We get lots of folks who stop out to the gallery, and miss the wonderful “Minnesota’s Hometown” atmosphere of Hutch. We’d suggest curing that by planning a couple of extra hours and do a bit of poking around town. First off, lunch (or towards the end of the day, dinner) ! Tuesday through Sat, the obvious pick is Zella’s. Great atmosphere, great crew, great wine list….I can truthfully say they hold up to anything in the cities. Across from the park on Main St.
We’re also happy to say that one of the best true Mexican restaurants is in Hutchinson…run by the Perez family…and called Sonora’s. They now also have a location open in Litchfield just north of us, so if you’re headed west on 7 or 12, you’re covered.
We’ve got a couple of good antique shops one at about 200 N. Main, and the other about 900 So. Main. Other gift shopping, try the Village Shop, 114 So Main, and Chris Peterson’s new shop, The Treasure at Main and Washington. Across from that is a quilters and stitchers heaven – The Quilt Haven on Main featuring patterns, books, fabrics, kits, and other products as well as wonderful samples to view for inspiration.
While you’re downtown, note the renovated art deco State Theatre (great popcorn anytime) and our Carnegie library built in 1903 with a grant from Andrew Carnegie. Hutch is one of the few of these libraries still operating as a library.
Hike or bike along the Crow River on the Luce Line Trail and you’ll pass Hutch’s renovated game preserve, several art installations and very pleasant picnic grounds. Of particular note is the statue of Little Crow, (Thaóyate Dúta) chief of the Mdewakanton Dakota Sioux at the time of the US-Dakota war of 1862. Many spots to trace this not-so-good a episode in the area’s history. Start at the McLeod County Historical Museum on the west side of town on Hwy 7.
There are a number of activities and events worth planning a trip around. First off is the Annual RiverSong Music Festival.
The Hutchinson Theatre Company presents 3 plays per year, generally beyond the standard community theateer fare.
