Visit Long Prairie taps into tourism opportunities

Long Prairie, Minnesota, is zeroing in on attracting staycation, state, and national travelers with a new tourism resource hosted on the City of Long Prairie website. A Tourism webpage highlights local attractions and a variety of upcoming events for vacationers to enjoy on a trip to Todd County. Cornerstones of the new web presence are promoting the hidden gems surrounding Long Prairie and how a fun family getaway is possible on a limited budget.

Attractions for outdoor enthusiasts

Love spending time in nature? Lake Charlotte Beach, the Long Prairie River, and numerous other nearby lakes offer opportunities to engage in various activities. From fishing hotspots to swimming and water sport options,

Lake Charlotte Park provides a swimming beach coupled with numerous sporting options for playtime outside of the water, including volleyball, basketball, softball and disc golf. Picnic shelters help extend the day and plan a complete adventure. The nearby Long Prairie River can extend water adventures with canoeing, fishing, and other seasonal recreational opportunities.

Visit area attractions

Away from the water, Long Prairie and Todd County offer many interesting activities for families, solo travelers, and couples to enjoy. The historic Long Drive-in Theater offers a variety of double-feature film options, including family-friendly fare, at competitive rates with kinds four and under viewing free. Throughout the year, a variety of events augment the experience, including concerts, retro movie screenings, fright nights, and a classic car cruise.

For a cultural experience, local museums, such as the Christie Home Museum and the Todd County Museum, provide a window into the past and unique special events showcasing local history. Authentic Latino and American restaurants and markets flourish downtown on Central Avenue and Highway 71. A vibrant Amish community also adds to Long Prairie’s tourism economy as visitors enjoy interacting with roadside stands selling Amish crafts, food,and flowers.

“It’s one of those special immersive moments visitors remember long after they’ve left,” Chris Amundson, Long Prairie’s Director of Tourism, said.

Summer events create buzz-worthy travel weekends

A slate of summer events are adding to the tourism options in Long Prairie this summer, with many activities already on the schedule for residents and visitors to enjoy on a night out. 

The popular Long Prairie Concert Series kicked off in May. at Memorial Park with Jim Butler and Crew playing a patriotic catalog of songs to mark Memorial Day celebrations. The free event is open to all. On June 28 at 7 p.m., a second concert takes place at the Todd County Fair with Triple R DJ playing the hits at a free event. Following up on July 5 is a full day of Independence Day events at Lake Charlotte Beach. Fireworks at dusk are a major draw for the free event.

Focusing on the future

Amundson said creating a sustainable tourism economy is a long-term focus for Long Prairie, and plans are in the works for the remainder of 2025 and beyond. The goal is to preserve the natural beauty of the region while adding to the visitor experience. 

Amundson noted maintaining this balance is essential for future generations to enjoy everything Long Prairie has to offer. 

As the visitor count increases in the region, the community will benefit from economic growth and develop stronger relationships with visitors, generating a referral and repeat visitor effect. The Twin Cities and other metro areas in the state contribute heavily to the current tourism market in Long Prairie and provide plenty of potential for growth as more people learn Long Prairie is a destination, not just a place to pass through.

Watch the Long Prairie Tourism page for more event updates and the latest travel news in Long Prairie.