Minnesota is such a beautiful state; when people come to visit, a lot of times we find ourselves showing them the same old places, instead of offering them a truly unique visit to places they will never forget. Skip the mall and the lighthouse next time you have out-of-state guests and treat them to the best of Minnesota’s hidden gems, from historic landmarks to untouched nature that will show off the most amazing features of the Land of 10,000 lakes.

1. Judge C. R. Magney State Park
Flickr/Roy Luck
This park is always less crowded but you can see two epic falls, Devil's Kettle and the High Falls on the Brule River!
2. Tamarack National Wildlife Refuge
Flickr/USFWS Midwest
Catch some adorable animal sightings and enjoy a wonderful hike through this wildlife refuge. It's especially gorgeous in the spring and fall.
3. Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Flickr/Rhonda Fleming Hayes
See the gorgeous flowers this spring at the landscape arboretum, your guests will love strolling through the gardens!
4. Franz Jevine State Park
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Visit this lesser-known state park in Northern Minnesota for some spectacular views and a wonderful secluded park experience.
5. Minnesota's Salt Lake
Google Maps
Take your guests to Marietta if they like wildlife viewing for some of the best bird-watching on Minnesota's Salt Lake!
6. Grand Rounds Scenic Byway
Flickr/Tony Webster
Take a turn around the Grand Rounds and treat your guests to our city of lakes.
7. Franconia Sculpture Garden
Flickr/Greg Gjerdingen
Visit the sculpture garden in Franconia and have the entire place to yourself. It's a great stop on the way to Taylors Falls, which rounds out the perfect day trip close to the Twin Cities.

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8. Soudan Underground Mine State Park
Flickr/Roy Luck
Visit one of the most amazing mines in the US, and your guests will be sure to have a great trip. The tours are educational and fun, and only take an hour and a half.
9. Vince Shute Bear Sanctuary
Flickr/Amy Ross
Treat your guests to a rare look at these beautiful animals at the bear sanctuary. The photos will make for an amazing keepsake!
10. Quarry Park and Nature Preserve in Waite Park
Flickr/RLEVANS
Take your guests swimming in an old quarry for a truly unique experience.
11. Jeffer's Petroglyphs
Flickr/Ben Schaffhausen
See this astonishing bit of history and explore southern Minnesota for a change!
12. Ice Cream Tour
Flickr/Michael Hicks
Show off the local food experience with a tour of Minnesota's best homemade ice cream shops. Any guest will cherish this memory forever!
13. International Wolf Center
Flickr/Ann
Another animal lover's paradise, see the wolves in Ely and give your guests a lasting memory.
14. The American Swedish Institute
Flickr/Tony Webster
Take a break from the science museum and see some history, along with one of the most epic buildings (and few castles) in Minnesota!
15. Frontenac State Park
Good Free Photos
Treat your visitors to some unforgettable views on these Mississippi River Bluffs. A hike along the bluffs for out-of-staters is wonderfully unique experience.

Where do you like to take visitors in Minnesota? Tell us on the Only In Minnesota Facebook Page!

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