7 Underrated Destinations In Minnesota To Avoid Summer Crowds
Often referred to as "The Land of 10,000 Lakes", Minnesota, in reality, has 11,842 officially recorded lakes per Minnesota's state records. With tourist attractions such as the Mall of America, the Minneapolis Institute of Art, Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, and the Munsinger and Clemens Gardens, it is understandable why these attractions are unpleasantly overcrowded during the summer tourist season. But have no fear. Minnesota has many spectacular hidden gem destinations that will never disappoint you; no matter if you are looking for a leisurely vacation or outdoor adventure, these towns have something to offer to everyone.
Pipestone
The town of Pipestone, Minnesota, is the perfect place to stay for a leisurely summer vacation away from the crowds of tourists that flock to attractions such as the Mall of America and Minnesota's annual State Fair. For those not on a budget, staying at the Calumet Inn is a must-do. The mansion turned inn was built in 1888 and is registered on the National Register of Historic Places. For those on a budget, lovely accommodations are also available, including many campgrounds, such as Split Rock Creek State Park Campground, which is located less than ten minutes by car south of Pipestone's townsite.
The County Museum can be found in downtown Pipestone and is a great place to get to know this town's history as well as the history of the entire county. In town, tours run daily during tourist season. These tours have a variety of focuses, ranging from the local ghost tour to a cuisine-inspired tour perfect for the foodies out there. Outside of town, there are many recreation areas, including Pipestone National Monument Park, which is located inside the border of Pipeline, and Palisade State Park, which is a half-hour drive south of Pipeline. After spending a busy day exploring Pipestone and its surrounding attractions, a visit to the Stonehouse Supper Club for a cold beer or glass of wine, is the perfect cap to a busy day.
Crosby
Crosby has a population of just under 3,000 residents. As many towns and cities do in Minnesota, Crosby has a twin town called Ironton, located west of Crosby. This unique town not only sits on the shores of one lake but two, the Portsmouth Mine Pit Lake and Serpent Lake. As such, fishing is a popular recreational activity for locals and tourists during all seasons of the year. Within and around Crosby are many outdoor recreation locals, the most popular of which are Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area, Portsmouth Mine Pit Lake Recreation Area, and Crosby Memorial Park, the latter being located inside Crosby's town line. In town, there are lots to do. The Soo Line Depot Museum is located on 1st Street in the historic downtown region of town. Other highly rated excursions include visiting a local brewery, such as Cuyuna Brewing Company, and renting an e-bike from All Trails E-Bikes to explore the town independently. At the end of your busy day in Crosby, check out one of the fabulous restaurants in the downtown area, and if you can swing a reservation, enjoying a meal at the Iron Range Eatery is a must.
Biwabik
If you are looking for a relaxing vacation location void of the tourist crush of the summer months at the major tourist attractions, spending some time in Biwabik, Minnesota, is just what you are looking for. Named for the iron deposits in the area where Biwabik now stands, the town's name comes from the Ojibwa word meaning iron. In this lovely, sleepy Minnesota town, tourists who are looking for something more private in terms of accommodations have the option of renting a Green Gate Guest House for the summer, or, if more space is needed, there are full lodges that can be rented, including the Biwabik Bunkhouse near Giants' Ridge, making Biwabik the perfect place to hold a wedding or family reunion. Outside of town, there are a variety of parks and green spaces to explore. Biwabik sits conveniently in close proximity to many parks, such as Giants Ridge Recreation Area, Iron Range OHV State Recreation Area, and Lake Vermilion State Park, with all three sites having an abundance of hiking and biking trails. So, if you are planning to visit Biwabik, make sure to pack your hiking boots.
Kavanaugh's Sylvan Lake Resort On Sylvan Lake
Located in Brainerd, Minnesota, Kavanaugh's Resort is a great place to bring the whole family. Dedicated to providing its visitors with a memorable and fun vacation. For nature lovers, and especially those who love to hike, staying at Kavanaugh's Sylvan Lake Resort offers easy access to world-class hiking trails, as well as bike paths, waterfalls, and gorgeous lakes to explore. Kavanaugh's Resort offers an abundance of activities on-site, with many outdoor excursion options that take visitors into the surrounding nature reserves and parklands. Highly rated parks, including Crow Wing State Park and Lum Park, both located twenty minutes by car from the resort, and Charles A. Lindbergh State Park, which takes forty-five minutes by car to reach.
The resort itself sits adjacent to Upper Sylvan Lake, in which visitors can swim and even fish in a designated area. With a beach volleyball court, an indoor pool, an outdoor pool, and access to paddle boats, kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards, the entire family will enjoy getting out on the waters of Sylvan Lake. There are also tennis, pickleball, and basketball courts available to visitors staying at Kavanaugh's Sylvan Lake Resort. With so much to do, a fun time for the entire family is guaranteed.
Glencoe
Glencoe is located in McLeod County. Staying in Glencoe is a great way to maintain access to the big city tourist attractions in Minneapolis while also experiencing the friendly small-town culture of this town. A stay in Glencoe is not complete until you have stayed at one of the many fabulous Bed and Breakfasts in town, this including the top-rated and historic Brechet Inn Bed & Breakfast. When visiting Glencoe, your stay will not be complete without visiting Ballachulish Slate Quarry. Just outside of town, you will find Oscar Olson Park, a great place to bring younger children as it includes a variety of play structures, Fort Ridgely State Park, where you can explore the prairie landscape along a variety of hiking trails, and Greenleaf Lake State Recreation Area, which sits on the shores of Greenleaf Lake, each offering visitors the opportunity to explore the 'wilds' of Minnesota, far away from the crowded tourist attractions of Minnesota.
Grand Marais
The town of Grand Marais, Minnesota, is located in Cook County on the shores of North Shore Harbor. Designated as 'America's Coolest Small Town' by Budget Travel Magazine, Grand Marais is the perfect off-the-beaten-track destination for those looking for a 'backpacking" ambiance. Must-do activities in town include exploring Artist's Point, visiting the Grand Marais Lighthouse, and ordering the delectable fish and chips at Fisherman's Daughter Restaurant located at the Dockside Fish Market.
In terms of outdoor attractions, there is a range of lovely national and state parks mere minutes from downtown Grand Marais. These include Cascade River State Park, Judge C.R. Magney State Park, and the lands around the Grand Portage National Monument, the latter being the home of the gorgeous High Falls waterfall. With so many options to explore in and out of town, your vacation is sure to fly by.
Eagle Ridge Resort At Lutsen Mountain
With its tagline reading 'Basecamp for Adventure,' you can be sure to have an excitement-filled vacation when you stay at Eagle Ridge Resort at Lutsen Mountain. Located on the shores of Lake Superior, just thirty miles south of the Canadian border, Eagle Ridge Resort is the perfect place to spend a long weekend or a summer stay. With an onsite pool, hot tub, and sauna, you can certainly make your stay a relaxing vacation. However, it is the off-site attractions that a stay at Eagle Ridge Resort makes easily accessible that will turn your visit into your dream vacation. On Lake Superior, you will have the opportunity to fish, swim, kayak, canoe, and participate in many other water activities, while on land, you will have access to such entertainments as going down the Alpine Slide and taking the Summit Express Gondola to the top of Lutsen Mountain. Parks accessible from Eagle Ridge Resort at Lutsen Mountain include Cascade River State Park, Lutsen Scientific and Natural Area, and East Lake Agnes Camp. With so much to do, by the time your vacation comes to an end, you may just need another vacation to recuperate from your adventure-driven visit to Eagle Ridge Resort at Lutsen Mountain.
The Take Away
When going on holiday to a tourist destination, it can often feel as if you must visit all the most popular tourist attractions, no matter if they interest you at all. And even if you would like to see a popular attraction during high season, it can be a frustrating, slow, and often hot wait for your turn, whether that be on one of the rides in the Mall of America or waiting for hours at a restaurant you already had a reservation for. Rather than falling into this tourist trap mentality, staying at any of these destinations will be just the opposite. From small-town charm to personable hosts at local accommodations, visiting a small town in Minnesota is guaranteed to be a unique and enjoyable way to spend your summer vacation.
