Best Places to Visit In Minnesota Welcome to Minnesota. It might be on the map
as its original name, but the state is commonly called the North Star State, the Land of 10,000
Lakes, and the State of Hockey. All these names come from the stunning sights
in Minnesota that have made the state a must-have on your travel itinerary through the region.
From national parks and hikes to historical monuments, Minnesota has a lot to offer.
So, let’s take a look at the best places to visit in Minnesota, whether you’re there
for a day, week, or month. Nisswa
If you want some peace from the happening city life of St Paul, drive to Nisswa to spend
some quality time with your family at the Nisswa Family Center.
Or, you can spend time at the Glacial water spa for a few hours of undisturbed pure bliss,
indulging in full-body scrubs and pedicures. When you find yourself in the beautiful city
of Nisswa, you’ll be surrounded by all sorts of water activities. Rent your boats from
Dave’s Sportland Rental and have a grand time with your family.
If you prefer staying up in the air, go for the Brainerd Zip Line Tour for a rush of adrenaline.
Grand Marais Start your visit to Minnesota by going to
the picturesque harbor village of Grand Marais, located on Lake Superior.
The town is filled with breathtaking scenery and beautiful quirks that are quintessential
of an artsy community. If you only have a few hours, explore the
Artist’s Point, which is a peninsula in Grand Marais, characterized by beautiful colors
of water, the views of Lake Superior, and irregular rock formations.
The place gets its name from the fact that painters gather here every day to capture
the beautiful landscape with their brushes. While you’re there, make sure to take pictures
of the lighthouse, which is the highlight of Artist’s Point.
Built in 1922, the lighthouse guides boats into the harbor even today. If you get a little
hungry, stop for lunch at the Fisherman’s Daughter, which is a restaurant offering locally
caught whitefish, herring, and trout. Another cafe in the area is Angry Trout. It’s
quite popular for its outdoor dining so make sure to get a table there while you’re in
town. Saint Paul
Everyone has heard of Minneapolis but what most people don’t know is that it also has
a twin - St. Paul. Minnesota State Capitol
Home to the Minnesota State Capitol, Saint Paul should be the next place on your itinerary.
The Capitol looks breathtakingly beautiful at night so don’t miss it if you’re staying
overnight. The Capitol Building is not just like any
other capitol building. It features a beautiful marble dome and a star in the lobby symbolizing
Minnesota's motto: “The Star of the North.” Cathedral of Saint Paul
The Cathedral of Saint Paul is the highest point in the city and the fourth tallest Catholic
church in the States. Did you know John F. Kennedy used to attend the Mass here?
Well, you definitely have to go check out this beautiful century-old building for yourself.
Given that the Cathedral was built on a hill, no other building is allowed to stand higher
than the cathedral in the city of Saint Paul. It’s a majestic piece of architecture that
has gained national and worldly notoriety. To keep the kids entertained, take them to
the Como Park Zoo Conservatory, which is filled with gorgeous plants and wildlife. Did we
mention it’s free? Since it’s a family attraction, the kids
will stay busy while you enjoy the more subtle parts of the conservatory.
You’ll spot different animals, including polar boards. Plus, there’s an expansion
project in action, which will build homes for two octopuses, otters, and penguins.
It might be done by the time you visit, so you’re in for a lot of zoological experiences.
To offer interaction with the animals, the zoo lets you feed the giraffes.
Don’t forget to make boomerangs and videos of the giraffes eating Romaine lettuce out
of your little one’s hands. Gooseberry Falls
Another marvelous place for the adventurous souls to visit in Minnesota is Lake Country.
It’s a small town that allows you to reconnect with nature through different activities.
From shipwrecks and lighthouses to beautiful lakes, there’s everything you need to see
at Lake Country. The most popular attraction in the area hands-down
is the Gooseberry Falls State Park. Here, you can camp, hike, or play in one of the
many waterfalls in the area. Additionally, you can take a hiking trail
up to the waterfalls and enjoy them up close. The Split Rock Lighthouse is a must-visit
when you’re in Lake County. Sitting on Lake Superior, the lighthouse is an ode to the
history of the place and absolutely gorgeous, to say the least.
No matter what time of the year you visit, you’ll manage to take beautiful pictures
of the lighthouse on Lake Superior. A popular photo-taking spot in the area is
the Palisade Head, where you’ll find many photographers looking for just the right angles.
Minneapolis From museums and breweries to rooftop bars,
Minneapolis has it all. Now, there are multiple ways to experience the city, especially if
you have ample time on your hands. As there are more than 150 bike-sharing services,
you can rent a bike and explore the area at your own pace. Or, you can sign up for one
of the many self-guided tours across the Twin Cities.
Minneapolis also has the Skyway, which spans over downtown. So, you can explore the whole
area from above without actually having to go outdoors.
But that’s not the only interesting thing about the city.
Enjoy different forms of art at the Walker Art Center or get a panoramic view of the
city from the Stone Arch bridge, which is an architectural wonder.
Stone Arch Bridge The Stone Arch Bridge is one of our favorite
places to take in the skyline, nature and active life that Minneapolis has to offer.
The bridge is a former railroad bridge crossing over the Mississippi River. Now, it’s a
full pedestrian bridge featuring breathtaking views.
We recommend checking out this attraction at sunset to get the most of the views.
Speaking of the Mississippi River, why not explore it more than just a bridge?
Hike the Mississippi River and Great River Road
If you are an outdoor enthusiast, Minneapolis is a great place to visit for you. The city
is filled with biking and hiking trails, particularly along the Mississippi River.
Within the Mississippi River Gorge Regional Park, there are several hidden beaches that
allow you to take in the river and it’s particularly beautiful to see the fall colors.
Great River Road is a national scenic byway that runs from Minnesota along the Mississippi
River for over 565 miles and features scenic views of the river in both urban and bluffs
based landscapes. Minneapolis Institute of Art
Minnesota has attractions for people from all walks of life. So, if you’re an artist,
you must visit the Minneapolis Institute of Art, which is visited by over 700,000 visitors
every year. The institute has over 89,000 artworks and
many permanent exhibits that are free to be viewed by everyone. Plus, there are some temporary
exhibits too, so you’ll see something unique every time you visit.
Besides American exhibits, the Minneapolis Institute of Art also has artifacts from the
rest of the world, giving you a globally artistic experience.
If your itinerary is flexible, head over to the Minnehaha Regional Park and take pictures
with the Minnehaha Falls. Or, you can just cycle at the park, surrounded by the stunning
waterfall. Tettegouche State Park
The Tettegouche State Park is situated on a stunningly mesmerizing landscape and overlooks
the majestic Lake Superior, being one of the most beautiful sights in the whole state.
If you prefer the outdoors over museums and malls, you’ll fall in love with this place
since it’s heaven for adventurous souls. Regardless of the season you travel in, the
state park is beautiful and filled with tons of things to do, from skiing and snowboarding
to snapping photos of the High Falls. Located on the Pigeon River, the High Falls has a
partial boundary with Canada. If you want to get a bird’s eye view of
the park, walk up to the Palisade Head Historical Marker.
You’ll be in awe of your surroundings. For more information about the park, get in touch
with the Visitors Center when you arrive. Travelers who plan on spending a long time
at the park can also camp there. There are plenty of campgrounds, including the Tettegouche
Camp Cabins and Lake Superior Cart-In. Besides bringing you peace of mind, the park’s
star-filled sky will make your nights a sight to remember.
Lutsen Mountain If you think mountains are boring, the Lutsen
Mountain will change your mind. The highlighting feature of the mountain is the tram that offers
beautiful views of the rugged Sawtooth Mountains. You can take a breathtaking ride in this aerial
gondola which is a thousand feet above the beautiful Lake Superior.
The tram stops at the Lutsen Mountain Summit Chalet, where you can take pictures, relax,
or have something to eat. Since the Chalet is also a popular wedding
spot, you might spot someone getting hitched there. Or, you can propose to your significant
other on the mountaintop since there’s live music, beautiful views, and dining. It’s
everything to make your proposal a success. In winter, the Lutsen Mountains get up to
ten feet of snowfall, and the peaks covered in a white blanket of snow make perfect backgrounds
for pictures. If you have some extra time to kill, go to
the Cascade River State Park and go for a hike up the Lake Superior Trail or the North
Shore State Trail. The park also has campsites for travelers who might want to stay overnight.
Lanesboro If the mountains and the water bodies start
getting too much for you, head over to the quaint little town called Lanesboro.
A popular attraction in the area is the Lanesboro History Museum, which showcases elements from
Norwegian culture, local history, and farm tools.
Plus, there’s a scavenger hunt for kids to keep them occupied while you enjoy the
multiple cultural exhibits at the museum. Lanesboro is also home to the Root River State
Trail, which is perfect for cross-country skiing. If you want to enjoy the best views
of the area, take the trail going from Isinours Junction to Preston.
Or, you can rent a bike and cover the 42-mile trail going through Root River Valley. Although
the rolling hills will give your legs a hard time, the views will pleasantly soothe your
eyes, making the bike ride worthwhile. The path also covers historic buildings and
small villages, giving an insight into how the region developed to become what it is
today. Lutsen Resort
To make your stay even more luxurious, spend your day at the Lutsen Resort.
All activities at the resort are complimentary for guests, except summer charter fishing
and massages. Moreover, the resort provides equipment for fun activities.
If you want to enjoy a day indoors, go for a spa treatment and sit by the bonfire, listening
to live music. But if you’d rather go outside, sign up
for the fly fishing introduction course or go on naturalist programs offered by the resort.
Hikers will be overjoyed to know that the resort also offers guided hikes and waterfall
tours. If you like to be close to water, go sea kayaking and get your feet wet in Lake
Superior. Since the resort has a kids camp and the sea
villa playground, you don’t have to worry about the little ones while you do big-people
fun stuff. Speaking of big-people stuff, there’s also
a nine-hole golf course where you can spend the day with family.
Needless to say, the Lutsen Resort has something for everyone in the family so you’ll definitely
have the time of your life. Duluth
Although there are ten thousand lakes in Minnesota, some are arguably prettier than others and
Duluth is home to many of them. Over one of these Lakes is Duluth’s popular aerial bridge
that is more than a hundred years old. It operates the whole day long, taking cargo
ships and tour excursions from one side to the other. Let’s give you a tip. Go there
before sunset and snap an Insta worthy picture of the bridge just when it lifts up.
Meanwhile, hikers will have the time of their lives at Spirit Mountain, which has many biking
and hiking trails for all seasons. If you don’t want to get out of your car,
take the drive along the Skyline Parkway. It’s a 20-mile drive bordered by the natural
beauty of the region. Or, you can drive even further up to the North Shore Scenic Drive,
which spans 142 miles and takes you through the Sawtooth Mountains and Lake Superior.
While you’re in Duluth, don’t forget to visit the Rose Garden and walk among beautiful
flowers or sit on one of the benches to be captivated by the garden’s beauty.
Rochester After Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Rochester
is the third-largest city in the state. It’s home to the famous Mayo Clinic and
has a ton of other attractions, ranging from the Mayowood mansion to the Quarry Hill nature
center. Start your trip by going to the Rochester
Art Center, which is home to artworks from international artists and cultural exhibits
showing the local history. Meanwhile, if you’re in the mood for shopping,
go to the Rochester Peace Plaza. It features a network of underground walkways,
fashionable shops, and fine dining. Since the plaza is climate-controlled, you’ll
be pretty cozy inside in winter. But if you’re looking for a full-family
fun experience, go to the Quarry Hill Nature Center. It has a pond for kids, hiking trails
for adventure lovers, and historical sandstone caves for curious travelers.
With that, we’ve come to the end of our list of the best places to visit in Minnesota.
All these places are definitely worth a visit so plan your itinerary accordingly. Thanks
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