The best arts & culture spots in Washington County

Gammelgården Museum of Scandia is an open-air museum honoring Swedish immigrant heritage, with six historic farm buildings, guided tours, and exhibits, classes, workshops, and coffee parties.

Stone House Museum keeps the Marine Mills story alive, connecting past to present across Marine on St. Croix, Scandia, and May Township. It’s run by the Stewards of Marine Mills History, a 501(c)(3) governed by a board of local citizens, which means neighbor-made history that actually feels neighborly.

From the Baldwin newsletter, October 1, 2026

Free to visit and surprisingly robust, Sally Manzara Interpretive Nature Center in Lake Elmo’s Sunfish Lake Park mixes interactive indoor exhibits with outdoor learning, plus easy access to wooded trails.

From the Maplewood newsletter, September 4, 2026

Whether it's a game-worn jersey, a sentimental sketch, or that painting you promised to hang, Kelley Gallery Art & Frame, right here in Woodbury, nails custom framing with conservation-grade materials, shadow boxes, and art and frame restoration, plus local artists and art classes to keep your walls lively.

From the Woodbury newsletter, October 7, 2026

From first twirls to unforgettable performances, Woodbury Dance Center helps dancers build confidence, friendships, and real technique through recreational classes, session classes, and competitive groups. Think Creative Movement, hip hop, tap, ballet, plus Darby’s Dancers for dancers with special needs...

From the Woodbury newsletter, August 24, 2026

Woodbury Dance Center West keeps the whole neighborhood moving with recreational classes from preschool to adults, bite-size fall 7-week sessions, and even Totally Tots for the tiniest twirlers. Got bigger goals?

From the Woodbury newsletter, October 21, 2026

Family-run for 59 years, Yackel Dance Studio helps Woodbury kids from 18 months to 18 find their groove with recreational and competitive classes across tap, jazz, ballet, hip-hop, lyrical/contemporary, musical theatre, POM, pointe, and Tiny Dancers.

From the Woodbury newsletter, September 30, 2026

From salsa and bachata to waltz, tango, and swing, Costa Rica Ballroom Woodbury teaches it all with fun, beginner friendly vibes for singles or couples. Latino family owned and great for wedding prep or just shaking off Tuesday, it is the kind of local joy you actually keep going back to.

From the Woodbury newsletter, October 14, 2026

Paint-your-own ceramics chain, with a studio available for walk-ins, workshops & parties.