12 Magnificent Hidden Gems To Discover In Minnesota This Year
By Trent Jonas|Updated on December 15, 2023(Originally published January 16, 2023)
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Trent Jonas
Author
Trent Jonas came to Minnesota to attend college - and never left. He's a Twin Cities-based writer with a BA in English and a MFA in creative writing, a Minnesota Master Naturalist, and the proud father of two adult children. With more than a decade of freelance writing experience under his belt, Trent is often out exploring his favorite topics: Minnesota's woods, lakes, and trails. Rhubarb pie is his weakness, so discovering new diners is also a passion.
This year, why not get out and uncover some of the lesser-known places in the Land of 10,000 Lakes? Here are a dozen of our favorite places to go and fun things to do in Minnesota to get you started. We think these are some of the best hidden gems in Minnesota, and each one is worthy of a spot on your must-visit list. In fact, you could visit one of these hidden gems in Minnesota each month of the year.
January - The Book House, Dinkytown
The Book House in Dinkytown, 1316 4th St SE #201, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA
When it’s the depths of winter in Minnesota, who wouldn’t want to curl up with a good book - or thousands. You’re sure to find one among the labyrinthine stacks at the venerable Book House in Dinkytown, tucked up above street level and out of sight, where you could easily spend a whole January afternoon just browsing.
February - Como Park Ski Center, St. Paul
Como Park Ski Center, Lexington Parkway North, Saint Paul, MN, USA
Sure, folks in the Twin Cities Metro are spoiled by the numerous nearby ski areas, but few are easier to reach from St. Paul than its own Como Park Ski Center. It’s not the biggest or the longest, but if you’re a beginner or just want to get in a few quick runs at the end of the day, Como is the place for you. You’ll also find sledding and Nordic skiing in the park. Need a winter warm up? Pop into the warm, humid air of the Como Park Conservatory, close your eyes, and pretend it's summer - and there aren't even any mosquitoes!
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March - Brainerd VFW
Veterans of Foreign Wars, South 6th Street, Brainerd, MN, USA
While people may be more familiar with the bigger celebrations in St. Paul and Minneapolis, Brainerd is no slouch when it comes to St. Patrick’s Day - and the Brainerd VFW is ground zero for the celebration. Each year, the organization plays host to the event and puts together the popular parade.
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April - Four Seasons Restaurant and Bar, Finland
Four Seasons Restaurant & Bar, 6538 State Hwy 1, Finland, MN 55603, USA
Late spring is the season for waterfalls on the North Shore and baby moose in the Superior National Forest. You may be chasing waterfalls, but you still have to eat, and Finland’s Four Seasons Restaurant and Bar is the perfect place for a pit stop or dinner destination during your April adventures. Whether you're looking for a quick burger or a hearty entree and drink, you'll surely leave satisfied.
When fishing season rolls around, anglers flock to Lake Vermilion for its famous walleye. And you’d be remiss if you passed up a meal or massive pizza at the Vermilion Club, which is right on the south shore of the lake, accessible by boat, near Tower and Peyla. It's the perfect stop for a hearty meal and a beverage after a long day on the lake.
June - Hayes Lake State Park, Roseau
Hayes Lake State Park, 48990 Co Rd 4, Roseau, MN 56751, USA
Minnesota’s state parks have a crowding problem - especially in the summer. But you won’t find that at Hayes Lake State Park in the remote northwestern part of the Bold North. Go in June, and enjoy the north woods when the lady's slippers are starting to bloom.
Want to go canoe camping without driving to the Boundary Waters? Look the other direction, toward Rice Lake State Park in southern Minnesota. It’s a beautiful park that surrounds a lovely lake. And paddle-in sites, which are wooded and offer a sense of seclusion, are often available.
You can get a bit more of a feel for Rice Lake State Park from this YouTube video by Drive North:
Minnesota has more bog land than any other state outside of Alaska. Learn what makes the bog ecosystem so special with a stroll along the half-mile Orr Bog Walk. Go in August to see carnivorous pitcher plants and other bog denizens.
In September, the leaves are starting to turn in northern Minnesota and, more importantly, the mosquitoes have abated. Hike a trail less traveled with a trek along the Kek (i.e., the Kekakabic Trail). The eastern trailhead is practically across the road from the more popular Magnetic Rock Trail, but you’ll enjoy some of the same, rugged Boundary Waters terrain.
October - Zumbro Bottoms Management Unit, Kellogg
Zumbro Bottoms Management Unit - Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest, T-70, Kellogg, MN 55945, USA
In October, hit the fall foliage peak in southeastern Minnesota with a hike in the Zumbro Bottoms Management Unit of the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest. You’ll marvel at the splendor of autumn along the bluffs of the Zumbro River near its confluence with the MIssissippi.
November - Heritage Village, Mountain Lake
Heritage Village, Mountain Lake Road, Mountain Lake, MN, USA
In November, pay a visit to Mountain Lake’s Heritage Village and step into the past. You’ll learn more about the early colonizing of the area by Russian Mennonites and explore historic homes and structures.
December - Dalton Christmas Fest, Dalton
Dalton Christmas Fest, Threshermen Drive, Dalton, MN, USA
The town of Dalton, in western Minnesota, goes all out for the holidays. Make your season even more festive with a visit to the village during its annual Christmas Fest celebration.
Although we’re suggesting you visit these hidden gems in Minnesota one per month, there’s no reason you couldn’t string a few of them together into a road trip itinerary. All you’d have to do is pack the car, put together some snacks, and hit the road!
Have you visited any of these hidden gems? Do you have any favorites that we missed?
While you’re out and about, be sure to check out these scenic state parks in Minnesota, which we’ve also curated into a year-long itinerary.
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More to Explore
Hidden Gems Near Me In Minnesota
Trent Jonas|December 15, 2023
If you've been searching for "hidden gems near me in Minnesota," look no further, because we've got plenty of suggestions for you. Here are a few more of our favorites for you to check out.
Mexican food enthusiasts should be sure to pay a visit to El Sazon Cocina y Tragos in Minneapolis.
Looking for a place with the amenities of a state park but without the crowds? Check out Chester Park in Duluth.
