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By Jen on March 20, 2020
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If you’re looking to explore the U.S. state of Minnesota, our Minnesota Bucket List will guide you to the top 13 absolute best things to do here!
With water being the primary draw to this upper Midwest state, Minnesota is aptly known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” though it actually has 11,842 (Wow!).
Having been born and raised in Minnesota, and now currently raising my own family here, the experiences mentioned here are near and dear to my heart and have helped shaped who I am as a person today.
This perfectly crafted Minnesota Bucket List is divided by activities found in the Northern and Southern halves of the state in order to best guide you in your travels.
Though there are so many more amazing places and attractions to visit in Minnesota, here is a look at 13 hand-picked gems!
This post may contain affiliate links, which means that we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link.For more info, see disclosure.
Minnesota Bucket List: Northern Minnesota
Northern Minnesota is characterized by wild beauty, panoramic lake views, scenic rivers, and dramatic woodlands.
Fishing, boating, hiking, camping, and canoeing are king!
The essence and splendor of Northern Minnesota’s rugged landscapes and glistening freshwater lakes are any outdoor enthusiast’s dream.
Here are the Minnesota bucket-list-worthy experiences and attractions found in the Northern-most half of the state of Minnesota.
1. Discover Voyageur’s National Park
One of the best places to visit in Minnesota that tops our Minnesota bucket list is Voyageur’s National Park!
This solelywater-basedNational Park is so different than its more popular counterparts (Yellowstone, Arches, Acadia, etc.) in that you absolutely must get out of your car to experience it.
You see, Voyageurs consists of 500 islands, 655 miles of shoreline, and more than 200,000 acres of land and water, most of which are only accessible by boat.
Popular summer activities here include front and back-country camping, walleye fishing, hiking, and boating.
Winter activities include snowmobiling, ice fishing, winter camping, and cross-country skiing.
Voyageur’s National Park lodging options include anything from rustic resorts and cabins to distinguished hotels, gigantic houseboats, or secluded campsites.
2. Explore the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
Accessible primarily by canoe, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) in Northern Minnesota is one of America’s most beautiful and remote adventures making it a Minnesota bucket list highlight!
BWCA is a backpacker’s paradise in that it is home to over 2,000 lakes connected by rivers and portages that are only accessible to paddlers.
In fact, one of the hardest things about planning your firstBoundary Waterstrip is deciding where to go within the vast preserve’s 1,200 miles of canoe routes, 11 hiking trails, and approximately 2,000 designated campsites.
While there, Up North experiences include paddling, portaging, and cooking over an open fire.
Likewise, visitors can expect to spot moose, black bears, loons, and bald eagles.
Keep in mind that outfitters in getaway towns such as Ely,Crane Lake,Grand Marias,andTofte, Minnesotacan provide able guides and supplies to orchestrate your trip and help fulfill your camping checklist.
3. Visit Duluth’s Great Lakes Attractions
Visiting the Northeast port city of Duluth, MN is another one of the absolute best things to do in Minnesota!
Duluth sits on the north shore of Lake Superior, which is the largest of the 4 Great Lakes of North America.
Its lakeshore location offers a nautical vibe complete with plenty of activities for those seeing outdoor lakeside leisure.
Considered one of the “Best Outdoor Cities in America,” and “The Craft Beer Capital of Minnesota”, the perfect Duluth itinerary consists of experiences and attractions that appeal to a wide variety of ages and interests.
As an active port city, our favorite activity in Duluth is watching ships from around the world transporting grain, coal, and iron ore enter into Duluth’s harbor via the canal.
Other free things to do in Duluth include exploring Lake Superior’s Canal Park, the Lighthouse Pier, Lakefront Trail, and Duluth’s Aerial Life Bridge.
For these reasons and more, Duluth’s Great Lake attractions are Minnesota Bucket List must-dos!
4. Travel the North Shore Scenic Drive
The North Shore Scenic Drive is a 154-mile scenic “All American Roadway” that extends from Duluth to Two Harbors, MN (on Co. Rd. 61), and from Two Harbors to Grand Portage, MN (on Hwy. 61).
What makes the North Shore Scenic Driver so special is that it includes 7 state parks, as well as breathtaking views of Lake Superior and its surrounding cliffs, forests, and waterfalls.
The must-see stops on the Minnesota North Shore include Gooseberry Falls State Park, Split Rock Lighthouse, Palisade Head, and Tettegouche State Park.
The quaint towns and lakeside villages on the North Shore provide picturesque views of the pine trees, rock formations, and lakeside beauty. Be sure to discover the unforgettable things to do in Grand Marais, as this is a town that will leave a lasting impression on your heart!
The North Shore Scenic Drive is a family getaway that you simply won’t forget.
Additional planning tip: Heading up the North Shore in the winter? Be sure to stop and experience the best skiing in Minnesota at Lutsen Mountains Ski Resort located in Lutsen, MN.
Read about our best family road trip tips in order to cruise the American roadways with ease.
5. Spend a Summer Vacation in the Brainerd Lakes Area
The Brainerd Lakes Area offers small-town Minnesota charm set alongside the most popular lakes and resorts in Minnesota.
Located just 125 miles north of Minneapolis/St. Paul,there are dozens of things to do in Brainerd, along with its rivers and lakes that offer wildlife and recreational fun.
The Gull Lake and Whitefish chain of lakes are bustling with dining and lodging options whereas the Crow Wing or Pine Rivers offers a slower pace and more natural landscapes.
Favorite Brainerd Lakes Region resorts include Grand View Lodge, Breezy Point Resort, and Madden’s on Gull Lake.
With deluxe accommodations, watersports, kids’ activities, golf & spa options, and specialty dining experiences, add a summer vacation to the Brainder Lakes Area to your Minnesota bucket list!
Minnesota Bucket List: Southern Minnesota
Southern Minnesota is home to dozens of charming small towns with historic main streets, as well as the big cities of Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Rochester, Minnesota.
Most of the state’s cultural centers and historic architecture can be found throughout Southern Minnesota, along with wooded bluffs and winding rivers and streams.
Here are the Minnesota bucket-list-worthy experiences and attractions found in the Southern half of the state of Minnesota.
6. Visit the Minnesota State Capitol
The free or self-guided tours offered at the Minnesota State Capitol building in St. Paul, MN are a definite ‘must’ on any Minnesota bucket list.
The Capitol recently underwent a 3-year, $310 million restoration project which brought the already stunning building back to life.
Among its most impressive features are the golden horses on the exterior of the building that can be seen from even miles away (referred to as the quadriga).
While inside, visitors have a chance to see the legislature in action in the restored House and Senate chambers via the public gallery that is located on the third floor.
Other favorite activities here include admiring the gigantic first-floor rotunda and paintings of scenes from Minnesota’s involvement in the Civil War that can be found in the Governor’s Reception Room.
Guided tours lasting 45 minutes leave at the top of each hour from the Capitol Information and Tour Center.
7. Spend a Day at the Mall of America
Your Minnesota bucket list should most definitely include spending a day or more at Bloomington, Minnesota’sMall of America, the largest shopping mall in the United States.
Boasting over 40 million visitors a year, you can literally spend an entire weekend here taking it all in!
Not only is Mall of America the nation’s largest retail shopping center, but it is also a mecca of dining, entertainment, and dozens of family-friendly attractions.
For families with children, the crown jewel of Mall of America is the indoor Nickelodeon Universe theme park found in the center of the mall!
With classic theme-park rides such as rollercoasters, the Log Chute, a Ferris Wheel, and bumper cars, Nickelodeon Universe tops the list of the best things to do in Minnesota with kids!
If visiting Mall of America ends up on your bucket list, perhaps you’d like to stay there too?
Featuring both luxury and convenience, theRadisson BluandJW Marriott Minneapolisare attached to the mall itself. With direct access to the Mall of America, you never have to step foot outside during your visit.
While there, be sure to experience the other top things to do in Bloomington, MN found here!
8. Stay at Great Wolf Lodge
Located adjacent to the Mall of America is another Minnesota bucket-list favorite, Great Wolf Lodge.
With over19 locations(and counting!) in the U.S. and Canada, the Great Wolf Lodge resort brand has become a family favorite of many!
What started as a small indoor water park hotel in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, Great Wolf Lodge now features a line of family resorts each complete with a water park, restaurants,arcades,spas,and children’s activities.
Part of Great Wolf’s appeal is that it offers a weatherproof getaway where visitors can swim and wear bathing suits regardless of the time of year. For this reason, this resort is hugely popular as a destination during the cold Minnesota winters.
We love Great Wolf Lodge for its rustic-themed rooms and family-friendly atmosphere.
*Read our entire review of Bloomington’s Great Wolf Lodge here!
9. Visit Minnehaha Regional Park
Overlooking the Mississippi River, Minnehaha Regional Park is one of Minneapolis Minnesota’s oldest and most popular parks. It attracts over 850,000 visitors annually.
A visit to Minnehaha Falls Regional Park, which is home to the enormous Minnehaha Falls, is a must-do recommendation on our Minnesota bucket list.
This 53-foot tall majesticMinnehaha Fallsis one of the greatest urban waterfalls in the United States. The park also features scenic river overlooks and limestone bluffs.
Be prepared to stand in awestruck wonder at the beautiful Minnehaha Falls located in the middle of Minnesota’s biggest industrial city!
Minnehaha Park is located at the intersection of Hiawatha Avenue and Minnehaha Parkway in a 193-acre wooded setting.
10. Cheer On the Home Team
Minneapolis, Minnesota happens to be home to four professional sports teams and associated sports complexes that draw enormous crowds during their prospective seasons.
The Minnesota home teams include:
- MLB’s Minnesota Twins at Target Field
- NFL’s Minnesota Vikings at the U.S. Bank Stadium
- NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves and WNBA’s Lynx at the Target Center
- NHL’s Minnesota Wildat Xcel Energy Center
In the winter, hockey is king in Minnesota. Attending a Minnesota Wild hockey game is by far one of the best things to do in Minneapolis!
TheXcel Energy Centerbecomes a haven to over 18,000Minnesota Wildspectators each and every time the puck is dropped on home ice.
Not a current fan? There is no doubt that the activities, enthusiasm, and exciting atmosphere at Xcel Energy will get you into the game.
Likewise, there is literally not a bad seat in the house.
You will always feel at the heart of the action when attending a game here!
12. Visit Rochester and the Mayo Clinic
The historic and world-famous Mayo Clinic is located in Rochester, Minnesota, which is 75 miles south of the Twin Cities of Minneapolis/St. Paul.
Rochester has long been rated as one of the best places to live in the United States by multiple publications such asMoney Magazine.
This is due in part to the presence of its world-class medical facility, Mayo Clinic.
On August 21st, 1883,The Great Tornadodemolished much of Rochester and there was no medical facility in the immediate area at the time.
Local doctors Will and Charlie Mayo worked together to care for the wounded as well as pioneered several lifesaving medical techniques.
The Mayo practice grew tremendously and is now one of the largest and most well-respected medical facilities in the world.
Many notable people from around the world, including several former U.S. Presidents, have visited Rochester as patients of the Mayo Clinic. International patients include King Hussein of Jordan.
Along with multiple other memorable things to do in Rochester, MN, visiting or admiring the grounds of Mayo Clinic is one of them!
Mayo Clinic offers free guided art, audio, and historical tours for patients and their guests while they are at Mayo.
The general public can tour Mayowood, Assissi Heights, the Plummer House, and W.W Mayo House, all of which are important landmarks in the history of the Mayo Clinic.
11. Visit Forestville and Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park
Forestville and Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park is located in Preston, MN which is located 37 miles south of Rochester, MN.
Historic Forestville is a restored 1800s village operated by the Minnesota Historical Society. They offer guided tours that allow visitors to connect with historical figures and experience what life was like at the turn of the 20th century.
Tours begin at the Forestville visitor center and travel through the garden, kitchen, Meighen family house and offices, and general store filled with original 19th-century artifacts and merchandise.
Forestville/Mystery Cave State Parksurrounds Historic Forestville. This park features tours of Mystery Cave, tent and camper cabin camping, horseback riding and a horse camp, hiking trails, and trout fishing.
As Minnesota’s longest and most popular cave, Mystery Cave tours are complete with views of stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, beautiful underground pools, and a maze of interconnecting passages.
Parks naturalists lead your tour through various portions of the cave and explain its history, its features, and how it was formed. Modern lighting and walkways enhance accessible tours.
Due to its uniqueness, beauty, and overall appeal, we have included Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park on this Minnesota Bucket List! Plus, who knew that Minnesota has caves?
13. Wheel through Winona
Another one of the best places to visit in Minnesota is the city of Winona!
Located in SoutheastMinnesota, Winona is nestled in the scenic bluff country located along the Mississippi River.
Known for its picturesque vistas, multiple parks, and historic sites, the city is highlighted by an extraordinary history.
Winona’s downtown features 11 monumental blocks devoted to its architectural distinction from stone and stained glass masterpieces to remarkable basilica structures.
Some of the best things to do Winona are driving, hiking or biking to the top of Gavin Heights overlook, walking or biking around Lake Park, and hiking on the trails up the front side of Sugar Loaf bluff.
This concludes our Minnesota Bucket List! What is one place from this list that you are intrigued to visit?
Jen
Before leaving, be sure to check ourTravel Resources Pageto find exclusive travel discounts and to book hotels, rental cars, and guided tours.*
If you like our Minnesota Bucket List, click here to check out ourRelated Posts:
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- 15 Best Mall of America Attractions for Kids
- Our Howlin’ Review of Great Wolf Lodge, Bloomington, MN
- 5 Best Things to do in Minneapolis, MN With Kids
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FAQs
What is the number one tourist attraction in Minnesota? ›
The state is known as the Land of 10,000 lakes, which is the highest number of any state in the United States. Minnesota is also famous for being the home of Mall of America, the largest shopping mall in the United States; and its outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and winter activities.
What are things that are only in Minnesota? ›- (credit: CBS) Boundary Waters Canoe Area. www.bwca.com. ...
- (credit: www.darwintwineball.com) World's Largest Ball Of Twine. Twine Ball Museum. ...
- (credit: CBS) Mall Of America. 60 E Broadway.
The Top 10 Most Visited Cities In The World:
Paris (Total International travelers: 19.10 million) London (Total International travelers: 19.09 million) Dubai (Total International travelers: 15.93 million) Singapore (Total International travelers: 14.67 million)
Cleanliness, a new football stadium, bike paths, strong education, four seasons and natural beauty roll right off people's tongues.
What is the most eaten food in Minnesota? ›- Grain. Anishinaabeg Manoomin. Minnesota. ...
- Sausage/Salami. Kramarczuk's sausage. Minneapolis. ...
- Cheese. Morcella. Minnesota. ...
- Dessert. Glorified Rice. Minnesota. ...
- Dessert. Cookie Salad. Minnesota. ...
- Dessert. Strawberry Delight. Minnesota. ...
- Apple. Honeycrisp Apples. Minnesota.
Wild rice. Fun fact: Wild rice is the state grain of Minnesota. From soups to pancakes, there's nothing better than locally harvested wild rice to give you a hearty, flavorful meal.
What dessert is Minnesota known for? ›So, what is Minnesota's signature dessert? A bundt cake. Here is what the report had to say about Minnesota's bundt cakes: "Bundt cake pans have been manufactured in Minnesota for nearly 75 years, creating a perfect opportunity for thousands of Minnesota homes to own a bundt pan and, presumably, cook bundt cakes.
What are 3 famous people in Minnesota? ›- Singer and songwriter Prince.
- Author F. Scott Fitzgerald.
- Actor Josh Hartnett.
- Actress and singer Judy Garland.
- “Peanuts” cartoonist Charles Shulz.
- Singer-songwriter Bob Dylan.
- Actor Seann William Scott.
- Novelist and playwright Sinclair Lewis.
In the twenty-first century, most Blacks live in Minneapolis and St. Paul. In 2010, of the 274,412 Blacks in Minnesota, Minneapolis had the largest population with 71,098, followed by St. Paul with 44,728.
Where is the safest place in Minnesota? ›
| Rank | City | Safety Index |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Big Lake | 0.51 |
| 2 | Orono | 0.5 |
| 3 | Worthington | 0.48 |
| 4 | Lino Lakes | 0.43 |
Stereotypical Minnesotan traits include manners known as Minnesota nice with very strong family ties and a sense of community exclusive to those with shared beliefs. Potlucks, usually with a variety of hotdishes, are popular at community functions, especially church activities.
What is minimum wage in MN? ›Minnesota's minimum-wage rates will be adjusted for inflation on Jan. 1, 2023, to $10.59 an hour for large employers and $8.63 an hour for other state minimum wages. The current large-employer minimum wage, $10.33, will increase by 26 cents to $10.59.
What is the #1 attraction in the US? ›1. National Mall | Washington DC. Immaculately maintained by the National Park Service, the National Mall and Memorial Parks feature more than 1,000 acres of must-see monuments, sites and green space.
What is the number 1 vacation spot? ›| World's Best Places to Visit | Best Places to Visit in the USA |
|---|---|
| 1. South Island, New Zealand | 1. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona |
| 2. Paris | 2. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming |
| 3. Maui, Hawaii | 3. Yosemite National Park, California |
| 4. Bora Bora, French Polynesia | 4. Maui, Hawaii |
Dominican Republic topped the list as the most visited destination in 2022, according to ForwardKeys. It's almost time to start planning your 2023 travel, and a good place to start might be with the most visited countries of 2022.
What words do Minnesotans say? ›- Oh, for cute! = Adorable. ...
- Uff-da = Oh! Uff da can be used to express surprise, relief, exhaustion, astonishment, and dismay.
- You betcha = Agreement. ...
- Holy buckets = Jeez Louise. ...
- Budge = Skip the line. ...
- Skol = Cheers!/Game chant. ...
- Duck, Duck, Gray Duck = Duck, Duck, Goose.
Many linguists attribute Minnesotans' unusual single-tone pronunciation of long "a"s and "o"s to the influence of Scandinavian settlers, as those sounds are common in languages of that region.
What is the most popular slang word in Minnesota? ›Do you know what it is? Well, according to BestLife, "Oh for!" is the slang word we use the most here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Of course, you have to pair that word with several other words to create a truly only-in-Minnesota slang phrase.
What is the #1 eaten food in the world? ›Rice is a food staple for more than 3.5 billion people around the world, particularly in Asia, Latin America, and parts of Africa.
What is America's #1 snack? ›
As this infographic shows, Cookies are the most popular snack food, with 59 percent of snackers saying they eat the sugary comfort food regularly.
What is Minnesota's national dish? ›Wild Rice Soup
Wild Rice, which is not actually rice at all, but grass seed, is Minnesota's state grain and one that's been lovingly embraced by Minnesotan cooks. You find it in everything from burgers, pancakes, hot dish and of course, the famous Minnesota wild rice soup.
| Rank | State | Poverty rate (3 year average) |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | Maryland | 7.1 |
| 8 | Hawaii | 9.5 |
| 9 | Wyoming | 11.4 |
| 10 | Minnesota | 8.7 |
Albert Lea. The most affordable city in Minnesota is Albert Lea. Commonly referred to as “The Land Between the Lakes,” Albert Lea is located between Fountain Lake and Albert Lea Lake.
Where is the cheapest place to live in Minnesota? ›- Rochester. Rochester is a city in southern Minnesota with a population of around 214,000. ...
- Owatonna. Owatonna is a smaller city in Minnesota with a population of 36,600. ...
- Hastings. ...
- Woodbury. ...
- Mankato.
Minnesota: Honeycrisp apple
When it comes to all of the different apple varieties, few are more satisfyingly sweet and crisp than the Honeycrisp. This apple was developed at the University of Minnesota and was named Minnesota's official state fruit in 2006.
- Psycho Suzi's Motor Lounge - Minneapolis. ...
- The Bad Waitress - Minneapolis. ...
- Al's Breakfast - Minneapolis. ...
- The News Room - Minneapolis. ...
- FIKA - Minneapolis. ...
- Galactic Pizza - Minneapolis. ...
- Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter - Stillwater.
The Juicy Lucy Was Invented Here In Minnesota, And You Can Grab One From 5-8 Club In Minneapolis. In addition to the Land of 10,000 Lakes, Minnesota might as well also be called the Land of 10,000 Inventions. That's because our state is full of them!
What is Minnesota's state candy? ›Licorice was proposed as the official candy of Minnesota in 1997 (HF144).
What is Minnesota's favorite candy? ›The Candy Store, put together an interactive map showing the top 3 most popular candies for each state. The company says they've used 15 years of data to compile the list. View the map, HERE. In Minnesota, the top 3 are Hot Tamales, Tootsie Pops and Skittles.
How many millionaires are in Minnesota? ›
| Rank | State | Number of millionaire households |
|---|---|---|
| 14 | North Carolina | 224,054 |
| 15 | Maryland | 221,189 |
| 16 | Colorado | 170,223 |
| 17 | Minnesota | 167,206 |
- Adam Young (Owatonna, MN) ...
- Bob Dylan (Duluth, MN) ...
- Chris Pratt (Virginia, MN) ...
- Gretchen Carlson (Anoka, MN) ...
- Jessica Biel (Ely, MN) ...
- Jessie Diggins (Afton, MN) ...
- Jessica Lange (Cloquet, MN) ...
- Joel & Ethan Coen (St.
- Gooseberry Falls – 782,125 visitors.
- Fort Snelling – 702,351 visitors.
- Itasca – 569,835 visitors.
- Tettegouche- 564,992 visitors.
- Split Rock Lighthouse – 544,327 visitors.
- Thailand. There's a reason why Thailand remains so popular with backpackers – it's got idyllic islands, a rich culture, beach-huts aplenty, tantalising cuisine and adventures galore, and all available at often staggeringly low prices. ...
- South Africa. ...
- Vietnam. ...
- Uruguay. ...
- Cuba. ...
- Prague, Czech Republic. ...
- Greece. ...
- Guatemala.
More than 50 million visitors travel to New York City every year making it the number one tourist destination in the USA. New York City is known for its diverse culture and world-renowned attractions.
What are the top 10 most visited? ›- The Colosseum in Rome, Italy. ...
- The Louvre Museum in Paris, France. ...
- The Vatican Museums in Rome, Italy. ...
- The Statue of Liberty in New York City. ...
- The Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. ...
- Basilica de la Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain. ...
- French Quarter, New Orleans, Louisiana.
London. England's vibrant capital, London, will draw close to 18.82 million people this year, making it the number one most visited city in the world. It's not surprising that so many people want to visit, as it has so much to offer.
What is the 2 most visited national park? ›Every year, millions of visitors come to the park to take in the views and enjoy a bit of outdoor recreation in the desert. Grand Canyon National Park is the second most-visited American national park, covering well over one million acres of predominantly desert landscape in northwestern Arizona.
What is the prettiest lake in Minnesota? ›- Lake Brophy - Douglas County. ...
- Long Lake - Hennepin County. ...
- Lake Kabetogama - St. ...
- Upper Bottle - Hubbard County. ...
- 8 Lake Pepin - Goodhue / Wabasha Counties. ...
- Lake Superior. ...
- Lake Nokomis - Hennepin County. ...
- Lake Winona - Winona County.