Sometimes traveling off the beaten path can be a more exciting way to experience the culture of an area. Minnesota has so much more to offer than our top 10 destinations, and while those are beautiful, there is always an alternate that will give you a more peaceful, quiet, and truly unique travel experience. So here are some of MN’s more “touristy” activities, and other option(s) to try next time!

1. Rather than going to Mall of America...
Flickr/Kimberly Robyn
Opt for some local shopping, like on Grand Ave in St. Paul.
Google Maps
Or Uptown in Minneapolis.
Flickr/Michael Hicks
Even Midtown Global Market! All much more interesting alternatives - and less likely to rip you off or give you a headache.
2. Instead of visiting the Walker Sculpture Garden again...
Flickr/Doug Kerr
Visit Franconia Sculpture Park.
Flickr/Doug Kerr
It's full of unique, amazing sculptures, and they are always changing or being added to the mix.
3. Taking a drive on Skyline Parkway or walking up Enger Tower.
Flickr/ShaLynn Wren
Instead, take an aerial tour!
Flickr/U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Detroit District
There is an airport on Park Point, and nothing beats the views from your own private plane tour!
4. The State Capitol is under construction, so instead...
Flickr/Teresa Boardman
Visit historic Summit Ave., a local favorite. and tour the Alexander Ramsey House.
Flickr/Richie Diesterheft
5. Rather than paying an enormous sum of money to watch a Twins game...
Flickr/Jonathan Miske
Join in with local spirit at a St. Paul Saints game!
Facebook/Gary Felix Zaworski via St. Paul Saints Baseball
The community at Saints' games is amazing and you will fall in love with this local team.

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6. Visiting the Walker Art Center.
Flickr/Chelsea Marie Hicks
Try something new instead like the American Swedish Institute.
Flickr/Tony Webster
This largely underrated museum is beautiful inside and out and gives you a feel for Minnesota immigrants of the past.
7. Take a break from Como Park and the conservatory.
Flickr/berned_you
And try out the Normandale Japanese Gardens.
Flickr/technicolours
They are spectacular and will give you a renewed sense of peace.
8. Rather than touring around the Mayo Clinic in downtown Rochester...
Flickr/Tripp
Skip straight to Mayowood and get a more intimate look at the medical legacy of the Mayo family.
Flickr/Connie Kendall
9. Don't fork over the cash for a riverboat tour.
Flickr/Randen Pederson
When you could be canoeing (even with a guide).
Flickr/Ed Kohler
It's much more satisfying to do the work yourself.
10. The State Fair is an MN favorite, but can be overwhelming for visitors and tiring.
Flickr/m01229
Try going to an event that locals love.
Flickr/Dan
Like aquatennial or the St. Paul Winter Carnival. These will really give you a feel for the local community.
11. Take a break from going "Up North" all the time.
Flickr/Doc Searls
Instead, explore southern MN for its phenomenal Mississippi towns and beautiful prairie areas.
Flickr/Greg Gjerdingen
You will not regret taking one of those trips and changing the destination somewhere like Pipestone or Winona.

When relatives visit you in MN, do you do any of these? Which alternates do you think they would like the most or if they aren’t listed, share them with us on the Only In Minnesota Facebook Page.

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