Introduction
When I first set foot in the state of Minnesota, I expected a “Land of 10,000 Lakes” getaway — and I got that and so much more. The thing is, Minnesota isn’t just about lakes and cold winters (though those are dramatic and wonderful in their way). It’s a blend of vibrant cities, wild northern forests, charming small towns, quirky roadside stops, and a surprising amount of culture and adventure. Over several visits I discovered why I kept returning: each season offers something unique, and no matter your style of travel — nature‑lover, urban explorer, family vacationer, solo wanderer — there’s something for you.
So here’s my curated list of 12 fun things to do and places to visit in Minnesota — well‑worth planning around. I speak from the thrill of discovery, from being surprised, from chasing sunsets over lakes and falling into cozy cafés in downtowns. I hope it inspires your own trip.
12 Best & Fun Things To Do in Minnesota (2026)
1. Explore Mall of America (Bloomington)
This one might be “touristy” but I found it completely worth it — the Mall of America in Bloomington is more than just shopping: it’s an entire entertainment complex. With hundreds of stores, an indoor amusement park, an aquarium, and more, it delivers big.
Tip: Spend at least half a day. If you have family or kids, consider allocating a full day here with rides, aquarium and fun breaks.
See Also: 31 Best & Fun Things To Do In Boulder, CO
2. Visit Itasca State Park – the headwaters of the Mississippi
At Itasca State Park you can actually step across the very beginning of the mighty Mississippi River — where it emerges from Lake Itasca. It’s a deeply memorable moment. Great for nature lovers, hikers, photographers.
Tip: Get there early in the morning for best light and fewer crowds. Stay overnight if you can to hear the forest wake in the morning.
3. Go to the North Shore / Duluth & Canal Park (Lake Superior)
Lake Superior is epic. I spent time in Duluth and its Canal Park area and loved walking the lake walk, watching freighters come in under the iconic Aerial Lift Bridge and enjoying that mix of industrial and natural beauty.
Tip: If you can drive up the North Shore Highway (Hwy 61) past Duluth toward Split Rock Lighthouse, you’ll find waterfalls, scenic overlooks and dramatic forested coastline.
4. Walk or bike around the Twin Cities — Minneapolis & Saint Paul
Big city meets nature meets culture. Minneapolis and St. Paul have “wow” urban moments: the iconic Spoonbridge & Cherry sculpture, Minnehaha Falls, great food, art, lake walks. You’ll love it if you want a mix of city and nature.
Tip: Stay one night in the Twin Cities, enjoy a neighborhood (e.g., Uptown Minneapolis or Lowertown St. Paul) and allocate time for a park/lake stroll.
5. Visit the Minnesota State Fair
If your travel dates align, the Minnesota State Fair is a must‑do. Big crowds, big fun, big food. It’s a snapshot of the state’s culture and flavour.
Tip: Go for the day, arrive early, and focus on favourite fair foods. Save rides for later in the day when lines may drop.
6. Outdoor adventures in the countless lakes & trails
Minnesota’s natural playground is huge: kayaking, paddle‑boarding, hiking, camping. The state has thousands of lakes and many scenic trails.
Tip: Pick one region (northwoods, lake region, or south‑western bluffs) and plan one full outdoor day — pack lunch, water, bug spray and a change of clothes.
7. Discover quirky roadside stops & small‑town charm
Minnesota also has a fun quirky side: odd giant statues, the world’s largest candy store, nostalgic small‑town main streets. These stops often make the trip memorable.
Tip: On a road‑trip day, schedule 1‑2 small stops like this between major destinations. Keeps travel fun and relaxed.
8. Visit a State Park in winter or see the Northern Lights
If you’re traveling in the colder months, Minnesota still shines. Cross‑country skiing, snow‑shoeing, and even aurora‑borealis spotting near the Canadian border are on the menu.
Tip: If heading north for aurora views, check forecasts ahead. Dress in layers — Minnesota winter is no joke, but it’s magical.
9. Family‑friendly fun & museums
Travelling with kids (or just young at heart)? There are excellent interactive museums, aquariums and zoos across the state.
Tip: Choose one “rainy‑day” indoor stop per major region of your trip. Keeps everyone happy.
10. Food‑lovers & craft beer scene
Minnesota’s food scene blends Midwestern comfort, local ingredients (hello wild rice, walleye) and a growing craft‑beer/craft‑spirits culture.
Tip: In the Twin Cities check for local breweries. Outside the metro, look for lake‑region restaurants specialising in regional fare.
11. Scenic drives & fall‑colour escapes
Minnesota delivers spectacular scenic drives: the North Shore, the bluff country along the Mississippi, forested back roads. During fall especially, the colours pop.
Tip: If visiting in autumn, plan a day with minimal stops but allow time for photo breaks and a slower pace.
12. Relax & slow down in lesser‑visited regions
Finally — some of my favourite memories were from simply slowing down: renting a cabin by a lake, unwinding mid‑day in the hammock, watching the light shift. The lesser‑visited regions of Minnesota offer that calm.
Tip: If your schedule allows, pick 1‑2 nights outside of the major cities. Unplug, breathe, and let Minnesota’s slower rhythm set in.
Practical Travel Tips
- Getting around: If you can, rent a car. Many of the best places lie outside big cities.
- Season matters: Summer is obviously most flexible. Fall is beautiful for colour. Winter presents its own wonders (but needs prep). Spring can be muddy in places.
- Packing: Layers, bug repellent (in secluded/northern areas), boots/trail shoes, sunblock (yes, even in Minnesota). If outdoors, bring a reliable water bottle and snacks.
- Stay options: Cities are well served by hotels. For nature‑escapes, look into cabins, lodges, or state‑park lodging.
- Time flexibility: Allow downtime. Don’t over‑schedule. You’ll likely stumble on something unexpected you’ll want to linger in.
- Local culture: Be ready for “Minnesota nice” — friendly locals, helpful directions, a relaxing pace. Embrace it.
- Food & stops: Don’t skip small town cafés, local farms, fruit stands (depending on season). These are part of the charm.
Final Thoughts
Visiting Minnesota surprised me more than once. I went expecting “nice lakes state” and found a place full of personality, of shifting landscapes, of culture and history beside natural beauty. Whether you’re pacing city streets in Minneapolis, hiking northern forests, driving along the North Shore with Lake Superior on one side and forested ridges on the other, or just sitting by a quiet cabin lake watching the sunset — the state has richness.
If I were to sum up: blend a city stay + a nature stay, pick 2‑3 major “must‑see” items from the list above, and leave space for serendipity. That way you get structure and surprise.