Top Things to do in Minnesota
Top Hotels in Minnesota
- 1. South Pier Inn on the Canal
- 2. La Quinta Inn & Suites By Wyndham Duluth
- 3. TownePlace Suites by Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America
- 4. Celeste St Paul
- 5. Radisson Blu Mall of America
- 6. Hampton Inn & Suites Minneapolis/Downtown
- 7. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Bloomington at Mall of America, MN
- 8. The Marquette Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton
- 9. Best Western Plus Superior Inn
- 10. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Minneapolis Bloomington W
10 Nature & Parks in Minnesota That You Shouldn't Miss
The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul have the famous Mall of America and Walker Art Institute. Bluff Country to the south has water sports and cross country skiing. The Prairielands abound with lake recreations.
Restaurants in Minnesota
1. Itasca State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 509 reviews
Established in 1891, Itasca is Minnesota's oldest state park. Today, the park totals more than 32,000 acres and includes more than 100 lakes. Walk across the mighty Mississippi as it starts its winding journey 2,552 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. Stand under towering pines at Preacher's Grove. Visit the Itasca Indian Cemetery or Wegmann's Cabin, landmarks of centuries gone by. Camp under the stars, or stay the night at the historic Douglas Lodge or cabins. Explore Wilderness Drive past the 2,000-acre Wilderness Sanctuary, one of Minnesota's seven National Natural Landmarks.
Reviewed By 406kathleenw - Eagan, United States
Itasca State Park is one of the gems in northern Minnesota. Home to Lake Itasca, it is over 32,000 acres of forest and lakes that are connected by a web of hiking trails and roads. Our favorite time to visit has been fall, but it is beautiful all year round. There is a rich story that the park tells in the museums, buildings built by the CCC and the interpretive center. The park offers boating, camping, fishing, hiking, swimming, and biking. The historic lodge is beautiful and houses a restaurant with a view of the lake. The lodge and restaurant are only open May through September and the rooms in the lodge do not have private bathrooms. However, there are many options for lodging that offer a variety of amenities. The staff throughout the park are very friendly and the everything is very clean. Our favorite parts of the park are the beautifully preserved historic buildings and cabins, the biking trails, and the very well done interpretive center. Our most recent stay lasted a week and we always feel as though we could have spent a few more days.
2. Grand Portage State Forest
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 261 reviews
Located northwest of Lake Superior, this area offers camping, hiking, cross-country skiing and dogsledding.
Reviewed By BCSunflower777 - Chanhassen, United States
The short walk to High Falls is lovely--and the view at the end is spectacular. After driving to the top of Minnesota, why wouldn't you stop to see this? As the highest waterfall in Minnesota, it is a magnificent natural beauty and mesmerizing as most waterfalls are. The visitor center is clean and well maintained, too, with a nice gift shop and interpretive displays about Ojibwe culture. The 1/2 mile trail is paved and has very little elevation gain, making it accessible to nearly everyone.
3. Chain of Lakes
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 402 reviews
Three separate lakes (Lake of the Isles, Lake Calhoun and Lake Harriet) all surrounded by pedestrian paths.
Reviewed By jesseMN - Savannah, United States
Walk, jog, swim, hear a concert, rent bikes, roller skates, canoes...the chain of lakes is one of the many attractions of the excellent Park system - connected by trail and water to other parks - that attacts year 'round visitors. A cherished resource that is actually three interconnected lakes in the City. Accessable by public transit.
4. Munsinger Gardens
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 404 reviews
Located along the scenic Mississippi River, these gardens are known for their shade-loving plants including numerous hostas and ferns.
Reviewed By cmsr1128
This is a beautiful area to visit just to walk through and enjoy the many different plants and wonderful walkways along side of the Mississippi River. The fall colors are so beautiful all around the fountains and gorgeous scenic views. I love coming here to just walk and visit with friends and go to the little gift shop. I recommend it for anyone who has time to soak in this totally awesome place.
5. Lock & Dam 3
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By U9293GJpatriciab - Mankato, United States
We truly enjoyed stopping along the Lock and Dam’s on the Wisconsin side - the Mississippi River towns that were locked around them are fun to tour through - some even have Restaurants located beside them, and Wine stores across the road from them. Great day trip.
6. International Wolf Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 675 reviews
Starting Monday, May 10, the International Wolf Center is open seven days a week. Because of the pandemic, we have two separate time blocks to ensure there's enough room for everyone. We are open from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. for the first group of people and then from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. for the second. Advance tickets are required for entry. To get an advance ticket, visit our website and look for the Book Now button on the lower right-hand side of the page. Masks are required. The International Wolf Center, located in Ely, Minnesota, gives visitors a chance to learn about wolves and see them in a beautiful northwoods habitat. The main attraction are five live wolves who make up our ambassador pack.
Reviewed By 164bobbib
Love the IWC!!! Very friendly staff and amazing educational experience. Highly recommend visiting and supporting the IWC.❤️
7. Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,754 reviews
The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is closed for renovation, and will reopen in June 2017. One of the crown jewels of the city’s park system, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden unites two of Minnesota’s most cherished resources—its greenspace and its cultural life. A partnership with the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board, the Garden is a top destination for tourists to enjoy art like the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry in an outdoor park setting.
Reviewed By victoriavZ5721AB - Rochester, United States
Had to check out the Minneapolis sculpture garden to see the famous spoon and cherry. We parked in the $4 parking lot and enjoyed strolling through the walkways to see some interesting sculptures. The native landscape and wildflowers only added to the beauty of the art and the location in the city. Got some cool pics as well which I'm sure we'll cherish for a long time!
8. Canal Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,429 reviews
Watch seagulls soaring while you stroll around this popular spot, part of the revived Duluth waterfront. Nearby are a sculpture garden, jazz clubs, coffee shops, motels and restaurants. If you like ships, stand on the pier and watch huge boats and ships, some from around the world, come and go daily.
Reviewed By Iowa_is_my_home
Canal Park is a "must" for anyone visiting the North Shore. The Maritime Visitor Center is well done and interesting for all ages, and the high-quality galleries and shops are more than just the typical tourist t-shirt shops (though there a a couple of those, too.) Though I'd suggest Duluth Grill over the Canal Park restaurants, their convenience, quality and variety makes them a good choice for anyone whose time is limited.
9. Barn Bluff
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 183 reviews
A 350-foot cliff that was so named because of its resemblance to a barn.
Reviewed By garhalloweenfield - Minneapolis, United States
On the main street in Red Wind you can see a tall bluff ahead. If you look closely, you can see people up there. Little did I realize that shortly, we would be up there walking around! I was hoping you could drive farther up the bluff before walking the rest of the way. but I wanted to give it a try. I'm in my 60's and stopped several times along the way since it's a steep path in places. It was but wooded and enjoyable and even got to see a large bird of prey take off from a nearby tree. The view was spectacular at the top!! Even though it was a bit of a workout reaching the top, it was very rewarding!
10. Paul Bunyan State Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 126 reviews
Fifty miles of trails to bike, hike, rollerblade and snow-mobile, depending on the season.
Reviewed By pddjer - Minneapolis, United States
Fall is a nice time to relax on the bike trail. The leaves were great and the trail was nice. Relaxing trail worth the drive to get to. Enjoyed the Pine River Chamber of Commerce building, nice clean restrooms, great things to look at.
