Step into the captivating realm of Minnesota, often hailed as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes.” This picturesque state beckons tourists with open arms, revealing its natural splendor and vibrant urban hubs. Amidst its expansive untamed landscapes, the state’s prominent “Twin Cities” stand as epicenters of art, culture, and nightlife. Immerse yourself in our guide to the “Top Places to Visit in Minnesota” and uncover the diverse wonders that define this enchanting destination.
Located in the upper Midwest, Minnesota shares its borders with Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, and the Dakotas to the south and west, and Canada to the north. The state boasts mountains, woods, plains, and an endless supply of stunning lakes, rivers, and streams.
The Twin Cities, Minneapolis, and Saint Paul are the state’s cultural and political epicenters. But visitors also flock to Rochester for health spas and Bloomington for the enormous Mall of America. Duluth, a bustling port city, is the gateway to the stunning cliffs, ancient lighthouses, and quaint communities along the north side of Lake Superior.
For canoeing, hiking, and camping enthusiasts, Itasca State Park and Boundary Waters Canoe Area are top destinations. Voyageurs National Park is another popular attraction that sits near these two parks.
Minnesota, located in the Midwest, is a fantastic destination with breathtaking national parks, charming towns, and amazing shopping. And don’t forget about the state’s countless lakes, perfect for water sports enthusiasts. If you’re planning a trip to Minnesota, be sure to check out these top destinations.
10. Voyageurs National Park
A stunning view Lake Kabetogama in Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota. Image source: Steven Schremp/Shutterstock.com
Voyageurs National Park is located outside of International Falls, close to the Canadian border. Lake Kabetogama and Lake Rainy flank the park on all sides. Miles of unspoiled natural coastline and several deserted islands may be found in Voyageurs National Park.
Even during the peak times of summer, you may simply escape the throng and enjoy the outdoors and explore. Attractions include more than 50 kilometers of hiking paths and the opportunity to witness local animals. The area is especially rich in wildlife, including bald eagles, otters, and even moose.
Top Places to Visit in Minnesota: Pipestone National Monument
A striking view of the Sioux Quartzite rock outcrop at Pipestone National Monument. Image source: PBouman/Shutterstock.com
Pipestone National Monument is the town’s top attraction. The monument was erected in 1937 to honor the area’s indigenous peoples and the quarries where they formerly lived and worked. Standing atop Buffalo Ridge, the Pipestone National Monument provides a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding plains.
The pipestone used in the creation of ceremonial pipes and other amazing Native American art is on display in the quarry where it was mined. Make sure to see Pipestone proper before you depart; the city was built mostly out of a pink material called Sioux Quartzite.
8. Mall of America
: A view of the stage circle at the Mall of America in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Image source: IVY PHOTOS/Shutterstock.com
Bloomington is like paradise on earth for retail therapy addicts. The Mall of America, the largest shopping mall in the United States, is located in nearby Bloomington. To call the mall large would be a huge understatement. In addition to being the biggest indoor mall in the United States, the Mall of America is also home to a wide variety of restaurants, entertainment venues, and other attractions. The mall is home to a wide variety of eateries in addition to its many retail outlets. To top it all off, this massive facility has an aquarium and an indoor entertainment park.
Top Places to Visit in Minnesota: Grand Marais
The U.S. Coast Guard Station at Grand Marais, Minnesota. Image source: Lonnie Paulson/Shutterstock.com
Grand Marais is a small community, yet it is situated in a breathtakingly beautiful area. Grand Marais is on the North Shore of Lake Superior, close to a double port. The Superior Hiking Trail begins in Grand Marais and goes all the way to Canada, providing access to innumerable scenic lookouts along the coast of Lake Superior.
Many shops in the village’s commercial core feature the work of local artists, who paint, sketch, and sculpt. Grand Marais is a popular destination for nature lovers since it is the starting point for trips into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.
6. Itasca State Park
: A view of Itasca Lake at the headwaters of the Mississippi River. Image source: JB Manning/Shutterstock.com
Numerous beautiful state parks may be found in Minnesota, but Itasca State Park is by far the most visited and biggest. The park has pristine lakes and streams ideal for swimming and boating, as well as ancient woodlands that are wonderful for hiking and exploring.
The headwaters of the Mississippi River may be found at Itasca State Park. The Mississippi River flows 2,300 miles from its source in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. Visit the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center to learn more about the beautiful Mississippi River after a day of hiking, camping, fishing, or birding.
Top Places to Visit in Minnesota: Saint Paul
Minnesota State Capitol building in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Image source: Photo Image/Shutterstock.com
St. Paul, the state capital, should be a priority on any trip to Minnesota. The city and its neighbour, Minneapolis, make up the Twin Cities, a single large metropolitan region. Excluding the Renaissance-style Minnesota State Capitol Building, the Landmark Center is one of the most recognisable buildings in Saint Paul.
Originally intended to host federal courts and the post office, the Landmark Center’s imposing castle-like edifice today houses a variety of unusual art exhibits. The Wabasha Street Caves, amazing sandstone caverns accessible from a public street and previously used as hidden speakeasies, are another must-see attraction.
4. Duluth
This stunning aerial view showcases Duluth, Minnesota. Image source: Virrage Images/Shutterstock.com
Duluth, Minnesota, a city on Lake Superior, is a fantastic vacation spot. It’s easy to understand why this city is often ranked as one of the Midwest’s most beautiful. Duluth was founded at an elevation of about 700 feet above sea level, so most of the city’s central business district offers spectacular views of the lake below.
Canal Park should be your top priority if you only have time to see one attraction in Duluth. There are several stores, restaurants, and other tourist attractions, as well as a pier with a lighthouse and an aquarium, all inside Canal Park’s four miles of waterfront walkway.
Top Places to Visit in Minnesota: Boundary Waters Canoe Area
a person canoeing on Kekekabic Lake, located in the Boundary Waters of Minnesota. Image source: Wildnerdpix/Shutterstock.com
Towards the state’s upper reaches, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area is accessible from cities like Ely and Grand Marais. In order to travel throughout this vast wilderness region, a canoe is typically the most practical mode of transportation due to the abundance of glacial streams and lakes that connect them. It is undeniably the route with the best scenery. A day of canoeing may be spent in the more populated areas, but adventurers can consider venturing farther into the woods.
There are several beautiful places to set up camp and watch the sunrise, such as beside a crystal-clear stream or amongst a herd of moose. The unspoiled environment and breathtaking landscape make this one of the greatest spots to visit in Minnesota, even if you aren’t an avid canoe paddler.
2. North Shore Scenic Drive
the Split Rock Lighthouse on Minnesota’s North Shore. Image source: Lonnie Paulson/Shutterstock.com
Get in your car and go to the North Shore Scenic Drive to view Lake Superior’s coastline in all its splendour. A little more than 140 miles will be driven. It is certainly a day trip, but you may choose to stay the night and return the next day.
It’s a short drive from Duluth’s Canal Park to Grand Portage, and even shorter from there to the Canadian border. Keep your eyes peeled for the Sawtooth Mountains, the azure waters of Lake Superior, the spectacular lighthouses, and the many picturesque tiny towns and villages along the route. The North Shore is a beautiful drive with several picturesque highlights, including the Gooseberry Falls and High Falls waterfalls.
Top Places to Visit in Minnesota: Minneapolis
the Minneapolis downtown skyline in Minnesota. Image source: f11photo/Shutterstock.com
Minneapolis is by far the state’s biggest metropolis. This city provides everything you could want in terms of entertainment, whether it be sports, nightlife, parks, or culture. Fans of the Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Vikings, and Minnesota Timberwolves all have convenient access to downtown Minneapolis and the city’s stadiums and arenas.
A wide selection of live music venues can be found on First Avenue in Downtown Minneapolis, which is also where native son Prince of Minneapolis shot Purple Rain. The Walker Art Center and the Minneapolis Institute of Arts are two of the best museums in the world, and they’re both located in Minneapolis.
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