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Minnesota
United States
Visit Minnesota
Minnesota, often referred to as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes," is a captivating state in the Upper Midwest that beckons visitors with its stunning natural beauty, vibrant cultural scene, and warm Midwestern hospitality. The state's landscape is a picturesque tapestry of expansive lakes, dense forests, and rolling prairies, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're an avid angler, a keen hiker, or simply someone who enjoys tranquil moments by the water, Minnesota offers countless opportunities to connect with nature. The state's most famous body of water, Lake Superior, provides a dramatic backdrop for activities like kayaking, sailing, and during the winter months, ice fishing.
Beyond its natural allure, Minnesota boasts a rich cultural heritage that is deeply intertwined with both Native American history and the waves of European immigrants who have shaped its development. The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul are the cultural heart of Minnesota, home to a thriving arts scene, numerous museums, and dynamic theater productions. Minneapolis, with its sleek urban skyline, features the contemporary Walker Art Center and the adjacent Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, famous for the iconic "Spoonbridge and Cherry" sculpture. Saint Paul, with its quaint, old-world charm, hosts the Minnesota History Center and the majestic Cathedral of Saint Paul, which offers a glimpse into the state's historical and architectural grandeur.
For those interested in shopping and entertainment, the Mall of America in Bloomington provides a vast array of retail options, amusement park attractions, and dining experiences, all under one roof. Meanwhile, foodies will delight in the state's culinary scene, which includes everything from hearty Midwestern dishes to innovative cuisine that reflects Minnesota's diverse population. Seasonal festivals, such as the Saint Paul Winter Carnival, the Minneapolis Aquatennial, and the Minnesota State Fair, offer visitors a chance to experience local traditions and community spirit.
Whether blanketed in snow in the winter or basked in the long, warm days of summer, Minnesota offers a welcoming mix of outdoor adventure, cultural enrichment, and friendly towns and cities. Each season brings its own unique charm and array of activities, making it a perfect destination for travelers seeking a blend of nature and urban excitement.
Find your Next Adventure in Minnesota
Explore Minnesota
Iconic Landmarks
Mall of America
- Located in Bloomington, this is the largest shopping and entertainment complex in the United States, featuring over 500 stores, an amusement park, and an aquarium.
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
- A stunningly pristine wilderness area in northeastern Minnesota, offering over a million acres of forests, lakes, and rivers for canoeing, hiking, and camping.
Split Rock Lighthouse
- Perched on the North Shore of Lake Superior, this historic lighthouse offers breathtaking views and a glimpse into maritime history since its construction in 191
0.
Minnesota State Capitol
- Located in Saint Paul, this architectural masterpiece designed by Cass Gilbert was completed in 1905 and features a magnificent self-supported marble dome.
Minnehaha Falls
- A scenic 53-foot waterfall located in Minneapolis, celebrated in Longfellow's poem "The Song of Hiawatha" and a popular spot for picnics and nature walks.
Voyageurs National Park
- A water-based park near International Falls, known for its spectacular waterways, abundant wildlife, and opportunities for boating, fishing, and kayaking amidst beautiful northern scenery.
Cultural Experiences
Minnesota State Fair
- Held annually in Saint Paul, this is one of the largest state fairs in the United States, showcasing Minnesota's rich agricultural, artistic, and culinary heritage.
MayDay Parade and Festival in Minneapolis
- An annual event in the Powderhorn community that celebrates the arrival of spring with a vibrant parade, puppetry, and community performances.
Festival of Nations, St. Paul
- This multicultural festival features performances, food, and crafts from over 90 ethnic groups, highlighting the diversity of Minnesota's communities.
The Great Northern Festival
- Celebrating winter with ten days of events that embrace the cold and snow, this festival includes outdoor activities, art, and food experiences across Minneapolis and Saint Paul.
The Guthrie Theater, Minneapolis
- A center for theater performance, production, education, and professional training, offering a mix of classic and contemporary plays.
Walker Art Center and Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
- A contemporary art center and outdoor sculpture garden that features innovative exhibitions and public programs, including the iconic "Spoonbridge and Cherry" sculpture.
Outdoor Adventures
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
Paddle through over 1,000 pristine lakes and streams with views of dense forests and a chance to spot wildlife.
North Shore Scenic Drive
Drive along Lake Superior from Duluth to Grand Portage, enjoying breathtaking vistas, waterfalls, and charming coastal towns.
Superior Hiking Trail
Hike this trail that stretches 310 miles along the ridgeline above Lake Superior for stunning lake views and rugged terrain.
Voyageurs National Park
Explore this water-based park by boat, enjoying fishing, camping, and wildlife viewing in a largely untouched natural environment.
Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area
Dive into outdoor fun with world-class mountain biking trails, clear mine lakes for scuba diving, and scenic campsites.
Afton State Park
Hike, swim, and camp in this park that offers rolling prairies, steep ravines, and bluffs overlooking the St. Croix River.
Off the Beaten Path
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
- Explore over a million acres of pristine waterways and forested trails, perfect for canoeing, fishing, and camping in the remote northern wilderness.
Jeffers Petroglyphs
- Discover ancient Native American carvings in southwestern Minnesota, where over 5,000 petroglyphs depict humans, animals, and symbols on a flat rock surface.
Pipestone National Monument
- Visit this sacred site where Native Americans have quarried for pipestone, a red stone used for making ceremonial pipes, for thousands of years.
Soudan Underground Mine State Park
- Delve deep into Minnesota’s oldest iron ore mine, now a state park, where visitors can take an underground mine tour and learn about the region's mining history.
Big Bog State Recreation Area
- Experience one of the largest peat bogs in the lower 48 states, offering a unique boardwalk through the bog and excellent birdwatching opportunities.
Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park
- Tour Mystery Cave, the state's longest cave, featuring stalactites, stalagmites, and underground pools, and explore historic Forestville, a restored 1890s village.
Minnesota Fun Facts
- Minnesota is known as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes," though it actually has over 11,000.
- The Mall of America in Bloomington is one of the largest shopping malls in the world.
- The stapler, Scotch tape, and Post-It Notes were all invented in Minnesota.
- The state's name comes from the Dakota Sioux word for "clear blue water."
- Minnesota is the birthplace of iconic musicians Prince and Bob Dylan.
- The state has more miles of bike trails than any other in the U.S.
- The Honeycrisp apple, popular worldwide, was developed at the University of Minnesota.
- Minnesota has one of the highest numbers of theater seats per capita in the U.S.
- The Minneapolis Skyway System is the world's largest continuous indoor network of pedestrian pathways, spanning 8 miles.
- The state is a major producer of iron ore, accounting for a significant portion of the U.S. output.
Featured Picture Gallery
The Weisman Art Museum was Developed in 1934
Visit the Iconic Spoonbridge in Cherry at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Explore the Local Shops that Surround Dinkytown, the Center of Minneapolis Student Life