11 Most Loved Tourist Attractions In Minnesota
Many tourists find Minnesota amusing, as many attractions exist in its biggest cities and beyond. Minneapolis, for example, has a thriving arts scene, cultural districts, and a diverse population, making it a culturally rich city. There, you'll find everything from global artwork at the Minneapolis Institute of Art to classic and modern plays and musicals at Guthrie Theater. In Saint Paul, history buffs can visit the historic Minnesota State Capitol Building and the Cathedral of Saint Paul, a place of worship and one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture. Outside of art, culture, and history, there's, of course, entertainment. Therefore, we can't discuss Minnesota without mentioning Bloomington's fabulous Mall of America. You can also expect to explore the great outdoors, as Minnesota is known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes for its abundant lakes and stunning scenery. Prepare to travel through the state like never before with our list of Minnesota's most loved tourist attractions.
Mall of America
Mall of America in Bloomington is one of Minnesota's most popular tourist attractions. In addition to dining and shopping, it offers many entertainment options and attractions for people of all ages. Enter a psychedelic world at Wink World, see marine habitats at SEA LIFE Aquarium, score a hole-in-one at Rock of Ages Blacklight Minigolf, take in a show at Rick Bronson's House of Comedy, discover a colorful experience at Crayola Experience, or visit Nickelodeon Universe, the nation's first indoor Nickelodeon theme park. The mall is also a great place to catch a concert, runway fashion show, or the hottest celebrities, with more than 400 events hosted there annually.
Minneapolis Institute of Art
Art enthusiasts should plan to visit the Minneapolis Institute of Art, which features over 100,000 pieces of art representing over 5,000 years of world history. European masterpieces, modern and contemporary paintings and sculptures, globally noteworthy collections of prints and drawings, decorative arts, Modernist design, photographs, textiles, and Asian, African, and Native American art are among the permanent collection's highlights. The world-class art museum also offers guided tours, youth and family programs, art-making classes, and special events like the annual Art in Bloom festival.
Minnesota State Capitol Building
The Minnesota State Capitol Building in Saint Paul is another beloved attraction rich in architecture, art, and history. The historic landmark was constructed between 1896 and 1905 and restored and renovated to appeal to visitors. Certain areas, including the rotunda, the grand floors, and the governor's reception room, are open for the public to tour independently. Other building areas can be explored during a guided tour, which is available daily. Visitors can also enter an art gallery to see beautiful decorative art, murals, and paintings. After a day of exploration, visit the on-site gift shop for books and other items.
Valleyfair
A trip to Valleyfair in Shakopee, just 30 minutes from Minneapolis, is a must for a full day of amusement park fun. Thrill seekers can enjoy rollercoasters like Corkscrew, Wild Thing, and Steel Venom. Ride on the carousel, train, or Ferris wheel for family-friendly adventures. Other rides include Snoopy's Deep Sea Divers, Lucy's Tugboat, Antique Autos, Charlie Brown's Wind Up, Flying Ace Balloon Race, and Woodstock Whirlybirds, similar to Tilt-A-Whirl. The neighboring Soak City waterpark is ideal in the spring and summertime, with towering slides, pools, and splash pads. Like any other amusement park, Valleyfair has abundant dining, shopping, and entertainment options to explore.
Gooseberry Falls State Park
Gooseberry Falls State Park offers endless possibilities for outdoor recreation in Minnesota. Before spending a day at the state park, stop at the visitor center for local information, interpretive displays, programs, and videos. While the spectacular waterfall and scenic views are appealing, adventure seekers can find many hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling trails to explore. The trails run along the Gooseberry River through mixed evergreen, aspen, and birch forests, where birds, plants, and other animals can be seen. Make the most of a visit to Gooseberry Falls State Park by having a picnic, going camping, or lounging on the shores of Lake Superior.
Voyageurs National Park
Voyageurs National Park is another natural wilderness in Minnesota where visitors can discover history and nature's beauty. The park is near the Canadian border and comprises nearly 220,000 acres of beautiful forests, rivers, and four major lakes. Hit the water for kayaking, canoeing, swimming, or fishing. Those who love camping will find some of Minnesota's best campgrounds, such as the Wooden Frog Campground, within the park. For a winter getaway, the Voyageurs National Park is great for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, and snowmobiling. Nearby resorts and lodges, from Northern Lights Resort to Voyageur Park Lodge, offer many amenities for an enjoyable stay.
Mill City Museum
The Mill City Museum is a historic museum on the Mississippi Riverfront in Minneapolis. The museum's Flour Tower is a great place to start exploring. Experience the sights and sounds of the workers and machinery that made Minneapolis the world's flour-milling capital by boarding an elevator that travels through the building's eight levels and back in time. Inside the historic mill, view various short videos and images on exhibit. Other features that make the museum a popular tourist attraction are the interactive areas, observation deck, courtyard, and tours, which explore several facets of Minnesota's history.
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
Surrounding Como Lake, Como Park Zoo & Conservatory in Saint Paul is a fun attraction that combines environmental beauty with family-friendly activities. There's so much to see and do year-round. The zoo offers an enjoyable experience with up-close views of animals, including birds, bears, monkeys, giraffes, zebras, tigers, and lions. The conservatory allows for plant life exploration with bonsai trees, orchids, seasonal flowers, and many outdoor gardens. Beautiful art installations throughout the property, ranging from sculptures to statues, provide the perfect photo opportunities. The massive complex also has exhibits, an amusement park, a carousel, a children's gallery, a few dining options, and a gift shop.
Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center
Located in Duluth, the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center is one of the most popular marine museums on the Great Lakes. Run by the US Army Corps of Engineers, the visitor center features insightful programs and exhibits on Upper Lakes commercial shipping, the Duluth Ship Canal and Aerial Bridge, replicas of cabins and pilothouses, and a two-story steam engine. A visit there is always unique, as its exhibits rotate, offering a different experience each time. Visitors can also shop for Lake Superior and maritime-themed books, souvenirs, and other collectible items at the gift store on the first floor. Gift store purchases help preserve maritime history, with a portion of each sale benefiting the Lake Superior Marine Museum Association.
Guthrie Theater
Guthrie Theater, located in the heart of the Mill District in downtown Minneapolis, provides the perfect outing for those interested in the performing arts. Some of the theatrical productions performed there over the years include "A Christmas Carol, "Hamlet," "West Side Story," and "To Kill a Mockingbird." In addition to its lineup of fabulous shows, Guthrie Theater also offers behind-the-scenes tours that provide an inside look at its stages, costume and prop shops, and rehearsal rooms. A complete experience includes exploring the gift shop with souvenirs and unique goods inspired by the theater's shows and the performers who bring them to life.
Cathedral of Saint Paul
The Cathedral of Saint Paul is one of Minnesota's most notable structures and historical landmarks. In addition to being a place of spiritual worship with daily mass services, thousands of people visit annually to admire its beautiful architecture, artwork, and history. To explore everything inside, take a one-hour guided tour, offered weekly, or plan to visit the cathedral's museum, which has photographs, paintings, and an original altar and pipe organ from previous cathedrals. A visit to the cathedral isn't complete without a trip to the gift store, where you can buy rosaries, books, and exclusive keepsakes made especially for the cathedral.
From Minneapolis and Saint Paul to Bloomington and Duluth, Minnesota certainly has a lot to offer in each of its distinctive cities. Whether you seek entertainment, historic activities, places with a vibrant culture, or outdoor recreation, this state has it all. Anyone visiting Minnesota will be satisfied with the diverse tourist attractions, from the Mall of America to the Minneapolis Institute of Art.
