Hotels and gas can take a big chunk out of your travel budget.

But, if you’re heading to Minnesota, there are plenty of fun vacation adventures you can take that won’t cost you much at all.

Itasca State Park

The "Mighty" Mississippi River runs more than 2,500 miles from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico and is one of the largest rivers in the world. However, at its base in Itasca State Park, you can walk across the river at its simple beginnings. But Itasca State Park is not only famous for its river connection, it also features 100 other lakes and 2,000-acre wilderness sanctuary.

Grand Rounds Parkway

If you have any interest whatsoever in biking, you must try the Grand Rounds Parkway, the jewel of Minneapolis’ park system. The trail winds 50 miles around the edges of the city through seven separate gorgeous park districts. During your ride, you’ll come across at least a dozen lakes and ponds, four golf courses, two waterfalls, natural and planned gardens, creek and river views, and of course, many other bikers.

Bird Watching

Of all of the wonderful things about nature, perhaps the most appealing for travelers is that it’s almost always free to experience. Bird watching is very popular in Minnesota and there are dozens of parks each with thousands of birds in them. Your only expense will be the binoculars.

Historic Fort Snelling

Few landmarks are as important in the development of the Midwest as Fort Snelling. A popular military outpost in the 1820s, the fort is now right in the heart of Twin Cities and serves as a historical reminder of the state’s past. The fort's costumed guides will demonstrate crafts, present historical skits and practice military drill and weapons firings just like Minnesotans did more than 150 years ago on the land.

Boundary Waters Canoe Area

With more than 1 million acres of forest, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in northeastern Minnesota is one of the most renowned destinations for fishing, canoeing and camping in the U.S. Glacier movements in the region thousands of years ago left behind a picturesque mixture of lakes, jagged cliffs, gentle hills, canyon walls, rocky shores and sandy beaches.

Drive The Scenic North Shore

If you’re driving to your next Minnesota vacation, be sure to include the stunning drive on Highway 61 along the North Shore of Lake Superior in your itinerary. The breathtaking cliffs and beaches of Lake Superior's beautiful shore are bordered by the Sawtooth Mountains and thousands of acres of pine, aspen and birch tree. You will find very few long time residents of Minnesota who have not taken a family vacation to the “North Shore.”