Minnesota is known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes”, and has a plethora of great places to visit. This state is known for the Twin Cities, its many lakes, including Lake Superior, the largest lake in America. Minnesota is a beautiful state that is home to lakes, prairies, buzzing metropolitan areas, delicious food, and much more. Below you will find some of the best places to visit in Minnesota.
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
Located near the shores of Lake Superior, Split Rock Lighthouse once shined it’s light to guide countless ships across the Great Lakes from 1910 to 1969. Although now decommissioned, it still stands today and is the most photographed spot in Minnesota. The best time to see the lighthouse is in the fall, as it is surrounded by beautiful yellow and orange foliage.
minneapolis institute of art
The Minneapolis Institute of Art is a free museum where you can see art from all around the globe. Their collection has art from six continents, and has some art that is over 5,000 years old!
Superior National Forest
Located in the northeastern portion of the state, this forest covers about three million acres of land, that stretches up until the Canada border. Within the forest are over four hundred miles of hiking trails, with enough variation to please any hiker. To read more about this forest and the adjacent Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, click here
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is a must see location for any paddler. With over 1,500 miles of canoe routes that span across over 1,100 lakes, this is one of the most remote areas in the state. Paddlers can enjoy pristine wilderness and spot local wildlife like moose, deer, and black bears.
Voyageurs National Park
Minnesota is also home to a National Park. Most national parks are best explored by foot, but this one is mostly accessible by water. Enjoy over two hundred thousand acres of paddling alongside hardwood forests in north central Minnesota. Maybe if you are lucky you might even see the northern lights!
Blue Mounds State Park
This park is located in the southeast corner of Minnesota less than a half hour from the South Dakota border. If you ever wondered what the prairie used to look like before expansion, look no further than Blue Mounds State Park. At this park you can see one of the states three bison herds. The bison have over five hundred acres of wild prairie for grazing, and are protected by a fence. For the best views of the bison, hike the Mound Loop Trail.
Mall of America
The Mall of America is the largest mall in the country, and is located just outside of the twin cities. Indulge in a variety of delicious foods. Shop til you drop. And play like a kid at the mall’s indoor amusement park. This mall has a little bit of everything, so make sure you check it out!
north shore scenic drive
Last but not least, is the North Shore Scenic Drive, which is the perfect fall roadtrip destination. Drive along the shores of Lake Superior and through the lush forest that surrounds it. This drive goes from Duluth to Grand Portage and ha many rest stops where you can visit waterfalls, view wildlife, stop at the beach, and if you are brave enough you can even jump in the cold Lake Superior.
We hope you have enjoyed this list of some of the best places to visit in Minnesota, and that you will give the North Star State a visit!