Everyone knows Minnesota has 10,000 lakes, but what they may not know is that we have so much more than that, too. This state has something to offer everyone, no matter their interests. Minnesota was made for people who love both nature and culture, and luckily for all of us it has oodles of both. Here are 12 unique things to do in Minnesota that you might not of ever thought of doing, but definitely should.

1. Hike to the top of Minnesota.
Justin Meissen/Flickr
At 2,301 feet above sea level, Eagle Mountain is the highest point in all of Minnesota. But despite its great height (for Minnesota, anyway), this mountain is pretty easy to summit. If you're ever in northern Minnesota and want to take a short hike through untouched nature, you could do worse than the Eagle Mountain trail. Learn more about the hike here.
2. Explore a mysterious cave.
MN Photos/Flickr
With all the focus on the North Shore, a lot of people forget that southern Minnesota has a lot to offer, too. At Forestville Mystery Cave State Park in Preston, you have the chance to go deep underground. You'll hike through Minnesota's longest cave, experience total darkness, and even catch a glimpse of some mysterious underground pools. Check out the website for the most up-to-date information on the park.

Address: 21071 County Road 118, Preston, Minnesota, 55965
3. Spend the night in an old lighthouse.
Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast/Facebook
Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast is the oldest one operating in Minnesota. It was opened as a bed and breakfast in 1999, and it's been a popular North Shore destination ever since. Even if you don't spend the night, the history of the building - built in 1892 - makes it worth the visit. Plus, it comes with an amazing view of Lake Superior, too. Learn more about what you can expect from a stay at the Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast here.

Address: 1 LightHouse Point, Two Harbors, Minnesota, 55616
4. Eat in a cool train-themed restaurant.
Choo Choo Restaurant & Bar
Not everything has to be nature related. Minnesota has plenty of cool restaurants to explore, like the Choo Choo Restaurant & Bar in Loretto. Not only is this place train-themed, but it even has a real caboose from an old Soo Line train too. Learn more here.

Address: 160 Railway Street West, Loretto, Minnesota, 55357
5. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Minnesota's Largest Candy Store.
Minnesota's Largest Candy Store/Facebook
If you love all things sugary, Minnesota's Largest Candy Store is a must-visit place for you. This brightly colored building has everything you can imagine and more. Because it's only open in the summer, it draws huge crowds on summer weekends. But braving the crowds is worth it for the opportunity to get as much candy as you'll ever need. Learn about this Minnesota treasure here.

Address: 20430 Johnson Memorial Drive, Jordan, Minnesota, 55352
6. Sleep in a real train car.
Whistle Stop Bed & Breakfast
Looking to satisfy your childhood wish to become a train conductor? Dream of a romantic cross-country train trip? Whatever the reason - even if you just like trains - Whistle Stop Bed & Breakfast is an absolutely amazing place to stay. They have several historic train cars to choose from - all nicely decorated with lovely accommodations. Learn more about your stay here.

Address: 107 East Nowell Street, New York Mills, Minnesota, 56567

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7. Visit a thrilling adventure park.
Kerfoot Canopy Tour/Facebook
Ready for a wild ride? The Kerfoot Canopy Tour will take you speeding through the treetops at its location in Henderson, Minnesota. The entire tour lasts several hours, includes instruction by experienced guides, and is totally worth it for the killer view. Learn more here.

Address: 30200 Scenic Byway Road, Henderson, Minnesota, 56044
8. Stay somewhere a little off the beaten path.
Thunderbird Lodge/Facebook
Want to really get away from it all? Thunderbird Resort in Rainy Lake will help you do that. In addition to being about as close as you can get to Canada without crossing the border, the resort is also on 1,500 feet of Rainy Lake. That means you'll be surrounded by pristine nature. What's not to love? Check out everything Thunderbird has to offer here.

Address: 2170 County Road 139, International Falls, Minnesota, 56649
9. Take a drive down a haunted road.
Google Maps
Unless you're afraid of ghosts, this drive along a remote road in northern Minnesota might be just the thing for an adrenaline rush. At night, you might see shadows or red glowing eyes in the trees. But that's nothing compared to what you might here. Check out the full story of the haunting here.
10. Play in an extreme sandbox.
Extreme Sandbox/Facebook
Ever wondered what it would be like to drive construction equipment? Extreme Sandbox gives you the chance. Whether you just want to dig in the sand or challenge your friend to a high-powered competition, you're going to love this place. Find out everything you can do here.

Address: 1901 Glendale Road, Hastings, Minnesota, 55033
11. Visit a cheese farm.
Redhead Creamery LLC/Facebook
We can't let our neighbors to the east get all the credit for making great cheese. Redhead Creamery is a relatively new - but still notable - creamery in Brooten, Minnesota. On a tour, you'll get to see everything from the cows to the cheese-making process to the finished product. If you're a cheese lover, jump on it. You're going to love your taste of this lesser-known cheese. Check out the whole tour here.

Address: 31535 463rd Avenue, Brooten, Minnesota, 56316
12. Relax in a salt cave.
The Salt Cave Minnesota/Facebook
The Salt Cave Minnesota is unlike anything else in the state. It is actually two breathtakingly gorgeous salt caves located behind an unassuming storefront in Minneapolis. They are as relaxing as they are beautiful, and definitely worth a trip if you want to try a new way to unwind. Find out more about the amazing caves here.

Address: 4811 Nicollet Avenue, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55419

Have you ever done any of these things? Share your experience with us!

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More to Explore

Unique Things to Do in Minnesota

Tori Jane | May 14, 2021

Where are some cool places in Minnesota to visit? 

You know, a lot of times, people seem to underestimate Minnesota for the real beauty it has, and the rich cultural activities here, as well. However, if you know where to start, you’ll realize that there are a seemingly endless number of awesome things to do around the state. For nature lovers, there are always such natural gems as the beautiful Superior National Forest, where you can find some amazing wildlife, and the North Shore Scenic Route is probably one of the best in the state. For people who prefer more urban activities, Minnesota is a haven for beautiful architecture. For example, the Cathedral of St. Paul in St. Paul is a beautiful and awe-inspiring structure that urban explorers will love. The State Capitol building is pretty cool to see, too. You can also explore our numerous state parks, museums, and so much more. Get out there and start exploring - you never know what you’ll find. 

What kind of activities in Minnesota are popular? 

Although we’ve definitely got city-slickers among us, outdoor activities reign supreme as the thing to do in Minnesota. You’ll find thousands of miles of incredible trails, astonishingly beautiful state and natural parks, epic swimming holes, more than 11,000 beautiful lakes, and so, so, so much more. Whether your jam is hiking, fishing, hunting, boating, or camping, you’re sure to find something incredible here that you’ll never forget. During the summer months, stargazing at night is second to none. During autumn, the fall color attracts leaf-peepers from around the country. Of course, there are other wonderful things about the other two seasons, too, and Minnesota is worth a visit year-round (though it does get a bit cold in the winter). 

What kind of day trips in Minnesota can I go on? 

No matter what your interests are, you can probably find a unique Minnesota road trip just for you. The Grand Rounds Scenic Byway is great for those who appreciate the city as well as the countryside. You could always go for a drive until you reach Duluth, which is a beautiful little place with plenty to explore. A drive through the Superior National Forest is almost always incredible, especially during fall. For a more thorough list of our favorite Minnesota day trips, this article may serve as inspiration.

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Featured Addresses
Eagle Mountain, West Cook, MN 55604, USA
21071 County Rd 118, Preston, MN 55965, USA
1 Lighthouse Point, Two Harbors, MN 55616, USA
160 Railway St W, Loretto, MN 55357, USA
20430 Johnson Memorial Dr, Jordan, MN 55352, USA
107 E Nowell St, New York Mills, MN 56567, USA
30200 Scenic Byway Rd, Henderson, MN 56044, USA
2170 Co Rd 139, International Falls, MN 56649, USA
1901 Glendale Rd, Hastings, MN 55033, USA
31535 463rd Ave, Brooten, MN 56316, USA
4811 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55419, USA