One of the great things about the US that makes it so unique and interesting for travelers is its sheer size. The United States of America is the fourth largest country in the world, and every state has something unique about it. This means that you can find different climates, landscapes, traditions, and cultures as you explore the US, all without leaving the country.
But this leaves you with the question of where to travel. When choosing a destination for your next vacation, you need to consider a few things, including what you want to get out of your trip, the cost of the journey and accommodation, and how much time you have to spend in a place.
One place that’s definitely worth considering is Minnesota. This post will look at what Minnesota has to offer and why it might be worth a trip.
Exploring Minnesota
Minnesota is in the Midwestern United States and shares a border with Canada. That means that it also shares a weather system with southern Canada, especially the further North you go. During the winter, expect a lot of snow and cold weather, but the Minnesotan summers can be hot and welcoming.
Minnesota is also known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, which should give you an idea of what the state is like geographically. It features loads of large bodies of fresh waters, as well as the Mississippi river and other large water sources. As well as loads of natural sources of water, Minnesota is known for its forests.
About a third of the state is covered in forests, and other than the many lakes, the rest of the land is taken up by prairies and farmland.
While Minnesota is known for its vast natural beauty, that isn’t all it has to offer. Most Minnesotan residents live in and around the Twin Cities, which is a metropolitan area surrounding and encompassing Minneapolis and Saint Paul, the two largest cities in Minnesota. Of course, there are other cities and towns in Minnesota, but these are the most populous and famous.
This is a basic overview of the state of Minnesota, but what can you do there?
When to Travel
The best time of year to visit Minnesota largely depends on what you want to do there. If you just want to see the sights and enjoy the best weather of the year, anytime between late April and mid-September will work well. This is when most people visit the cities.
You’ll also find that most of the festivals in Minnesota are hosted during these warmer summer months. The weather is more welcoming, meaning that you can go camping or hiking in the woods without having to worry about too much rain or snow.
However, if you’re thinking about hotel prices, consider times when Minnesota isn’t as busy. The Minnesota State Fair happens during August and September and, while it’s a fantastic reason to visit, it is also more expensive. So if you just want to enjoy the natural beauty of Minnesota, consider another time.
Minnesota winters are beautiful but infamously harsh and the roads and hotels are often disrupted. A lot of tourist-friendly places might also close during these months, and it can be dangerous and difficult to hike or camp at these times unless you’re really prepared for the challenge.
However, all that snow does mean that snow-sports are fantastic in Minnesota. So if you’re into snowboarding or skiing, you should definitely look into places to stay that accommodate these activities. Just don’t be surprised if your vacation gets disrupted during a storm.
Exploring the Woods in Minnesota
The reason that a lot of people like to visit Minnesota is because of the forests and lakes. You are frankly spoilt for choice when it comes to outdoor activities, and you can find different activities for different skill levels.
If you have a family, you don’t want to try anything too death-defying, but you can still have a lot of fun. Minnesota is packed with national parks and camping sites, so you can have a great camping experience without being too far from creature comforts.
Take the kids camping and hiking in the woods. You can find different trails with difficulty levels that suit anyone, so make sure you do your research before you start walking. Talk to other hikers and ask their opinions of the trail and, if in doubt, stick to pathed areas.
When hiking and camping, think about your equipment and gear. Proper walking shoes or boots are a must, because nobody wants to injure themselves when they’re a few miles from the nearest road. At least take water and consider taking food with you. If you are planning a more difficult hike or a wild camping trip, make sure you have the appropriate level of fitness and the appropriate gear for the job. The forests are beautiful but it’s so easy to get lost.
The Night Sky
The night sky is technically available wherever you are in the world, but most people never get to see it in its full glory. Civilisation is wonderful, and the convenience of cities can’t be matched. But you do lose something.
Light pollution robs us of the stars at night. Even in small towns and villages, street lamps blind people to everything that’s going on above them. One of the facets of being so far north is that, at some times of the year, you get short days and long nights. This can be a downside if you don’t enjoy waking up and getting home to the dark, but it’s a great opportunity to see the stars properly.
Minnesota has a lot of empty space as well as cities, farmland, and forests. Whether you’re camping or you drive out to a solitary area, this means that you have an opportunity to see some amazing starry views on a clear night.
Again, because Minnesota is so far north, you also have the opportunity to see the northern lights. For some people, this is a lifetime dream, and it’s well worth the travel to see the night light up with solar flares.
Again, you want to be in an area that’s away from light pollution. Interestingly, a lot of people find that they can see more from the photographs they take than in person, but on good nights, you can see an incredible lightshow.
Speaking of taking photographs, aspiring photographers often enjoy the opportunity to take nighttime shots of the stars. Great night photography can be tricky to manage, but even a decent smartphone can get some impressive photos if you know what you’re doing.
The only real way to get great photos is with long exposure, so set up a tripod and give your camera time to get bright stars with minimal shakiness.
Water Activities
So far, we’ve explored the forests and wide-open spaces of Minnesota, but what about the 10,000 lakes we’ve heard so much about? Minnesota actually has another few thousand lakes on top of that, and many of these lakes are great for water sports.
Again, you can dial the intensity of these sports up or down depending on your confidence and skill level. Lakes are often still and steady, so you can safely enjoy a relaxing afternoon canoeing or rowing on a lake.
You can even arrange a trip that involves canoeing, hiking, and camping, allowing you to explore the stunning scenery of the Boundary Waters from the land and water.
If you want a faster-paced experience, you can also find kayak and white water rafting experiences. Look for faster bodies of water that have more intense flows. Another option is to go fishing, but make sure you keep up to date with local regulations.
When you’re on the water, make sure that you have the equipment you need to keep safe. It also helps to be a strong swimmer and have at least one person with you who knows how to rescue people from water. Life vests and other equipment will keep you safe from drowning.
City Living in Minnesota
While the natural sights of Minnesota are one of its most impressive features, you can’t deny that the city life in Minnesota is also fascinating. If you stay in the Minneapolis and Saint Paul area, you will have a massive variety of things to do.
This includes a busy nightlife, interesting museums and other cultural sites, and great food and drink. You can even get some great pizza in Coon Rapids MN , which is right near Minneapolis if you want an easy night in.
Make sure that you research any shows, festivals, or other events in the area that you’re staying so that you’ve got plenty to do while you stay. Whether you choose to get accommodation in the city or travel in for a day trip, it’s definitely worth seeing what Minnesota has to offer.
