Best Places to Visit in Minnesota – Top Attractions in Minnesota

Minnesota is a state of startling contrasts: skyscraper-backed city culture and endless northern forests, small towns with Scandinavian charm, and a coastline of freshwater seas (Lake Superior) that feel oceanic. This guide will help you plan the best places to visit in Minnesota, what to do there, why each spot is special, practical tips, mid-budget overnight stay suggestions, and how to reach each place Whether you want outdoor solitude, island-hopping on a canoe, a foodie weekend, family attractions or dramatic lakeshore drives, you’ll find fun places to go in MN here.

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Things To Do in Minnesota – Attractions in Minnesota

Read this detailed list of things To Do in Minnesota, such as hiking, canoeing, driving scenic roads, or visiting big-city museums.

Minneapolis & Saint Paul (Twin Cities) — urban culture, lakes, art & food

The Twin Cities are Minnesota’s cultural heart: world-class museums, a lively music and theatre scene, craft breweries, and lakefront parks within city limits. Minneapolis and Saint Paul combine Midwestern friendliness with creative energy.

Things to do

• Walker Art Center & Minneapolis Sculpture Garden — modern art, an iconic “Spoonbridge and Cherry” sculpture, great for photo ops and wandering sculptures. Experience the easy taste of Minnesota’s creative side.
• Chain of Lakes (Lake Harriet, Lake Calhoun/Bde Maka Ska, Lake of the Isles) — walk, bike or kayak — a perfect city-nature combo. The lakes are why Minneapolis is consistently named a great city for outdoor life.
• Minnehaha Park & Falls — a short, scenic spot to see a waterfall inside the city; families love it and it’s easy to pair with local brunches.
• Mill City Museum & Guthrie Theater — history of the river and the flour industry; excellent theatre programming in the park-adjacent Guthrie.
• Food & breweries — from Midwestern comfort to global flavors; the cities showcase Minnesota’s modern food scene.

Tours & attractions

• Guided bike tours of the Grand Rounds and the lake loop.
• Mississippi riverboat cruises in the warmer months.
• Theatre performances (Guthrie, Ordway) and music venues in the First Avenue scene.

Overnight stay – Hyatt Place Minneapolis/Downtown — solid mid-range in a walkable spot.

How to reach (from MSP / downtown) Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) is the main gateway. Downtown Minneapolis is ~15–20 minutes from MSP by car; light-rail service connects MSP to Mall of America and downtown.

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Mall of America (Bloomington) — family staple & indoor fun

Bloomington is one of the most famous shopping and entertainment complexes in the U.S., perfect for families or a rainy-day itinerary with rides, aquarium visits, shops, and restaurants.

Things to do

• Nickelodeon Universe — an indoor amusement park (great for kids, and unique).
• SEA LIFE Aquarium — good family-friendly marine exhibits.
• Shopping & dining — more than 500 stores and many dining options make this an all-day (or multi-day) anchor.

Tours & attractions – Indoor amusement park rides, aquarium events, seasonal pop-up exhibits.

Overnight stay – Holiday Inn Express & Suites Bloomington — convenient and often shuttle-connected.

How to reach – Mall is ~5 miles from Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), accessible by car, airport shuttle, or light rail. Very easy for first-time visitors.

Duluth & the North Shore Scenic Drive — Lake Superior grandeur

Duluth is located where the river meets the largest freshwater lake in the world — Lake Superior. The North Shore Scenic Drive (Highway 61 from Duluth to Grand Marais) is one of Minnesota’s crown jewels: waterfalls, cliff-top lighthouses, and big-lake vistas. This region of Minnesota is among the best places to visit in Minnesota for its spectacular shoreline scenery.

Things to do

• Canal Park & Aerial Lift Bridge (Duluth) — stroll the lakewalk, watch freighters, and visit the Great Lakes Aquarium. The bridge and harbor energy capture the working-lake history.
• North Shore Scenic Drive (Hwy 61) — stop at waterfalls (Gooseberry Falls, Split Rock), state parks, and scenic pullouts. The drive is itself an attraction; the shoreline views are the main reason to do it.
• Split Rock Lighthouse State Park — historic lighthouse perched above Lake Superior; photographic and interpretive tours explain maritime history.
• Grand Marais — artsy harbor town with galleries, cozy cafes, and access to hiking and paddling.
• Outdoor adventures — kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking inland trails with panoramic lake views.

Tours & attractions

• Lighthouse tours at Split Rock (seasonal).
• Guided kayaking and paddle tours on Lake Superior.
• Scenic boat cruises and fishing charters (freshwater deep-water fishing is popular).

Overnight stay

• Duluth: Pier B Resort (mid-range, lakeside vibe) or Hotel Indigo Duluth — good mid-budget options near Canal Park.
• Along the North Shore: Lutsen or Grand Marais both have small inns and motels that fit mid-range budgets (e.g., Bluefin Bay / Lutsen area offers a mix of mid-level condos and lodges).

How to reach (distances & route)

• Minneapolis to Duluth: ~150–162 miles north (about 2.5–3.5 hours, depending on route and traffic). Use I-35 N most commonly.
• Duluth to Split Rock Lighthouse: about 45 miles (roughly a 45–60 minute drive northeast on Hwy 61).
• Duluth to Grand Marais: approximately 110–120 miles further along Hwy 61 (about 2.5–3 hours total from Duluth with stops).

Pro Tip: Plan the North Shore as a slow drive with stops at waterfalls and overlooks — plan a full day or an overnight to enjoy it without rushing.

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) & Ely — true canoe country

If you want remote lakes, canoeing, starry nights, and wilderness silence — BWCAW is one of the U.S. premier canoe regions. It’s a centerpiece of Minnesota’s outdoor reputation and belongs on any Minnesota Tourist Attractions list for wilderness lovers.

Things to do

• Multi-day canoe trips — classic portage loops between lakes; learning to navigate and camp on islands is the heart of the experience.
• Fishing and wildlife viewing — moose, wolves, loons and boreal birds.
• Hiking and day trips from entry points — shorter paddles are excellent if you’re time-limited.

Tours & attractions

• Guided canoe outfitters and guided expeditions from Ely and surrounding towns.
• Local outfitters rent canoes, provide shuttles and sometimes guided trip packages.

Permits & safety (important) – Permits are required for entry and overnight stays in the BWCAW; check reservation windows and self-issue rules depending on season. Book well in advance for summer.

Overnight stays (base towns)

• Ely: Hutchinson Inn, Prospector Hotel — good mid-range options from which outfitters operate.
• Grand entry towns: Ely and Cook have several inns and lodges for pre/post-trip nights.

How to reach (distance & route) – Minneapolis to Ely: about 240–250 miles (approximately 4–5 hours drive north). Use I-35 N then Highway 61 or other northbound routes, depending on your entry point. Ely is the most common gateway town.

Tips

• Reserve permits early, pack light, and learn basic paddling and navigation, or go with a licensed guide.
• Mobile Network is not good here, so bring paper maps or download offline maps.

Voyageurs National Park — lakes, islands & northern lights

A vast water-dominant national park with islands, boreal forests, and excellent dark-sky conditions for northern lights and starry skies. Voyageurs is a unique kind of park in the US, where you explore by boat, canoe, or houseboat. It’s among the best places to visit in Minnesota for wilderness and stargazing.

Things to do

• Boat or houseboat trips — many visitors rent boats or join ranger-led cruises to see waterfalls, old logging sites, and shoreline history. Through water, you can explore the best of this National Park.
• Fishing and wildlife watching — outstanding freshwater fishing and moose sightings.
• Northern Lights watching — in clear winter/shoulder-season nights, you can often see auroras (depending on solar activity).

Tours & attractions – Rainy Lake Visitor Center (and other entry points) offer orientation and local boat/rental info. Ranger-led programs and cruises are common in season.

Overnight stay – Small lodges and bed & breakfasts in towns around the park (International Falls area, Ranier) serve as affordable bases.

How to reach (distance & route) – Voyageurs is remote: about 290–300 miles north of Minneapolis (roughly 4–5 hours driving depending on route). Main access points include Rainy Lake and Kabetogama, and for full access to this National park, plan for water travel.

Tips

• If you want to explore islands, plan logistics early — boat fuel, permits, and weather are critical.
• Insect repellent and bear-aware food storage are essential in summer.

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Itasca State Park & the Headwaters of the Mississippi

Itasca State Park is where the Mississippi River begins — a symbolic, delightful spot for history, short hikes, and flat-water exploration. As it is located at the river’s headwaters, it makes for a classic Minnesota photo moment and a must on the things to do in Minnesota list.

Things to do

• Walk across the headwaters on the boardwalk and take the obligatory “first step on the Mississippi” photos — it’s small but meaningful.
• Biking and hiking trails loop through old-growth pines and quiet lakes.
• Visitor center & interpretive trails — learn about river ecology and local history.

Tours & attractions – Interpretive ranger programs (seasonal) and boat rentals on park lakes.

Overnight stays – Park-adjacent lodges and motels near Park Rapids; look for family-run motels or mid-range chain hotels in nearby towns.

How to reach (distance & route) – Minneapolis to Itasca/ Lake Itasca: roughly 225–235 miles north (about 3.5–4.5 hours depending on exact start point and route). Many travelers use I-94 to US-71 or take scenic two-lane routes for a quieter trip.

Lutsen Mountains & North Shore ski/hike area

Why visit: Lutsen is a premier Minnesota ski area with dramatic cliffs above Lake Superior, plus excellent summer hiking and fall foliage. It’s a great base for outdoor adventures on the North Shore.

Things to do

• Skiing/snowboarding in winter — Minnesota’s big-mountain feel on Lake Superior.
• Hiking and scenic lifts in summer/fall — panoramic overlooks and easy pickups to trails.
• Nearby waterfalls and shoreline hikes — combine Lutsen days with Split Rock and Cascade River.

Overnight stay – Lutsen Lodge (more boutique but with mid-range condo options around), or cabins/condos that rent mid-budget units.

How to reach – Lutsen is on Hwy 61 north of Duluth (allow for the Duluth-to-Lutsen leg as part of the North Shore tour).

Brainerd Lakes & Paul Bunyan Country — lake fun & summertime families

This place, Central Minnesota’s lake country, is a classic summertime holiday spot and perfect for boating, family resorts, golf, and Minnesotan kitsch (Paul Bunyan statues and lumberjack history). It is great for multi-family trips and water sports.

Things to do

• Lake activities: waterskiing, pontoon rentals, and beaches.
• Family attractions: amusement parks, mini-golf, and lakeside restaurants.
• Golf and spa options — many resorts offer a variety of activities.

Overnight stay – Family resorts with cabins or mid-priced hotels in Brainerd/Baxter area (look for chains and family-run resorts).

How to reach – Brainerd is roughly a 2.5- to 3-hour drive north from Minneapolis (about 150–170 miles depending on route). A popular and convenient lakes region midway between Twin Cities and northern destinations.

Grand Marais & the tip of the North Shore (art, harbor life, hiking)

Grand Marais is an artsy, harbor-front town at the northern end of the North Shore with an exceptional local food and gallery scene. It’s a great place for a relaxed holiday, hiking, and a base for exploring the boundary of wilderness and Lake Superior.

Things to do

• Sculpture Park & harbor walk — small-town culture with lake views.
• Artist galleries and local bakeries — Grand Marais punches above its weight for culture.
• Parks & trails: Judge C. R. Magney State Park and the Kekekabic Trail access in the region.

Overnight stay – Waterfront inns and small bed & breakfasts — book early in summer.

How to reach – Duluth to Grand Marais: about 110–120 miles north along Hwy 61 (allow a 2.5–3 hour drive with stops).

Rochester (Mayo Clinic) — health travel & cultural extras

Home of the Mayo Clinic, Rochester draws medical visitors worldwide — but it also offers parks, the Silver Lake area, and cultural events. Include it for practical travel planning or a stopover. Rochester combines modern, business-oriented amenities with quiet parks.

Things to do

• Mayo Clinic campus & health-related services — the core reason for many visits.
• Chester Woods & Douglas State Trail — outdoor options outside the city.
• Peace Plaza/downtown dining — good restaurants and cafés for post-clinic respite.

Overnight stay – Multiple hotels near Mayo Clinic across price ranges; many mid-range friendly options exist (e.g., Hilton Garden Inn, Holiday Inn).

How to reach – Minneapolis to Rochester: roughly 80–90 miles SE (about 1.5 hours via I-90/I-35 or I-35/I-90 depending on route). It’s an easy drive and commonly paired with Twin Cities stops for visitors.

Small-town Minnesota picks — Stillwater, Winona, and Pipestone

For a change of pace, Minnesota’s small towns offer riverfront charm (Stillwater), bluffs and cultural festivals (Winona), and unique geology and Indigenous history (Pipestone National Monument). Great day trips or short stays for more intimate Minnesota charm.

Stillwater (St. Croix River)

• Why: Historic downtown, riverboat cruises, and antique shopping.
• How to reach: ~30 minutes to 1 hour from the Twin Cities, depending on the starting point; close enough for day trips.

Winona & bluff country

• Why: Mississippi River bluffs, outdoor recreation and a warm arts scene.
• How to reach: About 1.5–2 hours southeast of the Twin Cities.

Pipestone National Monument

• Why: Unique red pipestone quarries with deep indigenous significance and interpretive trails — a different kind of attraction in Minnesota.
• How to reach: Southwest MN; plan for a longer drive if starting from the Twin Cities.

Travel tips – Attractions in Minnesota – Fun Places To Go in MN

Seasons:

• Summer (June–Aug): Best for canoeing, hiking, festivals and the North Shore. Pack insect repellent for northern lakes.
• Fall (Sept–Oct): Spectacular foliage on the North Shore and bluffs; cooler, great for scenic drives.
• Winter (Dec–Mar): Skiing, snowmobiling, and northern lights in clear northern skies — dress in layered thermal clothing and waterproof outerwear.
• Spring (Apr–May): Quiet, muddy trails in spots; fewer tourists but watch for run-off on trails.

Check the weather — Minnesota weather can change quickly on Lake Superior and in northern forests.

Permits & reservations: For Boundary Waters and some state park activities, permits are required — especially in summer; book early.

Mobile Network: Expect limited phone coverage in BWCA, Voyageurs interior, and some North Shore backcountry — bring offline maps and paper permits when required.

Wildlife & safety: Northern Minnesota has moose, bears, and wolves in remote areas — practice food storage, be bear-aware, and follow local outfitter guidance.

Rental car advice: A car is the easiest way to stitch together cities and outdoor sites; for winter, consider all-wheel drive or snow tires.

Local culture: Respect Indigenous sites (e.g., Pipestone) and local communities; Minnesota has a strong outdoor culture and seasonal rhythms.

Sample 7–10 day Minnesota itinerary (mix of city + North Shore + canoe country)

This sample blends the Twin Cities with the North Shore and a taste of canoe country.

Day 1–2: Minneapolis — museums, Chain of Lakes, food scene. Base in a mid-range downtown hotel.

Day 3: Drive to Duluth (~150 miles): Canal Park, Aerial Lift Bridge, lakeside dinner.

Day 4: North Shore drive — Gooseberry Falls, Split Rock Lighthouse, end in Lutsen or Grand Marais.

Day 5: Grand Marais — hiking, galleries, harbor. Overnight in Grand Marais.

Day 6: Drive inland toward Ely (or head toward Brainerd/Itasca depending on preference).

Day 7–8: Boundary Waters or day trips around Ely / Itasca State Park. If you want a national-park water experience, swap in Voyageurs (note: Voyageurs is farther north and may need more driving time).

Local festivals & seasonal highlights – Things To Do in Minnesota

• Twin Cities summer festivals (music, art, food); check local calendars.
• Duluth’s lakeside events and harbor festivals during summer.
• Fall colors on the North Shore — peak usually September–early October (depends on year).
• Winter events such as snow sculpting festivals in the Twin Cities and ski events up north.

Top 10 Minnesota Tourist Attractions (short list)

1. Walk the headwaters at Itasca State Park.
2. Drive the North Shore from Duluth to Grand Marais (with stops at Gooseberry Falls & Split Rock).
3. Canoe a multi-day trip in the Boundary Waters (permits required).
4. Visit Mall of America for family entertainment.
5. Explore Voyageurs National Park by boat.
6. Stroll Minneapolis’s Chain of Lakes and visit the Walker Art Center.
7. See the Aerial Lift Bridge and Lake Superior’s shore in Duluth.
8. Spend a day in Grand Marais’s galleries and harbor.
9. Ski or hike Lutsen Mountains on the North Shore.
10. Take a peaceful fishing or wildlife trip on one of Minnesota’s countless lakes.

Why is Minnesota worth visiting? (Minnesota Tourist Attractions)

Minnesota packs seasons: hot, lively summers for boating and festivals; brilliant fall foliage; snowy winters for skiing and cozy lodge culture; and wild, quiet springs. It has national and state parks, iconic drives (the North Shore), the lakes and canoe country of the north, and metropolitan culture in Minneapolis–Saint Paul with museums, parks, and food scenes.

I hope you loved reading about beautiful things to do in Minnesota and top attractions in Minnesota. Plan your visit to these Minnesota Tourist Attractions, featuring amazing places to visit in Minnesota that are away from busy city life and offer plenty of shopping, too.

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