bigtravelbuzzMinnesota is a state located in the Midwestern region of the United States. Known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” Minnesota is home to a diverse range of natural landscapes, including forests, prairies, and lakes.
Some of the top attractions in Minnesota include:
The Mall of America – Located in Bloomington, the Mall of America is one of the largest shopping malls in the world, featuring over 500 stores, an amusement park, an aquarium, and more.
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness – This million-acre wilderness area in northeastern Minnesota is a popular destination for canoeing, camping, and hiking.
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park – Located on the North Shore of Lake Superior, Split Rock Lighthouse State Park features stunning views of the lake and the iconic Split Rock Lighthouse.
Voyageurs National Park – Located in northern Minnesota, Voyageurs National Park is a pristine wilderness area with over 218,000 acres of lakes, forests, and wildlife.
The Minnesota State Fair – Held annually in St. Paul, the Minnesota State Fair is one of the largest state fairs in the country, featuring agricultural exhibits, carnival rides, and a wide variety of food and entertainment.
Other popular destinations in Minnesota include the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, the Mississippi River Valley, and the North Shore of Lake Superior.
Best Time To Visit Minnesota
The best time to visit Minnesota depends on what activities you are interested in and what kind of weather you prefer. Here are some things to consider when planning your trip:
Summer (June-August): This is the most popular time to visit Minnesota, as the weather is warm and sunny, and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as boating, fishing, hiking, and attending festivals and events. However, this is also the busiest and most expensive time to visit, so be prepared for larger crowds and higher prices.
Fall (September-November): Fall is a beautiful time to visit Minnesota, as the leaves change color and the temperatures are mild. The state’s many parks and trails are particularly scenic during this time of year, making it a great time for hiking and outdoor exploration.
Winter (December-February): Minnesota is known for its cold, snowy winters, which make it a popular destination for winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, and ice fishing. If you enjoy outdoor winter activities, this is the best time to visit. However, be prepared for icy roads and temperatures that can drop well below freezing.
Spring (March-May): Spring can be a bit unpredictable in Minnesota, with temperatures ranging from cool to warm and occasional rain showers. However, this is a great time to visit if you’re interested in birdwatching, as many migratory birds pass through the state during this time of year. It’s also a good time to visit if you’re looking for lower prices and fewer crowds.
Things to Do in Minnesota
Minnesota offers a wide range of things to do for travelers. Here are some of the top attractions and activities:
Visit the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness – This vast wilderness area in northeastern Minnesota is a popular destination for canoeing, camping, and hiking.
Explore the North Shore of Lake Superior – This scenic region features rugged cliffs, charming towns, and numerous state parks, including the popular Split Rock Lighthouse State Park.
Visit the Mall of America – This massive shopping mall in Bloomington features over 500 stores, an indoor amusement park, an aquarium, and more.
Tour the Twin Cities – Minneapolis and St. Paul offer a wide variety of cultural attractions, including the Walker Art Center, the Science Museum of Minnesota, and the Minnesota History Center.
Attend the Minnesota State Fair – Held annually in St. Paul, the Minnesota State Fair is one of the largest state fairs in the country, featuring agricultural exhibits, carnival rides, and a wide variety of food and entertainment.
Visit the Mississippi River Valley – The Mississippi River runs through Minnesota, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and hiking, as well as scenic drives and riverfront parks.
Experience the outdoors – Minnesota is known for its natural beauty, and there are numerous parks and trails throughout the state for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing.
Visit the Minnesota Zoo – Located in Apple Valley, the Minnesota Zoo features over 5,000 animals from around the world, including tigers, bears, and penguins.
Take a scenic drive – Minnesota offers numerous scenic drives, including the North Shore Scenic Drive and the Great River Road, which follows the Mississippi River from the Twin Cities to the Iowa border.
Enjoy winter sports – Minnesota is known for its cold, snowy winters, making it a popular destination for winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, and ice fishing.
How to get around in Minnesota
There are several ways to get around in Minnesota, depending on your preferences and itinerary. Here are some options:
Car rental – Renting a car is a popular option for travelers who want to explore the state at their own pace. There are numerous car rental companies located throughout the state, including at airports and in larger cities.
Public transportation – The Twin Cities area has a robust public transportation system, including buses and light rail trains, operated by Metro Transit. There are also regional transit providers that serve outlying areas.
Taxis and ride-sharing services – Taxis and ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are available in many cities throughout Minnesota.
Bicycle – Minnesota is a bike-friendly state, with numerous bike trails and lanes throughout the Twin Cities and other cities. Many bike rental shops are available for those who want to explore the state on two wheels.
Boats and ferries – The state’s many lakes and rivers offer opportunities for boating and ferry rides. There are numerous boat rental companies and ferry services available, depending on your location.
Walking – Many cities and towns in Minnesota have walkable downtown areas, making it easy to explore on foot. Additionally, many parks and nature areas have trails for hiking and walking.
Where to eat in Minnesota
Minnesota is known for its diverse cuisine, ranging from traditional Midwestern fare to international flavors. Here are some popular restaurants and food destinations to check out:
The Bachelor Farmer (Minneapolis) – This Nordic-inspired restaurant features locally-sourced ingredients and a cozy atmosphere.
The Blue Door Pub (St. Paul) – This casual eatery is known for its “Juicy Lucy” burgers, stuffed with melted cheese.
Moose & Sadie’s (Minneapolis) – This cozy cafe serves breakfast and lunch dishes made with fresh, local ingredients.
Al’s Breakfast (Minneapolis) – This tiny diner is a local institution, known for its classic breakfast dishes and charming atmosphere.
Pizzeria Lola (Minneapolis) – This popular pizzeria serves Neapolitan-style pies with creative toppings.
Surly Brewing Co. (Minneapolis) – This brewery and restaurant offers a variety of craft beers and pub fare.
Hmongtown Marketplace (St. Paul) – This indoor market features vendors selling traditional Hmong dishes, including pho, egg rolls, and papaya salad.
Revival (Minneapolis and St. Paul) – This Southern-style restaurant serves up fried chicken, biscuits, and other comfort food classics.
Zen Box Izakaya (Minneapolis) – This Japanese restaurant serves up ramen, sushi, and other traditional dishes.
Betty Danger’s Country Club (Minneapolis) – This quirky restaurant and bar features mini-golf and a Ferris wheel, as well as creative cocktails and comfort food.
Famous street stalls in Minnesota
Minnesota may not be known for its street food scene as much as some other cities, but there are still some great street stalls and food trucks to check out. Here are a few:
MidNord Empanada Truck – This food truck serves up a variety of savory empanadas, including chicken and wild rice, pork and green chili, and beef and mushroom.
The Moral Omnivore – This food truck specializes in locally-sourced, sustainable meat dishes, such as pulled pork sandwiches and smoked brisket tacos.
O’Cheeze – This food truck serves up gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches with creative fillings, such as mac and cheese and pulled pork.
Hola Arepa – This food truck serves up Venezuelan-style arepas, stuffed with fillings such as braised beef and plantains, and topped with fresh salsa and cheese.
Blue Door Pub Food Truck – This food truck brings the popular “Juicy Lucy” burgers of the Blue Door Pub to various locations throughout the Twin Cities.
Potter’s Pasties and Pies – This food truck serves up savory pasties, a traditional British pastry filled with meat and vegetables.
A La Plancha – This food truck specializes in Mexican street food, including grilled meats, tacos, and elotes (grilled corn on the cob).
Hibachi Daruma – This food truck serves up Japanese-style hibachi dishes, including chicken, beef, and shrimp, served with rice and vegetables.
Note: These street stalls and food trucks may not be available year-round, so be sure to check their schedules and locations before heading out to find them.
Where to stay in Minnesota
Luxury accommodation
Minnesota has a variety of luxury accommodations to choose from, whether you’re looking for a lakeside resort or a chic urban hotel. Here are a few options:
The Hewing Hotel (Minneapolis) – This boutique hotel is housed in a historic warehouse building and features stylish rooms, a rooftop bar, and a Nordic-inspired restaurant.
Grand View Lodge (Nisswa) – This lakeside resort features luxurious cabins and villas, multiple restaurants and bars, a spa, and a variety of outdoor activities.
The Saint Paul Hotel (St. Paul) – This elegant hotel is located in the heart of downtown St. Paul and features luxurious rooms and suites, a fine-dining restaurant, and a rooftop terrace.
Lora Hotel (Stillwater) – This chic boutique hotel is housed in a historic building and features stylish rooms, a rooftop bar, and a French-inspired restaurant.
The Ivy Hotel + Residences (Minneapolis) – This luxurious hotel features spacious suites with high-end amenities, a spa, a fitness center, and a fine-dining restaurant.
Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis (Minneapolis) – This new hotel features stylish rooms and suites, a rooftop pool and bar, a spa, and a variety of dining options.
The Kahler Grand Hotel (Rochester) – This historic hotel features luxurious rooms and suites, multiple restaurants and bars, a spa, and direct access to the Mayo Clinic.
Note: Prices for luxury accommodations in Minnesota can be high, especially during peak travel seasons, so it’s a good idea to book well in advance and compare rates.
Where to stay in Minnesota
Budget accommodation
Minnesota offers a variety of budget-friendly accommodations for travelers who are looking for affordable options. Here are some suggestions:
HI Minneapolis – This hostel is located in a historic building in downtown Minneapolis and offers shared dorm rooms and private rooms at affordable rates.
AmericInn by Wyndham – This chain of hotels offers comfortable rooms at reasonable rates throughout Minnesota, including locations in Duluth, Rochester, and Mankato.
Motel 6 – This budget-friendly motel chain has multiple locations throughout Minnesota, including in the Twin Cities, Duluth, and Rochester.
Super 8 by Wyndham – This chain of motels offers basic rooms at affordable rates throughout Minnesota, with locations in cities such as St. Cloud, Mankato, and Moorhead.
Red Roof Inn – This motel chain offers affordable rooms with basic amenities, with locations in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Rochester.
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson – This mid-range hotel chain offers comfortable rooms at affordable rates in several Minnesota cities, including Minneapolis, Duluth, and Mankato.
Days Inn by Wyndham – This chain of hotels offers basic rooms at affordable rates throughout Minnesota, with locations in cities such as Rochester, St. Cloud, and Moorhead.
Note: Prices for budget accommodations in Minnesota can vary depending on the time of year and location, so it’s a good idea to compare rates and book in advance.
Travel Tips Minnesota
Here are some travel tips for visiting Minnesota:
Dress in layers: Minnesota weather can be unpredictable, with temperatures changing quickly from day to night. It’s a good idea to bring layers, such as a light jacket or sweater, so you can adjust to the weather.
Plan for seasonal activities: Minnesota has a variety of seasonal activities, such as ice fishing in the winter and boating on the lakes in the summer. Make sure to plan your trip based on the activities you want to do and the time of year you’re visiting.
Visit the Mall of America: The Mall of America is one of the largest malls in the world and features over 500 stores, as well as attractions such as an indoor amusement park and aquarium.
Explore the outdoors: Minnesota is known for its natural beauty, with numerous lakes, forests, and parks to explore. Make sure to take advantage of the many outdoor activities available, such as hiking, fishing, and camping.
Try the local cuisine: Minnesota has a variety of unique foods to try, such as walleye, wild rice, and Juicy Lucy burgers. Make sure to check out some of the local restaurants and food stands to experience the local cuisine.
Visit the Twin Cities: Minneapolis and St. Paul, known as the Twin Cities, offer a variety of attractions, such as the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, the Minnesota State Capitol, and the Mississippi Riverfront.
Research transportation options: Depending on where you’re visiting in Minnesota, transportation options can vary. Make sure to research the best way to get around, whether it’s by rental car, public transportation, or rideshare services.