Enter Your Dream State

Fall never ceases to amaze in Minnesota, whether you're watching the leaves change from week to week or sipping artisanal cider and craft beer. It's also prime time for biking and hiking pursuits, whether you prefer smooth concrete slabs or maze-like, majestic forests. It's not too late to golf, fish or paddling either; in fact, it may be the best time of year for all three. In between pumpkin patch runs and apple picking, of course. Not to mention a corn maze or two, and some freaky Halloween fun to boot.

Dream State Guides By Region

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.

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.

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.

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?

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

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.

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.

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.

U.S. map with various cities highlighted in proximity to Minneapolis St. Paul Airport in Minnesota

Getting Here

Fly into the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP), one of the best airports of its size in North America in 2021 and 2022. Getting here is easy! Minnesota is only a short flight away from most U.S. locations. That means more time to explore the dream state! See how to get here.

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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