Minnesota Attractions continued from page one

This page is a continuation of the list of the top "must see and do" tourist attractions in Minnesota. Give yourself lots of time when you visit Minnesota; there is so much you will want to experience.

Back to Minnesota Attractions page one

Hjemkomst Center in Moorhead See the Hjemkomst Viking Ship, permanently housed in the center. This replica was built by Robert Asp and his family and sailed to Norway in 1984. Viking Ship Park is located in the Red River Valley. The Hjemkomst Center hosts several outdoor events throughout the year including Taste of the Valley, River Splash and the Scandinavian Hjemkomst Festival. Also on the grounds of the Hjemkomst Center is the Stave Church, a symbol of Norwegian heritage in the Red River Valley.

Itasca State Park Read about our family connection to Itasca State Park and the surrounding area. The park is famous as the birthplace of the Mississippi River. The Headwaters of the Mississippi and Itasca's old growth forests are just two of many reasons you will not want to miss out on a visit to this wonderful Minnesota attraction.

Jeffers Petroglyphs A wallking path allows visitors to view the fossilized carvings of history recorded in this unusual place. Stop by the Visitor's Center to explore a number of permanent displays, several "rotating" exhibits, a multimedia presentation, a children's activity area, and the gift shop. Rest on benches covered with buffalo robes.

Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum in Walnut Grove Exhibits in this museum of pioneering history include artifacts from more than a century of the lives of the people described in the "Little House" books. Learn about Laura Ingalls Wildeer's history and details of her writing which was all done right here on Rocky Ridge Farm.

Mall of America in Bloomington One of the most well known shopping malls in the world is a major Minnesota tourist attraction. And with good reason. Along with acres of shopping the mall features the Nickleodeon Amusement Park, Legoland and Underwater Adventure Aquarium. Bring the kids!

Minneapolis Institute of Arts Voted Best Museum in the 2008 City Pages poll! Also the Readers' Choice and the City Pages' choice! If you are interested in fine art, or want to learn more about the arts, this stellar Minnesota attraction is where you will want to go.

The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is in front of the Walker Art Center. One of the largest urban sculpture gardens in the country, there are more than 40 works on permanent display. Additional temporary installations keep the Garden experience continually fresh.

Otter Trail Scenic Byway Highway signs sporting a frisky otter guide you through 150 miles of rolling hills thick with maple, oak, and birch trees; past shimmering lakes and ponds sprinkled with white and yellow water lilies; and through fascinating towns alive with culture, history and fun things to see and do. Travel through Fergus Falls, Battle Lake, Perham and Pelican Rapids in the most beautiful lake country Minnesota has to offer. Allow at least half a day to drive this byway.

Soudan Underground Mine State Park Put on a hard hat, ride a rail car, and visit Minnesota's historic ore mining state park. You will explore The Soudan Underground Laboratory, the dry house, drill shop, crusher house and engine house. Walk the boardwalk past one of the deepest open mine pits. Hike the park through hardwood forest past the famous Soudan Iron Formation.

Split Rock Lighthouse State Park featuring it's historic lighthouse is on the North Shore of Lake Superior. Recreational opportunities include camping and hiking scenic trails along the lakeshore. Fish from the shore for lake trout, salmon, and brown trout. Bike the new Gitchi-Gami trail that runs from the Split Rock River toward Gooseberry Falls.

Summit Avenue in Saint Paul is one the city's crown jewels. Extending nearly 5 miles along Summit Avenue, is the longest remaining stretch of residential Victorian architecture in the United States. This includes the 1891 mansion of James J. Hill, founder of the Great Northern Railroad, the governor's mansion and many more opulant homes once occupied by the "shakers and movers" of Minnesota history.

Please note: Most residences on Summit Avenue are private homes. Anyone viewing them should respect that.

Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary in Orr is just one of many places for a Minnesota visitor to view the state's resident wildlife. The center is operated by the American Bear Association and is the best place to see wild black bears in their natural habitat. From the viewing deck visitors can learn about black bears by observing their natural behavior.