Top Ten Things To Do In Minnesota In Summer

From prairies, lakes and forests to charming river towns and bustling cities, Minnesota has a lot to offer. Here is our suggestion of the top ten things to do Minnesota this summer. 

Credit to Bear SHT Fall Hike

1 - Hiking 

Minnesota boasts a diverse array of scenic hiking trails, each with its own distinctive features and landscapes. At Sakatah Lake State Park, the 2.2-mile loop trail encompasses portions of Hidden Pond, Oak Tree, and Sumac trails, winding through the vibrant autumn foliage of old-growth oaks. Whitewater State Park is home to the renowned Chimney Rock Trail, a 1.1-mile loop that ascends steeply to Chimney Rock, providing awe-inspiring views of the Whitewater River and the surrounding landscape. For a tranquil hike along the Mississippi River, venture to Mississippi Gateway Regional Park, where you'll find over two miles of trails. This 160-acre park teems with wildlife, including mink, beaver, hawks, osprey, turtles, river otters, and more. 

Credit to National Eagle Center Wabasha

2 - Ornithology 

Venture to Hawk Ridge along Skyline Drive, high above downtown Duluth and the world's most inland seaport. Renowned as one of North America's premier sites for viewing migrating birds, especially birds of prey, Hawk Ridge offers a spectacular vantage point. The thermals rising over Lake Superior allow migrating birds to conserve energy by soaring along the shoreline instead of flapping their wings. Twenty species of migrating raptors, numerous songbirds, and even dragonflies navigate this flyway. On peak migration days, more than 100,000 broad-winged hawks have been spotted at Hawk Ridge. Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge, located north of the Twin Cities, provides habitat for up to 40 pairs of sandhill cranes. Minnesota's diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife make it the perfect destination for anyone with a keen eye and a love for the great outdoors.

Credit to Mesabi Trail

3 - Bike trips 

If you're craving a new adventure, consider embarking on a bike trip to experience a different side of Minnesota. Navigate the Iron Range on the 120-mile Mesabi Trail, renowned for its scenic views of excavated earth and the manmade mountains you'll cycle across. For added convenience and flexibility, consider taking your bike on the train with the Mississippi River Trail. The Empire Builder train stops at stations in four Mississippi River Trail towns in Minnesota, allowing you to seamlessly incorporate cycling into your journey. If you're seeking a more rugged and off-road experience, why not try bikepacking? This adventurous activity allows you to let the journey guide you wherever you desire. Bikepacking along the gravel and dirt backroads of the Superior National Forest offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the outdoors and explore off the beaten path.

4 -Paddleboarding & Kayaking

Paddleboarding and kayaking have surged in popularity as premier water sports in Minnesota, offering enthusiasts an exhilarating way to explore the state's picturesque lakes and rivers. Gliding gracefully across the water's surface while standing provides not only a fun workout but also a unique opportunity to bask in the beauty of sunsets with loved ones.

Nestled amidst towering pines, Bear Head Lake in northern Minnesota beckons with its serene and tranquil waters, offering paddlers a peaceful retreat. As you navigate its calm expanse, keep a keen eye out for glimpses of wildlife that call this pristine lake home. For those seeking crystal-clear turquoise waters, the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area, renowned for its stunning mine lakes, is an irresistible destination. These pristine bodies of water provide an idyllic setting for adventurers, inviting enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the tranquil surroundings. Alternatively, Lake Winona, nestled by the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, offers a relatively tranquil setting amidst breath taking bluffs. With its panoramic views and serene ambiance, Lake Winona promises an unforgettable experience for adventurers of all levels.

From the rugged beauty of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area to the majestic expanse of Lake Superior, Minnesota's lakes and rivers offer endless opportunities for exploration and discovery. Whether seeking solitude amidst nature's embrace or embarking on a leisurely paddle with friends and family, Minnesota's waterways provide the perfect backdrop for unforgettable excursions.

5 - Architecture

Architecture is a form of art across the state of Minnesota, with fascinating beauty to behold within various buildings, such as theatres, art centres, lighthouses, bridges and houses. The largest architectural legacy celebrated in Minnesota is that of Frank Lloyd Wright. Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural legacy is celebrated in Minnesota. While most of the thirteen houses he designed in the state are privately owned, including homes in Rochester, Stillwater, and St. Louis Park, several can be toured or admired in person, offering a glimpse into Wright's progressive ideas and innovative designs. One of Wright's largest house layouts is located just two miles away from Southern Minnesota's beloved SPAM Museum. This proximity juxtaposes Wright's avant-garde architectural vision with an iconic symbol of American culture, creating a unique cultural landscape in the region. Wright's influence extended beyond individual buildings; he was also an urban planner with a futuristic vision. A cornerstone of his "Broadacre City" blueprints was centralised gas stations, exemplified by Cloquet's Lindholm Oil Company. This historical aspect of Minnesota's architectural heritage remains a fascinating highlight for visitors today, showcasing Wright's enduring impact on the built environment.

Credit to Debra Bernard

6 - Unique places 

Minnesota is full of unique places that offer highway highlights for you and your family to enjoy. Visit the Franconia Sculpture Park, home to over 100 funky sculptures ranging from geometrics to a disembodied head and a spotted lizard bursting out of a lounge. North of St. Cloud, Treasure City takes you back to the 1960s with its wooden signs, pirate cutouts, and even a man-eating clam, all accompanied by a wood-panelled station wagon in the parking lot. If you have a sweet tooth, don't miss Minnesota's Largest Candy Store in Jordan, boasting an amazing range of sweets. Looking for family-friendly fun? Head to Lark Toys and take a scenic drive down Highway 61 to Kellogg, where you'll find a collection of shops selling toys, games, costumes, musical instruments, books, and retro fun. With plenty of quirky and entertaining options to explore, these attractions are easy to fit into a fly-drive itinerary.

Credit to Prince Atrium

7 - Sample wine and walk with alpacas

Explore Prince’s surreal, egg-white estate located just off the Augie Mueller Memorial Highway, a must-see for fans of the iconic musician. Then, immerse yourself in the beauty of nature at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, where you can wander through well-manicured gardens and lush landscapes while admiring a peerless collection of shrubs, trees, and plants. For a unique and interactive experience, visit Carlson’s Llovable Llamas, where you can hang out with the herd and enjoy an educational, hands-on opportunity to brush, feed, and lead the llamas. Saturdays are the perfect time to tour J Carver Distillery and experience their "farm-to-glass spirits" firsthand. With a wide range of offerings, including various vodkas, gins, liqueurs, and rare Minnesota-sourced rye, wheat, and single malt whiskeys, there's something to appeal to every palate. Cap off your day with a visit to Schram Vineyards, where you can order a wine or beer and relax by the lakeside. Specialising in cold-hardy grapes and heady French hybrids, this picturesque property offers stunning views and a perfect opportunity to unwind. With an array of wineries and distilleries to explore, Minnesota promises a journey that will have you falling in love with each unique property. 

Credit to Duluth Canal Park

8 - Outdoor Music 

Kick off your music adventure in Minnesota at Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth. This picturesque venue boasts a tall canopy that serves as a showy backdrop, with ships sailing by as groups like Duluth's own Trampled by Turtles take the stage. The spacious park hosts weekend festivals featuring a variety of music genres, including reggae and Christian music, as well as the annual Bayfront Blues event, a must-attend for blues enthusiasts. Located just under three hours away from Minneapolis–Saint Paul, Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth offers stunning views overlooking Lake Superior, providing the perfect setting for performances by artists like Old Crow Medicine Show and mouth-watering events like Ribfest. Additionally, don't miss out on the music scene at Prior Lake, where renowned artists such as the Jonas Brothers and Alice Cooper have graced the stage. For country music fans, the Winstock Festival is a must-visit event. Celebrating its 28th year, this festival in Winsted promises two days of incredible music on June 16-17, offering an unforgettable experience for music lovers of all tastes.

Credit to Walker Art Center

9 - Museums 

Minnesota offers an artistic getaway like no other, with institutions like the Minneapolis Institute of Art and the Walker Art Center showcasing incredible examples of art in the region. At the Minneapolis Institute of Art, delve into classics, including works by American masters, while the Walker Art Center features amazing contemporary pieces that will captivate your imagination. For architecture enthusiasts, the Weisman Art Museum is a must-visit, with its focus on architectural marvels and a collection of stunning works that will pique your curiosity. Families can unleash their creativity at the children’s museum, where interactive exhibits provide a fun and educational experience for all ages. And for those with a passion for science, the Science Museum of Minnesota offers a day of exploration with its interactive displays and engaging activities. With such diverse offerings, Minnesota promises an artistic journey that will inspire and delight visitors of all interests. 

Credit to Itasca State Park Mississippi headwaters

10 - State parks to visit in an RV

No matter your outdoor pursuits, whether hiking, swimming, or simply enjoying nature based rest and recreation, Minnesota's state parks offer something for everyone. Glacial Lakes State Park, situated in west-central Minnesota, presents a unique blend of prairie and forest landscapes adorned with seasonal wildflowers and grasses. Visitors can immerse themselves in the park's natural beauty and enjoy activities like swimming and canoeing at Signalness Lake, fed by natural springs. During the summer months, hiking trails, riding trails, and paved bike trails beckon outdoor enthusiasts to explore and discover the park's wonders. Venture to the Mississippi River Headwaters and Itasca State Park to witness the awe-inspiring beginning of this iconic river. For panoramic views of Lake Mille Lacs, head to Mille Lacs Kathio State Park on its southern shore. Here, visitors can ascend the park's 100-foot observation/fire tower for a bird's-eye perspective of the surrounding landscape. With a multitude of stunning state parks waiting to be explored, consider embarking on an RV trip with America as You Like It for a truly memorable outdoor adventure. Whether seeking solitude amidst nature's embrace or embarking on thrilling outdoor activities, Minnesota's state parks offer boundless opportunities for exploration and enjoyment.