Everyone has heard of the big attractions in Minnesota like the Mall of America, Duluth and Paul Bunyan Land. But, what else is there to do?

Most people don’t realize that the North Star state has dozens of fantastic hidden getaways in between its thousands of lakes and millions of pine trees.

Red Wing

The city of Red Wing is a historic city nestled in the Mississippi River Valley about an hour south of the Twin Cities. The scenic river town has plenty to offer weekend travelers, but no attraction is more noteworthy than the historic St. James Hotel. Built in 1875, the hotel offers a glimpse into Minnesota’s railroading past.

Detroit Lakes

Minnesota is known as the Land Of 10,000 Lakes (even though it has well over 11,000) and few places around the state embrace Minnesota’s lake lifestyle like Detroit Lakes. Four hours northwest of the Twin Cities, the resort town offers lakeside activities year-round. There’s plenty to do in the winter in ‘DL’ (as the locals call it); however, the time to visit is during the summer when fishing, golfing and shopping are at their best.

Grand Marais

Who needs hot weather all the time? Why not escape to one of Minnesota’s coolest destinations, literally. Enjoy the crisp breeze of Lake Superior and a small town that is bursting with charm. Three hours north of Duluth, the town is the gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

Minneapolis Riverfront

The Mississippi Riverfront played an enormous role in Minneapolis’ development as a major center for the milling industry. However, the area fell into disrepair in the mid-20th century. The area has re-emerged in the last decade as a hip, yet historic, district on the outskirts of the city’s downtown. The riverfront now features everything from a museum highlighting the city’s milling history to one of the most acclaimed theatres in the country

Bed And Breakfast On The St. Croix River

Folks from Minnesota and Wisconsin disagree on many things, particularly football. However, residents of both states share a sincere affection for the St. Croix River, which runs between them. Scattered along the banks of the St. Croix are nearly a dozen bed and breakfasts that offer breathtaking views of the scenic river. The area offers many activities from hot air balloon rides to fishing tours.