Overview
Spring Grove is a city in Houston County, Southern Minnesota. Located in the very South-East corner of Minnesota, it is a 25 min. drive from Decorah, Iowa a 30 min. drive from Lacrosse, Wisoncosin a 1 hour drive from Winona, Minnesota and a 1.5 hour drive from Rochester, Minnesota. Its located on a small plateau in the middle of bluff country it is a small farming community in a very scenic area. South-East Minnesota is completely different (geographically) than any other part of the state. It has a strong Norwegian background that is prevalent throughout the city.
2 sights · 3 things to do · 4 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Spring Grove
Syttende Mai
Being the first Norwegian settlement in the state of Minnesota, Spring Grove celebrates Norway's Independence annually. Syttende Mai translates to the 17th of May and Spring Grove holds its celebrates the nearest weekend…
Spring Grove Public School
Spring Groves' life and blood is the public school, so naturally any school events become the center of attention. The school offers plays, choir and band concerts, and sporting events. Sporting events include high schoo…
Music-in-the-Park
On Wednesdays during the summer from 6:30 until 8:00 PM the city sponsors outdoor concerts in the Viking Memorial Park. In case of rain events are moved to the Fest Building.
Spring Grove Aquatic Center
The city of Spring Grove has a brand new swimming pool which has something to offer for the whole family. The pool includes two multi-storied slides, a diving board, two smaller slides and a basketball hoop in the main p…
Spring Grove Cinema
A one screen movie theater which shows second screenings Friday through Monday. It has a top of the line digital projector with stadium style seating and fully equipped concession stand. It is one of the best 3-D project…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Oct. Summer highs reach about 85°F; winter lows dip to about 11°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jun and May. (climate data from nearby Waterloo)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- LSE La Crosse Regional Airport, La Crosse — 29 mi away. Directions
- RST Rochester International Airport, Rochester — 49 mi away. Directions
- MSP Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport / Wold–Chamberlain Field, Minneapolis — 120 mi away (major hub). Directions
With no means of public transport available, visitors are to arrive in Spring Grove by car.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Spring Grove Aquatic Center, Spring Grove Cinema, Syttende Mai
- Lunch Ivy Grove Cafe
- Afternoon Spring Grove Public School, Music-in-the-Park
- Dinner Red's Deli
- Evening Spring Grove Legion
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
With no means of public transport available, visitors are to arrive in Spring Grove by car.
Get around
See
Do Music-in-the-Park
On Wednesdays during the summer from 6:30 until 8:00 PM the city sponsors outdoor concerts in the Viking Memorial Park. In case of rain events are moved to the Fest Building.
See Syttende Mai
Being the first Norwegian settlement in the state of Minnesota, Spring Grove celebrates Norway's Independence annually. Syttende Mai translates to the 17th of May and Spring Grove holds its celebrates the nearest weekend to that day. The festival features traditional Norwegian food, clothing, antiques, and souvenirs. More of an American twist on the holiday it features a parade, classic car show, concert, racing, etc.
See Spring Grove Public School
Spring Groves' life and blood is the public school, so naturally any school events become the center of attention. The school offers plays, choir and band concerts, and sporting events. Sporting events include high school and middle school football, boys and girls basketball, volleyball, baseball, and softball.
Do
Do Spring Grove Aquatic Center
The city of Spring Grove has a brand new swimming pool which has something to offer for the whole family. The pool includes two multi-storied slides, a diving board, two smaller slides and a basketball hoop in the main pool alone. An offshoot to the main pool there is a smaller "kiddy pool" which includes several water jets and fountains, and a Viking ship sled for the small children. The building site has a large resting area and an adequate sized concession stand with exceptional service.
Do Spring Grove Cinema
A one screen movie theater which shows second screenings Friday through Monday. It has a top of the line digital projector with stadium style seating and fully equipped concession stand. It is one of the best 3-D projecting theater's between Rochester and Des Moines. Reviews have given it the highest rating in south-eastern Minnesota. The theater commonly offers free classic movie showings during the week.
Buy
Eat
Drink
Nearby
Decorah
City / town · 5 listings · 20 mi away
Lanesboro
City / town · 11 listings · 20 mi away
La Crosse
City / town · 24 listings · 27 mi away
Spillville
City / town · 1 listings · 29 mi away
Winona
City / town · 28 listings · 34 mi away
Prairie du Chien
City / town · 2 listings · 40 mi away
Effigy Mounds National Monument
Park · 1 listings · 40 mi away
Marquette
City / town · 2 listings · 42 mi away
My experience
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