Best Places to Visit in Minnesota
Lake Superior cliffs, canoe country, resort lakes and river towns across greater Minnesota.
See things to do »Minnesota Vacation Spots Beyond the Cities
Many of the best places to visit in Minnesota are a few hours' drive from Minneapolis and St. Paul. The state counts more than 11,000 lakes of ten acres or more, a long cliff-lined shore on Lake Superior, a million-acre canoe wilderness on the Canadian border and the headwaters of the Mississippi River. This guide is about that greater Minnesota. For the Twin Cities themselves, with their museums, lakes, theaters and the Mall of America, see our sister site Best of MSP.
Duluth is the natural first stop. The port city climbs a steep hillside at the western tip of Lake Superior, and its Aerial Lift Bridge rises for thousand-foot freighters that sail all the way from the Atlantic. North of Duluth, Highway 61 follows the shore for about 150 miles to the Canadian border, past waterfalls, eight state parks, Split Rock Lighthouse and the harbor town of Grand Marais; this North Shore scenic drive is the trip most Minnesotans recommend first. Inland from the shore, Ely is the main gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, where you paddle and portage between lakes with no roads or motors.
Central Minnesota is cabin country. The Brainerd lakes region has hundreds of lakes, family resorts that have been run by the same families for generations, paved bike trails on old rail lines and red-dirt mountain biking in former iron mines. In the southeast, the land changes to steep bluffs and trout streams along the Mississippi; Rochester, home of the Mayo Clinic, is the regional city, and river towns such as Red Wing, Lake City and Winona sit beneath the bluffs. East of St. Paul, Stillwater on the St. Croix River is an old lumber town of antique shops, bookstores and a historic lift bridge.
Summer, from June through August, is the peak season for most Minnesota vacation spots, with long days and warm lake water. Late September and early October bring fall color, first along the North Shore and then farther south. Winter is long and cold, but it has its own following: cross-country skiing, dog sledding, ice fishing villages on frozen lakes and holiday lights. Distances are real, so plan two or three days for the North Shore and Boundary Waters on their own. Mosquitoes and black flies can be fierce in the northern woods in early summer, so pack repellent and a head net for any canoe trip.
Each area page below has our notes on what to see and do, with live tours and tickets where they exist; there are also pages on Minnesota food and annual events. When you are ready, request free trip quotes for a cabin, lodge or road trip, explore other states on Best of the USA, or join our free travel newsletter for deals and ideas.
Explore Minnesota by Area
Top-Rated Things to Do in Minnesota
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ViatorTours, tickets, prices and reviews from Viator (a Tripadvisor company) and Tiqets — prices are per person, from, and were checked October 28, 2026. Best in Minnesota may earn a commission when you book, at no extra cost to you.
Minnesota Food, From Smoked Fish to Pie
Outside the Twin Cities, Minnesota food means smoked Lake Superior fish, walleye sandwiches, wild rice soup, pie on the North Shore and a strong craft brewing scene in Duluth. Our dining guide picks favorites in Duluth, along the shore, in canoe country and in the lake and river towns.
Festivals and Events Across Minnesota
Greater Minnesota's calendar runs from sled dog races and ice fishing contests in January to Grandma's Marathon in June, lumberjack shows and blues festivals in summer, and the free Bentleyville light show in Duluth in December. See the annual events and official calendars.
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Minnesota — FAQ
What are the best places to visit in Minnesota outside the Twin Cities?
Duluth and the North Shore of Lake Superior, Ely and the Boundary Waters, the Brainerd lakes, Rochester and the southeast bluff country, and Stillwater on the St. Croix River.
What are the most popular Minnesota vacation spots in summer?
The North Shore, the Brainerd lakes resorts, the Boundary Waters and the lakes around Alexandria, Detroit Lakes and Walker are the classic summer choices, along with Duluth's Canal Park.
When is the best time to drive the North Shore?
Late September to early October for fall color, and June through August for warm weather and waterfalls. Fall color weekends are busy, so book lodging early.
How far is Duluth from Minneapolis?
About 150 miles, or roughly two and a half hours north on Interstate 35.
Is Minnesota worth visiting in winter?
Yes, if you dress for it. Duluth, the North Shore, Ely and the Brainerd lakes all have cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding and ice fishing, and Duluth's Bentleyville light show runs through December.