Minnesota Vacation Spots
Choose Minnesota vacation spots for their scenic beauty and for the joy of adventure that a vacation in Minnesota offers.
We continue to be amazed at the variety of experience and amazing places to visit in Minnesota.
Though we've spent a long lifetime exploring our state, we still have a list of vacation spots we want to visit, or visit again.
We get lots of questions like "what are the best Minnesota vacations?" Or, "what are the top vacations in Minnesota?" Without saying that "the best vacation in Minnesota is the one that is right for you"...we will answer that as best we can from our own experience and reviews from others. Read reviews about “the best of” Minnesota vacations.
Then check out our two "top 10" Minnesota vacations lists:
Minnesota Vacation Spots in the Twin Cities
The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul offer a blend of culture and entertainment that you will be hard pressed to find anywhere else. Minneapolis tourism spots include museums, theater, shopping, nightlife and, as well, many lakes, parks and outdoor activities for the whole family.
Saint Paul Minnesota vacations will take you across the Mississippi River into the Capitol of Minnesota. You can tour the state capitol and other historic buildings, take a riverboat tour, visit the Minnesota History Museum, and attend festivals and eventa in all four seasons of the year. Plan a Twin Cities Minnesota vacation and enjoy Minnesota metro Twin Cities entertainment at its best.
Minnesota Vacations in the Saint Croix River Valley
The valley extends along Minnesota's eastern border from south of the Twin Cities all the way north to Lake Superior. If you love "postcard perfect" small towns, visiting some of Minnesota's most beautiful state parks and and exploring Minnesota history, the St. Croix River Valley may be your perfect vacation spot. Stillwater,Taylors Falls, Afton and Marine-on-St. Croix are "not to be missed" picturesque small towns.
Lots of Minnesota's beautiful state parks are in this area including:
Minnesota Vacation Spots in The Arrowhead
One of the most popular Minnesota vaction destinations is the Arrowhead region that includes the city of Duluth and the Lake Superior North Shore.
Some "not-to-be-missed" Minnesota tourist attractions in this region include Canal Park in Duluth, Gooseberry Falls State Park and George H. Crosby Manitou State Park. Travel along the North Shore to the towns of Two Harbors, Lutsen, and Grand Marais, Relive the fur trade era at Grand Portage.
The incomparable Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is also part of the Arrowhead region. This is not so much a side trip as an adventure all its own. You can experience Ely Minnesota vacations for their own pleasures or use Ely as the "jumping off" destination for your Boundary Waters adventure.
The Arrowhead is also a popular romantic getaway in Minnesots for many couples. If you are looking for romantic travel destinations on Lake Superior we have lots of ideas.
Minnesota Central Lakes Area Vacations
From north of the Twin Cities all the way to the Canadian border in the slice of central Minnesota that is often called "Minnesota's Playground." This is the area we often go to for vacations on the lakes, though lakes are everywhere in Minnesota. It is also the birthplace of the Mississippi River. Visit our most popular state park, Itasca State Park where you can walk across the Mississippi on stones.
Some of the towns in the central lakes area are St. Cloud, Brainerd,Grand Rapids, Alexandria and Bemidji.
Garrison Keillor's mythical Lake Wobegon, made famous on A Prairie Home Companion is also said to be in this area.
Many Minnesota resorts and lodges are located on the beautiful lakes in central Minnesota.

Red River Valley Minnesota Vacation Spots
The Red River Valley, located near the border of Minnesota and North Dakota may not seem to be where you would head for a Minnesota vacation. While much of this area is dedicated to agriculture, you will find some wonderful tourist areas and towns as well.
If you like wildlife viewing both the Tamarac and Aggasiz National Wildlife Refuges are located here. Camp in Buffalo River State Park and enjoy the natural beauty while being close to Fargo/Moorhead area attractions.
Detroit Lakes Minnesota vacations are a magnet for visitors to Minnesota with the town's mile-long city beach and many summer festivities including WeFest.
Bring your camera on a road trip through towns in this area and take photos of some of Minnesota's many quirky roadside attractions.

Minnesota Prairieland Vacations
Minnesota's Prairieland region stretches from south-central Minnesota to the South Dakota border. Though only a small bit of Minnesota's original prairie has been preserved, you can see some restorations in this area. You can also get a glimpse of roaming buffalo in Blue Mounds State Park. Other state parks in this region include Fort Ridgely State Park and Flandrau State Park.
Visit New Ulm, Minnesota's most German city, Walnut Grove, former home of Laura Ingall's Wilder and Pipestone where you can learn much about Native American culture.
Minnesota Vacation Spots in Bluff Country
Bluff Country in Minnesota is the region that covers the southeastern corner of the state and shares a border with Wisconsin. Rochester, location of the famous Mayo Clinic, is the largest city in this area. Some of Minnesota's most charming small towns like Lanesboro are also to be found in this region. Consider a romantic getaway in romantic Lanesboro, Minnesota known as the "bed and breakfast capital of Minnesota."
Spend some time eagle watching in Winona, visit the SPAM Museum in Austin, take a tour of Amish Country in Harmony. Explore Forestville Mystery Cave State Park and Great River Bluffs State Park.
Minnesota winter weather provides a whole new perspective on our favorite Minnesota vacation spots. Enjoy your favorite areas of the state as winter desinations filled with opportunities for winter fun and recreation.
Read our picks for the Minnesota 10 Best Vacation Spots

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