Amazing Minnesota vacation spots will stun you with their scenic beauty and offer you the joy of adventure that defines a vacation in Minnesota.

We continue to be amazed at the variety of experience we have, and amazing places we find to visit on a vacation 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.

Choose a vacation rental in a specific area or get ideas about some of the best Minnesota vacation destinations before you decide. Take a look at some of these fantastic properties and locations for your group of any size.Travel in style. For less than a hotel.

For a quick overview of what a Minnesota vacation can offer, check out our two "top 10" Minnesota vacations lists:

• 10 Best Vacation Spots
• Top 10 Family Vacations

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 Vacation Spots in The Arrowhead

One of the most popular Minnesota vacation destinations is the Arrowhead region along the Lake Superior North Shore.

Duluth Minnesota vacations offer "not-to-be-missed" Minnesota tourist attractions that include the hotels, shops and restaurants in Canal Park.

Travel along the North Shore to visit some of the most charming small towns in Minnesota:

• Two Harbors, just a few miles north of Duluth is one of our favorite romantic getaway destinations. It’s a great vacation spot for anyone.
• Lutsen Minnesota vacations will take you to our prime ski resort area in winter and to our best autumn paradise in fall. Lutsen is a beautiful vacation spot all year.
• Grand Marais Minnesota vacations bring you to a thriving artist community with lots to explore. You will also be at the edge of our wilderness area.

Many Minnesota State Parks are along the North Shore including exciting Temperance River State Park, popular Gooseberry Falls State Park and less well known George H. Crosby Manitou State Park.

Ely Minnesota vacations take you to our amazing wilderness area and give you access to an incomparable Boundary Waters Minnesota vacation or a trip into Voyageurs National Park.

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, Walker, 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.

Saint Croix River Valley Minnesota Vacations

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 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.

Beautiful Minnesota State Parks in this area include:

• Interstate State Park
• Banning State Park
• Jay Cooke State Park
  

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. Don't miss visiting the Hjemkomst Center and other attractions in Moorhead.

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 is 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 to be found in this region.
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 more about our favorite Minnesota vacations.

Minnesota's Outdoor Wonders:
Exploring the Wonders of Minnesota Month by Month

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Plan Your Minnesota Vacation

Minnesota Vacation Rentals  -  A vacation rental will give you the feel of your own cabin or chalet in Minnesota. Choose a vacation rental in a specific area or get ideas about some of the best Minnesota vacation destinations before you decide. There are  fantastic rental properties and amazing locations that will be perfect for your group of any size.

Minnesota Maps

Lake Superior Maps

Boundary Waters Maps