Minnesota

Minnesota’s oldest state park, near Bemidji, has another claim to fame: The headwaters of the Mighty Mississippi River are located here. Boat, paddle or swim the river or hike through the old-growth pines, where you’ll find an Indian cemetery and Wegmann’s Cabin to explore. Drive the Lake County Scenic Byway to catch everything you missed on the hike.

With more than 500 stores, an indoor amusement park featuring upwards of 20 rides, attractions like Flyover America and the Minnesota Sea Life Aquarium, as well as two attached hotels and dozens of restaurants, this mall is unlike any you’ve ever experienced.

The North Shore Scenic Drive begins in Northeast Minnesota in Duluth and follows Lake Superior on a northeastern route all the way to Canada. The spectacular scenery includes seven state parks, several waterfalls and small shoreline towns. Along the route, dine in restaurants serving local fish and produce, and browse unique shops and art galleries. Because of dark skies over the lake, it’s also a popular location to view the Aurora Borealis, or northern lights.

Four lakes dominate Voyageurs, making it a true water playground. Take a naturalist-led sunset or wildlife cruise, or rent your own boat. On land, fish the walleye-filled waters or go berry picking.

Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about the iconic bird is covered here. Go on an eagle viewing trip in the wild, catch a live eagle program, sit inside an eagle’s nest or engage with any number of interactive exhibits.

Experience the historic Minneapolis Riverfront, which features the only waterfall on the Mississippi River, St. Anthony Falls. The shores of the river feature many scenic overlooks and attractions including Mill City Museum, located in an exploded flour mill; the Guthrie Theater; and the Stone Arch Bridge, a pedestrian bridge that crosses the river and provides spectacular views of the iconic Mississippi.

The legendary artist’s Chanhassen estate in Minneapolis offers two tours that will take you deep inside the icon’s daily life. See the Prince archives, which include hundreds of artifacts and awards, and even take a peek at his wardrobe. Upgrade to the VIP tour to go even further into the home, and make sure to stay long enough to see the house at night, when lights turn it lavender.

The Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul was designed by influential architect Cass Gilbert and completed in 1905. It features the second largest self-supporting marble dome in the world, as well as stunning decorative and fine art pieces. Free guided tours of the recently renovated building are available year-round.

The slabs and stones of red rock found in this now-protected tallgrass prairie were quarried by the Plains tribes and made into ceremonial pipes. Take the interpretive trail through the quarry area and end at Winnewissa Falls, learning about the area’s rich American Indian heritage and landscape.

Since opening in 1988, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden has welcomed millions of visitors to see more than 40 works from the Walker Art Center’s collections. One favorite is the iconic and colorful “Spoonbridge and Cherry” by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen. The free, public garden is open year-round from 6 a.m. to midnight and takes on a special air of snowy wonder during the wintertime.