Enter Your Dream State

Snow and ice transform Minnesota into a winter wonderland that begs to be explored, so get outside and experience its beauty. Make a list of things to do this winter and check it twice so as not to let winter go by without immersing yourself in the magic of ice castles, snow sculptures, sleigh rides and twinkling lights. In certain small towns, you may even feel like you’ve walked onto the set of a holiday movie.

Dream State Guides By Region

Dinner at Travail in Robbinsdale / Ryan Taylor

Feel the Big-City Buzz in the Twin Cities

With its glittering skyline, scores of manicured trails and greenspaces, world-class theater and concert venues, megalithic mall, and restaurants repping nearly every cuisine under the sun, there isn’t much Minneapolis and St. Paul lack.

Megan and Steve on the Bobsled trail in Cuyuna — Megan and Steve take on the flowing Bobsled trail in Cuyuna / Pinkbike

Shred the Red in Central Minnesota

Migratory birds aren’t the only ones flocking to Central Minnesota. Beyond its array of protected nature reserves, the area is known for world-class golfing, dazzling flower gardens, incredible fall hiking and some of the Upper Midwest’s most exhilarating mountain biking trails.

Dark skies over the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness — Dark skies over the BWCA / Paul Vincent

Scan the Dark Skies Over Northeast Minnesota

Traveling to Northeast Minnesota is like plunging into the pages of a beloved storybook. Expect wild beauty around every corner, from the thundering waterfalls and soaring cliffs in the state parks sprinkled along Lake Superior to the pristine wilderness that runs along the Canadian border. And did we mention the Dark Skies that shine above the Boundary Waters and Voyageurs National Park?

Niagara Cave in Harmony, Minnesota — Niagara Cave / Ryan Taylor

Head Underground in Southern Minnesota

Say the words "Southern Minnesota," and a wide-open prairie — or perhaps the SPAM Museum — probably springs to mind. But this part of the state also possesses awe-inspiring caves, majestic river valleys and national monuments rich in Dakota history.

A family crossing a log bridge in Itasca State Park, Headwaters of the Mississippi River — Itasca State Park, Headwaters of the Mississippi River / Kvidt Creative

Walk Along the Headwaters in Northwestern Minnesota

Home to some of the state’s largest lakes, fairytale forests and the headwaters of the Mississippi, the northwestern corner of Minnesota is a playground for outdoor adventurers.

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Dream State Adventures For Every Season

Conquer the Cold in Winter

Warm up to winter by getting out skiing, skating and snowshoeing. Hike to frozen waterfalls. Dine in an igloo. See what ice fishing is all about. Find ice castles and other frosty fun at winter festivals. Enjoy a cold one at an ice bar. With so many exciting things to do in the snow, you might not ever want winter to end!

Spot Wildflowers in Spring

Every spring we eagerly await the first sprouts and blossoms of our state’s native flowers, and throughout the seasons we follow their blooming south to north, east and west. We asked Flower Chasers to walk us through their favorites, from Virginia Bluebells to Birdfoot Violets.

Hit the Trails in Fall

Bring your hiking boots, your bike and your sense of adventure to Minnesota, where the trails will lead you through old-growth forests, scenic overlooks and magnificent waterfalls. Watch for deer and moose and other signs of Mother Nature. She’s waiting around every corner.

Live the Lake Life in Summer

Pick a lake, any lake. Minnesota has more than 10,000 of them, many with resorts where you can swim, boat, fish and maybe even catch dinner. Just don't overdo it, because life on the lake is kind of laid back. Allow time to relax, sit still and let the waves cast a calming spell on you.

Get help from the experts to plan your trip

Want to know the best spots in Minnesota? How about tips on how to make the most of your time in a specific city? Our Minnesota experts can answer your questions, offer advice, or plan the perfect Minnesota trip for you. For free.

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