By Jason Rhein
With so much to do in the great state of Minnesota, it’s sometimes hard to narrow down your options. However, according to Keegan Leddy, a life-long Minnesota resident and expert Minnesota traveler, there are five places that you must visit when traveling to the land of 10,000 travels.
With so much to do in the great state of Minnesota, it’s sometimes hard to narrow down your options. However, according to Keegan Leddy, a life-long Minnesota resident and expert Minnesota traveler, there are five places that you must visit when traveling to the land of 10,000 travels.
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| The Mall of America in Bloomington, MN. |
The Mall of America
When asked about Minnesota, the first place that often comes to one’s mind is the Mall of America (MOA). MOA is the largest mall in the United States and attracts 40 million visitors annually. With 520 stores, 2 food courts, entertainment options, an amusement park (Nickelodeon Universe) and many restaurants, you can’t go wrong here. It is located in Bloomington, just 10 minutes south of downtown Minneapolis and right next to the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
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| Minnesota's North Shore at Cascade State Park. |
The North Shore
The North Shore consists of the Lake Superior shoreline between the city of Duluth and the Canadian border. The area is the largest tourist destination in the state of Minnesota. “When traveling to the North Shore of Minnesota, you must first stop in Duluth and visit all of the historic sites and Canal Park,” said Leddy. “After that, head north on the North Shore Scenic Drive to the towns of Two Harbors and Grand Marais for some great entertainment and astonishing views of the lake and surrounding hills.” While on the North Shore, stop by one of Minnesota's State Parks.
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| The Minnesota History Center in St. Paul, MN. |
The Minnesota History Center
Located near the Minnesota State Capitol building just west of downtown St. Paul, the Minnesota History Center is a great place to brush up on your Minnesota knowledge. The Center displays many collections of artifacts from Minnesota’s past. You may also check out one of the many shows occurring during the day or dine at the world class Café Minnesota. For more information on the location, schedules, and events of the Minnesota History Center, visit their website.
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| The skyline of Minneapolis, MN. |
There is an endless amount of things to do in Minnesota’s largest city, Minneapolis. Therefore, just head downtown and take a walk around. There are many shops, restaurants, attractions and entertainment options to explore. During the day, check out the Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis Sculpture Garden and Mill City Museum. When the sun goes down, dine at one of Minneapolis’ excellent restaurants or have some fun in the Minneapolis nightlife. No matter what time of day, there is always something to do in the city.
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| Crossing the Mississippi River at Lake Itasca State Park. |
Take a trip into the north woods to walk across the starting point of the Mississippi River on Lake Itasca. Located about 20 minutes southwest of Bemidji and 5 hours northwest of the Twin Cities, Lake Itasca State Park is a beautiful place to relax or take a hike. Once you enter the state park, you can go to the lake and cross the beginning of the Mississippi River on stepping stones.
Next time you are planning a visit to the land of 10,000 travels, consider visiting these five places.
Photo Credit: Jason Rhein, US Census, Aine D, Cliff, moleofproduction, Karen Rustad
Photo Credit: Jason Rhein, US Census, Aine D, Cliff, moleofproduction, Karen Rustad
