Hugging the southern shores of Lake Superior, Minnesota lies along the border of the United States with Canada. It has been nicknamed the “Land of 10,000 Lakes”, although it officially has 11,843 lakes within its bounds. Cultural museums pack the “Twin Cities” of Minneapolis and St. Paul, where more than half of the state’s population lives.
Things to do in Minnesota
Whether you’re an art aficionado, a shopping enthusiast or a nature lover, Minnesota will leave you inspired.
Visit the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis. Occupying an impressive building designed by Edward Larrabee Barnes, the Walker Art Center is one of the most-visited modern art museums in the United States. It houses more than 13,000 paintings, drawings, costumes and photographic works and hosts live concerts and educational programs. The adjacent Minneapolis Sculpture Garden centres around the iconic “Spoonbridge and Cherry” fountain.
Shop at the Mall of America. As the largest shopping mall in the Western Hemisphere, this immense complex is home to more than 500 retail stores and eateries. Kids will love the Sponge Bob Square Pants-inspired rides at Nickelodeon Universe, while events are regularly held at the TCF Rotunda. Also at the Mall of America is the Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium, which boasts a 90-metre-long curved tunnel filled with sharks, stingrays and turtles.
Get active in the Superior National Forest. Encompassing more than 16,000 square kilometres in Minnesota’s far north-east is Superior National Forest, which provides a setting for hiking, boating and fishing. Explore the interconnected waterways of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area while learning about the region’s historic portages that were used by Native American tribes and early European fur traders.
Getting around Minnesota
Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport is the main aviation gateway to Minnesota and has flights to destinations across North America. The Empire Builder train connects to Minnesota from Chicago, Seattle and Portland while buses travel throughout the state. Both Minneapolis and Saint Paul are well-served by public transport.