Minnesota
Experiences|Sights & Landmarks

These 18 Churches In Minnesota Will Leave You Absolutely Speechless

Minnesota boasts a variety of stunning churches, each with unique architectural beauty.

Published Jul 11, 2015

Written by 

Jo Magliocco

Minnesota is not just full of amazing scenery but some amazing architecture as well. Among the great buildings are some beautiful churches. Whether they are small and quaint or large and stunning, these are some churches that will impress anyone.

1. Saint Mark's Episcopal Cathedral may not be the most beautiful on the outside but its interior is absolutely spectacular.

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Saint Mark's Episcopal Cathedral

2. St. Michael's Catholic Church in Stillwater stands regally in the sunlight.

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Flickr/Richie Diesterheft

3. The interior of Holy Cross Church in Minneapolis is most definitely grand.

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Flickr/John Prassas

4. St. Augustine Church in Austin is a colorful sight.

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Flickr/Doug Kerr

5. St. Mary's Catholic Church in Waverly is magnificent against the clouds.

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Flickr/Tony Webster

6. The Church of Saint Louis, King of France or "Little French Church" has some phenomenal stained glass.

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Flickr/Bri Weldon

7. Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Cloquet has marvelous doors and the rest of the church is also amazing!

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Flickr/Jacob Norland

8. Methodist Church in Taylors Falls from 1861 is the perfect illustration of small but stunning churches.

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9. Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New Ulm is a wonderful example of baroque revival architecture.

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Flickr/Doug Kerr

10. Historic Westminster Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis is a wonder among modern downtown.

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Flickr/Jason Riedy

11. Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church is another Minneapolis beauty.

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Flickr/Richie Diesterheft

12. First Congregational United Church of Christ stands small but spectacular in Cannon Falls.

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Flickr/Doug Kerr

13. St. Wendelin Church in Luxemburg Minnesota looks amazing under a blanket of clouds.

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Flickr/Greg Gjerdingen

14. Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis is spectacular in any season.

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Flickr/Greg Gjerdingen

15. Arendahl Lutheran Church is small but beautiful.

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Flickr/Bruce Guenter

16. Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Crookston is simply breathtaking.

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Flickr/Jeremy Noble

17. We of course can't forget the Cathedral of St. Paul which is always beautiful.

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McGhiever

18. Or the Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis which is amazingly gorgeous inside and out.

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TheDailyNathan

So if you think you've seen all there is in Minnesota, never forget to tour the stunning churches scattered all across the state.

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Experiences|Sights & Landmarks

This 30-Mile Train Ride Is The Most Relaxing Way To Enjoy Minnesota Scenery

The North Shore Scenic Railroad offers a picturesque 30-mile train ride from Duluth to Two Harbors, showcasing stunning views of Minnesota's North Shore.

Updated Jul 24, 2024

Written by 

Betsy Rathburn

The Land of 10,000 Lakes certainly isn't short on beautiful sights. Fortunately, here in Minnesota, there are more than a few excellent scenic train rides that will delight anyone who loves unique outings and admiring our state's coolest spots while traveling in vintage comfort and style. One of the best is a beautiful scenic train ride on the North Shore, starting in Duluth. The Two Harbors Turn on the North Shore Scenic Railroad is a 30-mile excursion that is the most relaxing way to see jaw-dropping waterfront scenery, hands down. Take a look and tell us this scenic train ride in Minnesota isn't just a dream come true.

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North Shore Scenic Railroad is a popular attraction on Minnesota's North Shore.

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Management/TripAdvisor

The train leaves from the depot on Duluth, embarking on a 30-mile journey north to Two Harbors.

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North Shore Scenic Railroad/Facebook

On this Duluth train ride to Two Harbors, travelers enjoy beautiful views of the North Shore. Lake Superior's choppy waters are on display from the windows of the historic train.

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North Shore Scenic Railroad/Facebook

On the western side of the train, there are views of smaller rivers along the North Shore.

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Lori M/TripAdvisor

The North Shore's wooded surroundings are also beautiful. It’s beautiful in spring and summer, but fall is particularly awe-inspiring along this railway.

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North Shore Scenic Railroad/Facebook

North Shore Scenic train rides include a two-hour layover in Two Harbors, where you can browse or dine to your heart's content.

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This easily-walkable town is full of charming shops and restaurants. You're sure to find something amazing.

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S.W. Clyde/Wikimedia

It's also home to a beautiful historic lighthouse.

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Needless to say, there's a lot to do in Two Harbors! It's a great stop for a wonderful journey.

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North Shore Scenic Railroad/Facebook

Scenic trips typically start at 10 a.m. on weekends in Duluth and return around 4 or 5 p.m. Though it is long, this trip is popular and tickets sell out fast - especially in fall - so be sure to book your trip well in advance!

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North Shore Scenic Railroad/Facebook

You can preview your trip to and from Two Harbors in this YouTube video from North Shore Scenic Railroad:

The North Shore Scenic Railroad in Minnesota is just one of many scenic train ride options across the state, but this little slice of MN is definitely one of our favorite places, and perfect for enjoying via train! What are your favorite things to see and do in Duluth?

Ready for a seriously gorgeous outing? Check out the latest schedule and start planning your next adventure! While you're at it, make the most of your Duluth adventure with an overnight stay in Canal Park.

Have you ever taken a scenic train ride on the North Shore? What about elsewhere in Minnesota? Tell us about your adventures in the comments; we love hearing from you!

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Experiences|Sights & Landmarks

This 100-Year-Old Bridge In Minnesota Offers Some Of The Best Views Of The Mississippi River

The Rock Island Swing Bridge in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, is a historic pedestrian bridge offering spectacular views of the Mississippi River.

Updated Jun 6, 2024

Written by 

Betsy Rathburn

We love that Minnesota is full of history. It’s in everything from our state parks to our rock formations to some of our most beautiful buildings. In much of Minnesota's history, you can find that it extends a century or more back in time. That’s certainly the case for one special bridge that has been standing in Inver Grove Heights for more than a century. Though it has a long history, it stands today as a pedestrian bridge that happens to be one of the best spots to see the Mississippi River. Read on to learn more about the Rock Island Swing Bridge, one of the oldest bridges in Minnesota.

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The Rock Island Swing Bridge is a beautiful - and historic - spot in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota. It's part of the lovely Swing Bridge Park.

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Dmitrij Ponkin/Google

Built in 1894, the bridge is more than 100 years old. At the time, it was one of the only double-decker bridges over the Mississippi River!

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Dan Thompson/Google

The bridge's original use was to carry railroad traffic across the river on the top deck. The bottom deck carried road traffic.

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Erin Schulte/Google

After nearly 100 years, the bridge closed to rail traffic. The year was 1980, and the railroad that had owned the bridge went bankrupt.

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Patrick Cretan/Google

Years later, in 1999, the bridge closed to rail traffic as well. Another blow to the bridge occurred 10 years later when part of it was demolished.

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Rock Island Swing Bridge/Google

But in just a few years, that would all change. In 2011, the bridge opened to pedestrian traffic!

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Krista Linn/Google

It is now one of the most beautiful Mississippi River overlooks. You can walk, bike, or skate across it.

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Moua Her/Google

Next time you're in the area, make sure to stop at this historic bridge. Not only is it full of history, but it offers spectacular views.

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Scottie Tuska/Google

Have you heard of the Rock Island Swinging Bridge, one of the oldest bridges in Minnesota? Would you ever visit? For a different perspective of the river, check out this Twin Cities Tour & Mississippi River Cruise from Bloomington. It’s a great way to spend the rest of your day in the area.

Also, to witness a newer - but still beautiful - bridge excursion, check out this hike across the tallest bridge in Minnesota.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/minnesota/trail-crossing-highest-bridge-mn/

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