6 Minnesota Tourist Spots I Tried To Hate (But Ended up Loving)

I love Minnesota, and I love exploring and seeing all our beautiful state has to offer. I'm also haughty, judgmental, and dismissive—so there are some things that I tend to pooh-pooh before I even see or experience them, especially things that I perceive as tourist traps or just too much. I am not, for instance, a big fan of the Mall of America, though I understand it has its place in our state's zeitgeist. On the other hand, there are many spots in the Bold North that I fully expected to dislike, but much to my surprise, I ended up loving. Here's a Paul Bunyan-sized handful of my favorite examples.

1. World's Largest Paul Bunyan Statue - Akeley

World's largest anything statues are often underwhelming—and we have plenty of them here in Minnesota. We're also up to our knees in Paul Bunyan kitsch here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, so I expected very little when I pulled over to visit the world's largest Paul Bunyan statue in the otherwise charming town of Akeley. But, you know, staring up into that fella's big blue, admiring the intricate details of his fiberglass beard (wondering if birds nested in his nostrils, and if so, what kind), I became kind of smitten and found myself gently easing into his outstretched hand and enjoying the moment.

2. Niagara Cave - Harmony

I am, somewhat famously, not a huge fan of underground adventures. It's not necessarily that I'm claustrophobic. Rather, it's that I don't like all that earth above me waiting to collapse at any moment. Or not being able to leave a place when I want to. So, needless to say, I don't always love a cave. That said, I've been to some very cool spots in state and national parks, such as Forestville-Mystery Cave State Park here in Minnesota, as well as places like Wind Cave National Park and Jewel Cave National Monument in South Dakota, and Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky. But I'm almost always skeptical of privately-owned caves and cave tours, which are often lame underground tourist traps where I'm stuck in until the tour is over.

I am here to tell you, though, Niagara Cave in Harmony is a clear exception. This cave is part of the same network of karst passages as Mystery Cave, but Niagara has something most caves in Minnesota—or anywhere else, for that matter—do not: a 60-foot subterranean waterfall. This alone, if you ask me, is worth the price of admission, but once you toss in soaring, 100-foot ceilings, dramatic rock formations, and walls embedded with fossils, I simply cannot argue: I am a fan.

3. The Minnesota Renaissance Festival - Shakopee

I was cajoled into attending the Minnesota Renaissance Festival—one of biggest there is, I'm told—by a group of friends. When they explained to me what it was and what happened there, I was dubious. But they assured me there would be beer, so I reluctantly tagged along. I came home with a poofy shirt and a flagon, and now, many years later, I've made attending the festival with my own children a near-annual tradition. Who says I'm not flexible in my opinions?

4. The "Grand Canyon of the North" - Hibbing

I have strong opinions about extractive industries that damage the landscape and environment. In Minnesota, however, mining is a big deal and a large part of the economy, so my opinions are not always welcome. Needless to say, I was dubious when I heard that they were calling the Hull-Rust-Mahoning Mine—one of the largest open pit mines in the world—"the Grand Canyon of the North." So once when I was in the area, I decided to stop in at the viewpoint and interpretive center in Hibbing. While it's no Grand Canyon, I grudgingly admit that it was something to behold, and the exhibits, which include some of the massive equipment used in the mine, were fascinating. I learned a thing or two. If you happen to be in Hibbing, I do recommend heading up to Mine View and having a look around, if, for no other reason, only to learn a little more about this important segment of Minnesota's economy.

5. Gondola Romantica - Stillwater

I've ridden a gondola in Venice, and I've scoffed at the gondolas in Las Vegas. I certainly did not expect to be impressed by a gondola in Stillwater on the St. Croix River. I was wrong—it's a very cool experience and a beautiful way to see Stillwater, especially in the evening.

6. Duluth

I know, I know—but hear me out on this one. I moved to Minnesota from Iowa to attend the University of Minnesota, so I knew nothing about the northern city of Duluth. It did not pop up on my radar until my sophomore year when I went along on a trip to the city with my then-girlfriend. And her parents. In their RV. Together. I had no idea what to expect of any of it, and I certainly didn't know what the big deal was about Duluth. Once we arrived, I quickly found out. As with many—if not most—Minnesotans, I entered into a love affair with this Lake Superior gem that has not abated over the decades, and I visit as often as I can. (Conversely, I have no idea what became of my then-girlfriend. Or her parents.)

I am so glad to have been wrong about these places—and that's why I'm willing to explore, even if I think I won't like something. What are some spots in Minnesota that surprised you? We'd love to hear about your favorites.

Are you feeling inspired to get out and explore the North Star State? Try planning your own Minnesota adventures using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner