The Ultimate And Definitive Bucket List For Everyone In Minnesota
By Jo Magliocco|Updated on May 02, 2024(Originally published March 29, 2016)
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Jo Magliocco
Author
Minnesota staff writer for Only in Your State and owner of Minnesota blog NorthGuide.co, I'm a Minneapolis transplant who loves my cats, camera, and local coffee. On the weekends I'm usually exploring the North Shore or making my way through the list of Minnesota's State Parks. Want to talk about MN or ask me a question? Tweet me @sotafiedjo!
If you’re looking for places to go in Minnesota, the best way to start is with a Minnesota bucket list of some of the state’s most popular and beautiful attractions. And if you live here long enough, these 31 places will be just the tip of the iceberg. From waterfalls to historic houses, here are the places that nobody can afford to miss in Minnesota. Let’s explore!
Have you visited any of these places in the Land of 10,000 Lakes? What would you add to your own Minnesota bucket list? Be sure to let us know in the comments!
One of the best ways to check these places off your list may be a road trip. Just pack up the car and spend a weekend exploring the best that the state has to offer.
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Minnesota Bucket List
Trent Jonas|December 17, 2023
What are some of the best things to do in Minnesota?
There are so many things to see and do in the Land of 10,000 Lakes that it’s almost impossible to put together a Minnesota bucket list of the things that you absolutely need to see in the North Star State. Some things that stand out though are the natural wonders that our state is blessed with. Take a look at these Minnesota bucket list suggestions!
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness - If there’s one Minnesota natural wonder that folks from across the United States know about, it’s probably the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. At more than 1 million acres, the Boundary Waters is one of the largest wilderness areas in the Lower 48. Part of the Superior National Forest along the Canadian border, the BWCAW is home to clean air and dark skies, making it a premier destination for stargazing and northern lights viewing, as well as just getting away from civilization for a few days.
Voyageurs National Park - Voyageurs National Park shares the same geography that makes up that makes up the Boundary Waters, including the dark skies, moose, bears, and wolves. But, as a national park, it’s more accessible - and doesn’t require a permit to visit. One of the least visited national parks, Voyageurs is an awesome place to enjoy a national park experience without the national park crowds.
Pipestone National Monument and Blue Mounds State Park - Located in the extreme southwest corner of the state, Pipestone National Monument and Blue Mounds State Park are characterized by the same geological feature: a miles-long upwelling of Sioux quartzite that sets these places apart from the surrounding tallgrass prairie. Instead of rolling prairie, you’ll find sudden, pink cliffs, and even a waterfall when visiting these parks. You’ll also learn about the area’s incredible Native history.