things to do in mn

Minnesota is a beautiful state with a diverse range of activities and attractions to suit all interests. Here are some things to do in Minnesota:

Outdoor Activities

1. Explore the North Shore of Lake Superior: Visit Gooseberry Falls State Park, Split Rock Lighthouse, and other scenic spots along the lake’s shoreline.
2. Hike and bike the North Country Trail: This 1,200-mile trail spans from Canada to Wisconsin and offers stunning views of the Minnesota wilderness.
3. Kayak or canoe on the Mississippi River: Rent a boat and paddle down the river, taking in the cityscapes and natural beauty of the river.
4. Visit the Minnesota Zoo: Home to over 5,000 animals from around the world, including penguins, giraffes, and monkeys.
5. Ski or snowboard at one of the many resorts: Minnesota has several world-class ski resorts, including Giants Ridge, Spirit Mountain, and Hyland Hills.

Cultural Attractions

1. Visit the Walker Art Center: A contemporary art museum in Minneapolis featuring rotating exhibitions and installations.
2. Explore the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden: Home to over 50 modern and contemporary sculptures, including the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry.
3. Tour the Mill City Museum: Learn about the history of the flour milling industry and the city of Minneapolis.
4. Visit the Weisman Art Museum: A modern art museum on the University of Minnesota campus featuring a diverse collection of art.
5. Attend a Twins game at Target Field: Catch a baseball game at this state-of-the-art stadium in Minneapolis.

Food and Drink

1. Try some Juicy Lucy: A Minneapolis classic, this burger features a molten cheese center.
2. Sample some Minnesota craft beer: Visit breweries like Surly Brewing Co., Fulton Beer, and Summit Brewing Co.
3. Visit the State Fair: Every year, the Minnesota State Fair features live music, food vendors, and animal exhibits.
4. Take a food tour of Minneapolis: Sample the city’s diverse culinary scene, from Scandinavian to soul food.
5. Try some walleye: Minnesota is famous for its walleye fishing, and you can also try it at a local restaurant.

Winter Activities

1. Ice skate at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden: Enjoy the beautiful winter scenery while gliding across the ice.
2. Ski or snowboard at a resort: Hit the slopes at one of Minnesota’s many ski resorts.
3. Take a dog sled tour: Experience the thrill of mushing through the Minnesota wilderness.
4. Visit the Winter Carnival: Held annually in St. Paul, this festival features ice sculptures, sled dog demos, and more.
5. Go ice fishing: Try your luck at catching a fish through the ice on one of Minnesota’s many frozen lakes.

Other Attractions

1. Visit the Mall of America: One of the largest shopping centers in the United States, featuring over 520 stores and attractions like the Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium.
2. Explore the Minnesota State Capitol: Take a tour of the historic building and climb to the top of the dome for panoramic views.
3. Visit the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory: Home to over 1,000 animals, including penguins, giraffes, and monkeys.
4. Take a tour of the Ford Motor Company: Learn about the history of the automotive industry and see some of the latest models.
5. Visit the Minneapolis Institute of Art: A world-class art museum featuring a diverse collection of art from around the world.

These are just a few of the many things to do in Minnesota. Whether you’re interested in outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, or food and drink, there’s something for everyone in the North Star State.