Ridgewater College menu_test
Hutchinson Community

Hutchinson, Minnesota, is a growing regional center of 13,000, located about an hour from the Twin Cities, St. Cloud, Mankato, and Willmar. It is conveniently close to big city life, but far enough away for that small town warmth.

Shopping, Eating, and Entertainment
The Hutchinson Mall features more than 30 stores and shops. Offerings range from local gift shops to major chain retailers such as JC Penney, Maurice’s and Radio Shack. Nearby Plaza 15 is a small strip mall including the Hutchinson Event Center, a pet store, discount shopping, and more. A vibrant downtown offers everything from sports and antiques shops to banking.

Hutchinson has a wide variety of restaurants, including the tantalizing tastes from Italian, Chinese, German, Mexican, or American menus. Restaurants include multiple fast food stops, buffets, family dining experiences, and sports bars.

Flyer’s Nite Club and the American Legion offer live music, disc jockeys, and Karaoke on a regular basis. Century 9 Theater offers nine movie screens to choose from. The downtown State Theatre is being renovated to offer movie classics soon.

Arts

  • Crow River Area Youth Orchestra - Musicians 21years and younger can enhance their musical skills by getting involved in the symphony or chamber orchestras or string ensemble. Members regularly entertain within the community.
  • Crow River Arts - Community members love to get involved in the arts, maybe a community chorus, art classes or theater performances.
  • Hutchinson Concert Association – Musical enthusiasts work together to build interest in and appreciation for cultural music events, hosting performers regularly.
  • Hutchinson Theatre Co. – Community theatre at its finest involves performers of all ages. This organization now presents two to three productions annually.

HEALTH & FITNESS
You have numerous options for getting in a good workout.

  • America’s Racquet & Fitness Club – Features racquetball courts, leagues.
  • Anytime Fitness – Features 24-hour access.
  • Curves for Women – Features female-only membership.

Recreation
Besides great places to shop and eat, Hutchinson has more than 30 parks that make up the second oldest park system in the United States. The popular, paved section of the scenic Luce Line Trail connects several parks. Some also contain outdoor basketball and volleyball courts. A busy recreation center is home to numerous volleyball and basketball leagues, tournaments, and open gym. Two indoor rinks at the ice arena welcome community involvement for open skating and lessons, hockey leagues, high school and adult hockey, and more. The Civic Center and fairgrounds host many annual events. Bowling, dart and pool leagues, dance studios, skydiving and martial arts also round out community offerings. More than 30 lakes within 18 miles of Hutchinson offer water and ice sports year-‘round.

Activities

  • BILLIARDS: College students often enjoy pool leagues to unwind. Leagues are available at the Hutch Bowl Family Entertainment Center for players under 18 or at local bars for those over 18.
  • BIKING: In addition to the scenic route of the Luce Line Trail, bicycle enthusiasts can enjoy marked street bike lanes on major arterial streets within Hutchinson. Both make two-wheel transportation popular and safe.
  • BOWLING: The Hutch Bowl offers men’s, women’s and mixed leagues throughout the year as well as open bowling year-round.
  • Fishing: Hutchinson is close to 8 lakes with an abundance of fish.
  • Cross Country Skiing: Hutchinson is home to groomed trails for the novice skier who is looking to take in the scenery, or the experienced skier who is looking for a full workout.
    • Lake Marion Regional Park, 7 miles south of Hutchinson.
    • Luce Line Trail, in Hutchinson.
    • Piepenburg Regional Park, 8 miles north.
    • Stahl’s Lake Park, 6 miles northwest.
    • Swan Lake Park, 9 miles east.
  • Downhill Skiing: Hutchinson is just 35 miles from Powder Ridge in Kimball. During peak season, Powder Ridge offers 15 ski trails with beginner to expert runs.
  • FISHING/CAMPING: Hutchinson is close to 10 popular fishing and camping spots: Lake Marion, Belle Lake, Lake Minnie Belle, Lake Ripley, Lake Stella, Lake Washington, Lake Erie, Lake Jennie, Swan Lake, and the Crow River.
  • Golfing: Within 25 miles of Hutchinson lie seven golf courses, including both 9- and 18-hole options, as well as private and public.
    • Cokato Town & Country Club - 20 miles northeast - 9 holes.
    • Crow River Golf Club in Hutchinson - 18 holes.
    • Glencoe Country Club - 14 miles southeast - 18 holes
    • Litchfield Golf Club - 20 miles northwest - 18 holes
    • Meadow Links Public Golf Course in Hutchinson - 9 holes.
    • Oakdale Golf Club - 12 miles southwest - 18 holes.
    • Shadowbrooke Golf Course - 16 miles east - 18 holes
  • SKATE PARKS: Two new skate parks provide fun for skateboarders, in-line skaters and bikers with safe places to practice and try new tricks. Near Tartan Park is a free, 3,200 square-foot park. The Extreme Skate Park on School Road offers more challenging ramps and obstacles. It requires a season pass.
  • SNOWMOBILING: The Luce Line Trail is a converted railroad grade that offers excellent snowmobiling. Hutchinson has 2 snowmobile clubs.
  • SOFTBALL/BASEBALL: Hundreds enjoy the numerous softball and baseball leagues either through city leagues or associations.
  • SWIMMING: The Hutchinson area has swimming options for everyone.
    • Indoor: The high school and middle school offer adult lap swim. The middle school offers lessons for most ages throughout the year and water aerobics. A Glencoe pool is also available.
    • Outdoor: The outdoor pool at the Recreation Center is the perfect place to cool off during the summer heat. Lap swimming, open swimming and family time are available. Beaches at Piepenburg Park, Lake Marion, Lake Manuella, and Minnie Belle are also popular. For water park fun, head to Glencoe’s Aquatic Center.
  • Tennis: Tennis courts are located at the high school and in North Park near Park Elementary School. The Hutchinson Tennis Association has leagues for men and women. Winter leagues are also offered in the multi-purpose building at the McLeod County Fairgrounds.
  • TRAILS: The Luce Line Trail is a 63-mile trail from the Twin Cities suburb of Plymouth through Hutchinson along the Crow River, and on to the Cosmos County Park. It is popular with bikers, in-line skaters, walkers, and cross-country skiers.
Additional Resources:

City of Hutchinson Site