Minnesota Attractions

Attractions in Minnesota Tourist Destinations

10 Best Vacation Spots in Minnesota will give you an overview of the most visited areas of our state and point you to the attractions in each region.

And though, of couse, some of these are the same as our "top 10 list, we have also compiled a list of the best family vacation spots.

Some of us really love the Minnesota attractions that rarely get mentioned in the guidebooks. These little known little known Minnesota"hidden gems" and places to spot unusual Minnesota roadside attractions that are often missed by visitors to the state.

Your opinion of what are the best Minnesota attractions and destinations will, of course, be shaped by what you want to experience in Minnesota and which of Minnesota's regions will be the focus of your visit.

As you browse this site, you will find many more pages about Minnesota tourist attactions in our cities and towns and Minnesota vacations tips about the best places to go fishing, camping and exploring. We also know the best places for a romantic getaway in Minnesota.

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is located in the Superior National Forest in northeastern Minnesota. It is nearly 1.3 million acres in size and extends for nearly 150 miles along the boundary with Canada's Quetico Provincial Park with Voyageurs National Park on the west. You will find more than 1200 miles of canoe routes, 15 hiking trails and approximately 2000 campsites. There is no more attractive spot in Minnesota to experience solitude, challenge and up-close interaction with with nature. A crown jewel of Minnesota attractions.

Minnesota's "inland sea" is a prime vacation destination. Duluth is the gateway to the North Shore and a wonderful attraction on its own. Walk along the lakewalk on the shore of Lake Superior. Watch the aerial lift bridge and the ships as they come and go. Take a harbor cruise, enjoy the IMAX theater and visit the Aquarium. Stay in a Duluth hotel right in Canal Park and explore the many shops and restuarants. Continue on up the Lake Superior North Shore to further explore this wonderful Minnesota attraction.

There are 66 beautiful Minnesota State Parks located in all areas of the state. Here are some peeks at just a few:

• Banning State Park is located near Sandstone and Askov about 2 hours north of the Twin Cities area. The park is alongside the Kettle River and connects to the Willard Munger State Trail. The park is a haven for birds and wildlife. It is a wonderful spot for camping, biking, hiking, and cross country skiing.
• Blue Mounds State Park is located in southwwestern Minnesota and offers excellent rock climbing opportunities. Mound Lake offers swimming and a picnic area located on shore. There are three campground loops located near a wildlife viewing pond. Campsites also available in the winter. Thirteen miles of winter hiking trails and twenty miles of snowmobile trail are available within 10 miles of the park.
• Itasca State Park is located amid huge stands of red...or Norway...pines and is the birthplace of the Mississippi River

Check out our Minnesota State Parks Reviews page where you can share stories and photos of your state parks adventures.

Following the Mississippi River through the state will bring you to many Minnesota attractions. It begins at Lake Itasca and flows south through many Minnesota cities and towns. The Minnesota Twin Cities of Saint Paul and Minneapolis are built along the banks of this great river. Museums, festivals, riverboat cruises, restaurants and more all feature this greatest of Minnesota's water trails.

was established in 1938 as the national parkway of the river. Pilot's Wheel road signs mark its route for nearly 3,000 miles through 10 states.

Historic Fort Snelling state park is right in the center of Minnesota's Twin Cities metropolitan area. It includes the restored stone fortress that, in the 1820's, was a major military outpost. Costumed guides present a living history program daily during the summer and on weekends in May, September and October. Fort Snelling is just one of many Minnesota attractions that offer interactive opportunities to explore Minnesota history and culture.

Minnesota Zoos and aquariums are popular Minnesota attractions. We have some of the best zoos and aquariums in the country. We are also known as having some of the best museums. For kids ,and the whole family, be sure to plan some time at the Minnesota Science Museum in St. Paul.

Minnesota Attractions continued...

Subscribe to Minnesota Visitor

From Minnesota Attractions to Visit Minnesota Home Page