We all know that Minnesota's most beautiful scenery is in its more than 10,000 lakes. We have the sandy beaches of Lake Minnetonka, the rocky shoreline of Lake Superior, and the resort getaways of Lake Vermillion. But what happens when you want to beat the crowds but still enjoy a lakeside retreat? One option is to escape to a remote island to get away from it all.
Minnesota's Oak Island way up in Lake of the Woods in the Northwest Angle is one of the most remote places in Minnesota. But it's possible to visit thanks to the five lodges that dot its shores: Oak Inn Resort, Sportsman's Oak Island or Eagle Ridge lodges, Angle Inn Lodge, and Sunset Lodge. Let's take a look at what it's like to get away from it all on Oak Island.
Much of Oak Island’s interior is part of the Red Lake Indian Reservation.
That said, the resorts and lodges on the island bring more visitors. These make Oak Island the perfect getaway if you’re willing to make the effort to get there.
Being an island, you exactly can’t pull up driving directions on Google Maps. And being located on the eastern tip of Minnesota's Northwest Angle, you may even have to cross international borders to visit.
Luckily, each lodge offers shuttle services and maps to help you get there. In summer, using your own boat may be the easiest option. You can boat over from the Northwest Angle, Baudette, or Warroad. Or for an even more scenic option, fly in!
In winter, brave souls can drive the plowed ice road from Young’s Bay in Angle Inlet. Snowmobiling is another great - and slightly less terrifying - option.
Each of the resorts offers guided fishing trips throughout the spring, summer, and fall. For ice fishing fans, Angle Inn Lodge and Sunset Lodge continue these services even in the winter.
Of course, you don't have to go fishing at all. It's perfectly fine to just enjoy nature's beauty. Take a walk through the woods, speed across the frozen lake by snowmobile, or count the millions of stars visible in the sky.
Or take a boat ride around Lake of the Woods without ever casting a line. Guaranteed you won't run out of things to see - this is the sixth largest freshwater lake in the United States. Bears, deer, and birds abound.
Seriously, Oak Island is an amazing place to get away from it all. One trip to this remote island, and you'll be planning next year as soon as you get home.
Have you ever made the trek up to Oak Island? Let us know where you stayed and what you thought! Or, if you're interested in more island locations, check out these 7 islands in Minnesota that are a must visit.
There are some things that we Minnesotans simply must do in the summertime to mark the season and others that may be a new adventure for some of us. Regardless, we think there are several things to do in summer in Minnesota that belong on everybody's bucket list; and whether you get to them all or not, you should try and squeeze in at least of few of them while this glorious season lasts.
From Luverne to Lanesboro, Lillydale to Lutsen, most folks in Minnesota live within an hour or so of one of our state's amazing waterfalls. So get out there this summer, and enjoy them - I, for one, have visited several of my favorites this year!
One great way to enjoy the sights and fragrances of the summer season is to visit one of Minnesota's sunflower farms. There are several across the state, and you'll often find food, entertainment, and u-pick sunflower deals in conjunction with the season.
Most Minnesota state parks are, of course, open all year long, but many of them are at their best in the summertime. Even better, state parks are scattered across Minnesota, so there's certain to be an awesome park near you. Keep AllTrails Plus on your smartphone, and you'll have the trail maps you'll need at your fingertips - whether you have a signal or not.
We have some truly fine beaches in Minnesota - but our window for enjoying them is pretty small. So, if you don't get out to the beach during the summer, you'll probably have to wait until next year to do so.
Whether you prefer an RV, a camper cabin, or are a diehard tent purist, there may be nothing better than camping in Minnesota. With so many settings - deep woods, gorgeous lakeshores, and wide open prairie - you're sure to find just the kind of camping experience you love in our awesome state.
In 2024, Danish artist Thomas Dambo oversaw construction of a handful of massive trolls in the Detroit Lakes area. The trolls are tucked back along trails in area forests, part of a scavenger hunt that takes the troll seekers to some lovely natural settings in the region. It's a super fun way to spend a summer afternoon.
Is a summer in the Land of 10,000 Lakes complete without a visit to the Minnesota State Fair? Whether you go for the food, to check out the prize-winning pumpkins and pigs, or head out to see one of the grandstand headliners, everyone should attend the Great Minnesota Get Together at least once in their lives. It's our long, Minnesota goodbye to summer!
Hopefully, you've had - or will have - a chance to get out and enjoy at least a couple of these things to do in summer in Minnesota. What's on your Minnesota summer bucket list? Let us know in the comments!
Here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, we have beautiful scenery all year long. Winter brings icy lakes and frost-covered trees, spring brings birds and blooms, and summer is full of sparkling lakes and lush forests. But for many of us, Minnesota in the fall is the most beautiful. Our millions of acres of forest turn all shades of red, orange, and yellow, and you can find spectacular beauty everywhere you look. Though there are wonderful fall colors around every corner, we wanted to make a list that will help you get the most out of your fall. If you're looking for a great place to explore this season, we think these are some of the best places to go in the fall in Minnesota.
Mankato, Minnesota, is home to one of the state's prettiest waterfalls. It's actually a double waterfall, with a smaller dip leading into a 39-foot drop over a beautiful cliff. The whole area is surrounded by trees, and a picturesque bridge makes it look like a fairytale. Head over to Minneopa State Park to see for yourself.
On Minnesota's North Shore, Gooseberry Falls State Park is one of the most popular parks in the state - and for good reason. It's home to the gorgeous Gooseberry River, which flows into a set of beautiful waterfalls as it makes its way to Lake Superior. Though the park's crown jewel is
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Gooseberry Falls, there are plenty of hiking trails that lead to other great autumn views. It's a wonderful place to explore this fall.
Boundary Waters are one of the most popular wilderness areas in the United States. Though most visitors come in the summertime, the Boundary Waters are also beautiful in the fall. During this time, the many lakes reflect the blazing orange, red, and yellow leaves of the trees surrounding them. It's absolutely spectacular for hiking, camping, or canoeing.
Southern Minnesota is not without autumnal beauty. In Winona, you'll find Great River Bluffs State Park. This 3,000-acre park includes high bluffs that rise over the Mississippi River. In the fall, you can hike to the top to see the tops of the colorful trees from above.
Split Rock Lighthouse is another destination in the Two Harbors area that every Minnesotan should see once. Visiting the park itself offers spectacular views of Lake Superior from the lighthouse. But if you want views of the lighthouse on its perch above the lake, you'll want to stop at one of the many viewing areas nearby. Either way, you'll have unforgettable views of autumn leaves.
Tettegouche State Park is another North Shore gem that everyone should visit at least once. It's home to many popular spots overlooking Lake Superior, including Palisade Head and Shovel Point. But the most famous attraction is the High Fall of the Baptism River, Minnesota's second-highest waterfall. The sight of the rushing waters surrounded by rugged cliffs and brightly colored trees is absolutely beautiful.
Minnehaha Falls is one of the most popular natural areas in Minneapolis. This 53-foot waterfall of Minnehaha Creek rushes over a tall cliff. You can view it from the large platform above, or hike down a long set of stairs to see it from below. The park is filled with trees, water views, and trails that all add up to an autumn wonderland.
Northern Minnesota is home to Minnesota's very first state park. Though it's not the most popular park, it is definitely among the most beautiful. Itasca is home to many acres of forest, hiking trails, and the headwaters of the Mississippi River. There's even a fire tower that will let you see everything from above. The view of the colorful forest is nothing short of spectacular.
Though it's not as big as the Rockies or even the Appalachians, Minnesota has a mountain range all its own. The Sawtooth Mountains are a set of low hills in northern Minnesota that, when viewed from a distance, resemble the edge of a saw. The hills are blanketed in a thick forest that blazes with color every autumn. There are many trails throughout the range, including some that are part of the Superior Hiking Trail.
The St. Croix River, which separates Minnesota from Wisconsin, has plenty of great scenery all year. In the fall, the cliffs that line the river takes on new life as their trees turn shades of red and gold. Hiking through Interstate State Park offers great views of the river from the colorful forest. Some also enjoy kayaking the river for views of the cliffs from below!
In east-central Minnesota, Banning State Park is a destination for many Minnesotans. This park along the St. Croix River has plenty of hiking trails that lead to rocky cliffs and beautiful trees. There's even a small waterfall hidden in the park. If you're looking for somewhere quiet to visit this fall, this lesser-known state park could be the ticket.
If you're willing to travel all the way up Highway 61, you'll soon run into one of Minnesota's most impressive natural wonders. Grand Portage State Park is home to the High Falls of the Pigeon River, which we share with neighboring Canada. The 120-foot waterfall is the tallest in Minnesota. It's a wonderful place to visit in the fall when the cliffs are covered in colorful trees.
When you visit Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, you'll first find a thick forest that, in the fall, is filled with colorful leaves. But as you hike through the woods, you'll soon stumble upon a small but lovely waterfall. Hidden Falls is just 20 feet tall, so it's not the biggest or most impressive waterfall in Minnesota. But thanks to the scenic and peaceful woods that surround it, this little waterfall is well worth visiting.
What are your favorite ways to enjoy fall in Minnesota? Did we leave any of your favorite fall destinations off the list? Let us know in the comments below. Don't forget - fall brings a chill in the air, so when you head out leaf peeping, especially if you're Up North, bring a jacket.
