Explore Minnesota Travel Guide - 2026 Explore Minnesota Travel Guide
Message from the Director
Lauren Bennett McGinty 2025-12-15 06:23:48
Looking back at 2025, these only-in-Minnesota (#OnlyinMN) experiences stick out:
- Enjoying lake life, boating and catching a Northern Pike on Crosslake, part of the beautiful Whitefish Chain in the Brainerd Lakes area.
- Celebrating the new Amtrak Borealis line from St. Paul to Red Wing at the height of leaf peeping season; I toured local businesses, lodging and I saw the world’s largest boot (a size 638.5, to be exact) at the Red Wing Shoe Company Museum.
- Traveling to Mora, the home of a gigantic Dala Horse as well as the Swedish Vasaloppet, a cross-country skiing competition.
- Cheering on the State of Hockey at the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships on Lake Nokomis in South Minneapolis.
- Visiting the Tribal Nations of Mille Lacs, Lower Sioux, Upper Sioux, Bois Forte, Grand Portage and White Earth, all which share geography with Minnesota, and experiencing wonderful recreation and entertainment offerings at every stop.
- Snacking on a Club Mariner sandwich at Northern Waters Smokehaus before strolling along the shore of Lake Superior and sipping a fresh brew from Duluth Coffee Company.
With so many upcoming live music and sporting events, as well as ways to explore nature and lauded restaurants to try, I’m already planning my 2026 Minnesota adventures. I’m thrilled to share what my team has put together here to plan yours.
I invite you to explore this great state and discover your own reasons why Minnesota is the Star of the North.
BON VOYAGE
Lauren Bennett McGinty
Executive Director, Explore Minnesota
THIS TRAVEL GUIDE BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
The official publication of Explore Minnesota, an office of the State of Minnesota
121 Seventh Place E, Suite 360
St. Paul, MN 55101
888-VISITMN
Director
Lauren Bennett McGinty
Deputy Directors
Randolph Briley
Beth Helle
Nell Lawrenz-Wareham
Kathryn Sutton
Editors
Karina Hill
Jared Laabs
Cathy Pinske
Photo Editor
Melanie Graves
Contributors
Dawn Blanchard
Kari Brumback
Baya Clare
Devon Cox
Frances Fyten
Caitlin Hannah
Lisa Havelka
Nicole Lalum
Andrew Parks
Derek Ramthun
Glori Woolley
On the Cover:
Fair Hills Resort in Detroit Lakes, photo by Paul Vincent
All photos without attribution are credited to Paul Vincent
Produced by Miles Partnership
6751 Professional Parkway, Suite 200, Sarasota, FL 34240
Lauren Bourgoing, Vice President
Charity Stewart, Account Director
Krystal Woodard, Project Manager
Melissa Bartalos, Content Strategist
Melissa Juneau, Art Director
Delaney Sholl, Art Director
Bella Thompson, Graphic Designer
Ally Drees, Advertising and Data Manager
Sebrina Williams, Director, Destination Partner Development
© Explore Minnesota 2026. Reproduction without written permission is prohibited.
This guide is printed at a facility dedicated to sustainability and has validated certification under the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain-of-Custody Standard (FSC-C022017). The facility recycles nearly all waste, and it is repurposed into new products. Our printer invested in advanced technologies to enhance efficiency and reduce the environmental footprint.
©Explore Minnesota. View All Articles.