Outstanding Things to Do in Minnesota

Top Tourist Attractions in Minnesota

Hey there, looking for things to do in Minnesota? This place is pretty cool, no matter what you’re into. If you dig the outdoors, we’ve got lakes for days. Seriously, they’re everywhere. Grab a fishing rod or hop in a canoe. The Boundary Waters are wild if you want to really get away from it all.

City folks, don’t worry. The Twin Cities have got you covered. Catch a show, hit up some museums, or eat your way through town. The food scene here is no joke. Winter’s cold, yeah, but we make the most of it. Have you ever tried ice fishing? It’s weirdly fun. Skiing and snowmobiling are big, too. When it warms up, hiking and biking are great.

We’ve got some weird stuff, too. There’s a whole museum about SPAM—yeah, canned meat. And a giant statue of the Jolly Green Giant. Why not?

The Mall of America is huge if you’re into shopping. But don’t miss the smaller neighborhoods. They’ve got character. Nature lovers should check out the North Shore. It’s gorgeous up there, and if you’re lucky, you might even see the northern lights.

Basically, Minnesota’s got something for everyone. Lakes, cities, forests – take your pick. Just see for yourself. You might be surprised at what you find.

Minnesota is the 12th largest in the area and the 22nd most populous U.S. state. Nearly 55% of its residents live in the Minneapolis – Saint Paul metropolitan area (known as the “Twin Cities”), the center of transportation, business, industry, education, and government, and home to an internationally known arts community.

10 best places to visit in Minnesota for your next vacation

1. Mall of America®
2. Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
3. Minnesota Zoo
4. Valleyfair
5. Gooseberry Falls State Park
6. Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
7. Split Rock Lighthouse
8. Interstate State Park
9. Tettegouche State Park
10. Great Lakes Aquarium

Outdoor Fun

Minnesota’s not called the Land of 10,000 Lakes for nothing. Water’s everywhere, and that means tons of stuff to do.

Fishing’s huge here. Grab a rod and hit any of the countless lakes or rivers. Walleye’s the state fish, but you can also catch bass, northern pike, and more. Ice fishing’s big in winter, too – just drill a hole and wait for a bite.

Kayaking and canoeing are perfect ways to explore. The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is a must-visit. It’s got over a million acres of untouched wilderness with tons of lakes and rivers to paddle through.

Hiking trails are all over the place. Check out the Superior Hiking Trail along Lake Superior’s north shore. It’s got awesome views of the lake and goes through forests and past waterfalls.

In winter, don’t hibernate – embrace it! Skiing and snowboarding are popular in places like the Lutsen Mountains. Cross-country skiing’s big, too, with tons of groomed trails in state parks and forests.

For a unique winter experience, try dog sledding. Several outfitters offer rides and even multi-day trips. It’s an unforgettable way to see the snowy landscape.

Biking’s huge in Minnesota. The Twin Cities have great bike lanes and paths. For a longer ride, hit the Paul Bunyan State Trail. It’s one of the longest paved trails in the country, stretching 120 miles through forests and past lakes.

Camping’s a great way to really immerse yourself in nature. State parks like Itasca (where the Mississippi River starts) have campgrounds with all the amenities. Or go more rustic in the national forests.

Wildlife watching is another cool option. Spot bald eagles along the Mississippi, or head north to try and catch a glimpse of moose or even wolves.

City Life and Culture

Minnesota’s cities, especially the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, are packed with stuff to do.

Art lovers should hit the Minneapolis Institute of Art. It’s huge and free. The Walker Art Center is great for modern art, and its Sculpture Garden (home to the famous Spoonbridge and Cherry) is a must-see.

Music’s a big deal here. First Avenue, the club made famous by Prince, still hosts awesome shows. The Minnesota Orchestra is world-class if you’re into classical. In summer, there are tons of outdoor concerts and festivals.

Theaters are thriving, too. The Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis puts on top-notch shows, and smaller theaters all over the cities showcase local talent and edgier productions.

Sports fans have plenty to cheer for. Catch the Vikings (NFL), Twins (MLB), Timberwolves (NBA), or Wild (NHL) in action. The atmosphere at these games is electric.

Food in Minnesota is way more than just hotdish (though you should try that, too). The cities have a booming restaurant scene with everything from high-end spots to great ethnic eats. Don’t miss the Juicy Lucy—a burger with cheese inside the patty.

For shopping, the Mall of America is the big draw. It’s huge, with stores, restaurants, and even an indoor amusement park. But don’t overlook smaller neighborhoods like Uptown in Minneapolis for cooler, more local shops.

Brewery tours are popular. Surly, Indeed, and Summit are just a few of the many great craft breweries in the state. Most offer tours and taprooms where you can sample their beers.

History buffs should check out Fort Snelling, an 1820s fort at the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers. The Minnesota History Center in St. Paul has interactive exhibits on state history.

Quirky and Unique Minnesota

Minnesota has some offbeat attractions that are worth checking out, too.

The SPAM Museum in Austin is exactly what it sounds like—a whole museum dedicated to canned meat. It’s weirdly fascinating and free.

Up north, the Big Bog State Recreation Area lets you walk on a mile-long boardwalk over the largest peat bog in the lower 48 states. It’s like being on another planet.

Pipestone National Monument is sacred to many Native American tribes. You can watch craftsmen quarry and carve the soft red stone into pipes.

For a blast from the past, visit the Jolly Green Giant statue in Blue Earth. At 55 feet tall, it makes for a great photo op.

The Minnesota State Fair is a huge deal. For 12 days leading up to Labor Day, it’s all about crazy food (most of it on a stick), rides, and people-watching.

In winter, check out the St. Paul Winter Carnival. They build an entire ice palace and have parades, ice sculpting contests, and more.

Lastly, don’t miss the chance to see the northern lights. Head up to the North Shore of Lake Superior on a clear night, and you might catch this amazing natural light show.

From outdoor adventures to city culture to quirky attractions, Minnesota’s got something for everyone. Whether you’re paddling a canoe, catching a show, or eating something on a stick, you’re sure to have a good time in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.