Discover the Outdoors in Minnesota
The biggest and most beautiful attraction in Minnesota is its breath-taking vistas. Every day, the locals enjoy the lush landscapes, but so can visitors looking for the best vacation spots in Minnesota. Here are some of the local favorites.
Eden Prairie Ice Castles
For a limited time in the heart of winter, Ice Castles, LLC, creates a winter wonderland at Miller Park, just outside of Minneapolis. Every year, the construction experts at Ice Castles sculpt thousands of icicles into magnificent, towering structures. Walk through a maze of glowing ice and attend a star-watch party with meteorologist Mike Lynch. Enjoy hot cocoa, coffee, and cookies from the Taste of Love Bakery located inside the ice. This year meet the Ice Princesses and watch nightly performances by professional fire-breathers. Dress warmly and visit this outdoor wonder before it melts away.
Sever’s Corn Maze and Fall Festival
Every fall, the Sever family opens their fields for this local celebration. Inspired by maze gardens in Europe, Sever Peterson decided to craft his own mazes out of his corn fields and has been inviting the public to enjoy since 1997. This event also includes an annual fall festival complete with live music, magic shows, and even a pig race! Chow down on roasted corn, kettle corn, corn dogs, and all your favorite fairway foods. The kids will really enjoy the giant slide, tire mountain, and pumpkin blasting. Don’t miss this year’s festivities.
Sugarloaf Cove
Under the direction of the North Shore Stewardship Association, Sugarloaf Cove is located on the northern end of Lake Superior. It is the perfect place to get away from it all and enjoy nature. The Cove is famous for its 1 billion-year-old active lava flows and natural cobblestone beaches. Guided and self-guided nature walks are available, leading guests to several unique geological formations. From the 1940s through the 1970s, the site was home to a paper company. Logs would collect here before being shipped across the lake to Wisconsin. When the company left the area, many of its buildings were torn down and trees replanted in efforts to bring back the shoreline. Today it is one of the most beautiful shorelines on Lake Superior.
Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area
The Minnesota River runs right through this popular camping and recreation park. Divided into several areas, the park is a favorite for horseback riding, mountain biking, fishing, and boating. There is truly something for everyone here from natural trails and bird watching to hiking and snowmobiling. Because of its plethora of wildlife, it is a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and educational groups. They offer several different camping options for year-round adventures.
The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Nestled in the heart of Minneapolis you will find an 11-acre sanctuary for both artists and environmentalists. The gardens opened in September of 1988, the collaborative project of Edward Larrabee Barnes and Peter Rothschild. At its center, stands the iconic “Spoonbridge and Cherry.” Scattered throughout the park are more than 40 commissioned works of art. It is a favorite spot for aspiring artists and photographers as well as nature lovers. The Alene Grossman Memorial Arbor and Flower Gardens sit at the far end of the park, displaying skillfully woven vines and seasonal blossoms in honor of the woman who loved them so much.
Minnesota offers thousands of acres of rich landscapes, nature trails, and natural wonders for the whole family to enjoy! Check out all the best MN vacation spots from the experts at Visit Shakopee.