Places to Visit in Minnesota
Minnesota, whose name comes from the Dakota word meaning “sky-tinted water,” is a land of more than 10,000 lakes, endless pine forests, and vibrant cultural traditions. With over 90,000 miles of shoreline (more than California, Florida, and Hawaii combined!) this northern gem is a paradise for outdoor lovers. I spent a month wandering through its wild backcountry, charming small towns, and bustling cities, and I’ve gathered the places that left the biggest mark on me. I think you’ll enjoy them too.
1. Minneapolis
We drove about 3.5 hours northwest from Chicago to Minneapolis. Known as the “Mill City” for its flour-milling past, it has reinvented itself as a cultural hub.
We thought Minneapolis was an absolute revelation, a city where sleek modern architecture meets nature’s raw beauty. The glimmering lakes and tree-lined parkways gave it a refreshing, outdoorsy pulse, while the thriving arts scene, inventive food culture, and Nordic-inspired design edge added a sophisticated urban flair.
I based myself downtown for four days at the stylish Hewing Hotel, a converted 1897 warehouse with rustic wood beams and rooftop views.
From there, I set out to explore, wandering the trails around the Chain of Lakes, biking the Midtown Greenway, marveling at the striking Walker Art Center and its iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, and taking in the roaring beauty of St. Anthony Falls along the Mississippi.
In the revitalized North Loop, I browsed indie boutiques tucked inside brick warehouses and sipped craft brews at taprooms buzzing with locals. Food was a revelation too. Unfortunately my old favorite The Bachelor Farmer, but I discovered Spoon and Stable instead.
2. Duluth
We drove 2.5 hours north from Minneapolis to Duluth (population around 86,000). Perched on the western tip of Lake Superior, it grew as a Great Lakes shipping hub.
We watched the iconic Aerial Lift Bridge rise for ore ships (spans 386 feet, built 1905), toured the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center (free), and wandered Canal Park’s shops in restored warehouses. For the night, we stayed at Fitger’s Inn, a boutique hotel inside a 19th-century brewery complex on the lakefront ($175).
I found Duluth to be an inviting blend of Southern charm and modern vibrancy, with tree-lined streets, a lively downtown, and a community spirit that feels both historic and refreshingly current.
Its walkable historic district, with preserved storefronts, fountains, and a spacious town green, immediately welcomed me with an atmosphere that was warm, neighborly, and bustling with energy. Evenings came alive with live music and open-air dining around Parsons Alley, a redevelopment that beautifully weaves history with creativity.
3. Rochester
We drove about 1 hour 30 minutes southeast from Minneapolis to Rochester (population around 122,000). Best known as the home of the Mayo Clinic (founded 1889, now employing 34,000+ people), the city has long blended medical innovation with Midwestern charm.
I was instantly taken by this vibrant Midwestern city, with its leafy neighborhoods, striking historic buildings, the winding Zumbro River, and a downtown alive with arts, medicine, and innovation.
We toured the Heritage Hall Museum inside Mayo’s Plummer Building (free), explored the Mayowood Mansion (1911 estate of Dr. Charles Mayo, $15 tours), and walked downtown’s skyway system (nearly 2 miles of indoor walkways). We stayed at Kahler Grand Hotel, a historic 1921 property right across from the Mayo Clinic with old-world charm ($165). I stayed at the Kahler Grand Hotel on a previous trip and I recommend it too.
4. Saint Paul
We drove just 15 minutes east from Minneapolis to Saint Paul. As Minnesota’s capital, it’s packed with history and Gilded Age architecture.
We toured the Minnesota State Capitol (completed 1905, free guided tours), wandered Summit Avenue to admire Victorian mansions including the James J. Hill House (1891, $10 tours), and browsed the Science Museum of Minnesota ($20). For the night, we stayed at the Saint Paul Hotel, a 1910 landmark with elegant rooms overlooking Rice Park ($195).
I indulged in hearty Midwestern comfort food at Cossetta’s Italian Market (which seems to get bigger every time I visit). Their pizzeria is a must-visit if you are traveling with kids.
5. Ely
Once a booming iron mining town, Ely now thrives on wilderness culture.
We toured the Dorothy Molter Museum (celebrating the “Root Beer Lady” who lived in the Boundary Waters until 1986, $6 admission), strolled along Sheridan Street’s historic storefronts, and visited the Ely-Winton History Museum ($5).
Just a little over an hour northeast from Duluth, Ely felt peaceful and outdoorsy, laid-back, family-friendly, and full of lakeside fun with a dose of history.
Locals told me about super remote camping at the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA) which I plan to try on our summer trip.
6. Grand Marais
This charming harbor town on the shores of Lake Superior felt like stepping into a storybook, a mix of Northwoods wilderness, artistic spirit, and small-town hospitality. With its colorful storefronts, rugged shoreline, and crisp northern air, it immediately struck me as both peaceful and invigorating.
I arrived here after driving along the scenic North Shore Scenic Drive from Duluth (about 2 hours north), where pine forests, waterfalls, and rocky cliffs hug the lake. The journey alone is worth it!
We walked out to the Grand Marais Lighthouse (built 1885, still guiding ships), browsed the Cook County Historical Museum ($5 admission), and strolled through downtown galleries and cafes. For the night, we stayed at the Harbor Inn, a small waterfront hotel where every room overlooks the harbor ($155).
7. St. Cloud, Minnesota
We drove about one hour northwest from Minneapolis to St. Cloud (population around 69,000). Known as the “Granite City,” it was once one of the nation’s leading granite producers.
Set along the banks of the Mississippi River, St. Cloud surprised me with its blend of small-city charm, outdoor beauty, and a lively arts and college-town energy. We stayed overnight at the Courtyard by Marriott Downtown, which was conveniently located near the riverfront and downtown shops.
We explored the Stearns History Museum (two floors of exhibits, $10 admission), walked through downtown’s historic architecture, and walked through Munsinger & Clemens Gardens (14 acres of formal flower gardens on the Mississippi River).
8. Lutsen, Minnesota
We drove about 4.5 hours north from Minneapolis ( to Lutsen (population only about 200, one of the North Shore’s oldest resort towns). Founded as a fishing camp in the 1880s, it grew into a retreat for city travelers.
Lutsen felt like a mountain escape in the Midwest, a rare mix of alpine scenery, lakeside beauty, and cozy resort-town vibes. Known as Minnesota’s premier ski area, it has a year-round outdoor appeal that draws both adventurers and those looking to simply soak up the lake views. I stayed at the Lutsen Resort on Lake Superior, a historic lodge dating back to 1885, with rustic charm and easy access to the beach and trails.
We visited the North Shore Commercial Fishing Museum in nearby Tofte ($5 admission), rode the Lutsen Mountain Tram up Moose Mountain (1,000-foot vertical rise, tickets $29), and strolled along Lake Superior’s rocky shoreline.
9. Mankato, Minnesota
We drove about 1 hour 30 minutes southwest from Minneapolis to Mankato (population around 44,000). The city is known for its role in frontier history and the U.S.–Dakota War of 1862. I stayed overnight at the Hilton Garden Inn Downtown, which put me within walking distance of coffee shops, local restaurants, and the riverside trails.
Set along the bend of the Minnesota River, Mankato struck me as a friendly river town with a surprising mix of outdoor beauty, historic landmarks, and a vibrant arts-and-college-town scene. From waterfalls and blufftop views to lively downtown streets, it balances its prairie roots with plenty of modern energy.
We visited Reconciliation Park, site of the largest mass execution in U.S. history (38 Dakota men in 1862), toured the Blue Earth County Historical Society Museum ($7 admission), and admired the limestone architecture downtown.
10. Winona, Minnesota
We drove about 2 hours southeast from Minneapolis (115 miles to Winona (population around 25,000). A 19th-century river and rail hub, it’s filled with Victorian architecture and river history. Winona immediately won me over with its stunning scenery and mix of historic charm, river-town energy, and artsy spirit.
We explored the Minnesota Marine Art Museum ($12 admission, works by Monet, Van Gogh, and O’Keeffe), toured downtown’s historic district (much of it on the National Register), and climbed Garvin Heights Overlook for a sweeping view of the Mississippi Valley. Overnight, we stayed at the Alexander Mansion Historic Bed & Breakfast, a lovingly restored 1886 Victorian with four-poster beds and gourmet breakfast ($165).
Conclusion
From the rugged cliffs of the North Shore to the rolling prairies of the south and the winding Mississippi River towns in between, Minnesota truly offers a little bit of everything for travelers.
Each stop, whether it’s the artsy charm of Grand Marais, the alpine feel of Lutsen, the historic river views of Winona, or the friendly small-city energy of Mankato and St. Cloud, reveals a different side of the state’s character.
Wondering where to go? You won’t see it all in one trip, so do as I did and plan several visits to truly get to know this beautiful state across the seasons.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
