Get itinerary inspiration with these group-tour stops in Sauk Centre, Minnesota.
“Sauk Centre provides group tours with original Main Street shopping, dining, lodging, Sinclair Lewis Boyhood Home tours, the Lake Wobegon Trail, Sauk Lake activities, and ghost tours! Visit Sauk Centre can help tour operators put together a grand itinerary.” –Pamela R. Borgmann, executive director, Visit Sauk Centre
DISCOVER
Nobel Prize-winning author Sinclair Lewis was born in Sauk Centre. Visit the Sinclair Lewis Boyhood Home, where he lived from 1889 until 1902, when he left Sauk Centre to attend college. The recently renovated home, a National Historic Land- mark, is open from June through September and by appointment the rest of the year. Lewis was the first American to be awarded a Nobel Prize in literature. He received the Nobel Prize in 1930 for five novels he wrote in the 1920s, “Main Street,” “Babbitt,” “Arrowsmith,” “Elmer Gantry,” and “Dodsworth.” Although “Arrowsmith” was awarded a Pulitzer Prize in 1926, Lewis declined that prize.
Tour the Sauk Centre History Museum to learn more about the town and the area.
Built in 1901, The Palmer House Hotel was the first building in Sauk Centre with electricity. The Palmer House continues to operate as a hotel and restaurant. Book a historical tour to learn about the previous owners, famous guests, and unregistered residents.
EXPLORE
The 10-block Original Main Street Historic District is considered the inspiration for Sinclair Lewis’ 1920 novel, “Main Street.” Be sure to browse the stores to find a souvenir to take home.
DO
Arrange for a walking mural tour of Sauk Centre conducted by an art and history enthusiast from 510 Art Lab, an inclusive art environment and member-run makerspace.
Credit: Visit Sauk Centre
Take a hike on the Lake Wobegon Trail, a 65-mile paved trail that connects 10 communities in central Minnesota and goes through Sauk Centre. Pedestrians, cyclists, rollerbladers, and snowmobilers may use the trail. The Sauk Centre trailhead in Sinclair Lewis Park on Sauk Lake connects to the Lake Wobegon Trail via a short, paved trail. The park features a band shell and a nearby splash pad.
ASK
Visit Sauk Centre
320-352-5201
visitsaukcentre.org
Main image: History Sauk Centre mural; Credit: Visit Sauk Centre
