As summer appears on the distant horizon in the “land of ten thousand lakes,” it’s time to grab your calendars, sift through all the exciting getaway options with the Midwest Association of Independent Inns, and start planning those getaways! Though there’s a diverse range of exciting destinations to visit across the Midwest, the sheer number of things to do in Minnesota makes it a fantastic choice for summer vacations. From the bustling urban centers of Minneapolis and St. Paul to the pristine wilderness of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, Minnesota offers boundless adventure, plenty of cultural enrichment, and exciting experiences.
From invigorating hikes and exhilarating water sports to the simple joy of exploring scenic byways and delving into Minnesota’s top state parks, outdoor enthusiasts will be greeted by a vast array of things to do in Minnesota. Minneapolis is home to one of the top park systems in the country and, for an urban center, offers some truly impressive access to outdoor adventure. But it doesn’t stop there. Head to the expanse of the Boundary Waters, explore the shores of Lake Superior, navigate the winding rivers and streams, hike from trail to trail, and enjoy a two-wheeled adventure like never before. It won’t matter what you do – Minnesota’s landscapes are breathtaking and rife with opportunities for adventure.
As exciting as these adventures are, this is just part of what Minnesota has in store for your upcoming getaways. If you’re seeking culture, you’ll find your curiosity satiated with an array of festivals, museums, art, historical attractions, and charming small towns, all of which capture the enduring spirit of Minnesota’s heritage. The allure of Minnesota is expansive, especially as the long, warm days of summer come into view. However, perhaps the best part about visiting this awe-inspiring state is that so many things to do in Minnesota aren’t just relegated to the summer.
Like many other Midwest States, Minnesota is an exciting four-season destination filled with adventure, culture, and some of the friendliest hospitality around. To round out for adventure and transform your getaway from an ordinary vacation into something extraordinary, we hope you’ll include a stay at one or more of our Midwest lodging partners.
The Midwest Association of Independent Inns features an extensive network of Inns, Bed and Breakfasts, Boutique Hotels, Cabins, Vacation Rentals, and more. Whether you’re drawn to the cosmopolitan allure of the Twin Cities or the rustic charm of Minnesota’s countryside, these Bed and Breakfasts in Minnesota promise a stay that complements your adventure, ensuring that every moment spent in this enchanting state is memorable.
Of course, these Minnesota Inns are just the start of a great vacation across the Midwest. There are so many more fantastic states to explore, and in each of them, you’ll find the best lodging in the Midwest. Check out our other properties in other states, and start planning your next adventure today!
Discover New Things to Do in Minnesota This Summer
Though it’s called the “land of ten thousand lakes,” there are actually more than 11,000 lakes in Minnesota that are at least 10 acres in size – so to say Minnesota is a state built for outdoor adventure is something of an understatement. These lakes are just a small part of the things to do in Minnesota, though. It’s also an incredible destination for hiking and is one of the top states in the country for cyclists. Beyond the natural beauty you’ll find around every bend, Minnesota offers a vibrant cultural scene and a charming sense of history – something you’ll encounter everywhere from Minneapolis/St. Paul to small towns like Lanesboro, Afton, Mankato, Red Wing, and more.
Whether you’re looking for a place to escape into solitude or are craving an action-packed vacation, Minnesota offers no shortage of things to do. Below, we’ve offered a guide to some of our favorite things to do in Minnesota, though this list is by no means complete.
- With so many lakes in Minnesota, you won’t be surprised that kayaking and canoeing are on our list of the top things to do in Minnesota. Great places to paddle include the Chisago Lakes Water Trail in the St. Croix Valley, the St. Croix River near Afton, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, which you can access near Ely, and all along the Mississippi River, from the headwaters in Itasca State Park south to towns like Red Wing.
- If you find yourself in the Twin Cities and you are craving a nature break, don’t miss the Chain of Lakes Regional Park or Minnehaha Falls Regional Park. Both parks are home to walking and biking trails, and you can also paddle on the water. It’s one of our favorite things to do in Minnesota in the summer, but it offers something year-round, too.
- Minnesota is one of the best states in the Midwest, if not the country, for cyclists. There are some incredible bike trails in Minnesota, including the Root River Trail in Lanesboro, the Paul Bunyon and Heartland State Trails near Bemidji, the Central Lakes State Trail, and the 51-mile Grand Rounds Scenic Byway in Minneapolis.
- Like biking, hiking is one of the top things to do in Minnesota—and it’s enjoyed from spring through fall. There are some epic hiking trails in Minnesota, too, including the famed Superior Hiking Trail near Duluth.
- If you’re looking for one easy-to-visit location that offers an incredible array of hiking, biking, paddling, and boating, consider visiting one of the top Minnesota State Parks. There are more than 75 state parks in Minnesota, everywhere, from along the bluffs of the Mississippi River to the shores of Lake Superior. A few favorites include Split Rock Lighthouse State Park near Duluth, Interstate State Park in Taylors Falls, Frontenac State Park in Red Wing, and Minneopa State Park near Mankato.
- If you need a break from nature, one of our favorite things to do in Minnesota is to visit the Minneapolis Institute of Art. It’s home to more than 90,000 works of art representing 5,000 years of world history.
- It’s a little-known fact that Minneapolis is home to more theater seats per capita than any city outside of New York. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy the performing arts at great venues such as The Guthrie.
- Sip and swirl your way through Minnesota’s wine country. There are three excellent wine trails in the state, and it’s one of our favorite things to do in Minnesota when we just want to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.
- Wineries aren’t the only places to stop for a craft beverage. You’ll also find plenty of exceptional breweries in Minnesota. There are more than 150 of them in the state! Head to Shell’s Brewing Company in New Ulm, known as Minnesota’s oldest brewery, grab a pint at Surly Brewing in Minneapolis, enjoy the views at Lift Bridge Brewery in Stillwater, or head up north to Bent Paddle Brewing in Duluth. You can’t go wrong!
- Though the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul offer a little bit of everything, you’d be remiss not to explore the charming small towns that makeup Minnesota’s character. From the German heritage of New Ulm and the Scandinavian roots of Lanesboro to the historic Amish communities in southern Minnesota, visiting these rural areas is one of our favorite things to do in Minnesota.
The Best Places to Stay in Minnesota
We could create list after list of all the incredible things to do in Minnesota, but for now, we’ll invite you to come and explore this summer. There are so many exciting cities, towns, and attractions worth seeing that you could easily spend several vacations-worth of time here. But no matter where you go, you’ll find a top-rated Minnesota Bed and Breakfast, Inn, or hotel waiting for you.
Our network of Minnesota lodging offers some of the best places to stay in Minnesota. From historic homes in the heart of St. Paul to charming lakeside retreats near the Boundary Waters, you’ll find a diverse network of lodging properties to choose from. Every property in the Midwest Association of Independent Inns is dedicated to providing a comfortable place to stay, complete with top-notch amenities and exceptional, detail-oriented hospitality.
Unlike modern hotel chains where you get one identical room after another and an impersonalized guest experience, each of our properties offers something unique. With a strong dedication to excellence in hospitality, our Inns ensure you have a comfortable and memorable stay in Minnesota. Whether you’re looking for a romantic couple’s retreat, a trip with friends, or a family vacation, our network of Inns offers you the best selection of places to stay in Minnesota.
Don’t miss this opportunity – enjoy all the best things to do in Minnesota with us this year. Book your stay at a Minnesota Inn or hotel today!
