8 Best Attractions To Visit In Minnesota
Minnesota hosts a wide range of fun and unique attractions that show off its untouched natural landscapes, world-renowned cultural institutions, and storied historic sites. From the headwaters of the Mississippi River to the shores of Lake Superior, this state offers a variety of destinations for all kinds of travelers, whether you're out for some outdoor recreation or want to check out urban centers such as Minneapolis and Saint Paul.
Today, we will explore a selection of these significant places within the North Star State, providing an overview of locations that define the state’s identity and draw visitors for education, recreation, and a wide range of other purposes.
Mall of America
Opened in 1992, the Mall of America remains Minnesota’s most visited attraction, drawing millions each year. Located in Bloomington, just south of Minneapolis, it is among the largest shopping and entertainment complexes in the United States, spanning more than 5.6 million square feet and containing around 520 stores along with restaurants, hotels, and other kinds of unique experiences. With its central location near the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and light rail connections, the Mall of America serves as both a major regional commercial center and a national travel destination for visitors to the area.
A key point of interest is the Nickelodeon Universe, a full-scale indoor amusement park with roller coasters and rides. The building also houses SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium, mini-golf courses, and many more interactive exhibits for the whole family. Besides all the shopping and entertainment, the mall also frequently hosts large events, from trade shows to seasonal celebrations.
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, managed by the U.S. Forest Service, is one of the Midwest's most significant natural attractions. Covering well over one million acres along the Canadian border, it contains nearly 1,200 miles of paddling routes, and wildlife such as moose, bald eagles, and black bears inhabit the region, offering lots of opportunities for nature photography.
Designated in 1978 under the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Act, the area protects one of the largest undeveloped forests in the country. The region is best known for its canoeing, where you can explore interconnected lakes and rivers, often with portages between them. For those who want a true escape from city life, you may be delighted to know that motorized access is restricted in most sections, preserving an authentic wilderness experience in a quiet environment that is perfect for paddling, fishing, hiking, and camping.
Minneapolis Institute of Art
The Minneapolis Institute of Art, often called Mia, is one of the most extensive art museums in the United States and a leading cultural site in Minnesota. Founded in 1883 (with the actual building opening in 1915), it now holds a collection of more than 90,000 works spanning 5,000 years of history, with the museum’s galleries covering a wide range of regions and styles, including European paintings, Asian art, African sculpture, and Native American works. Highlights include pieces by Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Georgia O’Keeffe. In addition to permanent displays, Mia hosts rotating exhibitions, lectures, and educational programs, always providing a fresh experience.
The institution is located in the Whittier neighborhood of Minneapolis, where it continues to be a true cultural hub for the state's biggest city to this day. Notably, admission to the museum is free, making it accessible to the public year-round and a great choice for budget travelers in Minnesota.
Itasca State Park
Established in 1891, Itasca State Park is Minnesota’s oldest state park and an important natural landmark for residents and visitors alike. It covers more than 32,000 acres of forest and lakes, but its main attraction is the fact that it contains the actual headwaters of the mighty Mississippi River. You can even walk across the shallow, rocky stream where the river begins its 2,350-mile journey to the Gulf of Mexico.
This state park also preserves old-growth pine stands, some of the largest remaining in the state. Over 100 lakes lie within its boundaries as well, making it a hotspot for fishing, canoeing, and swimming. Moreover, a scenic drive known as The Wilderness Drive Loop provides easy access to several panoramic overlooks and hiking trailheads, while the park’s various campgrounds and lodges accommodate overnight stays. Be sure to stop by the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center for a while, too, which houses well-curated exhibits on the region’s ecology and history.
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park is perhaps Minnesota’s most recognizable and iconic historic site. The lighthouse itself was completed in 1910 after a series of shipwrecks took place along Lake Superior’s rocky shoreline, and it operated until 1969. You can now tour the restored lighthouse, keeper’s house, and other original buildings while learning about maritime history on the Great Lakes.
The park’s location also provides convenient access to an assortment of hiking and biking trails along the rugged shoreline, including sections of the Superior Hiking Trail. To add to this, nearby scenic overlooks will give you the best views of the lighthouse, with the waves of Lake Superior crashing below, showcasing one of the most photographed sights in Minnesota. The surrounding parkland supports camping and various seasonal events, making this destination a truly great spot for outdoor adventurers and history buffs alike in the North Star State.
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, located in Saint Paul, is a major family-oriented attraction. The zoo features a variety of animals, including primates, big cats, reptiles, and native species, each highlighting natural habitats and ongoing conservation efforts. For those with a green thumb, adjacent to the zoo is the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, which displays a range of plant collections, including tropical and desert species, orchids, and seasonal flower shows. Amazingly, admission to the zoo and conservatory is free, though donations are much appreciated and highly encouraged to help support its functionality.
The surrounding Como Park includes walking paths, a small lake, picnic areas, and sports facilities, providing a full recreational environment for all. The site also hosts educational programs, summer camps, and special events focused on wildlife and horticulture, serving both as an urban green space and a center for environmental education.
Voyageurs National Park
Voyageurs National Park, established in 1975, is Minnesota’s only national park and extends across a little over 218,000 acres along the northern border. The park is named after French-Canadian fur traders, or "voyageurs," who once traveled its interconnected waterways to gather and sell their wares. The park now protects large swathes of pristine boreal forest habitat, home to wolves, loons, and eagles, as well as old-growth stands.
The park's landscape is largely defined by its countless sizable lakes, including Rainy, Kabetogama, Namakan, and Sand Point, which form the main routes for exploration. It should then come as no surprise that most of the park is accessible only by boat, making it unique among U.S. national parks, with most visitors tending to use houseboats, canoes, and kayaks to reach the campsites and remote islands within. On the other hand, winter brings opportunity for other activities, with snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing dominating the landscape.
Guthrie Theater
The Guthrie Theater, founded in 1963, is widely considered a central institution in Minnesota’s performing arts scene. Located along the Mississippi riverfront in the heart of downtown Minneapolis' Mill District, it is renowned for producing a wide range of plays, from classical works to contemporary productions. Furthermore, the Guthrie offers season-long programming, educational initiatives, and community outreach programs, making it a true community hub for more than just tourists.
The theater’s modern building is just as interesting as the art it produces within. Completed in 2006, it includes multiple performance spaces, a cantilevered “Endless Bridge” observation deck, and public lobbies that provide unobstructed riverfront views. Regardless of when you visit, you'll more than likely be able to attend some sort of performance, participate in guided tours, or explore exhibitions detailing the theater’s history and design.
Check Out These Minnesota Landmarks Today
Each of the above-mentioned attractions reflects this northern state’s diversity of landscape, history, and culture. From natural landmarks like the Boundary Waters and Itasca State Park to urban institutions such as the Minneapolis Institute of Art and Guthrie Theater, they all offer unique experiences you can only gain with a visit in person. Together, these destinations draw a detailed picture of why Minnesota is truly a great destination for a bit of adventure.
