26 Exciting Things to Do in Minnesota in 2026 (You’ll Want to Save This List)

As we begin 2026, I've already managed to get in a lot of exploring, but there are still quite a few things left on the table that I hope to get to (or get back to) this year. Here are, in my opinion, 26 of the best things that there's still time to do in Minnesota in 2026 – check them out! You may find something that interests you, as well.

1. See the Milky Way at Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota

Voyageurs National Park sits along our state's border with Canada, adjacent to the Boundary Waters. Not only does it preserve a beautiful swath of pristine lakes and Northwoods, but the park has also been recognized as one of the best places for stargazing and northern lights viewing in the Lower 48 states. With the sun continuing at its solar peak into 2026, we can expect more spectacular auroral shows this year – and Voyageurs is a wonderful place to enjoy them. Typically, there's no fee to visit Voyageurs, but if you love national parks as much as I do, you'll definitely want to pick up your America the Beautiful Pass so you can explore all year long.

To access the Voyageurs National Park near International Falls, you have to drive to one of the gateways, such as Rainy Lake, Kabetogama Lake, or Ash River. After that, you need to take a boat to explore the park’s islands, campsites, and historic spots. 

Fall and winter, specifically from late August/September through March, when skies are darkest, offer opportunities for northern lights viewing in Minnesota. Still, November to February may be the peak time for viewing since the skies are likely to be clearer.

2. Visit the European Christmas Market in Lowertown, St. Paul

Every holiday season, our capital city hosts the biggest holiday market in Minnesota: the European Christmas Market. I think it's one of the best holiday festivals in Minnesota. Plus, it often coincides with the arrival of the CPKC Holiday Train and many other St. Paul winter events, making the city a wonderful place for a holiday weekend getaway.

The European Christmas market in St. Paul's Lowertown usually runs for four weekends in late November and December. It typically begins on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Additionally, note that, as one of the popular holiday markets in Minnesota, it is generally accessible, with ramps, making it friendly to strollers, wheelchairs, and walkers.

3. Catch a Minnesota Timberwolves Game at Target Center

Last season, the Minnesota Timberwolves had another electrifying run into the NBA's Western Conference finals. Given the team's offseason moves this summer, I'm looking forward to the start of a new season in October. Seeing the Wolves and their dynamic star, Anthony Edwards, is still one of the best tickets in town.

4. Explore Glacial Lakes State Park in Starbuck, Minnesota

Minnesota is home to 64 state parks. We're down a couple after 2024, when Upper Sioux Agency was returned to the Dakota people, and mining activities resumed at Hill Annex Mine. And I have visited most of them. One that I haven't visited often enough, though, is the starkly beautiful Glacial Lakes State Park near Starbuck. It's definitely going on my 2026 must-visit list. You must have A Minnesota State Park vehicle permit for vehicle entry. Still, please also note that they also charge camping fees.

5. Discover Bemidji, My Top City to Visit in Minnesota in 2026

The Land of 10,000 Lakes is full of wonderful cities, but lately, I've taken a particular shine to Bemidji. It's a college town that's just big enough to have most of the amenities I'd want, but it's still small enough that you can sense its Northwoods location wherever you are. It's a perfect jumping-off point for exploring several nearby parks, including Lake Bemidji and Itasca State Parks, the Paul Bunyan Trail, and the nascent Mississippi River. This summer's storms have limited access to some areas, but there is still plenty to see, and local businesses can always use our support. Set up your Basecamp at the wonderful DoubleTree by Hilton Bemidji.

6. See and Photograph Minnesota’s Elk in Grygla

Did you know we have elk in Minnesota? I've lived here since 1986, and I just learned about this a couple of years ago. As someone who loves seeing and photographing wildlife, this was exciting news for me. The animals' range covers the extreme northwestern part of the state, including the Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge. I've only been in the region once since I learned about the elk, but I didn't have any luck finding them. I feel like 2026 is my year!

Remember to always maintain a significant distance of more than 50 yards when viewing elk, including when they are most aggressive, such as during the rut (fall) and calving (spring).

7. Capture Minnesota’s Elk on Camera in Grygla

One of my favorite hikes in Minnesota is the Caribou Rock Trail. It starts at a trailhead in a developed portion of the Superior National Forest and, if you keep going, you enter the Boundary Waters and end at a small waterfall on Rose Lake. I've never hiked the entire trail to Rose Falls. Instead, I've "settled" for the stunning views out over West Bearskin and Moss Lakes, then returned to my car. This year, I want to do the whole thing. All in, the route is 7.7 miles out-and-back, with a challenging 1,500 feet of elevation gain. It looks like 2026 is going to be a leg year.

8. Catch the Pumpkin Regatta at Stillwater Harvest Festival

I love Stillwater Harvest Fest. It's one of my favorite fall events in Minnesota, probably because it centers almost entirely around giant pumpkins – and I'm fascinated by those gargantuan gourds. I've attended a few times and have seen the pumpkin weigh-in up close and the pumpkin smashing from afar, but somehow I've managed to miss the pumpkin regatta. The event pits paddlers in giant pumpkins against one another as they race down the St. Croix River, trying to cross the finish line ahead of their competitors and, more importantly, before their pumpkin sinks. If it's the only Harvest Fest event I get to this year, I will be content.

9. Explore Minnesota’s Ancient Rocks at Morton

Minnesota is home to some of the oldest rocks on the planet, and thanks to glacial scouring, patches of this 3.6-billion-year-old gneiss and granite have been exposed in western Minnesota. One of the best and most accessible places to see it for yourself is Morton Outcrops Scientific and Natural Area in the town of the same name. I haven't visited yet, but it's definitely on my list for this year.

Good to know: there are no paved or maintained trails. Expect rugged, natural terrain.

10. Enjoy Drinks and Bites on Hai Hai’s Patio in Minneapolis

In 2024, restaurateur extraordinaire Christina Nguyen took home the James Beard Foundation's Best Chef Midwest for her inspired eatery Hai Hai. It's easily one of the best restaurants in Minnesota, and I've had the good fortune to have dinner there. Spoiler alert: It was awesome – and for me, the whimsical cocktails and tasty small plates were the stars of the show. When patio weather rolls around this year, I plan to grab a few friends, stake out some outdoor real estate at Hai Hai, and eat and drink 'til the stars come out.

The menu at Hai Hai restaurant is vegan and vegetarian-friendly, accommodating gluten-free needs. Also, remember to book ahead, especially during weekends and for larger groups of up to 14 people.

11. See Bison at Blue Mounds State Park, Luverne, Minnesota

I've visited the portions of the Minnesota Bison Conservation Herd at Minneopa and Blue Mounds State Parks in the summer, fall, and winter. Seeing the bison in late spring when the calves are still "red dog" cute is always a sight to see. Besides, if I head out to Blue Mounds State Park to see the bison, I can hike the Mound Loop Trail, an easy 4-mile loop that offers incredible views along the top of the Sioux quartzite upwelling that makes this park so special. I think it's one of the best hikes in Minnesota.

Here is the thing: the perfect spot to safely see the bison is at the observation deck or the perimeter trails (Western Loop).

12. Experience New Ulm’s Oktoberfest Celebration

No town in Minnesota does Oktoberfest like the German-inspired city of New Ulm. It's the largest celebration of its kind in the state and is considered one of the best in the entire country. While I'm not a lover of crowds, I do like a celebration – especially with beer, music, and feats of strength – and this one is on my 2026 bucket list. With the beer factor, it's definitely an overnight trip, and in New Ulm, the Best Western Plus offers pleasant accommodations close to the August Schell Brewery and the downtown fun.

13. Stay in a Luxury Treehouse Airbnb in Cottage Grove, Minnesota

In Cottage Grove, there's an incredible treehouse Airbnb nestled among the limbs of a massive bur oak tree. It's artisan-crafted, luxuriously appointed, and can accommodate up to 4 guests across its two bedrooms and 1.5 baths. I want to spend at least one night of 2026 at this treehouse Airbnb in Minnesota. How about you?

14. Savor Fresh Spring Bites at Nosh Scratch Kitchen, Winona

One time, I happened into Nosh Scratch Kitchen when a melange of freshly foraged fiddleheads and morels was on the menu. It's one of the most memorable dishes I've ever had in Minnesota, and it's become a bit of a unicorn for me. Now, I start checking Nosh's social media in the spring to see what foraged goods pop up on its menu.

Because it offers a seasonal, farm-to-table menu, it changes based on the availability of fresh, local produce. Nosh Scratch Kitchen recommends making reservations in advance. I'm hoping that 2026 is an "on" year for foraged goodies at Nosh (fingers crossed).

15. Relax and Cool Off at McCarthy Beach State Park

As bizarre as it may seem, a beach on an inland lake in the relative middle of nowhere in northern Minnesota is occasionally recognized by the national media as one of the continent's best beaches. And I must say, the eponymous strand on Sturgeon Lake at McCarthy Beach State Park is a pretty darn good one. This summer, I will definitely head up there with my towel, sunscreen, and bug spray when the heat is unbearable down here in the Cities.

16. Hike to a Frozen Waterfall in Grand Portage, Minnesota

Like most people, I love a good waterfall. And here in Minnesota, we are blessed with a bunch of them. I'm also a member of the camp that believes waterfalls, lovely as they are when surrounded by lush foliage, are even more beautiful in winter. That's why I plan to visit some of the best waterfalls in Minnesota, like the High Falls at Grand Portage State Park, when they start to freeze again in late 2026.

17. Explore Minnesota on a Stunning Fall Foliage Road Trip

The Land of 10,000 Lakes is home to millions of acres of state and national forests—including Northwoods and Big Woods biomes – as well as wooded public and private lands that are visible from roadways. I think this makes it one of the best states for enjoying fall foliage, and one of my favorite ways to get out and see the colors is road-tripping. This fall, I plan to take a weekend and soak in some of the state's best leaf-peeping spots on a fall foliage road trip in Minnesota.

Ideally, you should go for the road trip from late September to early October for Minnesota’s North Shore (Highway 61). For central or southern areas, go for a road trip around mid-to-late October and take the iconic North Shore Scenic Drive, which runs from Duluth to Grand Portage. You can also use Highway 38, which runs from Itasca to Grand Rapids, to see the beauty of birch and pine.

18. Hit the Minnesota State Fair in St. Paul

Held every August and September since 1859, the Minnesota State Fair is one of the largest and best-attended in the U.S. I used to go every year, but in my old age, I make it only every other year or so. Regardless of my frequency, I always spend a day and complete the same circuit, ogle the largest swine and produce, stand in awe before the seed art, eat some of the new foods, and track down the old standbys. It's the best way to say goodbye to summer in Minnesota and get ready for the fall.

19. Visit the Hegman Lake Pictographs in Ely, Minnesota

Centuries ago, the Native peoples who lived in what is now the Boundary Waters painted a series of beautiful pictographs depicting animals and humans onto rock outcroppings along Hegman Lake. You can only reach them by paddling out to them or – when it's cold enough – hiking along the lake. I'm partial to the snowshoeing route because no bugs, but the paddling window tends to be bigger. Either way, I hope to cross a visit to the Hegman Lake pictographs off my Minnesota bucket list in 2026.

20. Spend a Night Under the Stars in a Pine City Dome

I've always wanted to stay in a dome rental on a clear night, so I can enjoy the night sky while avoiding the chilly temperatures and mosquitoes that often come with doing so. Sweetbriar Ridge, near Pine City, offers just that in its two-bedroom "Basalt" dome, and I look forward to booking a stay there this year.

Winter periods may be ideal for visiting the area, as they offer clearer, crisper nights, perfect for stargazing. Check local forecasts for expected weather conditions.

21. Explore Minnesota’s Northwest Angle at Angle Inlet

The northernmost part of the Lower 48 states is the Northwest Angle, a part of Minnesota that is comprised mainly of Lake of the Woods. But a few swaths of land got caught up in the surveying kerfuffle, and these outposts are now exclaves with no land connection to the United States. You have to get to them by boat, over the ice in winter, or by driving through Canada. Angle Inlet boasts a small, year-round population, and it's the tippy-top of the Lower 48. I want to get there this year.

22. Have a Drink at the Igloo Bar in Williams, Minnesota

Speaking of Lake of the Woods, another thing I hope to do this year is venture out onto the ice for a drink at Zippel Bay Resort's famous Igloo Bar. When the ice gets thick enough in the winter, the resort sets up an igloo-shaped bar out on the ice where ice anglers can stop by for a drink, to warm up, or to show off their catches. Me? I'd settle for leaning back with a beverage and watching the show. Hopefully, the ice will be thick enough by year's end.

23. Explore the Story of a Renowned Author in Walnut Grove

Since Minnesota is the epicenter of Laura Ingalls Wilder lore – at least the part of her childhood depicted in the "Little House" series of books – I've decided I should probably make an effort to learn more about the author and her time in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Walnut Grove was famously the setting for the television program "Little House on the Prairie," which was based on the series, as well as for the book "On the Banks of Plum Creek." Along these lines, every summer in Walnut Grove, scenes using characters from the book are acted out on stage during the Wilder Pageant. Walnut Grove is definitely a whole Ingalls Wilder vibe.

24. Hike and Discover Kadunce River Gorge in Grand Marais

The Kadunce River Gorge is one of the few slot canyons in Minnesota that's accessible to hikers. You can go in the summer when the water levels are low enough, or in winter, when the gorge is a frosty wonderland full of frozen stalactites. I've never hiked it, but would love to explore it in both seasons. In 2026, I'd like to check at least one of them off my list.

25. Try Lutefisk Again at Northfield’s Local Eateries

Lutefisk, a Scandinavian dish of lye-soaked whitefish, is a thing in Minnesota. Some folks eat it to say they've done so, and others genuinely like the stuff. I, like most people I know, avoid it. I've tried it a couple of times, both instances many years ago, so I figure this year I ought to give it another shot. I know it's included on the Scandinavian buffet at the annual St. Olaf Christmas Festival in Northfield, so that seems like a place where I can try just a little and then quickly eat something else to cover the taste if necessary. So, maybe 2026 is my year to try lutefisk again. Maybe.

26. Experience the North Shore Scenic Railroad in Duluth

Most of the time, I have driven the North Shore, but in 2026, I would like to experience the North Shore Scenic Railroad. The Railroad runs historic train excursions along Lake Superior’s shoreline. When you choose to use the train, you will get an opportunity to experience sweeping water views – something you can never view when driving on Highway 61.

Good to know: Be sure to book ahead, especially during peak foliage season in late September and early October.

What's on your list of the best things to do in Minnesota during what remains of 2026? We'd love to hear about them. Do not forget that you can easily map out potential stops, overnight stays, and nearby attractions using the Only In Your State itinerary planner to help make your Minnesota road trip a reality.