Things to Do in Minnesota
Six regions of greater Minnesota, from Lake Superior to the bluffs of the Mississippi.
The things to do in Minnesota outside the Twin Cities are mostly outdoors: hiking to waterfalls, paddling, fishing, biking rail trails and driving scenic byways, with small museums, historic sites and good local restaurants along the way. We have split greater Minnesota into six areas. Each lists the places we would not miss and, where they exist, tours and tickets you can book.
Bookable tours are concentrated in Duluth and along the North Shore. In the lakes and river towns, the best way to see the state is often by renting a cabin or a canoe from a local outfitter, so several pages offer a free trip-planning request in place of tour cards. For Minneapolis and St. Paul tours, see things to do in the Twin Cities.
Things to Do in Duluth
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ViatorThings to Do in The North Shore
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ViatorThings to Do in Ely and the Boundary Waters
Things to Do in Brainerd Lakes
Lake resorts, rail trails, Cuyuna mountain biking and Paul Bunyan.
Things to Do in Rochester and Bluff Country
Mayo Clinic history, Red Wing, Lake Pepin, Lanesboro and the bluffs.
Tours, 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.
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