2025-01-02 10:45:14
The Star of the North is full of iconic places. Here’s a preview of some of the state’s signature attractions.
America’s largest shopping and entertainment hub is much more than a mall. Just south of Minneapolis, this epic shopping center in Bloomington is home to more than 500 stores, 60 restaurants, a theme park and an aquarium. There are plenty of hotels, and the mall is connected to MSP airport by light rail so there’s no need to rent a car.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER & BLUFF COUNTRY
Take a road trip on the Great River Road, and visit charming towns such as Stillwater, Red Wing and Wabasha along the way. In Minnesota, there’s no wrong way to do the Mississippi.
In the state’s southeastern corner, idyllic Bluff Country is known for its serene retreats and breathtaking views. Discover apple orchards, hardwood forests, trout streams and scenic river towns like Lake City and Winona.
The ultimate escape if you love boating, camping and fishing, this stunning water wonderland with 85,000 acres of water offers outdoor recreation for every season. Northern Lights can make for dramatically beautiful night skies.
The greatest of the Great Lakes is also the world’s largest freshwater lake by surface area. Go for a sail to experience the vastness of the lake and dramatic views of water and land. Minnesota’s North Shore is the best place to rent a cabin or stay at a resort.
Featured in The Wall Street Journal as one of the world’s top 10 places to visit in 2024, this vast preserve of lakes and woods stretches for about 150 miles along the U.S. border with Canada.
Road Tripping Through Minnesota
With so many breathtaking views and unique roadside attractions, Minnesota road trips will reward you with miles of memorable experiences.
SCENIC BYWAYS
More than 20 scenic byways meander through a variety of landscapes: the lakesplashed north woods, tumbling waterfalls, grand bluffs towering above winding rivers, ribbons of prairie and city parks. Explore these routes by car, or for added thrills, by motorcycle.
In miles from the Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
Austin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Bemidji . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Brainerd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Duluth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Ely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Grand Marais . . . . . . . . . . 264
International Falls . . . . . . 296
Lake of the Woods . . . . . 326
Mankato. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Moorhead . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Pipestone . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Rochester . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
St. Cloud . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Winona. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
LEARN MORE
Discover more about Minnesota's iconic places at exploreminnesota.com/places-to-go
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