Central Minnesota

A couple on a wooden swing at Shady Grove Resort, Ottertail

Image Caption

Shady Grove Resort, Ottertail / Kvidt Creative

The Heart of Minnesota

Discover a land of pristine lakes and wooded hills, with miles of trails to explore by foot or bike in summer, or by snowshoe, snowmobile or fat bike in winter.

Central Minnesota is dotted with crystalline lakes, rivers and streams, perfect for fishing, boating, paddling and waterskiing. The region is also a notable golf destination, with over 70 scenic courses crafted by top designers. In the area’s cities and towns, discover bustling main streets and abundant entertainment, shopping and dining. Plus, find museums and historic sites devoted to everything from aviator Charles Lindbergh and novelist Sinclair Lewis to Ojibwe culture.

Here, you can fill up on fresh air and make priceless memories; don’t be surprised if this magical place keeps calling you back.

St. Cloud

A Dam Fun City

Enjoy outdoor recreation, charming gardens, historic districts and more.

A horse drawn wagon at Carlos Creek Winery, Alexandria — Horse drawn wagon at Carlos Creek Winery, Alexandria

Road Trip

Glacial Ridge Scenic Byway

For a memorable Minnesota getaway, explore the pretty lakes, small towns, prairies and woodlands of Central Minnesota’s Glacial Ridge Scenic Byway. Wineries, waterside restaurants and plenty of resorts and inns make it easy to disconnect from the distractions of daily life.

Woman putting at Deacon's Lodge — Taking a putt at Deacon's Lodge in Pequot Lakes / Paul Vincent

Golf

Greens Galore

From short par 3s to championship courses, Central Minnesota has an abundance of “driving” destinations.

Two women biking on Main Street, Sauk Centre — Biking on Main Street, Sauk Centre / Waqar Ahmad

Bike Trails

Cycling Central

This region includes Minnesota’s longest paved bike trail, a nationally acclaimed mountain bike area and trails that take riders through sweeping forests into tourist towns.

Fishing on Lake Margaret — Fishing near the shoreline of Lake Margaret in the Brainerd Lakes Area / Paul Vincent

Lake Life

Fishing, Paddling and More

In Central Minnesota, water melds with every vacation desire, from dreamy naps on the dock and daybreak swims to pontoon parties and full-throttle speedboat thrills.

01 02 03 04 05

/05

Top Experiences

Great Golf

In this land of lakes and forests, discover more than two dozen public golf courses, including many recognized as some of the best in the country by golf experts and publications.

Pedal Your Way Through Central Minnesota

Bicyclists on the lookout for high-quality experiences should take aim at central Minnesota.

Go Beyond Walleyes

While fishing for Minnesota’s state fish (the walleye) is fun, there are plenty of other sought-after species worth trying to hook, no matter the season. Giant pike, anyone?

Arts & Culture

Central Minnesota is teeming with cultural and artistic opportunities. From sculpture walks and mural tours to art galleries and history museums, here are some ideas to feed your yearning for the arts in Greater Minnesota.

Fantastic Food

Partaking in all the activities that central Minnesota offers will have you working up an appetite, and these six must-try local restaurants will leave you fully satisfied.