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List of State Attractions
I. National Land
National Park
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Voyageurs National Park
A pristine water-based park on the Canadian border, Voyageurs is a maze of interconnected lakes, islands, and boreal forest. The park preserves the historic waterway used by French-Canadian fur traders known as "voyageurs." It is primarily accessible by watercraft, offering a unique and immersive natural experience.
- Location: Visitor centers in International Falls, Kabetogama Lake, and Ash River. Main center at 360 Hwy 11 E, International Falls, MN 56649
- Nearest Major City: International Falls
- Website: nps.gov/voya
- Phone: (218) 283-6600
- Visitor Interests: Boating (houseboats are popular), kayaking and canoeing, fishing for walleye and northern pike, camping at water-access-only sites, guided boat tours, stargazing.
National Monument
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Grand Portage National Monument
Located on the shore of Lake Superior, this monument preserves a vital center of the North American fur trade. It features a reconstructed 18th-century trading post and the "Grand Portage," a rugged 8.5-mile trail that allowed voyageurs to bypass waterfalls on the Pigeon River.
- Location: 170 Mile Creek Rd, Grand Portage, MN 55605
- Nearest Major City: Duluth
- Website: nps.gov/grpo
- Phone: (218) 475-0123
- Visitor Interests: Exploring the reconstructed historic depot with living history interpreters, hiking a portion of the Grand Portage trail, visiting the Heritage Center, attending the annual Rendezvous Days celebration in August.
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Pipestone National Monument
This site protects the sacred red pipestone quarries, which have been used by Native American tribes for centuries to quarry the stone for making ceremonial pipes. The monument honors the cultural and spiritual significance of this place for Indigenous peoples.
- Location: 36 Reservation Ave, Pipestone, MN 56164
- Nearest Major City: Sioux Falls, SD
- Website: nps.gov/pipe
- Phone: (507) 825-5464
- Visitor Interests: Walking the Circle Trail to see the active quarries and Winnewissa Falls, watching live pipe-carving demonstrations by Native artisans in the visitor center, exploring the cultural exhibits.
National Scenic Riverway
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Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway
Protecting 255 miles of the St. Croix and Namekagon Rivers, this riverway is a haven for outdoor recreation. It offers a diverse experience, from the wild, remote upper sections to the broader, more placid lower river valley.
- Location: Multiple access points along the Minnesota/Wisconsin border. Visitor Center at 401 N Hamilton St, St Croix Falls, WI 54024
- Nearest Major City: Minneapolis-St. Paul
- Website: nps.gov/sacn
- Phone: (715) 483-2274
- Visitor Interests: Canoeing, kayaking, and tubing; fishing for smallmouth bass and walleye; camping at primitive riverside campsites; birdwatching.
National Forests
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Superior National Forest
Home to the renowned Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), this is one of the most visited national forests in the country. It is a vast landscape of pristine lakes, boreal forest, and rugged terrain, offering unparalleled wilderness canoe-tripping.
- Location: 8901 Grand Ave Pl, Duluth, MN 55808 (Forest Headquarters)
- Nearest Major City: Duluth
- Website: fs.usda.gov/superior
- Phone: (218) 626-4300
- Visitor Interests: Multi-day canoeing and camping in the BWCAW (permits required), hiking, fishing, driving the scenic North Shore Byway which passes through the forest.
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Chippewa National Forest
Located in the heart of northern Minnesota, this forest contains more lakes and wetlands than any other national forest in the nation. It is a prime destination for water-based recreation and is home to the largest breeding population of bald eagles in the lower 48 states.
- Location: 200 Ash Avenue NW, Cass Lake, MN 56633 (Forest Headquarters)
- Nearest Major City: Bemidji
- Website: fs.usda.gov/chippewa
- Phone: (218) 335-8600
- Visitor Interests: Fishing on major lakes like Leech, Winnibigoshish, and Cass; driving the scenic Edge of the Wilderness Byway; visiting the Lost 40 Scientific and Natural Area (an old-growth forest).
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II. State Land
Top Ten Most Visited State Parks
- Gooseberry Falls State Park
One of the most popular parks on the North Shore of Lake Superior, it is known for its spectacular Upper, Middle, and Lower falls of the Gooseberry River, as well as its scenic Lake Superior shoreline.
- Location: 3206 Highway 61, Two Harbors, MN 55616
- Nearest Major City: Duluth
- Website: dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00172
- Phone: (218) 595-7100
- Visitor Interests: Viewing the multiple waterfalls from accessible overlooks, hiking the river loop trails, exploring the Lake Superior shoreline, visiting the historic CCC structures.
- Itasca State Park
As Minnesota's oldest state park, Itasca holds the unique distinction of protecting the headwaters of the Mississippi River. Visitors can walk across the rocks where the mighty river begins its 2,552-mile journey to the Gulf of Mexico.
- Location: 36750 Main Park Dr, Park Rapids, MN 56470
- Nearest Major City: Bemidji
- Website: dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00181
- Phone: (218) 699-7251
- Visitor Interests: Walking across the Mississippi Headwaters, driving or biking the scenic Wilderness Drive, climbing the Aiton Heights Fire Tower, staying at the historic Douglas Lodge.
- Tettegouche State Park
A hiker's paradise on the North Shore, Tettegouche features rugged terrain, spectacular waterfalls including the High Falls of the Baptism River, and dramatic cliffs overlooking Lake Superior.
- Location: 5702 Highway 61, Silver Bay, MN 55614
- Nearest Major City: Duluth
- Website: dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00263
- Phone: (218) 353-8800
- Visitor Interests: Hiking to the High Falls, taking in the views from Shovel Point, rock climbing, looking for peregrine falcons.
- Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
Home to one of the most famous lighthouses in the country, this park offers stunning views of the historic Split Rock Lighthouse perched atop a 130-foot cliff. The park's pebble beach and shoreline trails are also major draws.
- Location: 3755 Split Rock Lighthouse Rd, Two Harbors, MN 55616
- Nearest Major City: Duluth
- Website: dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00262
- Phone: (218) 595-7625
- Visitor Interests: Photographing the iconic lighthouse (tours managed by MNHS), hiking the lakeshore trails, beachcombing on the pebble beach, cart-in camping.
- Jay Cooke State Park
Located near Duluth, this park is famous for the rugged gorge and dramatic slate formations of the St. Louis River. Its iconic swinging suspension bridge offers fantastic views of the river below.
- Location: 780 Highway 210, Carlton, MN 55718
- Nearest Major City: Duluth
- Website: dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00187
- Phone: (218) 673-7000
- Visitor Interests: Walking across the swinging bridge, hiking along the river gorge, learning about the park's CCC history, cross-country skiing.
- Fort Snelling State Park
An oasis in the heart of the Twin Cities metropolitan area, this park is located at the confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers. It offers extensive trails for recreation and is adjacent to the historic Fort Snelling.
- Location: 101 Snelling Lake Rd, St. Paul, MN 55111
- Nearest Major City: Minneapolis-St. Paul
- Website: dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00155
- Phone: (612) 725-2724
- Visitor Interests: Hiking, biking on paved trails, fishing, swimming in Snelling Lake, visiting the adjacent Historic Fort Snelling (managed by MNHS).
- Interstate State Park
Located on the scenic St. Croix River, this is Minnesota's second oldest state park. It is renowned for its glacial potholes, deep gorges, and dramatic cliffs, which are popular for rock climbing.
- Location: 307 Milltown Rd, Taylors Falls, MN 55084
- Nearest Major City: Minneapolis-St. Paul
- Website: dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00182
- Phone: (651) 465-5711
- Visitor Interests: Viewing the glacial potholes, taking a scenic boat tour on the St. Croix River, rock climbing, hiking the cliff-top trails.
- Whitewater State Park
Nestled in a deep ravine in southern Minnesota's bluff country, this park is known for its excellent trout fishing in the Whitewater River and its scenic beauty. It's a peaceful destination with impressive limestone bluffs.
- Location: 19041 Highway 74, Altura, MN 55910
- Nearest Major City: Rochester
- Website: dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00272
- Phone: (507) 312-2300
- Visitor Interests: Trout fishing, hiking to the scenic overlooks (Chimney Rock, Inspiration Point), swimming at the sandy beach, attending naturalist programs.
- Gooseberry Falls State Park
One of the most popular parks on the North Shore of Lake Superior, it is known for its spectacular Upper, Middle, and Lower falls of the Gooseberry River, as well as its scenic Lake Superior shoreline.
- Location: 3206 Highway 61, Two Harbors, MN 55616
- Nearest Major City: Duluth
- Website: dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00172
- Phone: (218) 595-7100
- Visitor Interests: Viewing the multiple waterfalls from accessible overlooks, hiking the river loop trails, exploring the Lake Superior shoreline, visiting the historic CCC structures.
- Temperance River State Park
This North Shore park features the spectacular Temperance River gorge, where the river rushes through a series of waterfalls and cauldrons as it drops into Lake Superior.
- Location: 9399 W Highway 61, Schroeder, MN 55613
- Nearest Major City: Duluth
- Website: dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00264
- Phone: (218) 663-7125
- Visitor Interests: Hiking along the dramatic river gorge, photography, camping near the shore of Lake Superior.
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III. Mall of America
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Mall of America
More than just a shopping mall, the Mall of America in Bloomington is a world-class entertainment and retail destination. As one of the largest malls in the world, it features over 520 stores, a wide array of restaurants, and numerous major attractions, including a full-scale theme park and a large aquarium, all under one roof. It is the most visited tourist attraction in the state of Minnesota.
- Location: 60 E Broadway, Bloomington, MN 55425
- Nearest Major City: Minneapolis-St. Paul
- Website: mallofamerica.com
- Phone: (952) 883-8800
- Visitor Interests: Riding roller coasters at Nickelodeon Universe theme park, exploring the underwater world at Sea Life at Mall of America, shopping at hundreds of stores (with no sales tax on clothing or shoes), unique experiences like the Crayola Experience and M&M's Store, a vast selection of dining options.
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IV. Twin Cities Urban Parks
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Minnehaha Regional Park
One of Minneapolis's oldest and most beloved parks, Minnehaha is famous for its stunning 53-foot waterfall, Minnehaha Falls, which is immortalized in Longfellow's poem, "The Song of Hiawatha." The park offers limestone bluffs, river overlooks, and trails that follow the creek to the Mississippi River.
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Minneapolis Chain of Lakes Regional Park
A defining feature of the city, this park consists of five beautiful lakes—Brownie Lake, Cedar Lake, Lake of the Isles, Bde Maka Ska, and Lake Harriet—connected by walking and biking paths. It is a major hub of year-round outdoor recreation.
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Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
One of the largest urban sculpture gardens in the country, this iconic destination is a partnership between the Walker Art Center and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. Its centerpiece is the famous "Spoonbridge and Cherry" sculpture.
- Location: 725 Vineland Pl, Minneapolis, MN 55403
- Nearest Major City: Minneapolis
- Website: walkerart.org/visit/garden
- Phone: (612) 375-7600
- Visitor Interests: Viewing the various large-scale sculptures, photographing the "Spoonbridge and Cherry," relaxing in the open green space, its proximity to the Walker Art Center.
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Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
A beloved St. Paul institution, Como Park offers a full day of family-friendly fun, and much of it is free of charge (donations are encouraged). It features a classic zoo, the stunning Marjorie McNeely Conservatory with its sunken garden, and an amusement park.
- Location: 1225 Estabrook Dr, St. Paul, MN 55103
- Nearest Major City: St. Paul
- Website: comozooconservatory.org
- Phone: (651) 487-8200
- Visitor Interests: The glass-domed conservatory with its seasonal flower shows, seeing polar bears and big cats at the zoo, riding the carousel at Como Town Amusement Park, picnicking by the lake.
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V. Private Attractions
Zoos & Museums
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Minnesota Zoo
A state-of-the-art zoo in Apple Valley, the Minnesota Zoo is organized by habitat trails, allowing visitors to experience animals from around the globe in naturalistic settings. It is known for its large, open exhibits and strong focus on conservation.
- Location: 13000 Zoo Blvd, Apple Valley, MN 55124
- Nearest Major City: Minneapolis-St. Paul
- Website: mnzoo.org
- Phone: (952) 431-9200
- Visitor Interests: Walking the Medtronic Minnesota Trail, Russia's Grizzly Coast, and Northern Trail; seeing tigers and sharks; the seasonal Treetop Trail elevated walkway; the IMAX Theatre.
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Walker Art Center
One of the nation's leading centers for contemporary art, the Walker is known for its thought-provoking exhibitions and diverse collections of visual and performing arts. It is located adjacent to the iconic Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.
- Location: 725 Vineland Pl, Minneapolis, MN 55403
- Nearest Major City: Minneapolis
- Website: walkerart.org
- Phone: (612) 375-7600
- Visitor Interests: Contemporary art exhibitions, film screenings, live performances, its rooftop terraces with city views.
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Science Museum of Minnesota
Located on the banks of the Mississippi River in downtown St. Paul, this large museum features a wide array of hands-on exhibits covering topics from dinosaurs and fossils to the human body and technology.
- Location: 120 W Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul, MN 55102
- Nearest Major City: St. Paul
- Website: smm.org
- Phone: (651) 221-9444
- Visitor Interests: The dinosaur and paleontology exhibits, the Human Body Gallery, the Experiment Gallery, the 90-foot-tall Omnitheater.
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Mill City Museum
Built within the ruins of the Washburn A Mill, once the world's largest flour mill, this museum tells the story of Minneapolis's history as a flour milling capital. It is a striking blend of industrial ruins and modern architecture.
- Location: 704 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55401
- Nearest Major City: Minneapolis
- Website: mnhs.org/millcity
- Phone: (612) 341-7555
- Visitor Interests: The "Flour Tower" elevator show, the observation deck with views of the Mississippi River and St. Anthony Falls, hands-on exhibits in the water lab.
Amusement Park
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Valleyfair
The largest amusement park in the Upper Midwest, Valleyfair in Shakopee offers a wide variety of thrill rides, roller coasters, and family attractions, as well as the integrated Soak City water park.
- Location: 1 Valley Fair Dr, Shakopee, MN 55379
- Nearest Major City: Minneapolis-St. Paul
- Website: valleyfair.com
- Phone: (952) 445-7600
- Visitor Interests: A large collection of roller coasters, thrill rides like Delirious and North Star, the Soak City water park (included with admission), Planet Snoopy for younger children.
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The Galleria Edina
An upscale shopping center located near the Southdale Center, The Galleria is focused on luxury brands and unique specialty stores. It offers a sophisticated shopping environment with high-end retailers and fine dining.
- Location: 3510 W 69th St, Edina, MN 55435
- Nearest Major City: Minneapolis
- Website: galleriaedina.com
- Phone: (952) 925-4321
- Visitor Interests: Luxury brand shopping (Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co.), home decor stores like Restoration Hardware and Crate & Barrel, fine dining options.
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Nicollet Mall
A pedestrian and transit mall stretching for twelve blocks through the heart of downtown Minneapolis's shopping and entertainment district. It is lined with shops, restaurants, and art, and is a hub of city life.
- Location: Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55402
- Nearest Major City: Minneapolis
- Visitor Interests: A pedestrian-friendly shopping experience, a variety of retail stores, public art installations, farmers' markets and events (seasonal).
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Grand Avenue
Stretching for 30 blocks in St. Paul, Grand Avenue is a charming shopping district known for its unique mix of local boutiques, specialty shops, and national retailers housed in historic buildings.
- Location: Grand Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105
- Nearest Major City: St. Paul
- Visitor Interests: Boutique shopping, antique shops, independent bookstores, a wide variety of restaurants and cafes.
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Twin Cities Premium Outlets
An outdoor outlet mall in Eagan, offering significant savings on a variety of brand-name and designer merchandise. It is the largest outlet mall in the Twin Cities area.
- Location: 3965 Eagan Outlets Pkwy, Eagan, MN 55122
- Nearest Major City: Minneapolis-St. Paul
- Website: premiumoutlets.com/outlet/twin-cities
- Phone: (612) 444-8850
- Visitor Interests: Outlet shopping for numerous brand-name stores, finding deals on clothing and accessories, a food court.
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Canal Park
A vibrant, revitalized warehouse district on the shore of Lake Superior in Duluth. Canal Park is the city's primary tourist destination, filled with unique shops, art galleries, restaurants, and hotels, all with views of the iconic Aerial Lift Bridge.
- Location: Duluth, MN 55802
- Nearest Major City: Duluth
- Visitor Interests: Watching large ships pass under the Aerial Lift Bridge, skipping stones on Lake Superior, specialty and souvenir shops, a wide variety of dining options.
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Plan Your Visit
For more information about Minnesota, visit the state's official tourism site: Explore Minnesota
Music and Products Associated with The State of [state name]
The Following album covers link to each song's specific page for this state. All lyrics have been written by Mark S. McKenzie/American Storyteller Music and The Lyrical Horizon and produced by Story Teller Books and Music or Loud Mouth Books and Music, Copyright 2025, All Rights Reserved:
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