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27 Best Places to Visit in Minnesota | Top Attractions

You may have to spend weeks if you want to explore every attraction in Minnesota. But we don’t have this much time, do we? To make the list shorter, here are the best places to visit in Minnesota.

Minnesota, commonly called the Land of 10,000 Lakes, is a Midwestern state popular for water sports and fishing. However, those are not the only attractions in the state. From haunted sites to a ton of parks, there are a lot of places to visit in Minnesota.

If you happen to have a love for everything outdoors, you should definitely get on Scott’s Cheap Flights today and get yourself a cheap flight to the state.

Regardless of where your interests lie, this guide will introduce you to something you can do while you’re in Minnesota.

Best Places to Visit in Minnesota

While it may be known for its lakes, Minnesota has an assortment of tourist activities, from shopping and hiking trails to waterways and cultural attractions.

Here are some of the best places to visit in Minnesota.

1. Cathedral of St. Paul

Cathedral of Saint Paul

If you’re on a hunt for the best places to take pictures in Minnesota, make sure you visit the Cathedral of St. Paul. Built during the 1900s, the cathedral is a pilgrimage site today, known as the North Shrine of the Apostle Paul.

Featuring a Classical Renaissance design, the cathedral’s interior seats 3000 people. It’s open for tourists for most parts of the day except during holy services and Masses since the cathedral is still an active worship place.

If you want to learn more about the history of the building, you can take a one-hour guided tour at 1 pm. These tours take place from Tuesday to Friday and will teach you quite a bit about the cathedral’s history.

It’s best to check the cathedral’s website before visiting.

See Related: Best Things to do in St. Paul, Minnesota

2. Schmidt’s Brewery

Aerial View of Schmidt's Brewing in St. Paul, Minnesota

Just like its abandoned places, Minnesota is also notorious for many haunted spots. One of these haunted places in Minnesota is the Old Schmidt Brewery, which is located at the now, Keg and Case Market.

The brewery is not just proclaimed haunted by people who want to create an air of mystery around it. It’s actually infamous for the cinematic history of the Schmidt family, including gangland kidnappings and random shootings.

The International Paranormal Society’s founder, Adrian Lee, says that this place was the inspiration for Mysterious Minnesota, his publication. According to him, the place still sends shivers down his spine.

Before you go there, it’s good to know a little history of the place. Jacob Schmidt settled in the area in 1884 and started making beer. Nine years down the line, the police detained him for shooting pigeon hunters on the river behind his brewery. However, he was not charged.

The Schmidt Brewery officially began in 1890 and burned to the ground the very next year. In 1934, the owner’s son, Edward G. Bremer, was kidnapped. The Ma Barker Gang held him hostage for $200,000.

While these are just some sinister events that have taken place in the building, it’s the deaths of brewery workers that are actually chilling about the place. In 1896, two workers died in an explosion.

Later, in 1902, there was an incident with the elevator shaft. Two years later, Matthew Kohler, a worker who lit gas lamps in the building, died of inhaling flames. Long story short, it’s definitely one of the most haunted places in Minnesota.

If you’re too creeped out to drive back home, book an Airbnb – preferably many blocks away from the brewery – to stay the night. If you want to go on a brewery crawl, check out these other top guides for Minnesota:

See Related: Most Haunted Hotels in Minnesota

3. North Shore Scenic Drive

North Shore Scenic Drive

If you’re planning an extended family or friend’s trip, make sure to hit the North Shore Scenic Drive that starts right in Duluth.

This national scenic byway is along Minnesota State Highway 61. It follows Lake Superior’s shore all the way up to Thunder Bay in Canada. You’ll find many top state parks along the route, including Grand Portage State Park, Superior National Forest, Tettegouche State Park, and Split Rock Lighthouse.

Lined with rocky cliffs, beautiful views, and waterfalls, the drive lives up to its name.

Tettegouche State Park | Things to do & Attractions [4K HD]

If you get an RV off RVshare, you can stop at many places along the route for ice-fishing, boating, and canoeing. The route is also popular for having some of the best ski places in Minnesota.

For travelers who’re not huge fans of enjoying the views from the car, the over 300-mile Superior Hiking Trail takes you along the state’s shoreline, allowing you to view the scenic beauty from above.

Take a look at what the North Shore scenic byway looks like in timelapse from our YouTube channel. Like what you are hearing? Check out these top things to do in Duluth, MN.

See Related: Best Things to See and Do in South Dakota

4. Wolf Creek Falls Trail in Banning State Park

Trees and Flowing River

Speaking of cool hiking places in Minnesota, the Wolf Creeks Falls Trail takes the crown since this is where the adventure happens. You can start hiking from the Quarry Nature Trail along the Kettle River.

Along the way, you’ll also see the ruins of a sandstone quarry that was there in the early 20th century. While the Kettle River offers a splendid view from the top, the real attraction lies in Wolf Creek Falls.

It’s another hiking trail with a serene landscape that spans four miles. Make sure to take your hiking boots along because there are some steep steps along the way.

In the middle of this route, you’ll also find Banning State Park’s camping ground with 34 sites. Given the proximity, this makes for an excellent day trip from the Twin Cities.

See Related: 23 Best Things to do in Bemidji, Minnesota

5. Mounds Theatre

Mounds Theatre 

A theatre might be the last place you expect to find ghosts, but Mounds Theatre is one of the most haunted places in Minnesota. It was built in 1922 and is known to be the most paranormal active place in St. Paul.

The theatre opens a few times every week for productions and rehearsals. Jackie Day reopened Mounds Theatre in 2001 and reports being grabbed by an unseen entity one night while working on a poster.

People investigating the building have been left with claw marks on their bodies. However, the most notable horror story of the theatre is about Red – a foul-mouthed spirit who lives in the projection booth and hurls objects and profanities at women.

Another ghost prowling the theatre is a girl in a pink dress, who often graces the stage with her presence, bouncing a ball. While we’re on the topic of young girls, it’s better to leave your kids at home when visiting haunted places in Minnesota. Make sure to book yourself a room at Marriott for some pampering after a spine-chilling day at the theatre.

See Related: Best Things to do in Taylors Falls, Minnesota

6. Leech Lake

Leech Lake, Minnesota

Leech Lake is three hours north of Twin Cities and is popular for Muskie fishing. The growth rates in this area are phenomenal, and the lake also holds the title of being home to the second-largest Muskie in the state.

It was a 52-pound fish, which was released back into the lake after being caught. It’s one of the best places to visit in Minnesota if you have an interest in catching Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye, and Eelpout.

Since it’s operational year-round, you can go whenever you want. Book a hotel from Kayak in the area to go zip lining in Bemidji the next day, which is within a short driving distance of the lake.

Or, consider heading to Itasca State Park to see the start of the Mississippi. Want to brave the cold and the Minnesota way? Visit Leech Lake in the winter for some excellent ice fishing.

See Related: Best Things to do in Brainerd, Minnesota

7. Kerfoot Canopy Tour

Teens enjoying zipline ride

Anyone who is looking for the best places to zipline in Minnesota needs to check out the Kerfoot Canopy Tour at least once. The adventure park has the longest zipline in Minnesota, offering you a bird’s eye view of the state.

The Minnesota Zip Line Adventures operate the canopy tour, and it’s located 50 miles from the Twin Cities. You can also go on another zipline tour from the same company in Bemidji.

The Kerfoot Canopy Tour starts close to the ground and goes up to 175 feet up, spanning 14 zip lines, for a whole mile over the trees. One of the highlights of the zipline tour is the 170-foot suspension bridge that must be passed to go to the other platform.

Besides the exhilarating feeling of soaring through the wilderness, you’ll also have a stunning view of the surroundings from the top of the platforms.

The tour can be a fun activity for the whole family since it’s open to everyone above the age of 10. If you’re nervous or it’s your first time ziplining, there’s no need to worry as the helpful guides at the adventure park will show you what will happen at each platform.

Want to know the best part? The tour is open all year round, so you can also zipline through snowy treetops in the winter.

See Related: Best Places to Visit in Utah

8. Lake Mille Lacs

Lake Mille Lacs 

Obviously, if you’re in the land of lakes, you have to put one or two on your itinerary. Mille Lacs is the second-largest lake in the state and is 40 feet deep.

It’s also the most popular lake for fishing, where you can find everything from Smallmouth Bass and Northern Pike to Jump Perch.

If you’re lucky, you might catch one of the many fishing festivals that take place here all year round. Moreover, you can ask the local guides about the best spots to fish in the region.

While you’re there, make sure to stop at the Soo Line Trail Campground. It’s a few miles from the lake and has a perfect base for exploring the lake and catching a ton of fish, especially Walleye.

See Related: Best & Free Things to do in Rochester, Minnesota

9. Take a Tour of Abandoned Places in Minnesota

Aerial View of the Abandoned Anoka State Hospital
The Abandoned Anoka State Hospital

If you have a love for abandoned places and the eerie charm they hold, you can satisfy your interests in Minnesota. The state has a number of abandoned places, from banks and homes to superstores.

Here’s a route of nine abandoned or haunted places in Minnesota that’s over 800 miles long. You can take the full route or do parts of it, depending on the time on your hands.

  • Hadley Bank: Hadley is a small town in Minnesota, which was founded in 1879. At the time of its incorporation in 1903, the town had 161 residents. Over time, the number fell to only 61. The Hadley Bank is a symbol of abandonment in the town, covered in irregularly growing vines and reclaimed by nature due to lack of use.
  • Northfield Store: The Northfield store is on MN-19. Some say it was a barbershop and antique store back in the day. However, it has been abandoned for as long as most residents remember. Check out these top things to do in Northfield, Minnesota.
  • UMore Park: Definitely one of the strangest abandoned places in Minnesota, the UMore Park was previously named Gopher Ordnance Works. The factory made gunpowder during the second world war. However, it closed down at the end of the war and has been abandoned since then. Some sources report that it’s going to be torn down, so it might not be there when you visit.
  • Mills Ruins Park: The park has some amenities and walking paths, but most of it is still crumbled remains. It’s an ode to the flour mills that used to operate in the area. Besides offering insight into the state’s history, the park also offers spine-chilling views, especially in the evenings.
  • Banning State Park: The Banning State Park, even without its abandoned places, is worthy of a visit since it features a beautiful waterfall and a rushing river. In the 1800s, the area was home to Banning Sandstone Quarry, which operated till 1905. Later, there were many fires in the region that wiped out the nearby Banning town. Today, only crumbled ruins fill the area.
  • Taconite Harbor: Being a ghost town in Minnesota, Taconite Harbor was built to habitat the employees who worked in taconite mines in the region. The town began to disappear when taconite’s demand ceased. Today, you’ll be welcomed by overgrown weeds and empty spaces.
  • Tanner Hospital: The Tanner Hospital was built a century ago and abandoned after being used as an apartment building for a few years. Recently, there have been talks of restoring it, but at the moment, the building is something out of a horror asylum movie.
  • Rouchleau Mine: The Rouchleau Mine was abandoned in 1977 and reminds passersby of the state’s mining history today.
  • Fergus Falls Regional Treatment Center: Being the last stop on the list of abandoned places in Minnesota, the Treatment Center was once the Fergus Falls State Hospital. Built during the 1800s, it was operational in 1890 and treated mentally ill patients. After 1971, the hospital started treating people with other diseases too. However, it closed in 2005 and is abandoned to date. Check out these top things to do in Fergus Falls.

See Related: Best Tours in Minnesota

10. Mall of America

Stage and White Christmas Trees  Inside a Mall

If you plan to visit Minnesota, chances are you’ve heard of Mall of America. Mall of America is no ordinary mall since it’s one of the largest in the country. It opened in 1992 and has over 500 shops and a ton of restaurants to catch a bite.

Plus, there is an amusement park (multiple in fact), theatres, and hotel accommodations. Possibly the main attraction of Mall of America is the number of celebrations that take place there every year. It’s known for hosting over 400 events a year – that’s more than the number of days in a year.

You’re sure to catch a celebration no matter what day you visit it. Make sure to check Viator for any upcoming events.

If you’re staying in St. Paul or Bloomington, look for a hotel on Kayak since many dwellings offer ‘Stay and Shop’ packages, giving you discounts on some things see and do at Mall of America.

Mall of America should top your list of the best places to visit in Minnesota if you love shopping. If you aren’t a shopping fanatic, consider other options.

See Related: Best Places to Visit in Southern California

11. Lutsen Mountains

Lutsen Mountains

If you’re looking for the best ski places in Minnesota, the Lutsen Mountains will make all your skiing dreams come true. You can enjoy four interconnected mountains, offering an array of boarding and skiing options.

The mountains get up to 10 feet of snow annually and feature 95 hills for skiing. If you’re a beginner, you can try the Caribou Express. Meanwhile, pros can try the Iron Mountain chair.

See Related: Best Places to Visit in Alaska

12. Sand Creek Adventures

Sand Creek Adventures are among the best places to zipline in Minnesota, allowing you to experience 1600 feet of ziplining, a hundred feet above the ground. Moreover, Sand Creek Adventures offers courses for families, individuals, and team building.

If you’re going with a group of friends, you’re in luck because the adventure park can accommodate larger groups of 45 and more.

See Related:  11 Best Things To Do in Granite Falls, Minnesota

13. St. Croix River

Trees and flowing river

When you think of fishing in Minnesota, lakes are more likely to come to your mind. However, this river is just as good of a place to fish. In fact, it’s one of the best places to catch catfish in Minnesota.

Some other fishes in the area include Walleye, Sturgeon, Muskie, Bass, and Panfish. Since river fishing is a bit different from lake fishing, you might want to get help from local guides to find the right spot.

If you need a place to rest or stay, find the St. Croix River Resort on Booking for a deal on your stay. While you’re there, you should bring your own supplies or rent some from the hotel you’re staying at – most local lodgings have such facilities.

Minnesota has certain regulations about fishing that you must follow. If you’re a non-resident, you need a fishing license. Kids under 15 do not need a permit if they’re with a licensed guardian or parent.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources issues these licenses. Even if you’re a resident of the state, you still need a permit to fish.

Here are some people who can fish in the state without a license:

  • Residents under the age of 16
  • Residents over the age of 90
  • State residents who are enlisted in the US Armed Forces

See Related: Best Things to do in Red Wing

14. Mississippi River

Kayaking the Mississippi River Headwaters

The best places to visit are in the state of Minnesota are many, but there is one best place, in particular, The Mighty Mississippi. The best way to enjoy the sights of the best river in the world is by taking a road trip along the Great River Road.

There are also many cities that you can explore along the Great River Road. One of these cities is called Winona which is best known for its cherry blossoms. This would be a great sight to see during Springtime.

The Mississippi River is one of the most iconic rivers in the world and some of the best views of this river are located right here in Minnesota.

You don’t have to go far either. If you’re just in the Twin Cities for a few days, consider checking out the Mississippi River Gorge Regional Park which offers sweeping views of the river and borders both Minneapolis and St. Paul. This is by far one of the best parks in Minneapolis.

If you can’t make the trek to parks, this sprawling river is very easy to spot while visiting Minnesota.

See Related: 14 Best Things to Do in Chaska, Minnesota

15. Boundary Waters Canoe Area and Wilderness

Trees and Canoes By The River

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area is one of the best places to canoe in Minnesota. The Superior National Forest covers most parts of the state’s northeast.

If you want to explore the unspoiled landscape, this wilderness sanctuary is the ultimate place to enjoy the natural beauty of Northern Minnesota.

Meanwhile, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area is in the forest, along the US-Canada border. Here, you can canoe, fish, and kayak while enjoying being surrounded by wildlife, such as wolves, moose, and bears.

With the water covering 700 square miles and the forest going on for 445,000 acres, you’ll be blanketed by nature. The area also has some cool hiking places in Minnesota that you can find on their official site.

While you are visiting, be sure to stop by the International Wolf Center to meet some new friends and get a glimpse of the local history of these fascinating animals.

See Related:  11 Best Things to do in Otter Tail, Minnesota

16. Voyageurs National Park

Voyageurs National Park

Voyageurs National Park may be Minnesota’s only national park but it’s that’s for a reason. This national park is epic. Voyageurs National Park is located in one of the most Northern parts of Minnesota in International Falls bordering Canada. The best thing about this National Park, however, is that it contains the most diverse ecosystem in the country.

This national park is best known for its camping facilities, canoeing opportunities, and fishing experiences making it one of the best national parks to visit in the US.

The best time to visit the park is during the summer months. This allows visitors to enjoy themselves with swimming, hiking, and canoeing-related activities.

Voyageurs National Park is considered to be one of the best places to go if you want to experience nature at its best and go completely off the grid.

Like the Boundary Waters, you’ll be close to the International Wolf Center. So, stop by on your way to the park or out of the park.

See Related: Best Things to Do in Buffalo, Minnesota

17. Spirit Mountain

Spirit Mountain is slightly different from other ski places in Minnesota since it’s in the middle of a suburb rather than being hidden in the wilderness.

If you’re living in Duluth, you can sneak off to Spirit Mountain for an afternoon of skiing. The 22 runs provide an opportunity for beginners, intermediate skiers, and pros to have the time of their lives.

Moreover, Spirit Mountain is also a hot spot for freestyling with four freestyle areas named Shark Park, Spirit Park, 18-Line, and Lone Oak Tow Park. If you want to enjoy the terrain at night, you can go to Spirit Mountain from Wednesday to Sunday till 8 pm.

Check out Get Your Guide for other fun activities to do in Duluth while you’re there for skiing.

See Related: 13 Best Minnesota Distilleries to Visit

18. Duluth, Minnesota

Aerial Lift Bridge in Duluth

Duluth, Minnesota is a port town filled with excellent history along Lake Superior – the largest freshwater lake in North America. There are a lot of fun things to do in Duluth, Minnesota, such as visiting the Lake Superior Zoo, going on a boat cruise, and exploring all the different museums.

Beyond the museums and outdoor activities, be sure to check out the state parks located just north of Duluth like Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, Gooseberry Falls State Park (located on the Gooseberry River), and Tettegouche State Park.

If you want some fun things to do in Duluth while you are in town, go to Canal Park where you’ll find some fun nightlife and excellent views of the Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge. There are plenty of nearby hotels in that particular area, so you’ll have no shortage of options to stay and play with the nightlife.

Duluth is a city filled with tons of activities, here are some other attractions and things to do in the area:

See Related: Best Rental Cabins in Minnesota

19. Munsinger Gardens

Colorful Flowers

The Munsinger Clemens Garden should be on your summertime itinerary since it features 80,000 plants and is one of the best places to take pictures in Minnesota.

If you go on Sundays, you can catch live music and find yourself close to nature among the rose bushes and flowering shrubs. Moreover, the fountains, trees, swings, ponds, and benches make this park one of the best places to visit in Minnesota. Make sure to get yourself in for the annual Art Fair in Clemens Gardens if you love music, art, and nature.

20. Lake Superior

Lake Superior Coastline During Fall Colors

Lake Superior is North America’s largest freshwater lake, which is one of four large bodies of water in North America. The Minnesota-Ontario border marks the division between Lake Superior and Ontario’s second-largest body of water. One island is included in the American part.

During periods when ice blocked the natural drainage to the sea, landslides upstream produced islands. When the ice melted, waves surged up into the valley to form three little islands that were formerly high points in a larger plateau that stretched to Lake Michigan. North, South, and Middle Islands are their names.

The best way to see the beauty of Lake Superior is by doing a North Shore road trip driving along the lake in Northern Minnesota and stopping at all the best natural attractions the state has to offer such as the Split Rock Lighthouse, Grand Marais, the Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge, and Superior National Forest.

If you’d like to stay on the lake, check out these top cabins on Lake Superior.

21. Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory Interior

The Como Park Zoo and Conservatory is one of the best places to visit in Minnesota which is completely free. The zoo has an amazing array of animals that any visitor would enjoy petting, feeding, or simply seeing at their best. If you plan on visiting the zoo with kids, there is an amusement park where the kids let out their energy.

The Como Park Zoo and Conservatory operates with the help of donations and grants. It provides care to in excess of 1,500 animals! You can see polar bears, lions, cheetahs, and gorillas.

The best time of year to visit the Como Zoo and Conservatory is between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The best time to visit during normal office hours is Monday thru Sunday from 9 AM to 5 PM. Given that it is a completely free tourist attraction, try to visit during the week or in the morning to avoid crowds.

See Related: Best Things to do in Iowa

22. Grand Marais

Grand Marais, Minnesota

Grand Marais is a Lake Superior coastal city in Cook County, Minnesota. This tiny town had a population of 1,492 at the 2010 census. It was originally named after François Xavier Martin d’Hastrel who was a French aristocrat who had “extensive holdings in North America under the French regime.”

The best thing about Grand Marais is its vast outdoor attractions and outdoor recreation opportunities, including the beautiful lakes that are great for fishing, hunting, skiing, and snowmobiling.

In addition, Grand Marais as well as close proximity to some of Minnesota’s most iconic parks such as Superior National Forest, Grand Portage, Boundary Waters Canoe Area, Cascade River State Park, Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, and Tettegouche State Park.

If you plan on visiting Grand Marais, be sure to stop by Artist’s Point to take in the natural beauty of the lake. The town has plenty to offer with its amazing antique shops, craft breweries, and classic Minnesotan dining.

Like what you are hearing? These are the best things to do in Grand Marais, Minnesota.

See Related: Best Places to Visit in the United States

23. International Wolf Center

Wolf inside a Animal Sanctuary

The International Wolf Center is a scientific and educational center for wolf research. The “ambassador group,” which consists of five wolves from various species who reside within the Superior National Forest, is the main attraction at the center.

Visitors can safely watch wolves from this large observation window that encircles the middle. Before returning, you must view the real-time video of the wolves in the area.

Start at the visitor center located at 956 MN-169, Ely, MN 52736. Like what you are hearing? Check out these other best things to do in Ely, Minnesota.

See Related: Best Museums in Minnesota

24. Itasca State Park

Itasca State Park in Fall

Itasca State Park is an iconic state park in Minnesota that locals truly love. The best time to visit this place is during fall or winter as it may be hard to navigate through the deep snow during other seasons.

Also, you will have better views of the frozen lakes throughout the park during these two periods. Itasca State Park has been operating for over a century and is Minnesota’s oldest state park. It is located in Minnesota and covers 32,000 acres of land with more than 100 lakes.

Itasca State Park is a 46,000-acre state park in Minnesota that occupies the headwaters of the Mississippi River. It has old-growth forests, ancient lakes, towering pines, and 49 miles of hiking routes. Itasca State Park is also known for providing access to the source of the Mississippi River.

At Douglas Lodge, you may sit back and relax with a cup of coffee while watching local wildlife which includes a variety of birds, including loons, cormorants, grebes, hummingbirds, finches, and warblers.

Take a drive across Wilderness Drive to appreciate big north woods pines, or go on the beautiful Bohall and Nicollet hiking trails for a walk. This makes for one of the better weekend trips you can have in Minnesota for outdoor adventures.

In the winter, you can take on cross-country skiing if you’re up for braving the cold weather and snowy conditions. The visitor center is open from 8 am until 10 pm if you need some directions and guidance on your visit.

See Related: Best Things to do in Brainerd, Minnesota

25. Downtown Minneapolis

Aerial View of Minneapolis Skyline

Located in the center of the Twin Cities, Minneapolis is one of Minnesota’s best-known destinations for city life. The downtown area is home to many of the city’s best attractions, including Minnesota’s premier shopping district Nicollet Mall, amazing neighborhoods such as North Loop, multiple lakes (it’s called the City of Lakes for a reason), multiple professional sports stadiums, fantastic restaurants, and perennially underrated museums such as the Minneapolis Institute of Art.

If you love modern art, make a stop at the Walker Art Center for some contemporary art exhibits as well as a rooftop mini-golf course in the summertime.

Obviously, Minneapolis needs to be on your list of places to visit while you are in Minnesota. Minneapolis features a number of spots on the National Register of Historic Places that you should visit while you’re in town including the Stone Arch Bridge and the Foshay Tower. Those are some of Minnesota’s most famous landmarks.

There are a number of guided tours of the city that you can go on to see the best tourist attractions and historic places. We’d suggest a walking tour along the Mississippi River.

See Related: Best Hotels in Minneapolis

26. Saint Paul

Skyline of Downtown Saint Paul, Minnesota

Saint Paul, Minnesota is best known as the capital of Minnesota. Saint Paul needs “Minnie” and “Minnie” needs Saint Paul. Without each other, there would be no Twin Cities.

Both of these cities contrast nicely against each other. Minneapolis has the modern bustle while Saint Paul has a rich history and old-world charm.

Just like many places to visit in Minnesota, this is a great spot for plenty of outdoor activities. The city is situated on the Mississippi River and contains many different landmarks such as waterfalls, rivers, biking trails, and parks. Check out this list of our top St. Paul parks.

Take in the local history by going on a guided tour of Summit Avenue where the Governer’s mansion is located as well as F. Scott Fitzgerald’s boyhood home. Like what you are hearing? Check out these best things to do in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

27. Pipestone National Monument

Trail and Plants in Pipestone National Monument

Pipestone National Monument is a beautiful park that protects the best-known source of pipestone, a soft stone that can be carved. The park contains about 500 quarries and has over 100 free-standing carvings.

The best time to visit this monument would be in the spring or summer. Pipestone is best seen during this time of year because the green grass and flowers provide contrast against the white stone. The national monument is located in Southern Minnesota in the small town of Pipestone.

Pipestone National Monument is a great opportunity to get a glimpse of the natural beauty of Southwestern Minnesota, which contrasts nicely with piney Northern Minnesota.

See Related: Best Things to do in Edina, Minnesota

Final Thoughts: Best Places to Visit in Minnesota

Minnesota has a lot of the best places to visit in the state, from bustling Minneapolis with its modern history to the legendary Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge or tourist attractions like the Mall of America.

Which Minnesota attractions are on your must-see list? Let us know! We can help you create an itinerary or plan out your next adventure in this great state.

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