Minnesota holidays

You’re sure to find a slice of American idyll on a holiday to Minnesota. This Midwestern state is like a beacon. Outdoorsy types are drawn to its lakes and forests, while culture hounds flock to its cities for some of the best art scenes in the US. And you’re never far from a cosy, small-town getaway. Our guide to the ‘North Star State’ helps point you in the right direction.

Top destinations in Minnesota

Duluth

With a spruced-up riverside full of parks, promenades and places to eat and drink, Duluth is quickly becoming the next must-see city of the Midwest.

Minneapolis

Home to more than a dozen lakes, a thriving parks system and a cultural scene that’s growing in leaps and bounds, Minnesota’s largest city deserves a spot on your travel itinerary.

St Cloud

From kayaking along the Mississippi River to sampling local cider and strolling around historic neighbourhoods, St Cloud is well worth a stop on your Midwestern tour.

Minnesota: fast facts

Language

English

Currency

United States dollar ($)

Time zone

Minneapolis - UTC−6 (CST) and UTC−5 (CDT)

High season

June – August

Low season

December – February

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Minnesota holiday highlights

Minneapolis
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Get on the water

Minnesota has a whopping 11,842 lakes. Two of the most popular are Lake Superior (the second-largest in the world) and Lake Minnetonka, both with loads of boat rentals, swimming beaches and fishing spots. For something more remote, head to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, a certified ‘quiet park’ that can only be navigated on foot or by canoe.

Take a road trip

One of the best things to do in Minnesota is to hop in a car and see where the country roads take you. The Great River Road is a massive scenic byway alongside the Mississippi River with plenty of farm stands and adorable small towns worth stopping for. Take the North Shore Scenic Drive along Lake Superior to see lighthouses, waterfalls and even a ghost town.

Play in the snow

Minnesotans make the most of their winters, and so should you. Explore the state’s powdery parks by snowshoe or snowmobile, or visit a downhill ski resort. And there are loads of ice skating rinks on frozen lakes. Events also embrace the winter vibes, like the Twin Cities’ Great Northern Festival (complete with a ‘sauna village’) and the Saint Paul Winter Carnival.

Things to do in Minnesota

Minneapolis
Lane Pelovsky

Top attractions

Explore the Boundary Waters, a pristine wilderness with over 1,900 kilometres of canoe routes. In Minneapolis, tour Paisley Park, Prince’s creative hub, or shop, dine and play at the Mall of America, the nation’s largest mall. For stunning scenery, follow the North Shore Scenic Drive past eight state parks and Split Rock Lighthouse.

Beaches

The largest freshwater sandbar in the world, Park Point on Lake Superior is among the most picturesque beaches in Minnesota, with long stretches for swimming and sunning. State parks like McCarthy Beach, Zippel Bay and Father Hennepin combine watery fun with woodland hikes. You can even squeeze in a beach day around the Twin Cities at spots like Lake Nokomis.

Nature

Explore everything from dense forests to open prairies at Minnesota’s national and state parks. Trails in Superior National Forest lead you to epic mountain and lake views. A spring hike through Glacial Lake State Park promises wildflowers as far as the eye can see. Or head to Voyageurs National Park, a cluster of more than 500 tiny islands reachable only by boat.

Cuisine

Minnesota may be best known for its comfort food, but the state’s cuisine reflects a wide range of international influences too. At award-winning restaurants in Minnesota, you can find everything from modern takes on Scandinavian to Somalian to Indigenous cuisine. Don’t leave Minneapolis without biting into a ‘Juicy Lucy’, a hamburger stuffed with cheese that was invented in the city.

Culture and museums

The best museums in Minnesota are in the Twin Cities. See modern classics at the Walker Art Center, then snap a shot of the iconic ‘Spoonbridge and Cherry’ at the nearby Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. The Minneapolis Institute of Art is home to more than 100,000 works, some dating back to ancient times. Prince fans shouldn’t miss Paisley Park, the musician’s former home and recording studio.

Nightlife

Nightlife in Minnesota blends big-city energy with local character. In Minneapolis, legendary venues like First Avenue showcase the state’s music roots, while breweries and rooftop bars buzz on warm nights. In nearby Saint Paul, theatres and jazz clubs shine, while college towns and small communities keep evenings lively with taprooms, festivals and neighbourhood pubs.

Find the best time to visit Minnesota

Weather in Minnesota through the year

March – May: Early spring is cool, with temperatures warming towards summer. Waterfalls surge and wildflowers bloom. Tornado season begins in May and lasts throughout September, so monitor safety advisories.

June – August: Hot summers are ideal for lakeside getaways, where breezes keep temperatures lower. Expect humidity by late summer, and bring an umbrella for sudden storms.

September – November: Autumn brings crisp air and brilliant foliage. Many farms welcome visitors during the harvest season. Pack warm clothing, especially if travelling late in the season, as temperatures drop quickly.

December – February: Winters are long and freezing — perfect for skiing, snowmobiling and other snow sports. The heaviest snow falls in the north, especially near Lake Superior.

Events in Minnesota

Saint Paul Winter Carnival (January to February): Celebrate the season at one of the country’s oldest winter festivals, featuring dazzling ice sculptures, ice fishing, parades and quirky traditions like the thermal underwear run. Family-friendly events and fireworks keep the celebration lively in the snowy capital.

WE Fest Country Music Festival (August): Held in Detroit Lakes, this multi-day event is among the largest country music and camping festivals in the US. Past performers include Dolly Parton, Keith Urban and other chart-topping stars, with thousands of fans gathering each summer.

Minnesota State Fair (August to September): Known as the ‘Great Minnesota Get-Together’, this beloved Saint Paul fair features carnival rides, daily concerts, outrageous foods and even giant butter sculptures.

Know before you go

Budget

Planning a cheap holiday to Minnesota is fairly easy, as the state is generally more affordable than destinations on the coasts of the US. Expect an inexpensive meal in Minneapolis to cost roughly 20 US dollars ($) and a short taxi ride to be around $9. Food and lodging prices are generally lower outside the Twin Cities, especially in the winter months.

Health and safety

Stay alert to seasonal weather in Minnesota, from extreme heat and tornado warnings in summer and autumn to freezing winters that require warm layers. During severe cold spells, limit your time outdoors. In bear country, especially northern Minnesota, campers should store food securely and follow local guidelines to avoid attracting black bears to campsites.

Free things to do

Stroll the vast Munsinger Gardens in St Cloud, set along the Mississippi River, free of charge. In Minneapolis, admire modern architecture at the Frank Gehry–designed Weisman Art Museum, which always offers free admission. Up north in Duluth, the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center features a two-storey steam engine, scale models and engaging exhibits.

Family friendly

At Valleyfair and Soak City in Shakopee, corkscrew rollercoasters and splash zones entertain thrill-seekers of all ages. In Saint Paul, the Minnesota Children’s Museum spans three floors of interactive fun, from a kid-sized town to a recreated shipwreck. For something different, Detroit Lakes offers trails lined with imaginative troll sculptures, perfect for a whimsical stroll.

Getting around Minnesota

Duluth
L&S

Public transport

Buses: There are several private bus lines in the state. Jefferson Lines, Megabus, Greyhound and FlixBus all have stops in Minnesota and offer affordable tickets that can be booked ahead of time online. Most buses offer bathrooms, Wi-Fi and outlets.

Trains: Amtrak’s Empire Builder line connects the northwest and southeast parts of the state, with six stops between Detroit Lakes and Red Wing, including St Cloud, Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Sleeper cars and a dining car are available.

Domestic flights

You can fly directly from Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport to a handful of Minnesota cities, including Duluth and Rochester. But with limited schedules, it’s often worth comparing flight times and costs to simply driving

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Driving and car hire

With its scenic highways and byways, Minnesota is ideal for road trips. I-35 runs north–south from Duluth through the Twin Cities, while I-90 stretches east–west across the state’s southern border. Speed limits on rural interstates are usually 70 miles per hour, dropping lower in urban areas. Winter driving requires extra care — keep your distance from snowplows, allow extra time, and always check for road closures before heading out.

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FAQs about Minnesota holidays

Base yourself in the Twin Cities — Minneapolis or Saint Paul — for easy access to culture, dining and nightlife. For a summer escape on Lake Superior, Duluth is a favourite. In winter, head north towards the Lutsen Mountains, where skiing and snowboarding pair perfectly with lakeside scenery.
You can sample some great scenery, food and culture over three days in Minnesota. But a week or more will give you a chance to settle into lake life or enjoy a combination of urban and rural experiences.
The best time to go to Minnesota depends on what kind of holiday you’re hoping to have. Ready for a classic summer lake stay? Visit between June and August for the best beach weather. Craving quiet hikes with some autumn foliage sprinkled in? Book a trip in September or October. And for winter sports and celebrations, pack your heaviest coat and visit from December to February.
Minnesota is very safe for travellers, though petty theft and car break-ins do happen in the cities. The winter weather can be tricky for motorists. Avoid driving on icy roads or in snowstorms, and only venture onto lakes officially designated for ice skating.
Minnesotans speak English, with a few regional quirks thrown in. You’ll likely hear ‘ope’ for excuse me, ‘ya’ for yes and ‘you betcha’ for an enthusiastic yes. The further north you go, the heavier the accents tend to be.
The currency in Minnesota is the US dollar ($). ATMs, banks and currency exchanges are easily found throughout the state. Tipping is customary. A 20% tip for good table service at a restaurant is standard, as is about $5 a day for hotel cleaning staff. At cafes, tipping your change or up to a dollar is common for counter service.