending Upward Thrift Shoppe. This nonprofit shop carries clothing, home goods, and more, all checked over before they reach the shelves. Proceeds support local causes, and they welcome donations during shop hours.
Fun Spots For A Waconia Outing!
When the weather is nice, Waconia has plenty of ways to get outside and enjoy the day. From golf to llamas to a night at the movies, here are a few more local outings for the whole family.
12. Island View Golf Club
Island View Golf Club is a great place to spend a summer morning or afternoon on the course. Book a tee time and enjoy a round with friends or family.
13. Carlson’s Lovable Llamas
Yes, there is a llama farm in Waconia. At Carlson’s Lovable Llamas you can pet, walk, and feed the llamas, book a farm visit, or host a birthday party or group event. This family owned business will even bring their llamas out to schools, senior communities, and other places for therapy visits. Read more and schedule your visit online.
14. Emagine Theatres Waconia
For a night at the movies, check out Emagine Waconia. They have reserved seating, plenty of concessions, and fresh popcorn to make your visit easy and comfortable.
15. Aspire Artisan Studios & Folk School
Interested in picking up a new hobby during quarantine, but haven’t quite done it yet? Aspire Studios are made up of artisans and artists that offer classes to people of all ages to learn new skills or home in on their crafts. They were holding classes outside for safety but now have been offering virtual classes like Intro to Sewing, Canvas Painting, and Woven Rag Baskets. Read more here!
16. City Square Park
City Square Park in downtown Waconia is a nice place for a walk or an afternoon outside. When the weather warms up, you can also enjoy the nearby ball fields and tennis courts.
There is no shortage of things to do, see, and taste in Waconia. Many of these spots are just a few minutes from our Nagel senior living community, which makes them easy to enjoy with visiting family or on an afternoon out. Supporting local businesses matters, so we hope you will check them out. And if you are looking for assisted living or memory care in Waconia, we would love to show you around.