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 Lauren Bennett McGinty with Dala Horse in Mora 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. welcome a message from the director 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 6 | EXPLORE MINNESOTA .COM
Explore Minnesota Travel Guide 2026 Explore Minnesota Travel Guide: Page 6
