Minnesota is a great state to visit with plenty of museums, natural sights, and delicious food. In fact, there are so many things to do, you may want to create a Minnesota bucket list to help you keep track of everything.
In this article, we’ll share some of the best things to do in Minnesota. You can include them on your Minnesota bucket list, plus anything else that interests you. If you have extra time on your trip, you can add an item from your list to do.
Grand Portage National Monument
At Grand Portage National Monument you can travel back in time to learn about the partnership between the Grand Portage Ojibwe tribe and the North West Company during the North American Fur Trade. Visit the reconstructed train depot that feels like it’s out of history. You can also visit the heritage center and see the rest of the reconstructed settlement.
Mississippi National River and Recreation Area
Located in the middle of the city, this recreation area is a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It offers opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, fishing, birdwatching, hiking, and more. Additionally, the visitor centers present a wealth of information on the river and the area, making the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area an excellent place to learn more about the river and the region.
Pipestone National Monument
The red pipestone found at Pipestone National Monument has been quarried by Native Americans for many, many generations. As the name suggests, this stone is ideal for creating pipes. The grounds here are considered sacred to many, as the smoke from these pipes is said to carry prayer to the Great Spirit.
Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway
For more river fun, head to the Saint Croix National Riverway. This is the ideal place to do some paddling or simply sit on the shores and reflect. The NPS site encompasses over 200 miles of clean, clear water that is surrounded by a lush forested landscape. Be sure to check out the scenic cliffs and glacial potholes while you’re there!
Voyageurs National Park
Voyageurs National Park is an enormous 218,055-acre natural area that offers plenty of opportunity for outdoor adventure. Cliffs, wetlands, forests, streams, and lakes provide homes for a wide variety of plants and animals, meaning there is something new to discover around every corner.
Tour Historic Homes
Minnesota has a lot of historic homes, and many historic mansions have tours so you can see them up close.
Some favorites include:
Check Out Minnehaha Park Falls
Minnehaha Park is a popular destination for people visiting Minneapolis. And the main attraction at the park is the impressive 53-foot waterfall. It’s surprising to see such a beautiful bit of nature in the middle of the city, and a lovely spot to visit.
Discover Tettegouche State Park
Tettegouche State Park has stunning views of Lake Superior, especially from the cliffs overlooking the lake. Be sure to go on a hike, seek out the gorgeous High Falls, and enjoy the lovely Baptism River.
Hike Superior Hiking Trail
Speaking of hiking, another wonderful place to experience hiking in Minnesota is the Superior Hiking Trail. This is a 310-mile trail that follows the ridges overlooking Lake Superior. While some people tackle the entire trail on a lengthy backpacking trek, you can also hike a small portion for just a few hours or a day.
Admire the Minneapolis Institute of Art
Minneapolis is one of the best places in the country to see art, and one of the best spots in the city to see art is the Minneapolis Institute of Art. You can admire a large variety of art, and the museum is 100% free.
Learn at Mill City Museum
Another wonderful museum in the Twin Cities, Mill City Museum is the perfect place to learn about the history of the area. It is located next to the ruins of the old mill, offers fantastic views of the river, and plays host to a wide variety of exhibits.
Cruise North Shore Scenic Drive
Some of the most beautiful sights the state has to offer can be seen along North Shore Scenic Drive. This stretch of road runs through Superior National Forest and gives drivers a chance to check out Lake Superior, lighthouses, adorable towns, and more.
See Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
Located along the aforementioned North Shore Scenic Drive, Split Rock Lighthouse State Park is well worth a stop. Here, you can see a lovely little lighthouse set atop a rugged cliff. This is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the US.
Attend Minnesota State Fair
A highly anticipated event, the Minnesota State Fair is well worth experiencing. This is an enormous event with all kinds of booths, crafts, vendors, competitions, rides, and of course, fair food. In fact, there’s so much to see, you might want to plan on visiting for two days.
Step Back in Time at Jeffers Petroglyphs
Home to around 5,000 sacred rock carvings, Jeffers Petroglyphs is the perfect place to step back in time and learn about Minnesota’s past. Learn about Native American culture and the ecology of the prairie you’re visiting.
Have a Blast at Canal Park
A visit to Canal Park is a must while in Duluth. Not only is there plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment, you’ll also get the opportunity to see the aerial lift bridge. This bridge uses a unique system to get raised up for ships to pass underneath. Only one other bridge like it was ever constructed in the US.
Take in the Beauty of Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden
There’s something magical about surrounding yourself with beautiful flowers like those at the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary. Wander the garden, which is home to more than 600 plant and 130 bird species.
Go Underground at Soudan Underground Mine State Park
Soudan Mine was Minnesota’s first iron ore mine. It opened in 1882 and closed in 1962. Today, the mine is used for educational tours and is an amazing place to visit. Not only will you learn about iron mining, you’ll also be learning about a very important aspect of Minnesota history.
Paddle Around at Boundary Waters Canoe Area
Easily one of the most calming places in the country, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area is a must-visit location for the most adventurous travelers. Here, you will find an incredibly expansive canoeing area with gorgeous views and even better sunsets.
Stroll Marjorie McNeely Conservatory
In addition to the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden mentioned above, we also highly recommend making time for Marjorie McNeely Conservatory. It’s one of the few remaining glass-domed, Victorian-style gardens in the United States. It has a sunken garden and a palm house and houses more than 260 major varieties of plants from six different continents.
Have Fun at the Mall of America
The Mall of America boasts almost three million square feet of shopping, dining, and entertainment. There is an entire indoor theme park, lots of restaurants, and just about any store you can think of.
Spend a Day at the Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary
Animal lovers will enjoy a visit to the Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is operated by the American Bear Association and is the perfect place to see black bears go about their daily business. There’s even an option to enjoy breakfast with the bears!
Marvel Over Devil’s Kettle Falls
Devil’s Kettle Falls at Judge C.R. Magney State Park is a unique waterfall because part of the water from these falls drops to a rock and then seems to disappear. This phenomenon has been puzzling hikers and geologists for a very long time. Hydrologists and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources say the water that seems to disappear into rock reenters the river underground.
View Birds at National Eagle Center
Learn all about eagles and see some with your own eyes at the National Eagle Center. This is the perfect place for bird enthusiasts to spend a day!
Find Falls in Niagara Cave
Caves are always fascinating to see, and Niagara Cave is no exception. Watch underground streams and waterfalls as they shape the cave’s rock formations before your very eyes. After your cave tour, be sure to stick around for mini-golf, gemstone panning, and more.
Wander the Walker Art Center and Sculpture Garden
The Walker Art Center and Sculpture Garden is another great Minnesota destination to see art. Even the art center building is a work of art, and the sculpture park is home to the famous “cherry-on-a-spoon” piece.
Be Awed by the Minnesota State Capitol Building
Though it isn’t technically an art center of any kind, the Minnesota State Capitol Building in Saint Paul is essentially an art piece in and of itself. The architecture of this historic building is gorgeous, and the self-guided audio tour is informative.
Have a Family Day at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
Como Park is easily one of the best parks in the state and has a number of excellent attractions. One of our favorites is Como Park Zoo. Everyone enjoys a zoo day, and admission is free (though a donation is requested).
Plan for the Saint Paul Winter Carnival
The Saint Paul Winter Carnival is a fantastic event celebrating the icy Midwest winter. This festival features an awesome drive-through ice sculpture display, an ice fishing tournament, a run, and more.
Take a Photo of Stone Arch Bridge
No trip to the Twin Cities area is complete without snapping a photo of the Stone Arch Bridge. Be sure to find a good angle and get a picture of this famous bridge.
Climb the Hermann Heights Monument
Known by the locals as “Hermann the German,” the Hermann Monument is a replica of a statue in Germany. It took nearly a decade to to build and weighs more than 4,000 pounds. Guests can climb to the top of the structure for an awesome view of the surrounding area.
Snap a Picture with Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox
Most people know about Paul Bunyan and his pet ox Blue, and he is a very popular folk hero in Minnesota. Paul Bunyan Park is home to a statue of this legendary lumberjack and his trusty ox, and you can pose for pictures with them.
Learn at the Lake Superior Marine Museum
The maritime history of the Great Lakes area is a fascinating subject, and the Lake Superior Marine Museum does a fabulous job of telling this story through engaging exhibits. The knowledgeable staff are happy to answer questions, and the free admission is an added bonus.
Meet Wolves at the International Wolf Center
The International Wolf Center is another great place to do some animal viewing. Not only will you make some new wolf friends here, you’ll likely learn a thing or two about them. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to chat with staff and observe these amazing animals.
Find Animal Friends at Quarry Hill Nature Center
Last on our list is the Quarry Hill Nature Center. The nature center is a fantastic place for a hike or a picnic. You can watch for local animals and try to identify native plants and birds.
Minnesota is a fantastic place to explore. The only challenge is that trying to see all of the things on your Minnesota bucket list might mean a lot of moving around. A Minnesota RV rental can help by providing you with a comfortable place to stay as you hop from one location to the another. You’ll be able to cook, sleep, and shower no matter where you land, and you’ll never have to repack your suitcase to make a move.
