Minnesota is one of the most amazing and picturesque places in the US and is an exotic destination for the residents as well as tourists. It is brimming with natural and man-made places of attraction. It has everything that interests a tourist- lakes, parks, wilderness, resorts, markets, fairs and carnivals, and sites of historical importance. Tourists come across a plethora of adventurous things to do in Minnesota, which makes their trip comprehensive and indulgent.
If you are planning to visit or move to Minnesota, today we will talk about the top 14 things to do in Minnesota if you are looking for a delightful time.
Amazing Experiences to Undergo in Minnesota
Whether you are an adventure enthusiast or want some calm, relaxing time amid nature, our list covers all types of experiences for you to immerse yourself in. From the very famous Gooseberry Falls to the less famous Glensheen Estate, below are the fourteen most amazing experiences to have and things to do in Minnesota.
Drive Through Route 61
Minnesota lies in the perfect location, bordering Canada and in close proximity to Lake Superior. Also, it has some of the most scenic driving routes in the US, as it directly touches the ocean. Route 61 is one of those routes which has often been used in movies and songs due to its exquisite beauty.
If you like to drive a car or a bike, you must drive at least once through Route 61 in Minnesota. Here, you can witness the beautiful scenery of Superior Lake’s Northern Shore. Throughout your route, you will encounter plenty of tourist attractions, including eight gorgeous state parks. You can also stop by amazing restaurants and outlets to relish some amazing appetizers on your way.
Visit The Minneapolis Institute Of Art
The Institute of Art in Minneapolis is a haven for people who love history and art. It is an abode of more than one lakh art and artifact pieces which are as old as 5000 years. The museum is placed in the heart of Minnesota and is always filled with the city’s hustle and bustle.
It ranks amongst the largest US museums and exhibits masterpieces, including contemporary art, visual art, sculptures, and much more. Visiting the museum is a fun thing to do in Minnesota, especially because it has no entry ticket. You can also attend a museum event, such as a children’s program, curatorial event, etc.
Roam Around The Mall Of America
The Mall of America is one of the top tourist destinations in Minnesota. Visiting the Mall is one of the best things to do in Minnesota. The Mall is located adjacent to Minneapolis beside the Minnesota River. It is one of the oldest and most significant malls in the US, which was opened in 1992.
With over 40 million visitors each year and around 400 special events annually, the Mall is abode to the best live shows and concerts, etc., in the city. It has a lot of retail outlets, a theatre, an aquarium, renowned restaurants, and the Crayola Experience. It is so big that even if you come here for 2-3 days straight, you cannot see everything the Mall holds!
Spend Some Time In The Minnehaha Park
Minnehaha Park is a lovely tourist attraction and the perfect landscape for outdoor fun in Minnesota. It offers visitors a chance to do a plethora of things. It has a biking path, a playground, public art, a bandstand, a wading pool, and a walking path.
The park is an amalgamation of the developed and undeveloped areas and lets you enjoy the raw and polished paths. It is also home to three beautiful gardens, three historical sites, a dog park, hiking trails, a restaurant, and even a mini waterfall. It is spread over an area of 165 acres, and people often come here in the evenings when the park hosts live music, movie, or cultural events here.
Admire The Beauty Of Gooseberry Falls State Park
Gooseberry Falls State Park is situated on the North Shore of Minnesota and is one of the tourist attractions that lie on Route 61. It is famous for its gorgeous waterfalls, woodsy wildlife, river gorge, and log structures. While it is a great sightseeing place, it is also an abode of activities for adventure lovers, including snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, hiking, etc.
It is also a good point for camping and has both tent and RV campsites. For the visitors, the park has in-store picnic pavilions, a theatre, a warming center, and paved and unpaved hiking trails. It also holds exhibits and naturalist programs, along with a gift shop and some of the best historical sights in Minnesota.
Witness The Unusual Aerial Lift Bridge
A landmark attraction in Minnesota is the Aerial Lift Bridge, which is one of the first transporter bridges in the US ever. It opened in 1905 and is situated in Duluth. As of today, this bridge is the only one of its kind with its unusual operation for a transporter bridge. The bridge has a total length of 501 feet with 138-foot clearance.
Its height is 226 feet, but it lies low towards the water and is lifted to its maximum extent when ships require passage. The best part is that despite being such an old structure, the bridge can be lifted to its full height in a minute and is lifted almost 5000 times annually! Visitors come to see this unique and marvelous bridge and walk across it.
Click Amazing Photographs At The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
The Sculpture Garden of Minneapolis is a perfect blend of natural and man-made beauty. It is located on 11 acres of land within Minnesota’s public park. The architecture in the park never fails to astonish and mesmerize the visitors at the same time. People often come here to get amazing pictures clicked of nature and the unique structures.
It is outdoors where the whole family can enjoy it or even go for a picnic. The garden is filled with astounding sculptures created by the Twin City artists. With a plethora of contemporary artwork and a landscape setting, strolling around the Sculpture Garden and capturing it in pictures is one of the most fun things to do in Minnesota.
Learn Minnesota’s History At The Mill City Museum
Minnesota’s Mill City Museum is operated by the Minnesota Historical Society. It is present in the midst of the ruins of Washburn Mill, which lies beside the Mississippi River. While the museum is itself an architectural wonder, it is home to some unique artifacts of local and milling history. The location and design of the museum, along with its display components, make it one of the favorite places of tourists. The museum has vintage propaganda, old milling equipment, wheat farm artifacts, a former packing floor, and also rotating special exhibits. Some important exhibits include the Baking Lab, Flour Tour, Water Lab, etc.
Embrace Spirituality At The Cathedral Of Saint Paul
One of the most magnificent pieces of architecture in Minnesota is the Cathedral of Saint Paul. It is a symbol of Beaux-Arts architecture and is open to the public all day of the year. The construction of the church began in 1907 and was completed in 1915, when the first mass was held there.
It is a place of worship for the locals, and visiting the church is one of the best things to do in Minnesota for tourists. You can also learn about the history and architecture of the church and purchase religious idols, gifts, and souvenirs from the gift shop that lies on its premises.
Experience Royalty At The Glensheen Estate
The Gleensheen Mansion, or the Historic Congdon Estate, is a mansion spread over 20,000 square feet in Duluth, Minnesota. It is a historic property, which is ancient yet super cool. Currently, it is maintained and run by the University of Minnesota as a celebration of preservation.
The Mansion is situated on the shore of Lake Superior and boasts the Duluth architecture, which was prevalent in the 20th century. You must take a complete tour of the 12 acres property, including the outer landscapes and the breathtaking and chic interiors. The Mansion has 39 and is capable of giving you royal vibes. Also, the visitors can witness the lakeside estate and spend some time there too.
Take An Evening Stroll At The Lakewalk
If you are in the mood for activity and want to add four moons to your endeavor, you must go for a run or a walk at the Lakewalk. The edge of Lake Superior is one of the most admired places in Minnesota, which is adored by the locals as well as the tourists.
It is a winding and hilly path where people often come for jogging, walking, skating, biking, etc. With a cool breeze and picturesque view of the lake, an evening stroll at the lake walk is amongst the best things to do in Minnesota.
Indulge In The Fun At Minnesota State Fair
If you are a fan of fairs and carnivals, you must visit the Minnesota State Fair. The fair starts 12 days before Labor Day and ends on Labor Day. It is a great Minnesota get-together, where around 2 million guests visit every year. This fair is an amazing place for food, entertainment shows, rides, roller coasters, concerts, shopping, and much more!
Have A Guided Tour Of The Split Rock Lighthouse
The Split Rock Lighthouse is one of the most magnificent sightseeing destinations in Minnesota, which has breathtaking views and exciting history. It is nestled in the North Shore of Lakes Superior, on a cliff of Silver Bay. Taking a guided tour of the Lighthouse is one of the most exciting things to do in Minnesota.
You can also climb the 130-foot cliff on which the Lighthouse sits. It is a historical landmark that was built in 1910 and is 602 feet above sea level. The height of the Lighthouse is 54 feet, and its light goes as far as 20 miles in water. People come here to witness the unparalleled beauty and the ground tour of the property.
Enjoy A Dinner Cruise In The Lake Minnetonka
Lake Minnetonka is not just one lake but a series of interconnecting lakes spread over a length of more than 120 miles. It is an amazing waterbody in Minnesota, offering visitors exquisite views along with multiple activities and things to do. The lakeside has multiple attractions to explore and immerse in.
Also, it is one of the most famous places in Minnesota for watersport activities. Attractions such as an aquarium, a roller coaster, and an aviary are situated near the lake. However, the most fun activities on the lake include Dinner Cruises, boat launches, dinner theatre, boat races, camping, and gardens, etc. It is also surrounded by hiking trails.
Final Words
Minnesota is one of the liveliest places in the US, filled fill nature and architecture. It is an amazing get-together place to go on with your family and friends. There is a lot of fun and indulging things to do in Minnesota, which is why a lot of people from different corners of the world come to visit here all the time!
There’s a lot to do in Minnesota; we’ve just mentioned the top 14 things! So which one is your personal favorite? Tell us in the comments below.
