Northwest Minnesota
Where the Prairie Meets the North Woods
Discover some of Minnesota’s largest lakes and the headwaters of the Mississippi River. Forests and lakes offer fishing and boating, biking miles of scenic trails, hiking in state parks, playing golf on beautiful courses and bird-watching. For more fast-paced adventure, check out forested ATV trails. With snowmobiling, ice fishing and skiing, there's no hibernating in winter.
The region's charming small towns offer specialty shops, art galleries and dining of all kinds. Many towns are surrounded by clusters of lakes, with family-friendly resorts and campgrounds along their shores. Music festivals, heritage experiences and theaters draw lots of applause.
ATVing in Thief River Falls / Arctic Cat Inc
Angle Inlet, the Northernmost point in the continental US / Lake of the Woods Tourism
Peeking at a pair of Jacks while playing poker at the casino / © Studio Romantic - stock.adobe.com
Fall biking on the Paul Bunyan Heartland bike trails near Walker
Shady Hollow Flea Market in Detroit Lakes / Dee George
Top Experiences
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Find Adventure on the ATV trails in Thief River Falls / Textron Arctic Cat
Northwest Minnesota has long trails, great scenery and a remoteness rarely found. In fact, some trails take riders so deep into forests and bogs the nearest gas station is a good 50 miles away.
Read More about ATV Adventures
Ice fishing on Leech Lake
With so many lakes to choose from, picking the right destination can be a bit overwhelming, so we put together a short list of some popular destinations for ice fishing in northwest Minnesota.
Read More about 6 Places to Ice Fish
Cruising down one of many wood bridges on Swayze Train / Pinkbike
Bicyclists who seek long flat paved trails, short family-friendly trails or hilly mountain bike trails will find all three in northwest Minnesota.
Read More about Miles & Smiles Biking in Minnesota's Great Northwest
Minnesota-made jackets, blankets and plush toys at Bemidji Woolen Mills / Lisa Meyers McClintick
Northwest Minnesota is home to an enticing variety of year-round boutiques and stores, from quaint and quirky to classy and chic.
Read More about Go Shopping in Northwest
Can you find all 30 "Sunny" fish sculptures throughout Detroit Lakes?
Add depth and enjoyment to your next northwest Minnesota vacation at these colorful cultural destinations.
Read More about Arts & CultureNorthwest Minnesota Destinations
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