The Definitive Guide To Uncovering Minnesota’s Best Attractions — Small Towns, Gorgeous Parks, Museums, And More!
When you’re in the Land of 10,000 lakes, you’re never far from something fun to see and do. Great attractions are sprinkled throughout all corners of Minnesota, providing opportunities for adventure, discovery, and even a few laughs. You’ll find tranquil and scenic parks, gorgeous farmers markets, bridges that are marvels of engineering, expansive zoos, and unforgettable train rides. Our small towns serve up endless amounts of timeless charm.
The state’s general stores will take you to simpler times, and our antique shops will let you bring some old time discoveries home. Or perhaps you’re interested in a different sort of vintage purchase; the state’s wonderful wineries have you covered. There’s so much to do in Minnesota. Here’s a sample of some of Minnesota’s best attractions.
The Best Small Towns In Minnesota
A different world awaits for people who explore Minnesota's small towns. Across the state, crossroad hamlets, quaint county seats, and picturesque villages offer a look at the best of yesterday, along with some modern surprises. In Askov, you'll find that the street signs are written in English and Danish to reflect the town's heritage. Little Cosmos hosts a space festival (of course!). Mantorville has one of the oldest restaurants in the entire United States. A 55-foot-tall Jolly Green Giant statue greets visitors to Blue Earth. Luverne is home to Blue Mounds State Park, which has one of Minnesota's most unique landscapes. Have you been lucky enough to set foot in these places?
The Must Visit General Store In Minnesota
In eastern Minnesota, on the St. Croix River, the tiny town of Marine was once a booming logging community. The loggers have disappeared, but the store that sold supplies to these pioneers remains. The Marine General Store was built in 1870 and is the oldest general store in Minnesota. The minute you step inside, you’ll see why people still love coming here. Take a look; doesn't this store make you feel like you stepped into the 1800s?
The Unique Park In Minnesota
Yes, that is a giant foot. "Big Foot" is a sculpture weighing in at more than 1,200 pounds. It's just one of the weird and wonderful sculptures at Nyberg Sculpture Park. The park is located about 160 miles northeast of the Twin Cities, on Highway 210 between Fergus Falls and Brainerd, and it's pretty fantastic. It's filled with larger-than-life items, including a coffee cup, an elk, and a huge potted cactus. The sculptures are as random as they are amazing. What do you think the next addition to the park should be?
The One Of A Kind Boat Ride In Minnesota
The St. Croix River is absolutely spectacular, and a scenic boat ride in Taylors Falls will help you take in the river's breathtaking beauty. The Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours use old fashioned riverboats to take passengers past tree covered cliffs and interesting rock formations. Enjoy a lazy summer cruise or a trip to take in the breathtaking fall colors. Can you imagine a more relaxing way to spend a day?
The Most Charming Farmers Market In Minnesota
When its growing season in Minnesota, farmers markets pop up all over the state. One market is a little different than the others. It's absolutely huge. Doehling's Countryside Farm Market is like the Mall of America, minus the Nickelodeon Universe. Ok, maybe it's not quite that enormous, but this family-owned market has just about every farmers market item you can imagine, from flowers to fresh produce. In the fall, stop in for a big selection of apples, pumpkins, and gourds. What would you put in your market basket?
The Magical Train Ride In Minnesota
In Minnesota, you'll find some of the best scenery in the upper Midwest, and a special train is just the ticket to take it all in. The Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad in Duluth offers an open air train ride that will take you on a scenic adventure you’ll never forget. The rides use a locomotive that's over 70 years old, and it pulls coach cars built in 1912. Take in the best views in the open air Safari Car. Which seat would you take on this amazing train?
The Tallest Bridge In Minnesota
In Minnesota's Iron Range, there’s a bridge hike that crosses the tallest bridge in the entire state. Whether you hike or bike, it will be a stomach-dropping adventure that you won't forget. The Virginia High Bridge crosses the Rouchleau Mine Lake, a former open-pit mine that's now a small lake. The bridge connects to the Mesabi Trail, a 135-mile trail that crosses a large swath of Northeastern Minnesota. The Virginia High Bridge offers amazing views - as long as you aren't afraid of heights. Would you be able to look down?
One Of The Most Unique Museums In Minnesota
Minnesota might be the capital of interesting and quirky museums. We've got the Science Museum of Minnesota and the weirdly wonderful SPAM Museum in Austin as well as one unique museum you might have never heard of. The Greyhound Bus Museum is located in Hibbing; that's where the company was founded. The museum has tons of interesting memorabilia and a collection of old buses. The oldest dates to 1914. The museum also reportedly houses a few ghosts. Some weird and unexplained things have happened here. Are you brave enough to take a look?
