We know you probably read that headline and scoffed a bit. After all, Minnesota is about as far from the tropics as you can possibly get. But the Land of 10,000 Lakes actually does have quite a few places that might remind you of the tropics. There are plenty of tropical places in Minnesota: whether they have sandy beaches, bright blue waters, or amazing tropical drinks, these spots will take you on a vacation to the Caribbean that you won’t even have to leave Minnesota. Sounds pretty good, huh? Read on to discover some of our favorite places that feel like an oasis in Minnesota. They’ll have you believing you’re in a Caribbean paradise, no plane ticket required!

1. Deer Lake
Deer Lake, MN, USA
Sam/Flickr
Deer Lake is known as the "lake of changing colors." It's one of Minnesota's most beautiful lakes, with crystal-clear waters that look bright blue under the mid-day sun. But come nighttime, the sunset will make the water blaze red, purple, and orange. The gorgeous colors and clear waters here will make it feel like you're taking a trip to the Bahamas.
2. Psycho Suzi's Motor Lounge: 1900 Marshall St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418
Psycho Suzi's Motor Lounge, 1900 Marshall St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418, USA
Psycho Suzi's Motor Lounge/TripAdvisor
We would be remiss to not include one of Minnesota's most well-known restaurants. Psycho Suzi's is a tiki-themed paradise. Here, you'll find fruity drinks that pack a real punch and an amazing patio that looks out over the Mississippi River. It might not be the ocean, but you won't care! A visit here is a surefire way to feel like you've taken a vacation to the tropics.
3. Bunker Beach Water Park: 701 County Rd A, Coon Rapids, MN 55448
Bunker Beach Water Park, County Road A, Coon Rapids, MN, USA
Benjamin Ross/Google
No Caribbean resort would be complete without a great pool. You'll find all that and more at this oasis in Minnesota. Bunker Beach Water Park is a popular spot and it's easy to see why. The clean waters, lazy river, and speedy slides will give you both the relaxation and thrills of a Caribbean resort pool or water park.

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4. Lord Fletcher's Old Lake Lodge: 3746 Sunset Dr, Spring Park, MN 55384
Lord Fletcher's Old Lake Lodge, 3746 Sunset Dr, Spring Park, MN 55384, USA
brice wozniak/Google
Nestled on the shores of Lake Minnetonka, Lord Fletcher's is a go-to spot for many Minnesotans. It's the perfect place to soak in the sun and enjoy excellent food. Many believe you can find the best walleye in Minnesota here. It's a wonderful place to pamper yourself with a nice meal, especially if you opt for sitting on the patio overlooking the lake. The upbeat atmosphere, gorgeous location, and delicious food are all quite hard to beat. A visit will make you feel like you're on a tropical vacation.
5. Park Point: Duluth, MN 55802
Park Point, Duluth, MN 55802, USA
Sharon Mollerus/Flickr
Sure, Lake Superior isn't as big as the ocean ... but from the shore, can you really tell the difference? The sandy beaches of Duluth's Park Point, combined with the view of the waves that stretch to the horizon, make this special place a must-visit spot in the summer. There's even a trail leading to an abandoned lighthouse. Go on a sunny day to enjoy the waves and it will almost feel like you're in the Caribbean.
6. Minnehaha Creek Park: W Minnehaha Pkwy & W 51st St Minneapolis, MN 55419, W Minnehaha Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55419
Minnehaha Creek Park, W Minnehaha Pkwy & W 51st St Minneapolis, MN 55419, W Minnehaha Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55419, USA
amee@work/Flickr
The Caribbean isn't all blue waters and fruity drinks. It's also a place of immense ecological beauty! You can't find any tropical rainforests in Minnesota, but we have plenty of spots with gorgeous scenery. One wonderful place to visit is Minnehaha Creek Park. Here, green foliage shades the water as it rushes towards a high cliff. There, Minnehaha Falls take form. The rushing waterfall and lush beauty will almost feel like you've entered a tropical Caribbean rain forest!

Have you been to any of these tropical places in Minnesota? Let us know about your experiences in the comments. And be sure to use our nomination form to let us know of any others that we should add to the list!

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More to Explore

tropical places in Minnesota

Lisa Sammons | May 14, 2022

What are some more tropical places in Minnesota?

You'll definitely want to check out the Edgewater Resort in Duluth. This hotel has a water park that's accessible year-round thanks to its indoor location. You can't go swimming in many places in Minnesota in January, but you certainly can here!

What are some good quiet, peaceful oases in Minnesota?

In a place with as much natural beauty as Minnesota, there's an almost limitless number of places to go that feel like tranquil havens. One of our favorites is Frontenac State Park right along the Mississippi River. This spot has a beautiful limestone bluff that overlooks the river and has a great vantage point to see all of the park's scenery.

What are some of the best beaches in Minnesota?

Just because we aren't by the ocean, it doesn't mean that we don't have some great beaches in Minnesota. Zippel Bay is a great location for a day trip: it boasts two miles of beautiful sandy shore.

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