Here Are The 7 Best Kept Secrets In Minnesota

One of Minnesota's most fascinating places, the mine on northern Minnesota's Vermilion Range is the oldest and deepest in MN. The University of Minnesota even runs an underground lab on its premises. The mine's lowest level, the 27th, is 2,341 feet below ground. Soudan Mine is estimated to be the home to between 8,000 and 12,000 bats, although a dangerous fungus known to cause white-nose syndrome is currently putting them in danger. You can tour the mine Memorial Day weekend through the end of September and it costs $12 for adults, and $7 for kids (free for 5 and under). You can also tour the physics lab. Both tours run about an hour and a half.

The Mt. Tom observation tower provides unreal views of central MN. The park also provides fishing, a swimming beach, a sledding hill, and some of the best picnic areas around.

Beautiful in every season, the Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge in eastern Minnesota is the perfect place to explore untouched nature and see all the MN wildlife you need. The park has more than 258 species of birds and abundant hunting and fishing opportunities. To explore the park, head down County Hwy 26 in Rochert.

Zippel Bay is one of MN's lesser visited state parks. On the Lake of the Woods shore near the Canadian Border, this park is full of beautiful lake views and is the perfect place to find peace and quiet. Within the park's 3,000 acres you can enjoy phenomenal hiking, camping, fishing, skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.

Wild River State Park along the St. Croix is wonderful for finding river views, especially in the fall! Along with finding some of the best fall foliage in the state you can camp, hike horses, ski, snowshoe and even learn to make Maple Syrup.

One of MN's smallest and least visited parks, Franz Jevne is a hidden gem like no other. It's located on the the Rainy River along the Canadian Border. Enjoy fishing for walleye, northern, small mouth bass and sturgeon, camping in the rustic sites, and some of the most peaceful, and secluded hiking in the state. In the winter enjoy skiing and snowshoeing through the forest.

Lake Louise State Park is another vastly underrated park. It's the best place for hiking, horseback riding, ad cycling (with access to the paved Shooting Star State Trail). There are 11.6 miles of hiking trails, 14.2 miles of paved bike trail, and 9.6 miles of snowmobile trails that connect to many others. You can also canoe, camp, swim, and fish in the park.