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Places to Visit All Around Minnesota 🛣
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items Here are my favorite places and experiences around my home state of Minnesota! These are all places I have frequented many times. All types of fun for families, couples, or individuals. Must-stop at locations when in their area!
Map
Sections
5
Northern Minnesota
Central Minnesota
Twin City Suburbs
Twin Cities
Southern Minnesota
Northern Minnesota
What I consider Northern Minnesota
Amazing museum, information, and education. I love the different tours and groups. Very worth the trip. Great for all ages. They even have a live stream of their wolves!
International Wolf Center
Great convention center that hosts so many different events. I have been there for events when I was a child. When I was a teenager, I figure skated at the Northern Star International Skating Competition three times. This was a cozy event center that...
Duluth Entertainment Convention Center
This is the cutest town and my absolute favorite spot. It has nature spots, from hiking to boating to strolling the streets and shops. So many small businesses and genuine, hard working people who make their living off of summer business. I recommend...
Grand Marais
Such a wholesome town with amazing people. So many cute little stores. Truly is like a town out of a Hallmark movie, in my opinion. Incredible year round but you may get stuck in winter if you're there during a snowfall! Make sure to pack extra gear ...
Ely
Ever wanted to go dog sledding? Here is your actual chance! These are true amazing dog sledding trips that will zip you through the northern Minnesotan woods. Exhilirating and educational experience. Make sure you have appropriate gear and many layer...
Chilly Dogs Sled Dog Trips
Need a great beautiful place to stay? These cabins are wonderful year round and are a great stay. Kind, caring staff and great places.
Eagles Nest - Cascade Vacation Rentals
Amazing aquarium for all ages. Great experience and way to adventure under the waters!
Great Lakes Aquarium
Lovely lighthouse and view of the Lake Superior. Must stop and see this incredible historical and educational site.
Split Rock Lighthouse
Favorite waterfall and camping spot combo! I love this spot and the ability to stand under the sprinkling falls. So fun and a great summer experience. A great hike most of the year but I believe trails usually close in winter due to safety and height...
Gooseberry Falls State Park
Must stop yearly holiday fun in the winter. Great tour of lights while walking. Stopping stops for warming with cute fire pits, hot cocoa stands, food, and merch areas. Such a festive joyous holiday experience. Must see and experience this!
Bentleyville "Tour of Lights"
Central Minnesota
What I consider Central Minnesota
So many different quarry holes that are usually popping with people in the summer. There are some nice secluded spots and delightful paths. I definitely recommend this place if you like water, hiking, etc.
Quarry Park and Nature Preserve
Fun, hilarious, interactive, educational experience. There is a massive Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox. So worth the visit and overall amusement this place has to offer!
Paul Bunyan Land Amusement Park & Campground
Another absolutely gorgeous hiking path and waterfall. Worth the visit and a day trip picnic! I love going here all times of the year but mostly in the spring, and fall!
Banning State Park
Must stop and explore this location. Super fun and informative. Must see.
Legacy of The Lakes Museum
Very awesome and fun spot to stop. Experience the viking trail and some of the items are such an adventure. Great enjoyment for the whole family and all ages.
Runestone Museum
Mall with many great and classic options. Wonderful setup and mall experience. Also, small tidbit, this is the location of the water fountain scene and mall scene in the movie Juno! Loved this place since I was a kid!!
Crossroads Center
Golf course that is available in this area. Check it out if you are needing some good grub or swings! Enjoy!
Eagle's Landing
Worth a stop and family fun trip. I sure miss the Godfather pizza and this makes the trip complete!
Big Kahuna Fun Park / Godfather's Pizza
Super cool museum to learn more about Charles Lindbergh. Get a lot of information from his 1927 trip from NYC to Paris! Definitely a fun explorative stop for all ages!
Charles Lindbergh House and Museum
Very fun entertainment and activity place. Many different things to do. Stuff to do year round. Recommend for all ages.
Wild Mountain
Twin City Suburbs
What I consider the Twin City Suburbs in Minnesota
This is a non-profit that is incredibly educational and hands on. This non-profit began in the 1990s and has participated in rehabilitating the wolf population. They have been a part of the Yellowstone Wolf Project, which I was lucky enough to experi...
Wildlife Science Center
This was my favorite walking area as a child. My mom and I would go here on Thursdays for concert at the park. This is a great, large park that has so many things to offer. Playgrounds, hiking paths, fishing spots, educational building, Pokemon stops...
Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park
This is where I really solidified my knowledge of horses and riding. I love the staff and horses. They offer riding lessons, group tours, hayrides, and private tours. Check out this hidden horse gem!
Bunker Park Stables
This water park is so so much fun! I would say growing up it was the local equivalent of a Valleyfair, or Sixflags, etc. So many options for great fun here!
Bunker Beach Water Park
There are so many things to do at Bunker Hills! Camping, hiking, walking, horse riding, water park, RV park, etc! I loved walking my first dog who was a chihuahua, Princess Tinkerbell Doodle, here when I was young. It was one of our favorite walking ...
Bunker Hills Regional Park
Great amusement park that has so many options. If you live around the area, or are willing to frequent, I would definitely recommend the yearly pass to get the most out of your money. Last I knew, you could even use the pass for when Valleyfair turns...
Valleyfair
Must visit and explore. Wonderful sights to see year round. Incredible light show for the holidays too!
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Super duper fun exciting uplifting enjoyable time. Great experience. Recommend for all.
Chanhassen Dinner Theatres
Need a place for hours of endless fun! Check out this epic kid friendly place for most ages. So worth a visit and time here! Your kid will have forever memories, I know I have.
Eagles Nest Indoor Playground | New Brighton, MN
Great for all activities inside or outside ALL year round! I loved this place for hockey and figure skating when I was younger. I still go to this day and they keep improving in which I did not think was possible. Must experience sports site!
National Sports Center
Twin Cities
What I consider the Twin Cities in Minnesota
I loved this place as a child and teenager. When schools had school trips I was so excited. There are so many exhibits and truly has something for everyone. The omnitheatre is breathtaking and oh so fun. Definitely recommend a day trip at minimum and...
Science Museum of Minnesota
Lovely walking paths and views of the river! Take iconic pictures on the stone arch bridge! This is somewhat nestled near the art district where I grew up and I love the ability to walk to so many locations!
Saint Anthony Falls
Hidden gem in the middle of the cities. Usually is super busy and chaotic in my experience, so need to be prepared with a social battery if you are an introvert. I love the walking paths, waterfall, river, artists, sculptures, and nature. Great strol...
Minnehaha Falls
MOA has sooo many stores and options. I had the honor to work at a starbucks and games for james for a very short bit when I was young. This is an incredible, must see, must experience place. Literally has everything you can think of. My favorites ar...
Mall of America®
Wonderful learning environment and place. Very interactive and worth it for every age. All children will find enjoyment with the variety offered.
Minnesota Children's Museum - Sparking Children's Learning ...
Fun cute epic time at this theatre! Enjoyment for the entire family. Always different shows available.
Children's Theatre Company
Super epic under water adventure and water exploration time. So many activities, events, things to do, learn, see, and feel! Must check out this space. Great for all ages, even dates. Best for kids and families.
SEA LIFE at Mall of America
Informative flour mill history and explains in depth about flour. Super in depth education and experience. Recommend for all ages!
Mill City Museum
The historical Guthrie theater. An absolutely beautiful experience and time. Must go with any and all.
Guthrie Theater
Very beautiful glorious experience. Fantastic noise quality regardless of seat. Super great and recommend for all, especially music lovers!
Minnesota Orchestra
Southern Minnesota
What I consider Southern Minnesota
There are multiple waterfalls at one of the park stops and an epic hiking trail leading to an awesome waterfall view. Can take amazing up close pictures and videos of waterfalls. One of the best secluded waterfall places I know of. So unsuspected too...
Minneopa State Park | Minnesota DNR
Wonderful interactive, historical, fun, reenactment/cosplay, and education. The true location of one of the homes of Laura Ingalls Wilder the writer of Little House on the Prairie. If you loved those books, you will love this place. I was obsessed wi...
Home - Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home & Museum
This place is legit like a world of its own. When my husband and I first arrived for my medical care, our first take is like it is a medical airport! So fancy, well organized, professional, helpful, intelligent, well educated, treatment determined, r...
Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota
Please stop if you are in the area to experience the beautiful national bird the Eagle. The majestic magical creatures are so interesting. There are so many things to learn and things to do at this site. Must stop, must see, and must explore. Amazing...
National Eagle Center
Fantastic epic experience I recommend to anyone. Great for groups, families, couples, for team building, communication and more. Delve into your environment and get into your natural wild side!
Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center
Wonderful winter fun for experienced explorers. Super great spot with such good views. Definitely recommend.
Winona Ice Park
Skydiving exhilirating fun for those who enjoy this type of thing! My husbands favorite.
Skydive Northstar LLC
Definitely an interesting site to see. Did not know we had this until I entered my twenties and continued to go with buddies for fun. Great fun time and activity for all ages.
SPAM® Museum
Lovely interactive, educational experience great for everyone. Fantastic place to learn about owls and other raptors.
International Owl Center
Super cute old school trolley system. I loved going on this with my grandfather and can not wait to pass the memories on with our son.
Rochester Trolley & Tour Co