0
100
0
100
From: £2995
Order your free digital guide to Minnesota by clicking here.
Named one of the ‘Best Places to Travel in 2023,’ Minnesota offers a wealth of experiences, from natural wonders to cultural attractions. The state is home to the Native American Sioux tribe and derives its name from their language, Dakota, meaning "clear blue water." With more lakes than any other state, including the headwaters of the Mississippi River and the vast Lake Superior, Minnesota truly lives up to this distinction.
Boasting nearly 35% forest cover, the state provides ample opportunities for nature enthusiasts. Additionally, the Mall of America and charming small towns cater to diverse interests. Some top attractions in Minnesota include the Mall of America, the North Shore Scenic Drive, the Minneapolis Institute of Art, and Minnehaha Park. Whether you're a city lover, nature buff, or seeking small-town charm, Minnesota has something to offer for everyone.
Price per person includes:
___________________________________________________________________________________
A city that blends history, arts, culture, music, culinary experiences and plenty of shopping, with a picturesque river setting for a more relaxed vibe.
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. Museums and historic sites, including the Walker Art Center and adjacent Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, Mill City Museum, Weisman Art Museum (Frank Gehry design) and the James J Hill House in St. Paul.
Walk across the historic Stone Arch Bridge for a view of the only natural waterfall on the entire river, St. Anthony Falls.
Sporting fans are in their element as Minneapolis is home to all 5 major sporting competitions (American football, basketball, baseball, hockey and football/soccer). Visit a classic American stadium to catch a game and soak up the infamous atmosphere.
Different ways to explore the cities: walking tours, cycling tours, guided tours and Segway tours.
Experience your first riverboat sightseeing tour, a traditional means of transport in Minnesota’s deep history.
No visit is complete without experiencing the diverse food scene, with influences and fusions between mid-West, Scandinavian heritage and Indigenous culture, for a modern and exciting cuisine, strongly derived from produce that is home-grown in the State. But sometimes you just need to delve your teeth into Minnesota’s most iconic dish ‘The Juicy Lucy’ - a surprising twist on the classic Cheeseburger. For those seeking the best Indigenous culinary experience, head to the James Beard Award-winning restaurant ‘Owamni by the Sioux Chef’.
Distance: 155 miles
The Birthplace of Bob Dylan – Duluth is a bustling inland seaport, with ships and boats passing the famous lift bridge. A thriving social scene with museums, art galleries, breweries and distilleries, restaurants and shopping.
Don’t miss the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Centre and Glensheen Estate.
For incredible views over Spirit Mountain, Lake Superior, St Louis River and Duluth, head to Spirit Mountain Adventure Park to test the heights with the Spirit Express Scenic chairlift, Timber Flyer bench seat zip lining and Timber Twister Alpine Coaster.
Distance: 90 miles
Drive the North Shore Scenic Byway for stunning views of Lake Superior. Also a picturesque drive during Fall colours.
Options to visit on route: Gooseberry Falls State Park, Split Rock Lighthouse.
Afternoon hiking Lutsen Mountain trails, take the gondola ride for an aerial view, or head to Grand Portage State Park (60 mi) to see the impressive High Falls 120ft cascading waterfall.
Distance: 200 miles
Drive to Ely to visit the International Wolf Centre and/or North American Bear Centre.Take to the lakes at Boundary Waters Canoe Reservation Area for a gentle paddle through the wilderness. All motorised travel is prohibited in this protected area.
Continue to International Falls for overnight.
Distance: 10 miles
Explore the Nation’s only water-based national park, Voyageurs National Park – hiking the forests or paddling the lakes.
Spend time under the stars at night, in Minnesota’s Dark Sky Certified Park. This is also a great spot to witness the magic of The Northern Lights.
Stay and play on the unique houseboats!
Distance: 190 miles
Drive 160 miles to Itasca State Park, home to the Mississippi River Headwaters.
According to legend, those who step across the Mississippi at its source will live a long and happy life, and great riches will come to whoever finds the mythical Cities of Gold along its banks.
Head 30 miles to Bemidji, the first city on the Mississippi River, where you’ll find a range of activities, from the more gentle hiking and golfing, to the adrenalin fuelled cycling and ATVs in the rough hilly terrain.
Distance: 220 miles
As you head to St Cloud today, you have a choice of two routes – the shortest and most direct being 150 miles, getting you to St Cloud earlier and allowing more time to explore the area, or, take the longer route of 220 miles, following the iconic All American Byway ‘The Great River Road’ and simply enjoy the picturesque drive itself!
Once in St Cloud, take a stroll through the perfectly tended flowers at Munsinger Clemens Gardens. Take to one of the three public golf courses for a quick round. Cycle along the Wobegon Trail. Nature lovers head to Quarry Park and Nature Reserve, where you can walk, cycle, rock climb, swim and even high jump from quarry rocks. Don’t miss the Fall colours if travelling in the Autumn season.
Distance: 175 miles
The Pipestone National Monument is a working quarry used by American Indians to harvest the soft red stone used to make ceremonial peace pipes. A 1-km walking trail allows a view of the quarries and in the Visitor Center, American Indians still today handcraft the pipes. Many buildings in town are made of red quartzite stone (pipestone) and are on the list of the National Register of Historic Places. Two of the best examples are the Calumet Inn and the Pipestone County Courthouse.
Don’t miss the beautiful Winnewissa Falls on the Circle Trail!
Take a short drive to Blue Mounds State Park to spot the free-roaming Bison herd.
Distance: 210 miles
Head to Minnesota’s third largest city – Rochester. Where history meets contemporary.
Join the hustle and bustle of city life, with museums, art galleries, sculpture walks, park trails, boutique shopping, historic mansions, breweries, theatre performances and more. There is something for everyone in Rochester.
Alternatively, why not visit Winona?
Distance: 90 miles
Don’t miss the last chance to fill up your suitcase before flying home! Mall of America is just five minutes from MSP airport, and is the largest enclosed shopping and entertainment centre in the U.S. There is no sales tax on clothing or shoes in Minnesota! This isn’t just a shopping centre – it also houses movie theatres, theme park rides, an aquarium, flight simulators and escape rooms.
Alternative option for American Indian Heritage enthusiasts - detour to Hocokata Ti Cultural Center in Shakopee, on the drive from Rochester to Minneapolis.