When people find out I’m from Minnesota, the typical response is “Oh yah, Minnesoohta, huh?” No joke, I have gotten a version of that remark more times than I can count on my fingers and toes. The things people associate with Minnesota are lakes (and therefore canoes, fishing, hunting, and all things nature), Fargo (and therefore really wacky people with a ridiculous accent), and the Mall of America (and therefore rampant consumerism). However, as a born-and-raised Minnesotan, I know that there’s more to see in this wacky state than the nation’s biggest shopping center. Here are a few:
1. Glensheen Mansion-
Also known as the Historic Congdon Estate, this beautiful waterfront property on Lake Superior in Duluth has 39 artfully designed and unique rooms, each with a story all their own that tell a collective history of the Congdon family. Beyond its stunning architecture, the Glensheen Mansion is also the site of two family murders for anyone who’s interested in hunting some ghosts.
2. Minnesota Landscape Arboretum-
As the Upper Midwest’s largest public garden, this 1,137-acre natural display located in Chaska features over 5,000 plant varieties and includes everything from a perennial display and Japanese gardens to woodlands, prairies, and marshes. With miles of hiking trails to explore, as well as a horticultural library and conservatory, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a perfect day trip for nature lovers.
3. Judy Garland Museum-
Home of the world’s largest Judy Garland and Wizard of Oz collection, the museum in Garland’s birthplace of Grand Rapids features the restored home of the beloved movie star, a chance to engrave a message on the yellow brick road, an annual Wizard of Oz Festival, and of course, the ruby slippers. For anyone looking to step back in time for a day, the spirit of Dorothy reminds us that “there’s no place like home.”
4. Walker Art Center-
One of the most-visited modern and contemporary art museums in the country, the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis features over 13,000 pieces of art ranging from sculpture and photography to books and costumes. With the adjacent sculpture garden and conservatory, it’s the perfect way for any art lover to spend a day.
5. Fort Snelling-
For any history buffs, this national treasure originally known as Fort Saint Anthony located in Saint Paul is a must-see. Part of a chain of forts built following the War of 1812, the fort has been used by the U.S. Army for various purposes throughout many of the nation’s wars and now serves as an educational establishment. During the warmer seasons, costumed actors occupy the fort and interpret life at the early post.
6. Minnesota Zoo-
While every state has a zoo of some sort, the Minnesota Zoo located in Apple Valley was one of the first to feature the unique exhibit design where their living environment organizes animals as opposed to their species. Six themed areas, including three, themed walking trails, that range from the Medtronic Minnesota Trail featuring animals native to the state of Russia’s Grizzly Coast and Tropics Trail, are sure to keep any animal lover occupied all day.
7. SPAM Museum-
If you love processed, precooked meat products in a can, then Austin has the place for you to explore. This museum tells the history of the Hormel company, the origin of SPAM and the reasons for its boost in popularity. It includes exhibits offering recipes from 44 different nations and explaining SPAM’s significance during World War II. How many people can say they’ve visited a museum dedicated to canned meat?
8. Valleyfair-
One of the first two parks in the Cedar Fair chain, this amusement park in Shakopee features over 75 rides and attractions. It also features a water park called Soak City. The park transforms into a Halloween-themed park with haunted houses in the fall. With eight roller coasters and the constant addition of new thrill rides, Valleyfair is a dream for the adrenaline junkie.
9. Soudan Underground Mine State Park-
As the state’s oldest, deepest, and richest iron mine, the Soudan Underground Mine State Park in Breitung Township features underground tours of the mine and an underground laboratory. It also has thousands of acres of hiking trails and fishing spots around Lake Vermillion. The mine is a perfect place for anyone looking to crawl around the depths of Minnesota.
10. Minnehaha Park-
Home to Minnehaha Falls, the most photographed site in the state, and the lower reaches of Minnehaha Creek. The Minneapolis Park preserves historic sites including a Victorian train depot and the Longfellow House. The park offers 10 miles of hiking trails and fantastic views of the falls from every angle for any aspiring photographers.
