Best Tourist Attractions In Minnesota Worth The Hype
Although visiting the Mall of America seems to be a tourist favorite, it often disappoints. Minnesota is one of the most beautiful states in the country, boasting lakes carved out of ancient glaciers, a variety of seasons and areas of undeveloped land. Traveling throughout the state, certain areas are certainly worth the trip for those who love nature and even some who don't. Check out this variety of attractions around Minnesota. One of them is sure to be worth the hype for you.
Canal Park
Lake Ave. and Morse St.
Duluth, MN 55802
(218) 722-4011
www.canalparkduluth.com
Canal Park is considered one of the most scenic parts of the Lakewalk in Duluth. Located along the coast of Lake Superior, Canal Park is one of the most beautiful parks and tourist attractions in the upper Midwest. What makes it so great is that it captures the essence of Minnesota by merging everything there is to love in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Along with the beauty of the park, Canal Park gives way to shopping, nightlife and many other entertainment options along the lake.
Minnehaha Falls/Minnehaha Park
4801 S. Minnehaha Park Drive
Minneapolis, MN 55417
(612) 230-6400
www.minneapolisparks.org
Minnehaha Park, a National Park on the fringes of the city, is a beautiful area for a stop-over or a place to spend an entire day. One of the first state parks in the United States, Minnehaha Park is situated along the Mississippi River and boasts a beautiful waterfall carved into the limestone cliffs. Aside from the scenery, Minnehaha Park contains a large area for exercise and walking, bike paths, a play area for toddlers, a playground for older kids and a picnic shelter that is open to the public. Concerts are scheduled throughout the spring and summer as well.
Minnesota Children's Museum
10 W. 7th St.
St. Paul, MN 55102
(651) 225-6000
www.mcm.org
If you happen to be touring the state with kids, the Minnesota Children's Museum is a must. Consistently hailed as one of the best children's museums in the United States, the Children's Museum contains several floors of hands-on exhibits, learning opportunities and areas for play. Earth World, the most popular of the permanent exhibits, allows children to crawl through mazes and interact with natural elements found throughout Minnesota. Across from Earth World, Habitot is available for smaller children and babies to explore and play. Other areas include dress up, water tables and playhouses.
Related: What To Do With One Day In Minnesota
Stillwater
Stillwater Visitor's Bureau
(651) 351-1717
www.discoverstillwater.com
Long known as one of the most beautiful areas for weddings and day trips in Minnesota, Stillwater is a fantastic place for tourists and visitors. Located along the St. Croix River, Stillwater is a quaint and historic town reminiscent of Tom Sawyer and the lives of early Minnesotans. Stillwater is a beautiful drive, filled with historic Victorian mansions, apple orchards, vineyards and breweries. Shopping along Main Street is another enjoyable activity, along with paddle boating, hiking and biking along the numerous scenic bike trails throughout Stillwater.
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
Forest Headquarters
8901 Grand Ave. Place
Duluth, MN 55808
(218) 626-4300
www.fs.usada.gov
In the wide space of undeveloped land between Canada and Minnesota lives the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Part of the Superior National Forest, the Boundary Waters is a fantastic natural resource for camping, hiking, exploring and canoeing. Many tourists and nature enthusiasts travel to the Boundary Waters year round for adventure and a different kind of vacation. Permits are required to explore and canoe through the wilderness so plan ahead and contact the forest headquarters before beginning your adventure.
Andrea Wodele is a freelance writer who has lived in the Twin Cities for eight years. She loves covering all things Minnesota and her work can be found on Examiner.com.
