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Posted in Minnesota Winter December 11, 2015 by Jo Magliocco

20 Spots In Minnesota That Will Drop Your Frozen Jaw This Winter

Minnesota is beautiful year-round, but the winter holds a special place in many Minnesotans’ hearts. The sparkling snow fields and the icy North Shore add to the holiday magic, and nothing beats a snowy sunrise or sunset. Luckily, there are many Minnesota photographers who brave the freezing temperatures to capture some of that magic, and help us find some of Minnesota’s stunning winter views. Here are some amazing spots that are guaranteed to have you praising MN winter.

1. The ice on Superior in Grand Marais combined with the morning mist is unbelievably gorgeous.

2. Great River Bluffs State Park is a wonderful place to start, but all along the bluffs of Southeastern Minnesota you'll find spectacular views.

3. A popular North Shore destination, Two Harbors is brilliant on an icy day.

4. Minnehaha Falls is one of Minnesota's best winter destinations. The view will astound you both inside and out.

5. The view from McQuade Road in Duluth is amazing, especially when you look at this epic frozen railing.

6. This frosty morning in Kandiyohi County is stunning!

7. The Pike River Resevoir in Tower is unforgettable with a blanket of snow.

8. The fields surrounding St. Cloud are wonderful in the winter. Check them out for a rural winter adventure.

9. This frosty morning at Morris Wetland Management District is unreal.

10. Lake Kabetogama never looked better! There's something so wonderful about the northern parts of the state covered in snow.

11. Sax-Zim Bog in Forbes is beautiful in the sunlight. This is a phenomenal place for bird-watching.

12. Biwabik looks amazing in the winter months. Who's visiting Giants Ridge this year?

13. Duluth is always beautiful but even more so with some ice. This is a typical end of winter view you can find on a Duluth evening.

14. The mornings at Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge are especially gorgeous.

15. East Lake Winona looks stunning in the winter months, especially under cloud-cover.

16. The Minnesota River in New Ulm looks amazing after our first snows this year. Nothing beats the winter waters of MN, especially once they freeze!

17. Gooseberry Falls is one of Minnesota's most stunning summer locations, and it's no different in the winter. The amazing frozen waterfalls are even climbable. You can also see all the way down to the North Shore, and the view is unforgettable.

18. Prairie's Edge Wildlife Drive is the perfect way to enjoy the amazing MN scenery on a cold day. You don't even have to get out of the car, but the lookout points sure are stunning! You might even find an eagle or two!

19. The snowy landscape in Vermillion is fantastic.

And in Vermillion you might be lucky enough to spot an owl like this one!

20. Hastings is another beautiful winter destination, and another fantastic place to see some wildlife.

What are your favorite places to capture the MN winter scenery? Share your favorite MN winter photos with us on the Only In Minnesota Facebook Page.

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Jo Magliocco

Minnesota staff writer for Only in Your State and owner of Minnesota blog NorthGuide.co, I'm a Minneapolis transplant who loves my cats, camera, and local coffee. On the weekends I'm usually exploring the North Shore or making my way through the list of Minnesota's State Parks. Want to talk about MN or ask me a question? Tweet me @sotafiedjo!