There are many things that you’ll learn about visiting Minnesota, but one thing that you’ll hear is that Minnesota is the Land of 10,000 lakes. It’s got scenic state parks, untamed wilderness, and plenty of peace and quiet out there if you want to have an adventure with the whole family. You’ll see the forests with their winding trails and the rocky hills that give you a taste of just some of the outdoor things that you can do when you visit Minnesota.
Getting those Minnesota phone numbers ready in your diary so that you know where to call and who to visit when you’re there, from the restaurants to the hotels to the museums to the parks, is important for getting ready. Whether you’re road tripping or you’re traveling there for a full holiday with your family, there are so many things that you can do when you get there. And we’ve got a mighty list of things for you to do.
- National Forest and Boundary Waters Canoe Area.Do you love the great outdoors? If you do, then you’ll love this adventurous, budget friendly thing to do for couples, for families and for everybody.Minnesota has a Superior National Forest and Boundary Waters Canoe Area that presents nearly endless opportunities for camping, wilderness exploration, swimming, and hiking. The swimming that your family will do will be in the cleanest lakes you’ve ever seen, and you can even bring your canoe out there. There is no shortage of amazing fresh air and natural beauty, so if you love to be out camping then head to the gentle hills and rugged cliffs.
- Ride up North Shore Scenic Drive. Did you know that you can drive up the 148 miles from Duluth to the Canadian border? The views alone are worth it, it’s great for the wallet and whether you are headed out with friends or as a family, there’s something for all. You’ll pass seven different state parks and you can pay a visit to the Split Rock Lighthouse, built in 1910. If you choose to head there in the Fall, you’ll see the vibrant shades of gold and red in the trees; it’s just exquisite.
- The Cathedral of St. Paul is worth it! Are you a fan of architecture? If so, the historic Cathedral of St Paul is an absolute must see destination when you are headed to Minnesota. The exterior was completed over 110 years ago, in 1915. The work itself, however, spanned many decades and the interior of the cathedral was finished as it exists right now. When you are in the cathedral, you can see the Dome, but you’ll also see that from almost anywhere in the city center. It’s been positioned on purpose at the highest point in the city, so no matter where you head to in Minnesota, you’ll be able to go there during the day between 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM. There is a reference in this building, so make sure that you are careful and polite with your mannerisms, your noise and your cameras.
- Voyageurs National Park. For a true escape into the Minnesota wilderness, head to Voyageurs National Park. It’s great for the whole family and you’ll experience that whole range of dense forest mixed with waterways and dotted with trails and secluded islands. The Ellsworth Rock Gardens is always worth a visit and you’ll find a unique part of the Voyageurs National Park right here. Fishing is very popular here, so if you have anybody in the family who wants to catch their first fish then you’ll absolutely love doing that here.
- International Wolf Centre. Did you know that Minnesota has its very own International Wolf Centre? It’s one of the most amazing, unique places that you could possibly visit, and it teaches people about the proper interaction between humans and wolves. This center talks about the conservation of the wolves as a species and it shows you how they’ve evolved. If you want to take the whole family for an adventure, this is one day out you really shouldn’t miss.
- Minnesota State Capitol. Minnesota’s State Capitol Building is a classic look that projects that aura of statesmanship and politicking. That’s because that’s exactly what happens right here. The Capitol building is made of white stone and it’s brightly and tastefully lit up as the sun goes down. You can get tickets for a tour and you’ll be able to see the glistening gold statue called the Progress of the State. It gives you that air of Greco Roman conqueror on a four horse chariot vibes.
- Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. Earlier, we mentioned Split Rock Lighthouse, and if you hike through the tranquil lakeside paths, that’s exactly where you end up. The State Park for Split Rock Lighthouse offers that tranquil setting for an amazing picnic, for outdoor games, and it gives you a chance to hike. You can camp and there are plenty of acres here for recreation and adventure, so if you are a family who loves to get stuck into the great outdoors, really Minnesota is the best place you could be.
- Wabasha Street Caves. Did you know that Minnesota gives you the opportunity to relive those Prohibition days? You can tour the caves in an immersive gangster theme event allowing you to immerse yourself in history and hilarity. From the Wabasha St. caves, you can also head out through to St. Paul, reliving the Prohibition days and that romantic side of the Speakeasy era that is so glorified on TV. If you head there on a Thursday, the Street caves also put on a themed swing night so you’ll be able to see some live music and have a great time with the whole family. The best part is that it’s open 24/7, so you can go there whenever you want.
Minnesota is absolutely the one place you’ll want to take the whole family. Why not go this year?
