Little Falls, MN Animal Lovers Guide

Looking for a family-friendly getaway packed with wildlife encounters, forest trail rides, and scenic river views? Little Falls, Minnesota offers a high-adventure playground for animal lovers of all ages.

Here is a complete 3-day Little Falls itinerary covering the best animal attractions, local eateries, hiking trails, and hotel stays.

📌 Quick Trip Overview

Day 1: Zoo Exploration, Ice Cream & River Picnic

Afternoon & Arrival

• Check In: Settle into your hotel at Country Inn & Suites or AmericInn.

• Pine Grove Zoo: Take a quick 7-minute drive west to Pine Grove Zoo (Open 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM). Walk shaded, paved paths under giant white pines to spot arctic foxes, river otters, black bears, tigers, zebras, and more.

Late Afternoon & Evening

• Lindy Scoop: Head into town to Lindy Scoop on Broadway for hand-dipped Cedar Crest ice cream in fresh waffle cones.

• Maple Island Park: Bring your ice cream scoops to the park near the river to relax and spot local ducks, fish, and turtles.

• Unwind: End the night with a swim or a soak in your hotel’s hot tub.

Day 2: Trail Riding, Classic Drive-In Eats & River Walks

Morning Trail Ride

• Breakfast: Grab fresh pastries and breakfast at the Little Falls Bakery & Deli.

• Mielke Farm: Head to Mielke Farm for a 1-hour guided equestrian ride through forest trails along the scenic Swan River.

  • Note: Rides include an arena mini-lesson prior to departure. Reservations required; 230 lb weight limit.

Lunch & Afternoon Hikes

• Dairy Treat: Drive back to town for a bite at Dairy Treat, a local walk-up window serving classic burgers, baskets, soft-serve cones, and sundaes since 1977.

• Charles A. Lindbergh State Park: Walk off lunch along forest hiking trails. Keep an eye out for bald eagles, white-tailed deer, and migrating songbirds.

• Dinner: Enjoy a casual local dinner in town at A.T. The Black & White.

Day 3: Wetland Wilderness & Sandhill Cranes

Morning Wildlife Spotting

• Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge: Drive 12 minutes south to explore over 2,000 acres of tallgrass prairie, sedge meadows, and wetlands.

• Platte River Trail: Hike to the accessible observation deck to spot Greater Sandhill Cranes (hosting one of Minnesota’s largest nesting populations) along with river otters, beaver dams, minks, and northern harriers.

Lunch

• Trailhead Picnic: Pack a lunch to enjoy at the Platte River trailhead picnic area surrounded by wild prairie grass and bird calls.

🗺️ Visitor Directory & Local Contacts

Hotels

• Country Inn & Suites: 209 16th St NE, Little Falls, MN 56345 | 📞 (320) 632-1000

• AmericInn: 306 LeMieur St, Little Falls, MN 56345 | 📞 (320) 632-1964

Attractions

• Pine Grove Zoo: 1200 W Broadway, Little Falls, MN 56345 | 📞 (320) 616-5595

• Mielke Farm: 10692 Cable Rd, Little Falls, MN 56345 | 📞 (320) 360-0258

• Crane Meadows NWR: 19502 Iris Rd, Little Falls, MN 56345 | 📞 (320) 632-1575

• Charles Lindbergh State Park: 1615 Lindbergh Dr S, Little Falls, MN 56345 | 📞 (320) 616-2525

• Maple Island Park: Kidder St SE & 3rd Ave SE, Little Falls, MN 56345 | 📞 (320) 616-5500

Food & Dining

• Lindy Scoop: 114 E Broadway, Little Falls, MN 56345 | 📞 (320) 414-0660

• Dairy Treat: 1012 Haven Rd, Little Falls, MN 56345 | 📞 (320) 632-6494

• Little Falls Bakery & Deli: 121 E Broadway, Little Falls, MN 56345 | 📞 (320) 632-6388

• A.T. The Black & White: 116 1st St SE, Little Falls, MN 56345 | 📞 (320) 632-5374