Top 20 Things To Do In Minnesota

Minnesota's Mall of America, North America's largest shopping and entertainment complex, has 520+ stores, 60 restaurants, and exciting rides. Visitors can also explore nearby national parks for outdoor activities. Attractions at the mall include Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium, Moose Mountain Adventure Golf, and Nickelodeon Universe, the country's largest indoor theme park.

Additionally, dining options like Twin City Grill and Cedar and Stone are available, and the mall is easily accessible from the airport, with 46 nearby hotels for accommodation.

Discover the beauty of Minnesota's North Shore along Highway 61, a 154-mile scenic route from Duluth to the Canadian border. Enjoy stunning views of Lake Superior, agate-studded beaches, lighthouses, and more. The journey offers year-round attractions, from spring ice break-up to summer lakeside activities and fall's colorful foliage.

Notable stops include Split Rock Lighthouse, Tofte's Fishing Museum, and Grand Portage National Monument. Accessible from Duluth, this four-season route is a must-visit for a unique and unforgettable experience, with accommodations readily available.

The Minnesota Zoo provides diverse indoor and outdoor adventures for all ages. Explore exhibit areas like Discovery Bay and Russia’s Grizzly Coast, along with trails such as Medtronic Minnesota Trail and Tropics Trail. Enjoy included experiences like the Wings World of Birds Show and Dino Hideout.

Also, the zoo offers behind-the-scenes and guided tours, as well as special events, including summer camps and evening activities. It's one of the most educational and entertaining attractions in MN for families, nature enthusiasts, and wildlife conservation enthusiasts.

The Guthrie Theater in Minnesota is a renowned performing arts venue hosting a variety of shows, including plays, musicals, and other theatrical performances. The theater offers an engaging and diverse lineup throughout the year.

From timeless classics to captivating performances, the theater promises a diverse and enriching cultural experience. Purchase your tickets online or at the Box Office, then sit back, relax, and enjoy the magic of theater in this renowned venue.

Explore Minnesota's history at the Minnesota History Center, a premier destination with engaging exhibits showcasing Native American communities, early settlers, and Twin Cities development. Enjoy interactive scavenger hunts, events like tours and lectures, and walking tours of the Twin Cities.

Additionally, the museum features historic photographs, maps, and artifacts, offering insight into Minnesota's rich cultural heritage for visitors of all ages. For history lovers, this center is one of the best things to see Minnesota has to offer.

Discover the natural beauty of Minnehaha Park in Minnesota. This scenic park offers a serene escape with its stunning waterfall, winding trails, and picturesque landscapes. Visitors can explore the park's walking and biking paths, admire the historic Minnehaha Falls, and enjoy a leisurely day surrounded by nature.

With its lush greenery and peaceful atmosphere, the park provides an ideal setting for relaxation and outdoor activities, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a tranquil retreat.

Gooseberry Falls State Park, one of the most beautiful places in Minnesota is a popular destination offering a range of activities. Visitors can explore scenic waterfalls, hike 20 miles of trails, enjoy picnics, and experience superb trout fishing in the Gooseberry River.

Additionally, the park provides diverse camping options, including tent and RV sites, winter tenting sites, and horse campsites. With its beautiful natural setting, the park is a haven for birdwatching, featuring over 200 bird species, as well as opportunities to spot other wildlife like deer and foxes.

The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, nestled in the heart of Minneapolis, is a free outdoor destination displaying over 60 sculptures from the Walker's collection across 11 scenic acres. Visitors are encouraged to use the free Bloomberg Connects app for multilingual content on the Garden’s history and sculptures.

It provides a family-friendly self-guided tour with activities like scavenger hunts, featuring the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture as a symbol of the Twin Cities. A collaborative effort between the Walker Art Center and the Minneapolis Parks & Recreation Board, the garden represents a unique blend of parks and culture.

The Cathedral of Saint Paul is renowned for its impressive architecture and art. Located in Saint Paul, MN, this cathedral is a significant religious and historical landmark, drawing those interested in exploring religious and architectural heritage.

Here, visitors have the opportunity to appreciate sacred music, participate in faith formation, and admire the design and artwork, delving into the rich history and spiritual significance of this iconic site. Its architecture makes this place a major attraction in Minnesota.

Visit Minnesota's Split Rock Lighthouse for stunning views and a captivating experience. The iconic 1910 lighthouse, southwest of Silver Bay on Lake Superior's North Shore, offers guided tours, scenic vistas, waterfalls, and a bike trail at the Split Rock Lighthouse State Park.

Additionally, you can learn about its history and the area at the museum, part of the Minnesota Historical Society. Originally built to guide freighters, it's now a National Historic Landmark with educational programs, making it a great destination for families and history enthusiasts.

Explore Voyageurs National Park, established in 1975 near International Falls. This 218,055-acre water-based park boasts four large lakes and 26 smaller ones, offering activities like boating, hiking, swimming, fishing, camping, and winter recreation.

With over 270 camping sites, including unique experiences, and visitor centers at Kabetogama Lake, Ash River, and Rainy Lake, the park caters to outdoor enthusiasts. Ideal for families and history buffs, the national park provides a unique exploration of the natural beauty and history, making it one of Minnesota tourist attractions.

Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is a vast, pristine natural area covering 1 million acres with over 1,100 lakes and 1,500 miles of canoe routes. Popular for canoeing, camping, and hiking, it attracts a large number of visitors.

Known for stunning beauty, diverse wildlife, and activities like northern lights viewing, dog sledding, and birdwatching, BWCAW offers a unique outdoor experience. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service, entry requires a permit, and various resources make planning accessible for both experienced enthusiasts and newcomers.

Brainerd, one of the best places to visit in the USA offers diverse outdoor activities in the heart of the state. Highlights include golfing at courses like Breezy Point Resort and Grand View Lodge, family fun at Paul Bunyan Land, and renting lakeside cabins and boats from Lake Fun Rentals.

Also, explore Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area, enjoy indoor waterparks, take boat cruises, attend live music events, shop and dine in local towns, and explore off-road adventure trails. With numerous lodging options, Brainerd Lakes is a must-visit in Minnesota.

The Minneapolis Institute of Art provides various activities for self-guided groups, including scavenger hunts, worksheets, and discussion prompts for teachers, parents, and caretakers to engage students. Visitors can enjoy playing Mia CLUE, a whodunit game set in the period rooms.

Moreover, currently featuring the exhibition "American Gothic: Gordon Parks and Ella Watson" from January 6 to June 23, 2024, the museum offers free general admission, but special exhibitions, classes, talks, and some events require tickets. Additionally, the museum hosts adult events like Art & Wine After Dark and Friends Lectures.

Experience the thrill of skiing or snowboarding in Minnesota at resorts near the Twin Cities like Buck Hill in Burnsville and Afton Alps in Hastings. Enjoy family-friendly slopes, terrain parks, and tubing.

Whether you choose the cozy setting of Hyland Ski and Snowboard Area in Bloomington or the expansive Wild Mountain in Taylors Falls, there's something for all skill levels. The place offers a fantastic winter experience for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts, making it a fun thing to do in Minnesota.

Experience the enchanting beauty of the Northern Lights in Minnesota. Head to dark, remote locations for the best views, away from city lights. Also known as the Aurora Borealis, these lights paint the night sky with vibrant colors like green, pink, and purple.

However, one needs to check geomagnetic activity forecasts and choose clear, dark nights for the optimal experience. Dress warmly, bring a blanket or chair, and enjoy the mesmerizing dance of colors for an unforgettable night under the Minnesota sky.

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory in Saint Paul is a free zoo open every day, featuring a diverse range of animals and a conservatory with various plants. The zoo offers a sensory-friendly early entry program, and wheelchair and electric scooter rentals, making it a year-round destination.

While admission is free, voluntary donations are appreciated for animal and plant care. The zoo provides a visual schedule and map for planning, along with exciting experiences like meeting zookeepers and watching Sparky the Sea Lion's show in Como Harbor, making the place one of the things to see Minnesota offers.

Experience the charm of the Mississippi River by taking a boat tour. Companies like Padelford Riverboats, Winona Tour Boat, Minneapolis Queen, and Twin Cities Cruises offer diverse options for sightseeing, dining, and private events.

Whether enjoying the scenic views, dining on the water, or hosting a private gathering, these tours provide a unique perspective on the natural beauty and history of the region. Explore the iconic Minneapolis skyline and the peaceful riverbanks, making a boat tour on the Mississippi River a memorable and immersive experience in the heart of Minnesota.

Explore the uniqueness of Salt Lake, the state's only saltwater lake located near the Minnesota-South Dakota border in the Salt Lake Wildlife Management Area. With its one-third oceanic salt level, it houses a distinct ecosystem, making it a popular spot for bird-watching during spring migration.

Despite its modest 20-acre size, Salt Lake offers a picturesque prairie landscape with accessible viewing areas. This lesser-known gem in Minnesota is worth adding to your list of activities, as it is very beautiful along with being a budget-friendly activity.

Explore the Munsinger Clemens Gardens in Minnesota, a year-round botanical wonder with free admission. Spanning 14 acres along the Mississippi River opposite St. Cloud State University, the gardens showcase winding paths bordered by vibrant flowers and tall pines.

Notable sections include the Virginia Clemens Rose Garden, Rest Area Garden, Formal Garden, White Garden, Perennial Garden, and Treillage Garden. The gardens host special events like Music in the Gardens, an art fair featuring statewide artists, and a photography contest. Note that only service dogs are allowed, and admission is free.