When National Geographic Traveler announced its 2022 ‘Best of the World’ list, it named Northern Minnesota best of the world – one of only 25 places to earn the honor. Although we’re a little sorry the secret’s out about our amazing state, we’re pretty darned proud, too.

Northern Minnesota is home to numerous wonders, including two national forests that contain stands of old-growth red and white pines.
The Lost 40 in Northern Minnesota is a Nature Preserve that resulted from a Mapping Error and is a significant Grove of Virgin White and Red Pine Trees
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You’ll also find more peatland bogs than anywhere else in the United States and the headwaters of the Mississippi River in the Bold North.
With a national park, a national monument, numerous state forests and parks, as well one of the country’s largest wilderness areas, much of Northern Minnesota is protected, pristine North Woods.
Moose in Boundry Waters Canoe Area, Minnesota
Ryan W Brown/Getty Images
In fact, it’s the only state outside of Alaska where wolves were never extirpated and have survived uninterrupted for millennia.
Wolf resting on the stone in Northern Minnesota
GeorgeBurba/Getty Images

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But National Geographic’s recognition of the area was mainly for its dark skies.
Minnesota Best of the world
Paul Halco/500 px/Getty Images
With so much wilderness, light pollution is minimal in Northern Minnesota.
The Boundary Waters’ skies, in particular, have drawn the attention of stargazers.
Minnesota Best of the world : A clear night sky over Minnesota’s only national park with Jupiter, Saturn and the moon in view.
Mandy Fuller Photography/Getty Images
In fact, the BWCAW is one of the ​​largest Dark Sky Sanctuaries in the world.
Voyageurs National Park, which abuts the Boundary Waters, has received similar recognition.
Minnesota Best of the world : Tent camping under the northern lights
Steve Burns/Getty Images
It was certified a ​​Dark Sky Park in 2020.

It’s nice to see the North Star State getting so much recognition for all that it has to offer – it’s even received a few best beach nods, despite the state’s distance from any ocean. We just hope all the folks who enjoy our state’s wonders help to maintain the reasons for which it receives such accolades.

How do you feel about the National Geographic naming Northern Minnesota best of the world? What are some of your favorite places in Minnesota? Be sure to nominate them, so they can be featured!

 

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