Minnesota is renowned as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” although there are 11,842 of them. This state is defined by water, and visitors will find attractive lakeside resorts as well as wildness only paddlers may explore. Even the Twin Cities may claim to be lakeside resorts, though the 929 metro-area lakes are usually overshadowed by the big-city attractions (not to mention the Mississippi River) in Minneapolis and Saint Paul.

Minnesota is rich in natural and cultural beauty, from the lake-filled North Country to the marble facade of the State Capitol in St. Paul. Plan to visit Minnesota’s wilderness areas, such as the Superior National Forest and the North Shore of Lake Superior, as well as cultural attractions such as the Minneapolis Institute of Art and St. Cloud’s famous Munsinger Clemens Gardens.

Minnesota is a state with endless things to do, whether it’s meandering down the hiking trails, kayaking the waterways, gliding down the ski hills, or shopping at the Mall of America. With our list of top tourist attractions, you can find even more locations to visit.

9 Fun things to do in Minnesota

Minnesota is home to unrivaled wilderness, lakes, parks, magnificent resorts, flea markets, drive-in theatres, and historically and culturally significant locations. Minnesota is a fantastic location for adventurous nature enthusiasts, whether you’re kayaking the various waterways, hiking gorgeous trails, or snowshoeing off the main route.

North Shore Scenic Drive

From Duluth to Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada, the North Shore Scenic Drive follows the north shore of Lake Superior. Many of Minnesota’s best state parks, including Split Rock Lighthouse, Tettegouche, and Grand Portage State Park, are located along this route. The long drive is accompanied by waterfalls, rugged cliffs, and spectacular vistas of the seemingly endless Lake Superior.

During the long winters, recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and mountain biking are widely accessible along the route, as are skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing. The Superior Hiking Trail, which stretches 300 miles along the Minnesota shoreline and can only be accessed by foot, is a great option for individuals who don’t want to travel by car.

International Wolf Center

The International Wolf Center, located at 1396 Highway 169, Ely, Minnesota, is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to wolves’ survival. Hands-on exhibitions, wolf tracking demonstrations, and wolf-related information are all available.

Observing the resident wolf pack allows visitors to learn about the natural history of wolves. Wolf Photography Workshops, Geocache Adventures, and overnight stays for groups of eight or more are just a few of the activities and various visitor experiences available at the facility.

Boundary Waters Canoe Area

Large swaths of northeast Minnesota are covered by the Superior National Forest, which boasts pristine lakes and rivers. The town of Ely, which is home to the International Wolf Center, is a great place to start exploring the wild countryside. Paddlers in the United States and Canada are familiar with the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, which is located within the forest.

It’s on the border between the two countries, and it’s an excellent spot for backcountry canoeing and kayaking, as well as fishing. This rural location is home to a diverse range of species, including bears, moose, and wolves. The Superior National Forest spans over three million acres, with 445,000 acres (almost 700 square miles) of water.

The Mall of America

The Mall of America is located on the outskirts of St. Paul, in the Bloomington neighborhood. It was one of the largest malls in the United States when it was opened in 1992. The complex contains theatres, hotel accommodations, and other amusements in addition to more than 500 stores and dozens of eateries.

Each year, the mall hosts over 400 events, ranging from dance parties to Minnesota Vikings fan festivities. Nearby hotels offer a variety of “Stay and Shop” packages.

The Mall of America is located at 60 E Broadway, Bloomington, Minnesota.

Paddle Voyageurs National Park

Voyageurs National Park is a beautiful wilderness area rich in history and natural beauty. This mostly backcountry park, which can only be reached by water or air, is ideal for canoeing, boating, fishing, and other outdoor activities.

The park is secluded, and wildlife such as bears, moose, loons, and other birds can be seen there. The French-Canadian Voyageurs crossed these rivers in enormous birch bark canoes during the fur trade, and this area was historically significant.

Adventures by boat and on land abound at Voyagers, and the shoreline is lined with some of Minnesota’s top campgrounds, including the waterfront Wooden Frog Campground.

Minneapolis Institute of Art

The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) welcomes over 700,000 people each year and offers a diverse selection of art and attractions, all of which are open to the public for free. More than 89,000 items of art are on display at Mia, with permanent and temporary exhibitions ranging from American modernism to ancient antiquities from around the world.

Visitors can see Japanese and Korean art, ornamental art and textiles, and the Doryphoros, one of four surviving Roman replicas of an ancient Greek sculpture, among many other exhibits. Every year in the spring, Mia offers free daily public tours, family programming, and a four-day Art in Bloom celebration.

Minnesota State Capitol Building

The Minnesota State Capitol building, which was built between 1896 and 1905, has lately undergone repairs to bring it back to its former glory. The 2013 to 2017 restorations brought extra public space and accessibility for visitors, in addition to repairs to the exterior marble and repaired interior furniture.

Every day of the week, guided tours are provided, and self-guided tours of the Rotunda, the second “Grand” floor, and the Governor’s Reception Room are always welcome. The Quadriga, a golden four-horse chariot statue on the Capitol’s main entrance, is a perennial visitor favorite.

Como Park Zoo and conservatory

The Como Park Zoo and Conservatory is one of Minnesota’s most popular family attractions. You’ll find everything you need for a full day of family fun here. It’s also cost-effective; both events are free to attend, but donations are appreciated.

From monkeys to polar bears, the zoo features a diverse collection of species from around the world. Feeding the giraffes is one of the most fun animal interactions. These gentle giants eat Romaine lettuce directly out of your palm and are available to guests of all ages.

With the installation of the new Como Harbor exhibit, the zoo is nearing the end of a $20 million expansion. This will be the new home for penguins, otters, and two huge octopuses.

Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge

Originally built as an aerial transfer bridge with a cable car between 1901 and 1905, the bridge was enlarged into a whole roadway in 1929 and has remained a major Duluth symbol ever since.

Minnesota Point people use the bridge to get to the mainland, and it’s on the National Register of Historic Places. The Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge is open 24 hours a day, and it’s quite a sight to see it rise and descend for freight ships, sailboats, and tour boats.

It is situated at 601 South Lake Avenue, Duluth, Minnesota.