Minnesota is one of America’s most underrated states. Its biggest city, Minneapolis, is home to one of the nation’s largest theater scenes, Michelin-starred restaurants, and must-see cultural attractions, but even smaller, immigrant-heavy towns such as Rochester offer oodles of local art, music, and food. Outdoors, you’ll find water, water everywhere: There are more than 10,000 inland lakes, plus access to Lake Superior and the Boundary Waters, one of the nation’s last great wildernesses. There are so many places to explore and things to do in Minnesota.
Summer is the high season for Minnesota, with out-of-school crowds flocking to the state’s lakes (and lake towns) to cool off waterside. Of course, spring and fall also offer comfortable temps, with autumn bringing along the state’s notable fall foliage. But if it’s uncrowded snowshoe and snowmobile trails and fantastic ice fishing you’re after, visit January–March.
Minnesota is a massive state—about 87,000 square miles (225,000 square kilometers). If you’re going beyond Minneapolis–St. Paul, you’ll want your own vehicle; like most American states, the Land of 10,000 Lakes was built for highway travel. It’s roughly 400 miles (640 kilometers) top to bottom, so if you’re planning on exploring from the more urban south to the forested north, allot plenty of time for getting around.
Don’t fall for the assumption that Minneapolis–St. Paul is the state’s only hot spot of culture. Rochester buzzes with great restaurants and attractions, supported by a diverse immigrant population. Grand Marais, on the state’s North Shore, is an unlikely, eclectic arts enclave bursting with studios and galleries. And Duluth is becoming an outdoor mecca rivaling cities like Boulder.
Local Currency US Dollar ($) | Time Zone CDT (UTC -6) | Country Code +1 | Language(s) English | Attractions 7 | Tours 93 | Reviews 943 |
Minnesota is known for its 10,000 lakes. Minnesota means “sky-tinted water” in the Dakota language, and the northern reaches of the state are the world's greatest canoe-country wilderness. It’s also famous for Minneapolis, the state's largest city; the artist known as Prince; and the “hotdish” (a type of casserole).
...MoreMinnesota is a good place to visit thanks to its urban attractions, wild nature, and few crowds (Mall of America, notwithstanding). In the state’s southern bits, you’ll find the population centers like Minneapolis–St. Paul and Rochester; up north there are almost more lakes than people, and outdoor adventure reigns supreme.
...MoreIn winter, Minnesota is known for its outdoor adventure—locals aren't afraid to get outside in the cold. From ice climbing Minnehaha Falls (in Minneapolis) to ice fishing in the Boundary Waters and snowmobiling through the Superior National Forest, there’s loads to explore and things to do in a Minnesota winter.
...MoreIn St. Paul, the Minnesota State Capital and the beaux arts Cathedral of Saint Paul are draws. Families should check out the Science Museum of Minnesota and Minnesota History Center. There’s also Historic Fort Snelling, Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, and Summit Avenue, a long stretch of Victorian-era homes.
...MoreYes, downtown St. Paul is safer than downtown Minneapolis. But both cities are fairly similar in terms of crime rates. Treat both cities the way you would any major city. In short: Lock and secure your car, don't leave any valuables in your vehicle, and keep personal belongings close.
...MoreYes, St. Paul, Minnesota, is worth visiting. It’s home to the Cass Gilbert–designed state capitol, the beaux arts St. Paul Cathedral, a bounty of museums, and well-regarded restaurants. You’ll also find the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area and Summit Avenue, the country’s longest stretch of Victorian-era homes.
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