Shhh... These 11 Hidden Places Are Minnesota's Best Kept Secrets

We Minnesotans are lucky to live in a state that just might be the entire country’s best-kept secret. Our state is friendly and full of beauty, with a unique culture all its own. Many of our best spots are well-known to Minnesotans and out-of-towners alike, but there are more than a few secrets still to discover. These hidden places around Minnesota are our state’s best-kept secrets.

jpellgen/Flickr

On the grounds of Bloomington's Normandale Community College, this unexpected garden is just the place to visit if you need a pick-me-up. Built in 1976, the designer drew from Japanese influences to create a lovely, relaxing oasis riddled with unique architecture and plant life.

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Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary/Facebook

If you're going to pick one Twin Cities park to go to on a warm day, the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden should definitely be a top contender. In warmer months, the garden's many flower varieties draw all sorts of insects, including many butterfly species. And as the leaves change in the fall, the park only gets more beautiful.

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Nicole K./Yelp

For those in the know, this park is a favorite urban oasis. It's located right on the Mississippi River in St. Paul, and it even features a gently trickling waterfall under a canopy of trees. What better way to escape the daily grind?

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Prothero's Post Resort/Facebook

Got a passport? Then you might want to consider taking a trip way, way up to Prothero's Post Resort in Minnesota's Northwest Angle. You have to cross into Canada to get there, but it'll be totally worth it once you finally reach the secluded resort. Imagine nothing but the silence of untouched nature as far as the eye can see.

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Brian Powers/Flickr

Being so close to the Boundary Waters, this state park is a little overlooked. But honestly, it's one of the most beautiful in the area, and definitely worth a peek. You can hike through thick forest, cast a line in some pristine lakes, and completely relax without having to portage a canoe over rough terrain.

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Trestle Inn Food and Saloon/Facebook

Located in the Superior National Forest of northern Minnesota, you can't get much more isolated than the Trestle Inn. During the winter, it's a popular destination for adventurous snowmobilers. But the restaurant and bar is accessible by car, too. No matter how you get there, it'll be worth it.

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Kamp Dels

In a state where ValleyFair takes the top spot for amusement parks, it may be difficult to imagine anywhere else as good. That's where Kamp Dels comes in. This spot may not have any high-flying roller coasters, but it does have an incredible campground and water park. Recently expanded, the park is full of slides, games, and even a climbing wall.

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Riverside Resort and Island Campsites/Facebook

This comfortable campsite is like camping without the hassle. No need to bring a tent or worry about where you'll use the bathroom. It's all taken care of for you here. Just bring your food to cook up in the kitchen tent, some bug spray, and you're good to go.

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minnemom/Flickr

If you're a lover of folk art and roadside attractions, this one's for you. In the 1930s, H.P. Pederson started building sculptures out of local rocks, creating an impressive sculpture garden in his tiny town. While many of the sculptures have been lost, some still remain at a campground in Arco. It's free to see and a neat little stop if you're in the area.

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Rush City Bakery/Facebook

Rush City may be a small town, but it has a fantastic bakery. This lesser known spot in east-central Minnesota serves everything from fresh breads to donuts to elaborate cakes - all freshly made right on site. No matter what you get, it's sure to be delicious.

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Jim Liestman/Flickr

Ely is full of amazing stuff, isn't it? This trail winds 1.5 miles through the forest and leads to a beautiful waterfall. With an impressive 70-foot drop, it's a great spot to stop to take some pictures - or just enjoy the incredible scenery.

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What are your favorite hidden spots in Minnesota? If you’re looking for more hidden places, check out these 11 little-known swimming spots in Minnesota.