The Ultimate And Definitive Bucket List For Everyone In Minnesota

If you're looking for places to go in Minnesota, the best way to start is with a Minnesota bucket list of some of the state's most popular and beautiful attractions. And if you live here long enough, these 31 places will be just the tip of the iceberg. From waterfalls to historic houses, here are the places that nobody can afford to miss in Minnesota. Let's explore!

1. Minnehaha Falls - Minneapolis

Minnehaha Falls is a peaceful getaway in the backyard of the Twin Cities.

2. Glensheen Mansion - Duluth

The most visited historic home in Minnesota, Glensheen Mansion sits on gorgeous Lake Superior, surrounded by amazing gardens. Though it may be beautiful, it has a dark past; the home was the site of double homicide in 1977.

3. Gooseberry Falls - Two Harbors

Our favorite and most scenic falls with 3 levels of gushing water.Check out this YouTube video by an Only In Your State Minnesota author of the waterfall swollen by spring flood melt.

4. Devil's Kettle - Hovland

Minnesota's most mysterious natural wonder, Devil's Kettle is where half of the Brule River disappears, and never shows up again where we can see it. It astonishes visitors time and time again, and is one of MN's most beautiful falls to boot.

5. Itasca State Park - Park Rapids

The headwaters of the Mississippi are not only beautiful, but easily accessible via a quick hike.

6. Split Rock Lighthouse State Park - Beaver Bay

Probably the MOST photographed place in Minnesota, Split Rock Lighthouse defines our stunning North Shore.

7.Jeffers Petroglyphs - Comfrey

Feel connected to the land and history. This is too amazing to skip.

8. Canal Park - Duluth

The beautiful neighborhood, lakewalk, and Duluth's aerial lift bridge make this one of the most picturesque landmarks in MN.

9. Voyageurs National Park

Voyageurs National Park is unlike any other in that its campsites and interior are accessible only by water. This park provides one of the only remaining true wilderness experiences, where you can enjoy the beauty of America’s land without human interference.

10. Superior Hiking Trail - Northeastern Minnesota

Consistently regarded as one of the best trails in the country, you can't miss a single mile of this northern adventure.

11. St. Croix River Dalles - Taylors Falls

The St. Croix River is where you'll find some of the most spectacular geological features in MN, from glacial potholes to the scenic cliffs where we can count the lava flows and prove that Minnesota was, indeed, once an ocean state.

12. Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden - Minneapolis

The oldest public wildflower garden in the United State, this garden is located in Theodore Wirth Regional Park in Minneapolis/Golden Valley.

13. Oberg Mountain Loop - Lutsen

Off the Superior Hiking Trail, this loop has unforgettable views of Lake Superior, Oberg Lake and Moose Mountain.

14. Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness - Superior National Forest

The most expansive canoeing area full of phenomenal lakes and streams, the BWCAW is one of the most calming places in the country, and a famous United States destination for true adventurers.

15. Marjorie McNeely Conservatory - St. Paul

These gardens are a magnificent blend of man-made beauty and nature’s finest work.

16. Grand Rounds Scenic Byway - Minneapolis

An easy bike ride for anyone provides some of the most beautiful scenery in the country and connects the best parks, lakes, and the Mississippi.

17. Lake Vermilion - Soudan Underground Mine State Park - Tower

One of Minnesota's most fascinating places, the mine on northern Minnesota's Vermilion Range is the oldest and deepest in MN. The mine's lowest level, the 27th, is 2,341 feet below ground.

18. Niagara Cave - Harmony

Near Harmony, discover the depths of Niagara Cave, one the Midwest's largest caves, with fossils, a waterfall, and even a wedding chapel. The beautiful water-sculpted passageways make for a truly one-of-a-kind walk.

19. Walker Art Center and Sculpture Garden - Minneapolis

World class art and a one-of-a-kind sculpture garden.

20. Capitol Building - Saint Paul

When you get to St. Paul, you can actually call 877-411-4123 for an over the phone History on the Spot Walking Tour! Talk about hi-tech!

21. First Avenue and 7th Street Entry - Minneapolis

This is easily the best and most legendary music venue in the state.

22. Como Park Zoo and Conservatory - Saint Paul

This public zoo offers free admission to see lions, tigers, and POLAR BEARS! Oh my!

23. National Eagle Center - Wabasha

Visit Wabasha for the daily programs with the eagle ambassadors.

24. International Wolf Center - Ely

Head up to Ely to see these stunning animals.

25. Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary - Orr

Enjoy a day of adorable bears and amazing scenery.

26. Saint Paul Winter Carnival - Saint Paul

The best winter event of the year in Saint Paul has been happening since 1886!

27. Minnesota Renaissance Festival - Shakopee

The amazing entertainment makes this a can’t miss every year!

28. Stone Arch Bridge - Minneapolis

The views of downtown Minneapolis and the Stone Arch Bridge are some of the most photographed in MN and highlight the beautiful historic and modern sides of the Twin Cities.

29. Hermann Heights Monument - New Ulm

View small town Minnesota from this famous monument in New Ulm.

30. James J. Hill House - Saint Paul

Learn about the life and home of James J. Hill, builder of the Great Northern Railway!

31. Mayowood Mansion - Rochester

Designed by Dr. Charles H. Mayo of the Mayo Clinic, this amazing mansion and the surrounding gardens are full of historic charm.

Minnesota's Gunflint Trail is another wonderful adventure in Northern Minnesota. Learn more about it in this video:

Have you visited any of these places in the Land of 10,000 Lakes? What would you add to your own Minnesota bucket list? Be sure to let us know in the comments!

One of the best ways to check these places off your list may be a road trip. Just pack up the car and spend a weekend exploring the best that the state has to offer.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/usa/road-trip-essentials-packing-list/