Historic and stunning lighthouses, one-of-a-kind geological formations, and the largest mall in not only America, but the world — these are just a few of the most important Minnesota landmarks. The North Star State is full of exciting things to see, do and explore, including these iconic destinations that you just can’t find anywhere else.
Top Landmarks in Minnesota
Minnesota Landmarks
Mountain Iron Mine
Originally opened back in 1892, Mountain Iron Mine was the first mine on the Mesabi Iron Range, which quickly became a world-famous site for digging up the stuff of steel. Mountain Iron Mine also bears the unique distinction of hosting the largest deposit of iron ore ever discovered in the world so far.
Although the bottom of this open-pit mine has since filled with water, you can still view the outside perimeter of this historic site, where mining operations went on until 1956.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Located in the town of the Mountain Iron, Mountain Iron Mine is close to many of the great untouched wildernesses that characterize northeastern Minnesota. McCarthy Beach State Park is a popular option, as is Bear Head Lake State Park. Other nearby attractions include the Greyhound Bus Museum in Hibbing and the Heritage Museum in Mountain Iron.
As far as camping goes, we recommend staying at West Forty RV Park and Campground.
Split Rock Lighthouse
It might not be a coastal state, but thanks to its proximity to the great lakes, Minnesota does have its share of lighthouses. Of these, Split Rock Lighthouse is easily one of the most scenic and famous.
This beautiful navigational aid tower was originally constructed back in 1910 at the cost of $75,000, or almost $2 million in today’s dollars. Perched on a rocky cliff and serving the sailors who braved the waters of the Great Lake Superior, this lighthouse was built after the infamous Mataafa Storm in 1905, which caused a great loss of lives in numerous shipwrecks.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Just an hour or so northeast along the shore from the city of Duluth, Split Rock Lighthouse is located in Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, which offers plenty to see and do. Additionally, small towns like Silver Bay and Beaver Bay are nearby and offer quaint spots to stop for a bite to eat.
There is camping available in the state park, meaning you can park right in the middle of all the fun.
Kathio Site
Otherwise known as Mille Lacs Kathio State Park, the Kathio site offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to engage with ancient history. This area was inhabited by Native Americans who built iconic earthen mounds, which were used ceremonially and culturally.
The park as a whole contains 19 different identified archeological sites, including Native American burial grounds as well as areas that show evidence of copper tool manufacture.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Tucked in the heart of the state near the town of Onamia, the Kathio Site is surrounded by other wildernesses such as Father Hennepin State Park and Crow Wing State Park. The Grand Casino Mille Lacs is nearby, as is the Safari North Wildlife Park.
You can actually camp in Mille Lacs Kathio State Park, so you can immerse yourself in the beauty of the place.
Andrew Volstead House
You may not know who Andrew Volstead is, but if you enjoy a tipple from time to time, you should. Andrew J. Volstead was a Minnesota Representative from 1903–1923 and a staunch believer in prohibition. Volstead made his home in this beautiful house in the city of Granite Falls, Minnesota, surrounded by the wide-open natural areas the midwest is best known for.
Today, his house has been preserved and repurposed as a museum, the Volstead House, where visitors can learn more about this era in general and also Volstead’s life specifically. The house was named a National Historic Landmark in 1967.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Granite Falls is a quaint midwestern town with a population of just about 3,000 and attractions such as the lovely Sorlien Park and Fagen Fighters WWII Museum. It’s also close to plenty of visit-worthy natural areas like Fort Ridgely State Park.
Memorial Park is a city park in Granite Falls that offers RV campsites and a wonderful homebase for your adventures.
Pipestone National Monument
Pipestone National Monument is more than a one-of-a-kind landmark: it’s sacred ground. For centuries, Native Americans quarried this area for the red pipestone it yields. This, as its name suggests, was a prime material to be made into pipes that were used in ceremonial religious smoking.
Today, the monument offers visitors the opportunity to quarry the pipestone for themselves, as well as simply taking in the scenery along its many hiking trails and scenic drive.
Pipestone National Monument is also a popular place for birders to get a peek at some of their favorite peepers — for instance, one of the events that goes on here is the Migratory Bird Day BioBlitz, where bird experts and non-experts alike come together to gather data on the feathered friends who make their way through this area.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Located in Pipestone, Minnesota, this southwestern MN attraction is only an hour out of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where you’ll find attractions like the Butterfly House and Aquarium and the Old Courthouse Museum. It’s also just a few miles from Split Rock Creek State Park.
RV camping can be found at the aforementioned state park or as Pipestone Family Campground.
Mall of America
Minnesota is known for a lot of things — but not the least is the fact that it’s home to the largest mall in the entire world. Mall of America is composed of a stunning 5,600,000 square feet of indoor shopping space. Truth be told though, there’s much more than shopping to be done here.
Along with its suite of stores, this mall also hosts a full-on theme park, an aquarium, two different mini golf courses, full service and fast casual restaurants, and so, so much more. You could truly spend a lifetime in this mall and not see it all — we mean it.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Located just south of Minneapolis proper in the suburb of Bloomington, the Mall of America is within close proximity of so many incredible attractions. Make sure to check out the
Target Field and the Minneapolis Institute of Art.
We recommend camping at Lebanon Hills Regional Park Campground.
Mill City Museum
Constructed into the ruins of the Washburn “A” Mill, Mill City Museum showcases the unique milling history of this city. It focuses particularly on flour milling and other milling processes that utilize the water power of nearby Saint Anthony Falls.
Exhibits at the museum explicate the history of Minnesota as a whole while also getting guests up close and personal with milling equipment as well as a baking lab. Plus, you’ll get the opportunity to gaze in wonder at the architectural remains of the mill that once was.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Tucked right into the heart of Minneapolis, Mill City Museum is only steps away from other city attractions such as Guthrie Theater and the Stone Arch Bridge.
Another Minneapolis RV campground that’s worth checking out? Town and Country RV Park and Campground is lovely.
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Although the image of the cherry balanced on the spoon might be the most iconic one from this one-of-a-kind landmark, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is actually home to 40 permanent public art installations. Additionally, it houses a range of temporary, rotating pieces.
Originally encompassing 11 acres on its own, it has since been united with the nearby Walker Garden to create a single 19-acre park. The park is filled not only with impressive sculptural art but also well-manicured lawns and plant life perfect for picnicking amongst. The garden is open every day from 6 a.m. to midnight and is free to enter — score!
Attractions and Camping Nearby
The Sculpture Garden is only steps away from Walker Art Center, the Basilica of St. Mary, and so many other important attractions in the neighborhoods of Lowry Hill and Loring Park.
If the campgrounds mentioned above don’t work, you can set up camp at Bunker Hills Campground.
Frank B. Kellogg House
You know the name from your box of Corn Flakes — but this is a different Kellogg! Frank B. Kellogg was a lawyer and politician who was a member of the U.S. Senate as well as serving as Secretary of State for a time.
He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1929 for signing the Kellogg–Briand Pact, a peacekeeping tactic which held signers to the promise that they would avoid using war to solve “disputes or conflicts of whatever nature or of whatever origin they may be, which may arise among them.” Original signatories included Australia, Canada, the United States and many others, and today more than three dozen states are still under its effect.
Frank B. Kellogg’s historic residence is both a marvel of period architecture as well as a culturally important landmark.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Located on Fairmount Avenue in St. Paul, Minnesota, the Kellogg House is close to the hip shopping and dining district along Grand Ave. It’s also only a short walk away from the Mississippi River waterfront.
One fantastic nearby camping option is Lake Elmo Park Reserve.
Hill House
The James J. Hill House was owned by the railroad magnate James J. Hill. The man had the house constructed back in the late 1800s. It was completed in 1891, and was considered the “showcase of St. Paul” at the time for its size and majesty. Its vast interior includes, among other things, an art gallery filled with both paintings and sculptures. Hill also had a pipe organ installed because what can we say? The man was, as the kids say, “extra.”
After Hill and his wife died and their children moved out, the house was donated to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. It was used by the church for more than half a century. The house has since been acquired by the Minnesota Historical Society, and was named a National Historic Landmark in 1961.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Another St. Paul gem, Hill House is close to attractions like the Science Museum of Minnesota and F. Scott Fitzgerald’s birthplace.
A great place to set up camp nearby is Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Campground.
Planning an RV Trip to Minnesota
Minnesota is an incredible place to explore, and a Minnesota RV trip is the perfect way to explore it! During your trip, make sure to check out the best Minnesota state parks and the cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis.
