Explore Minnesota – Land of 10,000 Lakes
Nestled in the heart of the United States to the west of Chicago and the Great Lakes, Minnesota captivates with its diverse landscapes, from the urban sophistication of the Twin Cities, Minneapolis and St. Paul, to the pristine wilderness that earned it the moniker “Land of 10,000 Lakes.” This state boasts a rich cultural tapestry, thriving arts and sports scenes, and a profound connection to iconic figures like Prince and Bob Dylan, making it a destination where natural beauty seamlessly intertwines with vibrant human expression.
Find exactly what you’re looking for via the links below – or keep scrolling to discover the delights of Minnesota for yourself:
15-Day Land Of 10,000 Lakes | 11-Day Minnesota Wildlife By Motorhome | 7-Day Minnesota: The Land Of 10,000 Lakes | 21-Day Lakes, Wilderness And The Wild West | 10-Day Great Lakes Self-Drive
Find Your Adventure In Minnesota | Blog: Enjoy A Twin Cities City Break in St Paul & Minneapolis | Visiting Minnesota Throughout The Year | Watch The “Minnesota, Star Of The North” Video
Explore the Best of Minnesota With These Suggested Tour Itineraries
Delta Airlines operate daily, direct flights from London Heathrow to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) – so you’ll now have even more time to explore the “Land of 10,000 Lakes”!
15-Day Land Of 10,000 Lakes
Embark on a breathtaking two-week self-drive tour exploring the vibrant twin cities of Minnesota, the serene beauty of Voyageurs National Park, and the majestic allure of the Mississippi River.
From £1,935pp
Operated by America As You Like It
- Stay three nights in the ‘Twin Cities’ – Minneapolis and St. Paul, located on the Mississippi River in Minnesota
- Music fans can tour Paisley Park – Prince’s former home and recording studio. In the evening, catch some live music including First Avenue, the nightclub that Prince featured in his movie Purple Rain
- Visit a classic American stadium to catch a game and soak up the infamous atmosphere
- Experience Duluth’s thriving social scene with museums, art galleries, breweries and distilleries
- Drive the North Shore Scenic Byway for stunning views of Lake Superior
- Take to the lakes at Boundary Waters Canoe Reservation Area for a gentle paddle through the wilderness
- Explore the nation’s only water-based national park, Voyageurs National Park and witness the magic of the northern lights
- Enjoy active pursuits at Itasca State Park, home to the Mississippi River Headwaters
- 14 nights accommodation
- Car rental
- Return international flights
- ATOL protected
11-Day Minnesota Wildlife By Motorhome
This truly is a tour for those wanting to get close to nature and view an abundance of wildlife, including eagles, wolves and black bears.
From £1,815pp
Operated by North America Travel Service
- Visit the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden and the adjoining Walker Art Centre
- Tour Minneapolis by bike – rated top bicycling city in the US by Bicycling magazine
- Head to Mall of America – boasting 520 stores, 50 restaurants and attractions galore, including Nickelodeon Universe, the nation’s largest indoor theme park
- Take a paddlewheel cruise on the Mississippi River
- Enjoy Itasca State Park’s 100 lakes, 32,000 acres and walk across the mighty Mississippi as it starts its winding journey 2,552 miles to the Gulf of Mexico
- Explore Wilderness Drive past the 2,000 acre Wilderness sanctuary
- Camp at Bear Head Lake State Park, recently voted America’s favourite park in a nationwide campaign sponsored by Coca-Cola
- Enjoy some fun activities at the Wolf Centre including night-time howling with the wolves!
- Explore the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness on a day canoe trip, a 1.09 million acre wilderness area within the Superior National Forest
- Drive some incredible scenic routes including the Great River Road and Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway
- Visit the National Eagle Centre in Wabasha
- 1 night staying at Aloft Hotel, Minneapolis
- 10 days c19 motorhome rental, insurance and mileage – pick up and drop off at Minneapolis Depot
- Return international flights
- ATOL protected
7-Day Minnesota: The Land Of 10,000 Lakes
Named one of the ‘Best Places to Travel in 2023’ the secret is out – Minnesota is an untapped mine of amazing experiences.
From £1,995pp
Operated by Bon Voyage
- Explore the dramatic urban settings of Minneapolis and St. Paul with their fantastic skylines, architecture and amazing water views
- Imagine seeing the Minnesota Vikings play American football or a Minnesota Twins baseball game – the stadiums alone are worth the visit
- Shop til you drop at Mall of America in Bloomington
- Head out of the city to the shores of Lake Superior and spend time in the birthplace of Bob Dylan, Duluth
- Discover the Native American history of quaint Bemidji
- Stop in Pequot Lakes for a quintessential small town America lunch
- Explore St. Cloud’s Barden Park Historic District
- 6 nights accommodation
- Car rental
- Return international flights
- ATOL protected
21-Day Lakes, Wilderness And The Wild West
Enjoy an enriching three-week self-drive journey, traversing the captivating North Shore Scenic Byway, tracing the source of the Mississippi River at its headwaters, and discovering the cultural heritage preserved at Pipestone National Monument.
From £2,458pp
Operated by America As You Like It
- Get your history, art, culture, music and culinary fix in Minneapolis and St. Paul
- Catch some live music including Minneapolis’s First Avenue, the nightclub that Prince featured in his movie Purple Rain
- Take a riverboat sightseeing tour or head out on a guided Segway tour
- For incredible views over Spirit Mountain, Lake Superior, St Louis River and Duluth, head to Spirit Mountain Adventure Park
- Make a stop at Gooseberry Falls State Park or visit Split Rock Lighthouse
- Hike the forests and paddle the lakes of Voyageurs National Park
- Enjoy a range of activities such as ATVs or cycling by the banks of the Mississippi River
- Spend a leisurely day exploring Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota
- Explore South Dakota’s gold rush town of Deadwood and the dramatic scenery of Badlands National Park
- 20 nights accommodation
- Car rental
- Return international flights
- ATOL protected
10-Day Great Lakes Self-Drive
The Great Lakes are a breathtaking natural treasure nestled along the U.S.-Canadian border. This freshwater haven invites you to explore vibrant cities and quaint small towns that dot the region. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the lakes by embarking on sightseeing cruises, paddling in canoes and kayaks, or setting sail on serene waters.
From £2,525pp
Operated by TripsBeyond
- Take a sightseeing tour of the Twin Cities of Minnesota and St. Paul
- There is no sales tax on clothing or shoes in Minnesota – so head over to Mall of America for some shopping
- Watch the ships go by in Duluth, on Lake Superior
- Spend time exploring Apostle Islands Lakeshore National Park in Wisconsin
- Arrive in Green Bay, Wisconsin, best known as the home of the Green Bay Packers, one of the most storied teams in NFL history
- Take a drive along Lake Michigan to Chicago
- Explore the sights, museums and famous buildings of the ‘Windy City’ and get a panoramic view of your surroundings on the observation deck of the Willis Tower
- Take a stroll through the famous botanical gardens of Rockford, Illinois, especially the Anderson Japanese Gardens which is known as one of the most beautiful gardens in the U.S.
- A beautiful drive along the Mississippi River leads to Winona, a river town located in the bluff country of Minnesota and Wisconsin
- 9 nights accommodation
- Car rental
- Return international flights
- ABTA & ATOL protected
Find Your Adventure in Minnesota
There’s a wealth of experiences in store for you to uncover when you visit Minnesota. We’ve selected what we think you’ll love most.
St Paul & Minneapolis
Arts & Culture
Minnesota’s arts and culture thrive in the dynamic Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Paisley Park, Prince’s creative sanctuary in Chanhassen, celebrates his musical legacy with tours of recording studios and a collection of memorabilia. In Hibbing, Bob Dylan’s childhood home offers insight into the roots of the Nobel laureate’s poetic genius. The Twin Cities’ streets burst with vibrant murals, contributing to a rich cultural tapestry. Renowned theatres like the Guthrie and Ordway, along with art institutions such as the Walker Art Center, showcase a diverse range of performances and visual arts. From iconic musicians to thought-provoking murals, Minnesota’s artistic expressions captivate, embodying a commitment to creativity and cultural heritage.
Sports
Minnesota’s sports scene is diverse and vibrant, with teams in basketball, baseball, American football, soccer, and hockey. The NBA’s Timberwolves and WNBA’s Lynx represent basketball excellence, captivating fans at the Target Center. Baseball enthusiasts cheer for the Twins at Target Field, embracing the spirit of America’s pastime. The NFL’s Vikings dominate the football field at U.S. Bank Stadium, creating a fervent atmosphere. Soccer fans rally behind Minnesota United FC in the MLS, adding a global flair to the state’s sports landscape. Lastly, hockey reigns supreme, with the Wild showcasing the state’s enduring love for the game on the ice. Minnesota’s sports legacy is a mix of passion and triumph across multiple arenas.
Shopping
Minnesota offers a dynamic shopping experience, blending high-end retail, unique local finds, and tax-free perks on clothing and shoes. The state’s crown jewel is the Mall of America, the largest shopping and entertainment complex in the U.S., boasting over 500 stores, 50 restaurants, and attractions like Nickelodeon Universe and SEA LIFE Aquarium. Beyond the mall, Minnesota’s cities and towns present an array of boutique shops, artisan markets, and specialty stores. Minneapolis is home to chic, independent retailers and trendy districts like North Loop, while St. Paul charms visitors with historic markets and antique shops. Explore the Twin Cities’ vibrant farmers’ markets for handmade crafts and fresh goods. Meanwhile, outlets like Albertville Premium Outlets provide discounts on top brands.
Land of 10,000 Lakes
Voyageurs National Park
Voyageurs National Park, located in the northern part of Minnesota near the Canadian border, is a pristine wilderness area that encapsulates the spirit of the North Woods. The park covers over 200,000 acres, consisting of a network of interconnected waterways, dense forests, and rugged landscapes. What makes Voyageurs truly unique is its emphasis on water-based recreation, with a vast expanse of lakes, rivers, and interconnected channels. Voyageurs National Park offers a range of outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, bird watching, and stargazing. The park is renowned for its clear, dark skies, making it an excellent destination for observing the northern lights and stargazing enthusiasts.
The Mississippi River
The Mississippi River begins its journey in Minnesota at Lake Itasca in Itasca State Park, where visitors can walk across its modest headwaters. Winding southward, the river transforms into a dynamic presence, weaving through cities, forests, and bluffs. In Minneapolis, St. Anthony Falls – the river’s only waterfall – stands as a striking natural and historical landmark. Nearby, the Stone Arch Bridge offers sweeping views of the river and its surrounding urban landscape. St. Paul embraces the river with scenic parks and lively waterfronts, ideal for leisurely walks or paddleboat tours. Adventurous travellers can follow the Great River Road Scenic Byway, tracing the Mississippi’s course through picturesque small towns, rolling farmland, and dramatic limestone cliffs.
Confessions of a Globetrotter Blog:
Enjoy a City Break in St. Paul & Minneapolis, Minnesota
Discover the dynamic flavours and rich culture of a city break combining St. Paul and Minneapolis, Minnesota. From innovative eateries and craft breweries to world-class museums and theatres, the urban experience is unforgettable. Consider extending your stay to explore Minnesota’s natural beauty, with serene lakes, scenic trails, and boating adventures offering the perfect outdoor escape…
Visiting Minnesota Throughout the Year…
- As the invigorating springtime unfolds in Minnesota, with temperatures ranging from a crisp 6°C in March to a pleasantly mild 20°C later in the season, the state’s natural beauty bursts into life. Spring offers a myriad of activities such as exploring vibrant botanical gardens, taking leisurely strolls amidst blossoming landscapes, and immersing oneself in the eclectic outdoor festivals that dot the region
- In the vibrant Minnesota summer, temperatures rise to an average of 25-32°C, inviting you to enjoy outdoor pursuits like lakeside picnics, canoeing on pristine waters, and attending lively summer events, creating a perfect blend of warmth and entertainment across the region
- As autumn arrives in Minnesota, temperatures cool to a comfortable range of 10-20°C, offering the ideal weather for exploring the state’s parks adorned with colourful fall foliage, attending harvest festivals, and enjoying cultural gems like the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, creating a picturesque and culturally rich seasonal experience
- Embrace the winter charm of Minnesota, where temperatures range from 0-10°C, by indulging in seasonal delights such as ice skating on frozen lakes, exploring festive holiday markets, and experiencing the warm ambiance of local indoor attractions like the Science Museum of Minnesota, making it a cosy and enchanting winter retreat
Minnesota, Star Of The North
