In Minnesota, we love our traditions, especially weekend getaways with family and friends. And as the chill of early November blows in, another time-honored tradition begins. Deer season was always an exciting time in our family growing up. It meant family and friends coming together, long talks and walks, crafting, shopping, good food, and drinks. That is exactly what the Hinckley Community Craft Fair is all about: time together. It’s the perfect reason to connect, get inspired, and shop for all your holiday festivities. So whether you’re a hunting family or just love a get-together, grab the girls and add this to your list of traditions. 

Let’s plan your trip to celebrate the magic of the season! 

Top Minnesota Craft Fair in Hinckley, Minnesota

The annual Hinckley Community Craft Fair is filled with local artisans, culture, community, and the warmth of the season. It is huge, with events at multiple locations, including the Meshakwad Community Center, Hinckley Community Center, Hinckley-Finlayson High School, Hinckley Elementary School, and more. You will love strolling through the many aisles and exploring a wide variety of handmade goods. There are so many unique, high-quality treasures! Plus concessions and food trucks. And if you arrive early, you have a chance to win prizes! 

Hinckley Community Craft Fair Two-Day Itinerary 

Breakfast: 

Start your day at Tobies Restaurant and Bakery, the famous halfway stop between the Twin Cities and Duluth. Tobies Restaurant and Bakery is an icon in Minnesota. It’s a cozy spot to satisfy your hunger and sweet tooth before starting your craft fair adventures. The menu offers a range of comfort foods plus morning spirits, including Bloody Marys. The bakery items are made from scratch daily and are delicious. My favorites are their maple-frosted fried cinnamon rolls and long johns. Make sure to check out the gift shop and grab some bread or treats to go. 

Shop: 

Time to shop! Visit hinckleymn.com for a map and to plan out your day. 

You will find jewelry, candles, handmade soap, wood artwork, rugs, clothing, home decor, tons of holiday gifts, and so much more. It’s a treat to meet the artisans behind the crafts and learn more about their work. The atmosphere is vibrant and fun. Enjoy talking, walking, and laughing through the day while finding the perfect gifts or treats for yourself.  

Lunch: 

For lunch, stop at one of the yummy food trucks located at the Hinckley Elementary School. A sample of choices includes Crews Coffee Co.(sandwiches and tasty coffee/tea/sparkler drinks), More Please Food Truck (tacos and nachos), Hungrys Cheese Steak Food Truck, and Just in Time Concessions with corn dogs, cotton candy, and sno cones. After you’re fueled back up, continue exploring and shopping the craft fair locations. 

Before checking into your hotel, visit April’s Candy for a candy buffet and some treats to bring back to the room.

Stay: 

Grand Casino Hinckley offers multiple lodging options to meet your girls’ weekend getaway needs. For a one-stop fun experience, stay at the Grand Casino Hinckley Hotel, offering comfort and convenience without leaving the hotel, including the Grand Harmony Spa, Rival House Bowling Alley, a variety of 2400 games, live entertainment, and multiple restaurants. Grand Casino Hinckley Hotel recently updated its 554 rooms and suites, so you can choose a range of rooms from essential to a luxurious suite with upscale amenities. Take a tour HERE. 

More Grand Casino Hinckley lodging options: 

Grand Hinckley Inn is a quaint 154-room hotel featuring a pool and library.  

Chalets are cute, camper-style cabins and are dog-friendly. 

The Grand Casino Hinckley RV Resort offers 271 RV sites. 

All offer door-to-door shuttle service.  

Whether you want a night to relax after your day at the craft fair or to keep the fun rolling, you will find it all at Grand Casino. 

Dinner: 

From the coziness of the Grille House to the liveliness of Rival House and everything in between, you will find a restaurant to match your mood at Grand Casino Hinckley. 

Options: 

411 Craft Bar is located on the casino floor and is an excellent spot for a drink before or after dinner. The 411 Craft Bar collaborates with Bent Paddle Brewing Company, offering their iconic craft beers. 

The Grille House has a cozy, upscale sports-bar vibe, with a fireplace and big-screen TVs. Enjoy a full-service restaurant offering a smokehouse-inspired menu, custom cocktails, and draft house beers. The Grille House offers entrees such as Prime Rib, Walleye, Shrimp, and Buttermilk Fried Chicken. 

The Winds Steakhouse is a full-service restaurant with a delicious chef-crafted menu and curated wine list. Savor the finest dishes, including New York Strip Steak, Shrimp Scampi, Salmon, and Lobster. 

Rival House is all about fun. Listen to live music or go bowling before enjoying casual food service, including chicken wings, cheese curds, and pizzas. 

Rise and Shine, it’s time for another fun day in Hinckley!

Breakfast: 

Stories Diner is another full-service restaurant within the casino, so you can relax and enjoy breakfast before getting back on the road. The menu offers all the classics plus a yummy Golden Malted® Waffle and delicious skillet meal options. 

And it’s time to shop again! Visit the Hinckley Community Craft Fair for day two. 

Lunch: 

Visit the Holistic Homestead Kitchen and Boutique! It is a must-stop. The Bakery and Cafe is outstanding. Everything is gluten-free and baked fresh daily. It’s the perfect spot to relax after shopping, enjoy a warm bowl of soup, and a focaccia breadstick. The bakery offers fun donut flavors such as s’more and thin mint. The winter coffee flavors are also a treat, including Gingerbread Cold Brew, Cozy Cranberry Oat Milk Latte, Christmas Vacation Latte, and more. The boutique is filled with adorable holiday items, including herbal creations, candles, and handmade soaps. Holistic Homestead Kitchen and Boutique is located in Brook Park, about 20 minutes southeast of Hinckley. 

Additional Adventures for an Extended Stay or Day in Hinckley, Minnesota 

Hinckley has so much to offer, including the beautiful St. Croix State Park. If you’re looking for winter outdoor adventures, see the Explore Hinckley, Minnesota, and Find A Winter Wonderland blog post. 

Traveling with kids? Antonia Grant’s How to Spend a Winter Day in Hinckley with Kids blog post covers a full day and more. 

Ready to hit the snowmobile trails? See The Ultimate Guide to Snowmobiling in Hinckley, Minnesota.

Thank you to the Hinckley Convention and Visitors Bureau team for helping us plan this perfect girls’ trip! 

The annual Hinckley Community Craft Fair is a gem. 

Enjoy your time together!