lake kampeska at sunset

A Fall Weekend in Watertown

Looking for a quick getaway? Here’s the game plan for a perfect weekend of unwinding at your own pace.

WBC people at bar

Watertown Brewing Company

Start a culinary expedition downtown at Watertown Brewing Company, a brewpub serving fresh flavors in a 111-year-old brick building. Sample a few of the local favorites — like Pelican Pale Ale and the Codington Cream — and build a custom six-pack to take home. A few more places to round out your dining itinerary include Downtown Sushi, Clifford’s Steak & Ale, and Dempsey’s Brewery Pub & Restaurant, a local staple .

Goss Opera house

A block west of the brewing company, the 130-year-old Goss Opera house welcomes visitors in style. Catch a show in the elegant theater room or grab a bite and drink at the main restaurant, Mavericks Steaks and Cocktails. The Goss is only one example of Watertown’s eye-catching architecture. There are more than 17 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, all listed in our walking and driving guide.

 

People inside goss opera house
Terry Redlin Painting

redlin art center

Finally, no trip to Watertown is complete without the Redlin Art Center. This gorgeous brick museum holds 160 Terry Redlin originals, plus countless insight into the life of “America’s favorite artist.” A South Dakota native who sparked his career in the Twin Cities, Redlin canonized the world around him: midwestern families, landscapes, and wildlife. It’s easy to see where he got his inspiration as you study his magnificently detailed works.

Lake Kampeska

Out of doors, Watertown has plenty to keep you busy. Glimpse the fall colors around Lake Kampeska or take a ride on the 30-mile bike trail. Anglers love the nearby glacial lakes, where walleye and perch are the catch du jour. On the shore, two lakeside courses offer gorgeous views of the water.