Community spotlight – New York Mills
Written by Jenna Kvidt & pictures by Micah Kvidt of Wander the Map
New York Mills is located in the northeastern region of Otter Tail County, and we had a great time exploring the area. During our visit we checked out art, walked along the Hidden Trails Walking Path, browsed shops, ate at delicious restaurants, visited parks, and explored a corn maze. We had fun checking out all that New York Mills has to offer.
If you are looking for a place to stay, the Whistle Stop Bed & Breakfast is a fun option right in town. They have several old train cars that have been turned into adorable lodging, as well as rooms in the historic Victorian house. It’s a stay that will make you feel like you’ve traveled back in time!
Adventures in New York Mills
Get Fresh Air and Art at New York Mills Sculpture Park and The Barn
The New York Mills Sculpture Park and The Barn are located just off of the main New York Mills exit on US Highway 10. The barn is available to rent for events, and the park is a fantastic place to wander around as it is filled with an abundance of beautiful sculptures. All of the art was created by local artists. Throughout the park, you will find sculptures such as a giant tractor, corn husks, a bear, and a labyrinth.
Enjoy the Art at The New York Mills Cultural Center
One of our favorite stops in town is the New York Mills Cultural Center. The center is an arts organization that works to expand the creative and cultural opportunities of rural Americans. Throughout the year, the center showcases visual art in its gallery, hosts series on performing art, and offers classes and workshops. Plus, the gift shop is a wonderful place to score a beautiful gift or a hand-crafted piece of art to call your own. We loved browsing the photo prints, jewelry, decorations, and all of the other creative items for sale.
Stroll Along the Hidden Trails Walking Path
Located on the south edge of town, there is a trail perfect for a stroll in nature. The Hidden Trails walking path runs by South Main Avenue and there is a park with a playground, basketball hoops, and picnic shelter nearby. We went for a walk around the trail after lunch, and it was a wonderful way to get moving and enjoy the afternoon sun.
Browse the Shops
There are a few different options for places to shop if you are looking for something special. We browsed the gifts at SEIP Drug, beautiful plants and floral arrangements at Designs by Tes, delicious food/treat related items at Farmer’s Daughter Rustic Bakery, and a wide range of artsy creations at the New York Mills Cultural Center gift shop. Some of the other shops in town consist of Second Hand Rose Consignment and More, Scott’s Bait and Tackle, and Linen World by Sommer.
Enjoy Berries, A Corn Maze, and More at Otter Berry Farm
Otter Berry Farm is a fun stop to make in both the fall and summer seasons. During the summer months, you can pick your own or order a batch of pre-picked strawberries. And, I can honestly say, they are the best strawberries I’ve ever tasted! In the fall, visitors will find a pumpkin patch, raspberry picking, a variety of farm animals, a food truck, a corn maze, and more. It’s a wonderful way to get out and enjoy nature no matter the season.
Relax in a Park
New York Mills offers several parks to enjoy, such as Lund Park, Central Park, Country View Playground, Smith Park, Southside Park, and New York Mills Sculpture Park/The Barn. These parks showcase a variety of events and attractions, such as a farmer’s market, sculptures, monuments, and playgrounds. We popped by several of the parks to explore and enjoyed the time spent outdoors.
View the Continental Divide Monument
One of the neat things about New York Mills is that the Continental Divide runs right through the heart of town. Head to Central Park to check out the Centennial Monument and stand on the Continental Divide. The monument showcases five flags and a fountain with the inscription that reads: “As the Water Falls and Divides Upon this Stone, the Rains Falling Upon this Park flow both North and South to the Seas.” Be sure to read the bronze plaque for some interesting information about the divide and New York Mills.
Where to Eat in New York Mills
I don’t think we’ve had a pastry as good as the ones we ate at Farmer’s Daughter Rustic Bakery—seriously, this place is amazing! We stopped in for an indulgent breakfast of donuts, and we couldn’t resist taking a box home to share with family. The donuts, turnovers, and muffins were all very tasty treats. In addition to baked goods, Farmer’s Daughter Rustic Bakery also serves a variety of meals throughout the day, and some of the past daily specials have been sandwiches, soups, chicken with mashed potatoes, enchiladas, and so much more. We didn’t have a chance to try any of their homecooked menu items, but it all looks great and it is on our list to try during a future visit.
In addition to all of these activities, a few more options you can find are bowling at Mills Lanes, learning about history at the Finn Creek Museum, and events like the Great American Think-Off. There are certainly plenty of fun adventures to be had in New York Mills!