Every year, millions of tourists visit the beautiful state of Minnesota for its natural beauty, urban attractions, and rich history. Minnesota has so many things to see and do, it’s no wonder this is a top destination for travelers worldwide. However, this state has something for everyone, from its beautiful lakes to its historic lighthouses.
Minnesota shares its land border with Canada. Lake Superior offers some great beaches to tourists visiting Minnesota. In a recent report, Minnesota has found its place among the ten most fun states in America you can visit in summer.
Best Tourist Destinations in Minnesota
Here are some must-see tourist destinations you won’t want to miss during your next trip:
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park is one of Minnesota’s most popular parks, and for a good reason. Located in the city of Two Harbors on Minnesota’s North Shore, it’s a great place to go for a hike or simply keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. You’re likely to spot bald eagles as you walk along one of the trails through the woods.
The park also has a lighthouse that dates back to 1898. You can climb up inside if you like. Other activities include hiking trails through forests, climbing atop the lighthouse itself, fishing off its dock, and renting kayaks at the nearby Lake Superior Shores Campground.
The Mall of America
The Mall of America is the largest shopping mall in the United States and has drawn visitors since it opened in 1992. The Mall has over 520 stores, an amusement park, an aquarium, a hotel, and a water park. The theme park includes Nickelodeon Universe, Sea Life Aquarium, LEGO Discovery Center, and the Science Museum of Minnesota. You may also find Raging Waters Water Park, American Girl Place doll store, Adventure Aquarium, and more.
Minnehaha Falls
Minnehaha Falls is a waterfall on Minnehaha Creek in Hiawatha, Minnesota. The falls are located in a park and are the most visited tourist attraction in Minnesota.
Minnehaha Falls is one of the many waterfalls found on Minnehaha Creek, which flows through Minneapolis and St. Paul before emptying into the Mississippi River at Fort Snelling State Park.
Related Read: Things to Do in Mississippi Gulf Coast
Gull Lake Recreation Area
Gull Lake Recreation Area may be the place if you’re looking for a vacation destination that offers something for everyone. This popular recreation area in central Minnesota is home to one of Minnesota’s largest natural lakes. It has been providing fun-filled summer getaways since the 1930s. The lake itself is large enough to provide many hours of boating and other water sports activities. However, visitors can also enjoy a peaceful time fishing or simply relaxing on its shores.
If you need a break from being outside, there are plenty of options within the park. You can go swimming at one of its beaches or rent one of its cabins for overnight stays. They even offer cabin rentals in season.
You can also explore Gull Lake vacation rentals available online if you want an authentic experience staying at someone else’s home rather than a hotel room.
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW)
A great place to visit, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is a wilderness area in northern Minnesota that’s teeming with wildlife. It’s a popular tourist destination and offers many activities like fishing, canoeing, hiking, and seeing the Northern Lights.
North Shore Scenic Drive
The North Shore Scenic Drive is a 100-mile route along Lake Superior’s rocky, cliff-lined shore. From Duluth to Two Harbors, it winds through forests and meadows for about 3 hours. The drive is mostly on paved roads with some gravel sections. It’s popular among cyclists who want to experience the beauty of Minnesota’s landscape while getting exercise simultaneously.
Voyageurs National Park
Voyageurs National Park is the only national park in Minnesota, and it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition to being home to some of the most beautiful scenery in Minnesota, it offers visitors many opportunities for outdoor recreation. The park’s name comes from the French-Canadian voyageur explorers who explored this region in canoes during its heyday.
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Located in downtown Minneapolis, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is a 5-acre outdoor museum of sculptures and gardens. The garden is home to more than 40 large-scale sculptures by artists such as Alexander Calder, Henry Moore, and Louise Nevelson.
The garden has two buildings: the Cowles Pavilion and the Weisman Art Museum. The Weisman Art Museum contains over 8,000 works, including paintings, drawings, and sculptures from all periods of art history.
The James J. Hill House
The James J. Hill House, located in Saint Paul, Minnesota, is the former home of railroad tycoon James Jerome Hill. This National Historic Landmark has been open to visitors since 1910 and features period furnishings and displays that showcase how the wealthy lived in the early 20th century. If you’re looking for a way to experience Minnesota’s history while learning more about its culture and landscape, this is one of the best options.
The house is open year-round, Monday through Friday, from 10 am until 5 pm (except for holidays). It’s closed on Saturdays but opens at 9:30 am on Sundays, so visitors can explore before heading out into downtown Saint Paul.
Minnesota Has a Lot to Offer for Tourists
Minnesota is a great place to visit. It has a lot to offer in terms of tourism, making it one of the most popular vacation spots in the United States. There is plenty for you and your family members to do when you visit Minnesota, whether you’re planning on going for an extended stay or just for the weekend.
The first thing that comes to mind when people consider traveling to Minnesota is its natural beauty. This state has many breath-taking natural features such as lakes, forests, and waterfalls that will make your trip memorable. There are also many historical sites located throughout Minnesota that can be explored by taking guided tours.
You can use this article as a guide helpful in your quest to explore some of Minnesota’s most fascinating tourist destinations. Whether you’re looking for an adventure or something more low-key, there’s sure to be something here that interests you.
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By: Marina 'Travel Experta' Title: Top 9 Best Tourist Destinations in Minnesota Sourced From: travelexperta.com/best-tourist-destinations-in-minnesota/ Published Date: Fri, 31 Mar 2023 11:02:02 +0000
