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.
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.
In fact, it’s the only state outside of Alaska where wolves were never extirpated and have survived uninterrupted for millennia.
But National Geographic’s recognition of the area was mainly for its dark skies.
With so much wilderness, light pollution is minimal in Northern Minnesota.
The Boundary Waters’ skies, in particular, have drawn the attention of stargazers.
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.
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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