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20 Reasons to Explore Minnesota

Discover some of the many reasons to explore Minnesota, listed here in no particular order.

1. Checkpoint MN

For the second year in a row, Explore Minnesota, in partnership with Minneapolis-based Monopoint Media, will launch a statewide scavenger hunt. Called “Checkpoint Minnesota,” the contest will include 12 checkpoints at iconic Minnesota winter destinations.

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2. Wonderful Sounds

If you grow up in New York or LA, you might reasonably imagine the way to get a foothold in the music business is to be discovered by an industry rep. As a kid growing up in South Minneapolis, Dessa remembers singing at the grocery store, hoping that a man in a grey suit might discover her, a little diamond in the dry goods.

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3. Winter Fun

Winter in Minnesota is the perfect time of year to get together with loved ones, embrace old traditions, or even start some new ones. Visit a holiday market, explore a nature center, check out a museum, warm up at a water park or go maple syruping this season.

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4. Famous Foodies

The swath cut by Minnesota's food personalities is a wide one. You can see them on national television, hear them on the radio, and taste their creations by way of books and the Internet, as shown by this (brief and greatly abridged) collection of biographical sketches.

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5. River Town Romance

There’s little that rekindles romance like a cozy B&B room with a fireplace at the end of a crisp winter’s day exploring the sights together. The river towns of southeast Minnesota are ideal for that sort of getaway. The region offers several easy river town escapes, perfect for a weekend packed with activities, or an easy-does-it unwinding together.

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6. Educational Attractions

Opportunities for educational travel abound in Minnesota, with museums of all types, historic sites and monuments among the many options. Whether your kids are into history, science, art or world cultures, they'll find a place that expands their minds -- even if they're having too much fun to notice.

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7. Scenic Byways

Overlooking the lovely port city of Duluth, the Skyline Parkway offers travelers a bird's-eye view of the harbor and the endless shoreline of Lake Superior, with great local parks and trails for hiking and cross-country skiing.

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8. Pro Sports Teams

There's no shortage of sports teams to cheer in Minnesota, from professional leagues to college teams to local clubs. Whether you love NBA basketball, NCAA hockey or roller derby, you can watch top athletes compete at venues around the state.

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9. Homegrown Souvenirs

Sure, you know Minnesota’s got lakes. And pine trees. And snow. But one of the state’s best-kept secrets is our style—and where to get it. In the Minneapolis-St. Paul area alone, a plethora of locally owned boutiques and shops share the Minnesota love by supporting local artists, designers, crafters and makers.

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10. Romantic Restaurants

The link between food and love may be ancient, but it continues to thrive in modern times right here in the Upper Midwest. Wherever you travel in Minnesota, there's likely to be a romantic culinary getaway awaiting you. Here are nine of the many delicious options.

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11. One Really Cool Airport

The Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport is considered among the best in the country, and was recently called "the best two-hour layover in the U.S." by Men’s Journal. Get there early or spend some time after you land to discover any or all of these 10 highlights.

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12. Snow Sports

Minnesota is known for its winters, and those who venture here when the snow is falling embrace the season with open, down coat-covered arms. Rather than hibernating or escaping to a tropical locale, discover the beauty of this time of year in a new way.

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13. State Park Winter Trails

With 76 state parks and more than 1,000 miles of park trails, winter scenery and activities like skiing, snowmobiling, sledding and snowshoeing are always within reach.

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14. Craft Beer Galore

For years, domestic beer was viewed as wine's lowbrow cousin, suitable for drinking during sporting events or cookouts, and little else. The craft brew revolution has turned that thinking on its head, and the past five to 10 years have seen an explosion in artisan beer production in Minnesota.

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15. Light Rail Transit

Minneapolis and St. Paul have a lot of connections: The Mississippi River flows through them both, their residents root for the same sports teams, and their museums and theaters are world class. Now, they’re also physically connected by the Metro Green Line light rail, which runs between Minneapolis’ Target Field and St. Paul’s Union Depot.

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16. Winter Festival Fun

It may be cold outside, but that doesn't mean it's time to hole up until spring. Bundle up and celebrate this special time of year at one of many winter festivals, which offer activities for all ages and interests.

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17. Tax-Free Shopping

With no tax on clothing, shoes, food and medicine, Minnesota is a bargain hunter's dream. Plan a day or more around these highlights, within and beyond the Minneapolis-St. Paul area.

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18. Ski Lodge Getaways

Dozens of Minnesota resorts and lodges cater to skiers, with extensive groomed trail systems on-site and nearby. You'll find a handful of popular downhill ski resorts on the list as well.

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19. Wonderful Wildlife

Wildlife sanctuaries dedicated to wolves, bears and eagles offer fun and education for animal lovers of all ages. Plan a trip to the International Wolf Center and North American Bear Center in Ely, the Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary near Orr, and the National Eagle Center in Wabasha.

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20. Unique Adventures

In Minnesota, the fishing stays hot even after the lakes freeze over. Just drill a hole in the ice (power augers help!), drop in a line and relax until a fish takes a nibble. For many anglers, this low-tech, no-fuss, boat-free fishing has a special appeal.

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