20 Best Things to Do in Minnesota

If you’re born and raised in the ‘Land of 10,000 Lakes,’ you’ve probably been to most nature spots already. But don’t fret – the place is still filled with tourist-friendly destinations, great food, and awesome adventures! Here are the 20 best things to do in Minnesota.

1. Check out the Best Marine Artworks in the Midwest

Visit the Minnesota Marine Art Museum and be amazed at all the wonders. Be in awe of the great art of talented artists inspired by water! The most significant artworks include Monet’s and Picasso’s, but it doesn’t fall short of other masterpieces for everyone!

Current Exhibitions:

• OH, CANADA!
  November 3, 2019 – February 27, 2020
• SETH CASTEEL: UNDERWATER DOGS
  August 23 – January 5, 2020
• H2OH! ART QUILTS
  September 5, 2019 – January 19, 2020

2. Explore the Most Magnificent Lakes

The state is known to be the Land of 10,000 lakes although the actual count of their majestic waters stands at 11,842. Make each day count by exploring the best of the best! Because if it’s not clear already – chilling by the lake is one of the best things to do in Minnesota.

Popular Lakes:

• Lake Vermilion, Saint Louis County
• Lake Harriet, Minneapolis
• Rainy Lake, Koochiching County
• Gull Lake, Cass & Crow Wing Counties
• Lake Pepin, Goodhue & Wabasha County
• Lake Superior

3. Attend a Memorial Day Ceremony at Brainerd

Memorial day events are commonly planned in the Brainerd area. Brainerd Memorial Day ceremonies begin early in the morning for the tossing of wreaths into the Mississippi River. After that, there will be a prayer and firing of a rifle salute and taps. Anticipate a parade, short performance, as well as a free lunch soon after.

4. Watch a Performance at Guthrie Theatre

Experience the magic of the theater at Guthrie Theatre, which serves as a home for performing arts enthusiasts’ performance, education, and professional training. The place may be small as compared with other theatres, but that doesn’t mean the company doesn’t observe the highest professional standards.

5. Spot Wintering Bald Eagles From Wabasha

One of the best things to do in Minnesota is to visit the best viewing spot for wintering bald eagles. Use binoculars for a more unforgettable viewing experience!

Tip: Camp Lacupolis and Read’s Landing also have a high eagle activity at certain times.

6. Watch a Football Game or Attend Events at U.S. Bank Stadium

Get hyped up with the NFL crowd as you cheer for the Minnesota Vikings! Or if there are no games, try attending other activities and events!

The events slated for the first half of 2020 are:

• U.S. Bank Stadium’s Winter Warm-Up Inline Skating and Indoor Running (Jan. 8 to Feb. 10)
• Minneapolis Home + Remodeling Show (Jan. 24 to 26)
• Monster Jam (Feb. 15)
• 2020 DI Men’s Wrestling Championship (Mar. 19 to 21)
• Kenny Chesney’s Chillaxification Tour 2020 (May 2)
• Motley Crue + Def Leppard 2020 Tour (June 27)

7. Experience the Best in Arts and Entertainment at Sheldon Theatre

Are you looking for a premier performing arts venue? Look no further. Since the theatre’s opening in 1904, the Sheldon Theatre of Performing Arts has warmly welcomed about 30,000 people every year. It has played host to both local performers and international artists – plus, we bet you’d love the small town hospitality partnered with a breathtaking environment!

8. Have a Good Time at Turf Club, St. Paul

How do good music, good food, and a good crowd sound to you? According to most guests, the place is intimate yet cool. It must be because the place has “fun” written all over it (it used to be a dance hall in the 1940s). You’re sure to enjoy the decor, bands, and the cool lounge.

9. Skii down Lutsen Mountain

Get the true mountain ski experience with four interconnected peaks overlooking the magnificent Lake Superior.

10. Enjoy a Canoe Trip at the Boundary Waters

Start packing for an enjoyable canoe trip at the Boundary Waters! All you need to bring is your clothing and important items.

Note: Pack light because everything will be portaged.

11. Have Fun With Your Family at the Mall of America

This is not your ordinary mall. No, this is the Mall of America. Here, you’ll find more than 500 stores, 60 restaurants, an indoor theme park, comedy club, mini-golf, SEA Life Aquarium and more!

12. Bike Around Itasca State Park

This well-loved Minnesota state park is still the place of choice of many families despite being old.

13. Try Gondola Romantica at Stillwater

This beautiful setting calls for a gondola ride. You may not be in Venice, but the charm of Stillwater will give you the ultimate romantic experience! Gondola Romantica offers a daytime cruise and a moonlit evening cruise.

14. Create Summer Memories at the Spirit Mountain

No, the Spirit Mountain is not a haunted place. Visiting this, is in fact, one of the best things to do in Minnesota. If you’re here, go try the Alpine Coaster and the Zip Line!

15. Go for a North Shore Scenic Drive

The North Shore Scenic Drive will take you along Lake Superior, or the world’s largest freshwater lake. If you have time for a stopover, check out the cities of Duluth, Grand Marais, Grand Portage, and Two Harbors.

16. Be Inspired by the Cathedral of St. Paul

This Anglican cathedral will leave you in awe with its English baroque architecture and heavenly and spiritual aura. There are more than 200,000 visitors each year. It’s best if you join a guided tour.

17. See Wolves up Close at the International Wolf Center

If you want to visit a place that promotes a good cause, add the International Wolf Center to your list! It aims to aid the survival of wolf populations by imparting knowledge and teaching about the humans’ role in their future.

18. Check out the Minneapolis Institute of Art

Be inspired with artistic creations and achievements as you walk through the museum filled with over 90,000 artworks.

How cool, right?

19. Immerse Yourself in the Munsinger Clemens Gardens

Delight yourself in the natural beauty of this botanical garden in your next Minnesota trip! If you think you’d be bored walking around places like these, you’re definitely up for a big surprise!

20. Play in a World Class Golf Course at Giants Ridge

The top-rated family vacation destination is also one of the best golf resorts in the Midwest! The Giants Ridge is the perfect place to share memories with those you love. You can’t find highly ranked golf courses of this caliber anywhere else!

The only question now is, which activity would you like to try first?