Places to Visit in Minnesota

A city well known for its many intriguing neighborhoods, Minneapolis has much to offer, no matter your interests. There are over 200 miles of bike trails, many of which wind through various parks and forests. Given that pretty much any random spot in Minneapolis is never more than six blocks from a park, there is always nature around to be explored. Coupled with the large number of parks, there are diverse museums and art cultural centers located both indoors and outdoors, including many that are free to the public. At any time of year, you will find an extensive calendar of events filled with concerts, shows, festivals, and much more.

Being Minnesota's major port city on Lake Superior, Duluth has a rich history that has shaped the town into what it is today. With drastically different climates throughout the year, a visit to Duluth in the winter time is completely different than a trip in the summer, and you will find there are always new gems to discover with every new visit. You can catch a show at the Duluth Playhouse or watch large ships come in and out at the canal, Duluth's primary seaport. There are often special events happening in Duluth.

Often when people think of Rochester, they think of the highest rated hospital in the country, the renowned Mayo Clinic. Rochester, however, has much more to offer than award-winning medical service. There is a historic trolley company, which offers rides throughout the city, as well as the Amish regions in the area, which allow visitors a glimpse into a life likely very different from their own. Guests may enjoy visiting the downtown Rochester farmers market, a locally renowned growers-only market that offers seasonal produce throughout the year. To discover the local history, there are many tours and museums available for guests to partake in.

When it comes to spectacular twists on traditional culinary delights, St. Paul is likely to impress even the most selective foodies with their original Juicy Lucy burger. Finding a Juicy Lucy year round is very easy to accomplish in Saint Paul, but many of the other attractions offered in the city are more weather or seasonal dependent. If visiting in the summertime, taking a walking tour of the city, visiting one of the many summer festivals, or enjoying a local craft beer in an outside garden are all highly recommended by locals. For those who find themselves in Saint Paul during the wintertime, the fun continues with outdoor skating rinks, special Red Bull downhill skating competitions, and a city that truly embraces the cold.

Ely is located deep in northern Minnesota, surrounded by hundreds of lakes and seemingly countless acres of thick forest. Offering easy access to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Ely is well known amongst kayakers and water explorers and is also accessible to those who are inexperienced or beginners. Visitors to Ely may also enjoy the International Wolf Center or the Bear Center, both of which provide extensive information on native species to the area. For the more urban-focused tourist, the downtown Ely business district is not to be missed, and the local art centers should also be explored.

Founded originally as a fishing village along the largest freshwater lake in the United States, Grand Marais has grown to become an important cultural and touristic hub along the shore of Lake Superior. As with many northern cities in Minnesota, the season in which guests choose to visit can make all the difference. From balmy summer weather to frigid winter, Grand Marais has designed its tourist attractions to showcase all the best parts of each special season. From snowmobiling in the winter to soaking up rays on the beaches of Lake Superior in the summer, guests are advised to plan their visit for the time of year they will most be able to enjoy what Grand Marais has to offer.

Oftentimes referred to as the Birthplace of Minnesota, Stillwater was home to the 1848 territorial convention that led to Minnesota becoming a state. Situated along the St. Croix River, Stillwater offers many recreational water opportunities for guests to indulge in, such as paddlewheel riverboat cruises, kayaking, boating, chartered gondolas, and more. Only a short commute from both the Twin Cities and Wisconsin, Stillwater is a centrally located town that offers easy access to the surrounding region, both in Minnesota and Wisconsin. There are many bed and breakfasts to cater to every need of their guests as well as many highly rated hotels for those looking for a more traditional stay.

Brainerd, known as Minnesota's Playground, is located in the center of the state and offers a unique juxtaposition of natural and curated experiences. Some of the activities that can be sought out in Brainerd include biking, fishing, golfing, shopping, zipline adventures, Minnesota craft breweries, art museums, indoor water parks, and more. Brainerd is surrounded by lakes and forest, but also has a large retail district located in town. For families planning any trip in Minnesota, Brainerd is a great choice of destination whether the itinerary travels north, south, east or west, as its centralized location and premier entertainment options nearly guarantee a fun time for anyone passing through.

Home to High Falls - Minnesota's largest waterfall, which clocks in at 120 feet high - Grand Portage is located on the very tip of Minnesota's Arrowhead and welcomes guests year round. For the nature enthusiast, Grand Portage offers unbridled access to seemingly endless trails that lead through picturesque forests and shorelines via snowmobile in the winter or by bicycle during the warmer summer months. Other attractions in Grand Portage include the Grand Portage Lodge and Casino, which offers gaming tables, slots, a variety of restaurants, and a varied calendar of live entertainment and fun shows depending on the season.

Itasca State Park, Minnesota's oldest state park, covers more than 30,000 acres of land and also encompasses over 100 lakes, providing guests with ample opportunity to explore the great outdoors in a variety of fashions. Situated around the beginning sections of the Mississippi River, visitors to the park will find themselves immersed in pine forests if they choose to camp in one of the 45 different camping sites. Guests who still want to experience all the park has to offer but who prefer the luxury of modern accommodations may find nearby hotels to their liking, with close enough proximity to the park to still enjoy the Wilderness Drive through 2,000 acres of Wilderness Sanctuary.