How to Tour Minnesota

Minnesota is a unique place. It boasts rugged wilderness as well as modern cities. It is known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Much of the recreational activity is done in, around and on the lakes. If you visit in the summer you will have a completely different experience than if you visit in the winter.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

How to Tour Minnesota

1. Decide when you want to go. Minnesota winters are legendary. Whatever your definition of cold is, chances are it is balmy compared to a Minnesota winter. However, if you like ice fishing, snow mobiling or hockey then winter is the perfect time for you. Summer is best for boating on a lake or exploring the back roads. There are millions of trees in Minnesota so fall foliage tours are popular.

2. Determine whether you want to spend your tour inside or outside. Most visitors choose to devote time to both. Minnesota boasts many indoor attractions including one of the most spectacular shopping venues in the world. The Mall of America has four levels of shops surrounding an amusement park and aquarium. Minneapolis and St. Paul are major cities with different personalities. They have some outstanding museums and cultural attractions. Duluth is in the north. It has access to the Great Lakes, some very nice museums and skiing in the winter.

3. Plan your itinerary. If you are flying to Minnesota you will most likely land at MSP in Minneapolis-St. Paul. While you are there you might as well check out the Mall of America and other local sights. These include the state capitol, river front district and the Walker Art Center.

4. Rent a car and venture to other areas of Minnesota. No visit would be complete without experiencing Minnesota's great outdoors. The northern part of the state has bountiful forests and lakes for hiking, fishing and hunting. If you want to see giant statues of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Ox head to Brainard. Boundary Waters Canoe Area is a playground for those who like to paddle. If you enjoy scenic drives check out the North Shore of Lake Superior.

5. Time your tour around a particular event. The Minnesota State Fair is a big deal. It takes place in August. Minnesota hosts three professional sports teams. The Minnesota Vikings football team, the Minnesota Twins baseball team and the Minnesota Wild hockey team. The annual high school state hockey tournament is a huge event drawing visitors from all over the state and country.

Tips & Warnings

• When people say Minnesota winters are cold they mean it. Temperatures of 20 degrees below zero are common. Do not underestimate this when visiting in the winter. Realize that winter lasts a long time in Minnesota. It can start getting cold in September and can stay cold into June. Summer is short but hot. It is always accompanied by a swarm of biting insects. Bring your bug spray if you are visiting in summer. When driving look out for deer. Tens of thousands of deer are killed by cars every year on Minnesota roads. The deer kill a few drivers every year too.

Resources

• Minnesota tourism