Minnesota is a midwestern U.S. state bordering Canada and Lake Superior, the largest of the Great Lakes. The state contains more than 10,000 other lakes, including Lake Itasca, the Mississippi River’s primary source. The “Twin Cities” of Minneapolis and state capital Saint Paul are dense with cultural landmarks like the Science Museum of Minnesota and the Walker Art Center, a modern art museum. ― Google
Summer (June–August): Perfect for lakes, hiking, festivals, and outdoor fun. Expect warm, pleasant days and cool nights.
Fall (September–October): Gorgeous fall colors, apple orchards, and fewer tourists.
Winter (December–February): Ideal for snow activities like skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and the famous Saint Paul Winter Carnival.
Spring (April–May): Quiet and affordable, with blooming landscapes and growing daylight hours.
By Air:
Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP): Main hub with extensive national and international service.
By Train:
Amtrak’s Empire Builder route stops in Minneapolis/St. Paul and continues west to Seattle or east to Chicago.
By Car:
Easily accessible via I-35, I-94, and I-90. Great for road tripping across the Northwoods or along the Great River Road.
By Bus:
Services by Greyhound, Megabus, and Jefferson Lines connect to major cities and college towns.
Minneapolis & Saint Paul (The Twin Cities):
Mall of America: Largest mall in the U.S. with shops, dining, and an indoor amusement park.
Minneapolis Institute of Art & Walker Art Center
Minnehaha Falls and scenic urban parks
Mississippi Riverfront and historic Mill City Museum
Science Museum of Minnesota in St. Paul
North Shore (Lake Superior):
Duluth and the Scenic Highway 61 to Grand Marais and beyond
Split Rock Lighthouse, Gooseberry Falls, and Tettegouche State Park
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA):
World-famous for canoeing, camping, and stargazing in untouched wilderness.
Itasca State Park:
Headwaters of the Mississippi River — walk across it!
Voyageurs National Park:
Remote and best accessed by boat — amazing for kayaking, fishing, and wildlife watching.
Canoeing & kayaking in the BWCA or on inland lakes.
Hiking and camping in state parks like Itasca, Jay Cooke, or Temperance River.
Snowmobiling & skiing in winter (Lutsen Mountains, Spirit Mountain).
Fishing year-round, including ice fishing in winter.
Attend festivals: Minnesota State Fair (late August), Twin Cities Pride, and Holidazzle in winter.
Bike the trails: Minneapolis has one of the best urban trail systems in the U.S.
Luxury:
Hewing Hotel (Minneapolis) – Chic rooftop and Nordic flair.
Grand View Lodge (Nisswa) – Historic lake resort with a spa.
Mid-Range:
Fitger’s Inn (Duluth) – Boutique hotel in a former brewery.
Hotel Landing (Wayzata) – Lake Minnetonka views.
Budget:
National chains, cabins, and lodges throughout the state.
Campgrounds in state parks or remote wilderness areas.
Unique Stays:
Houseboats in Voyageurs NP
Ice fishing shacks turned lodges in winter
Historic inns and lodges along the North Shore
Must-Try Foods:
Walleye – The official state fish, often served grilled or fried.
Juicy Lucy (Jucy Lucy) – Cheese-stuffed burger native to Minneapolis.
Lefse – Norwegian flatbread.
Tater tot hotdish – Classic Minnesota comfort food.
Wild rice soup – Creamy and hearty, especially in colder months.
Lutefisk and pickled herring – Scandinavian heritage dishes.
Notable Restaurants:
Matt’s Bar or 5-8 Club (Minneapolis) – Rival creators of the Jucy Lucy.
The Bachelor Farmer (Minneapolis) – Nordic-inspired (check status, may be closed).
Hell’s Kitchen (Minneapolis) – Quirky brunch spot.
Owamni (Minneapolis) – Indigenous-owned and focused on Native cuisine.
Scandinavian & Nordic Roots: Strong influence from Norway, Sweden, and Finland, especially in traditions and food.
“Minnesota Nice”: Friendly, polite, and sometimes indirect — it’s real!
Outdoor Lifestyle: Locals enjoy “up north” cabin life, fishing, snow sports, and lake days.
Lakes, Lakes, Lakes: Over 11,000 lakes — it’s a big part of identity and recreation.
Arts & Music: Prince’s hometown (check out Paisley Park), a great local music and theater scene.
Diverse Communities: Growing Hmong, Somali, Ethiopian, and Latino communities enrich food and culture.