Image Caption
A drone shot of the Mississippi River in St. Paul
/ Paul Vincent
In the News
Minnesota is so majestic, it's no wonder why AFAR, The New York Times and Wall Street Journal have all named us a top place to travel.
While we're super proud of those selections, it's not the only time Minnesota has attracted the attention of influential media. Check out a list of recent Minnesota accolades below to learn what the experts (and we) love about Minnesota.
Noteworthy Accolades
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The 10 Cutest Small Towns in the Midwest
2023
2023
The 10 Cutest Small Towns in the Midwest
Winona was selected for its "small-town main street", Victorian buildings, and "beautiful location" right near bluffs on the Mississippi River.
READ ARTICLE
Minnesota Is Having a Moment
2024
2024
"The questions have been flooding in lately from people pondering a move — 'is it as good as it seems?'"
READ ARTICLE
52 Places to Go
2024
2024
"This roadless wilderness is pristine, a place to fish for walleye, hear the haunting call of a loon and camp in thick boreal forest"
READ ARTICLE
Restaurants of the Year
2024
2024
"Chef Sean Sherman provides a vision of what modern Indigenous food can be"
READ ARTICLE
America's Best Small Towns
2023
2023
"We’re happily calling Grand Marais the nation’s best small lake town... a grand foray on America’s 'Fresh Coast'"
READ ARTICLE
8 Best Spots for Aurora Borealis Viewing
2023
2023
8 Best Spots for Aurora Borealis Viewing
"To see the northern lights within the contiguous 48 states, head to Minnesota, where dark skies and plenty of winter activities welcome you."
READ ARTICLE
The 15 Happiest Places to Live in the U.S.
2023
2023
The 15 Happiest Places to Live in the U.S.
"If COVID taught Minneapolis residents anything, it’s that the city’s ample green-space goes a long way toward healing and happiness."
READ ARTICLE
America's Top States for Business
2023
2023
America's Top States for Business
Minnesota rounds up the Top 5 with especially high ratings in the infrastructure, life, health & inclusion, and tech & innovation sectors.
READ ARTICLE
10 Best States to Live and Work
2023
2023
10 Best States to Live and Work
"People in the North Star State pride themselves on being 'Minnesota Nice.' It’s more than just a feeling."
READ ARTICLE
America's Best Small Lake Town
2023
2023
America's Best Small Lake Town
An unexpected arts enclave, tiny Grand Marais, Minnesota, bursts with galleries, local shops and restaurants, and lake-filled getaways galore.
READ ARTICLE
8 Craft Breweries With the Coolest On-site Games
2023
2023
8 Craft Breweries With the Coolest On-site Games
"Cider lovers will appreciate this Minneapolis site for both its craft ciders made from 100 percent real fruit and its fierce dedication to pickleball."
READ ARTICLE
Our 13 Favorite Scenic Byways
2023
2023
Our 13 Favorite Scenic Byways
"This 154-mile byway... features waterfalls, state parks, shoreline towns, and attractions, including the Split Rock Lighthouse."
READ ARTICLE
25 essential drives for a U.S. road trip
2023
2023
25 essential drives for a U.S. road trip
"There are beautiful waterfalls throughout the park, and coastal cliffs that make for excellent hiking. You can even catch the Northern Lights if your timing is right."
READ ARTICLE
This Idyllic Destination Is Called 'Minnesota's Playground'
2023
2023
This Idyllic Destination Is Called 'Minnesota's Playground'
It's also "one of the best places to buy a lake home in the U.S."
READ ARTICLE
The 15 Best Rail Trails in the U.S.
2023
2023
The 15 Best Rail Trails in the U.S.
"If the trail name doesn’t get you, the landscape will."
READ ARTICLE
20 Most Beautiful Winter Towns in the U.S.
2023
2023
20 Most Beautiful Winter Towns in the U.S.
"Winter in Lanesboro — a gem of a town that’s tucked away in the bluffs of the Root River Valley, about two hours southeast of the Twin Cities — looks like a painting."
READ ARTICLE
23 Best Road Trips in the U.S.
2023
2023
23 Best Road Trips in the U.S.
"Minnesota's Lake Superior shoreline is a thing of glacial beauty."
READ ARTICLE
Best Places to Travel 2023
2023
2023
Best Places to Travel 2023
"Minneapolis has the perfect combination of nature, art and world-class dining — all in a welcoming environment that 'won’t break the bank'."
READ ARTICLE
The Best Hotels for Seeing the Northern Lights
2023
2023
The Best Hotels for Seeing the Northern Lights in the Lower 48 States
"The 12-acre Sandy Point Lodge, with its 12 cabins and 5 hotel-style main-lodge rooms, pairs Voyageurs’ signature night skies with views over Kabetogama Lake. "
READ ARTICLE
The Best Places to Travel in 2023
2023
2023
The Best Places to Travel in 2023
"From charming lake towns to expedition cruises, there are many good reasons to explore the Great Lakes... from New York in the east to Minnesota in the west."
READ ARTICLE
One of the Best Places to See Northern Lights
2022
2022
One of the Best Places to See Northern Lights
To catch the light show, you need to be up north in a place with skies so dark that the greens, purples, and reds of the aurora can pop... Enter, Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota.
READ ARTICLE
The 8 Best US Ice Fishing Destinations for 2022
2022
2022
The 8 Best US Ice Fishing Destinations for 2022
"Brainerd [has] earned its place among the top ice fishing destinations in the U.S... Over 460 lakes within 25 miles of the city make it a perfect location for angling enthusiasts."
READ ARTICLE
The Coolest Ice Castles and Sculptures in America
2022
2022
The Coolest Ice Castles and Sculptures in America
"Head to Long Lake Regional Park in the Twin Cities suburb of New Brighton, and you’ll be greeted with quite the frozen sight to behold."
READ ARTICLE
The World's 6 Best Places to See Northern Lights
2022
2022
The World's 6 Best Places to See Northern Lights
Voyageurs National Park, designated by the International Dark-Sky Association as an official dark sky park in 2020 because of its lack of light pollution, is #1 on this list.
READ ARTICLE
Visit These Bucket List Rooftops Around the World
2022
2022
Visit These Bucket List Rooftops Around the World
"Hewing Hotel, Minneapolis, MN: Minnesotans know how to do winter, as evidenced by the year-round heated rooftop spa pool and a dry sauna."
READ ARTICLE
2022 Best Places to Camp: Top 10 in the Midwest
2022
2022
2022 Best Places to Camp: Top 10 in the Midwest
Four Minnesota destinations made this list, including Split Rock Lighthouse State Park (#1) and Bear Head Lake State Park #2).
READ ARTICLE
2022 Bicycle Friendly State℠ Ranking
2022
2022
2022 Bicycle Friendly State℠ Ranking
Minnesota made the top five, and was one of only two states to score an A for infrastructure.
READ ARTICLE
America's 10 most fun states to visit this summer
2022
2022
America's 10 most fun states to visit this summer
The personal finance website Wallethub compared all 50 states and the District of Columbia across two key dimensions: “entertainment and recreation” and “nightlife.” Minnesota made the top 10.
READ ARTICLE
The 10 Best Domestic Airports
2022
2022
The 10 Best Domestic Airports
"As for major hubs that have made the list, two of the most notable are No. 4 Minneapolis–St. Paul International and No. 8 Detroit Metro, both of which have undergone major renovations."
READ ARTICLE
The 10 Best Resorts in the Midwest
2022
2022
The 10 Best Resorts in the Midwest
"Minnesota is paradise for outdoorsy types, so it's no surprise the state earned three spots on this year's list."
READ ARTICLE
10 Best Cities in the U.S. for Outdoor Adventures
2022
2022
10 Best Cities in the U.S. for Outdoor Adventures
"Located about two hours north of the Twin Cities, Duluth will put you in close proximity to a hearty supply of satisfying outdoor exploration."
READ ARTICLE
10 Places Food Lovers Should Visit in 2023
2022
2022
10 Places Food Lovers Should Visit in 2023
"If you're looking for the perfect place to grab a cold one and have a traditional meal, Duluth, Minnesota, is where you want to go."
READ ARTICLE
The 10 Best Cities to Visit for Sports Fanatics
2022
2022
The 10 Best Cities to Visit for Sports Fanatics
"Minneapolis is a great city for sports fans, especially those in wheelchairs...It's very easy to get to both Target Field and U.S. Bank stadium downtown."
READ ARTICLE
The 12 Best National Forests to See Fall Foliage
2022
2022
The 12 Best National Forests to See Fall Foliage
"Minnesota is known as the land of 10,000 lakes, and the unspoiled Superior National Forest has its fair share, with 2,000 lakes and streams across 3 million acres."
READ ARTICLE
The Best Food Neighborhoods in the U.S.
2022
2022
The Best Food Neighborhoods in the U.S.
Just south of downtown Minneapolis, Nicollet Avenue -- aka "Eat Street" -- is lined with restaurants serving authentic Malaysian, German, Chinese, Trinidadian, Greek and other global fare.
READ ARTICLE
These 7 Cities Embrace Winter Like Nowhere Else
2021
2021
These 7 Cities Embrace Winter Like Nowhere Else
Minneapolis made this list because it offers ice fishing and pond hockey, bike paths plowed for winter cyclists, and the ten-day Great Northern Festival in late January.
READ ARTICLE
-
America's Top States for Business
2023
2023
America's Top States for Business
Minnesota rounds up the Top 5 with especially high ratings in the infrastructure, life, health & inclusion, and tech & innovation sectors.
READ ARTICLE
10 Best States to Live and Work
2023
2023
10 Best States to Live and Work
"People in the North Star State pride themselves on being 'Minnesota Nice.' It’s more than just a feeling."
READ ARTICLE
-
America's Best Small Towns
2023
2023
"We’re happily calling Grand Marais the nation’s best small lake town... a grand foray on America’s 'Fresh Coast'"
READ ARTICLE
8 Best Spots for Aurora Borealis Viewing
2023
2023
8 Best Spots for Aurora Borealis Viewing
"To see the northern lights within the contiguous 48 states, head to Minnesota, where dark skies and plenty of winter activities welcome you."
READ ARTICLE
America's Best Small Lake Town
2023
2023
America's Best Small Lake Town
An unexpected arts enclave, tiny Grand Marais, Minnesota, bursts with galleries, local shops and restaurants, and lake-filled getaways galore.
READ ARTICLE
This Idyllic Destination Is Called 'Minnesota's Playground'
2023
2023
This Idyllic Destination Is Called 'Minnesota's Playground'
It's also "one of the best places to buy a lake home in the U.S."
READ ARTICLE
The 10 Cutest Small Towns in the Midwest
2023
2023
The 10 Cutest Small Towns in the Midwest
Winona was selected for its "small-town main street", Victorian buildings, and "beautiful location" right near bluffs on the Mississippi River.
READ ARTICLE
Best Places to Travel 2023
2023
2023
Best Places to Travel 2023
"Minneapolis has the perfect combination of nature, art and world-class dining — all in a welcoming environment that 'won’t break the bank'."
READ ARTICLE
The Best Places to Travel in 2023
2023
2023
The Best Places to Travel in 2023
"From charming lake towns to expedition cruises, there are many good reasons to explore the Great Lakes... from New York in the east to Minnesota in the west."
READ ARTICLE
One of the Best Places to See Northern Lights
2022
2022
One of the Best Places to See Northern Lights
To catch the light show, you need to be up north in a place with skies so dark that the greens, purples, and reds of the aurora can pop... Enter, Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota.
READ ARTICLE
The 8 Best US Ice Fishing Destinations for 2022
2022
2022
The 8 Best US Ice Fishing Destinations for 2022
"Brainerd [has] earned its place among the top ice fishing destinations in the U.S... Over 460 lakes within 25 miles of the city make it a perfect location for angling enthusiasts."
READ ARTICLE
The World's 6 Best Places to See Northern Lights
2022
2022
The World's 6 Best Places to See Northern Lights
Voyageurs National Park, designated by the International Dark-Sky Association as an official dark sky park in 2020 because of its lack of light pollution, is #1 on this list.
READ ARTICLE
America's 10 most fun states to visit this summer
2022
2022
America's 10 most fun states to visit this summer
The personal finance website Wallethub compared all 50 states and the District of Columbia across two key dimensions: “entertainment and recreation” and “nightlife.” Minnesota made the top 10.
READ ARTICLE
The 10 Best Domestic Airports
2022
2022
The 10 Best Domestic Airports
"As for major hubs that have made the list, two of the most notable are No. 4 Minneapolis–St. Paul International and No. 8 Detroit Metro, both of which have undergone major renovations."
READ ARTICLE
The 10 Best Cities to Visit for Sports Fanatics
2022
2022
The 10 Best Cities to Visit for Sports Fanatics
"Minneapolis is a great city for sports fans, especially those in wheelchairs...It's very easy to get to both Target Field and U.S. Bank stadium downtown."
READ ARTICLE
-
Restaurants of the Year
2024
2024
"Chef Sean Sherman provides a vision of what modern Indigenous food can be"
READ ARTICLE
8 Craft Breweries With the Coolest On-site Games
2023
2023
8 Craft Breweries With the Coolest On-site Games
"Cider lovers will appreciate this Minneapolis site for both its craft ciders made from 100 percent real fruit and its fierce dedication to pickleball."
READ ARTICLE
Visit These Bucket List Rooftops Around the World
2022
2022
Visit These Bucket List Rooftops Around the World
"Hewing Hotel, Minneapolis, MN: Minnesotans know how to do winter, as evidenced by the year-round heated rooftop spa pool and a dry sauna."
READ ARTICLE
10 Places Food Lovers Should Visit in 2023
2022
2022
10 Places Food Lovers Should Visit in 2023
"If you're looking for the perfect place to grab a cold one and have a traditional meal, Duluth, Minnesota, is where you want to go."
READ ARTICLE
The Best Food Neighborhoods in the U.S.
2022
2022
The Best Food Neighborhoods in the U.S.
Just south of downtown Minneapolis, Nicollet Avenue -- aka "Eat Street" -- is lined with restaurants serving authentic Malaysian, German, Chinese, Trinidadian, Greek and other global fare.
READ ARTICLE
-
52 Places to Go
2024
2024
"This roadless wilderness is pristine, a place to fish for walleye, hear the haunting call of a loon and camp in thick boreal forest"
READ ARTICLE
The 15 Best Rail Trails in the U.S.
2023
2023
The 15 Best Rail Trails in the U.S.
"If the trail name doesn’t get you, the landscape will."
READ ARTICLE
One of the Best Places to See Northern Lights
2022
2022
One of the Best Places to See Northern Lights
To catch the light show, you need to be up north in a place with skies so dark that the greens, purples, and reds of the aurora can pop... Enter, Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota.
READ ARTICLE
The 8 Best US Ice Fishing Destinations for 2022
2022
2022
The 8 Best US Ice Fishing Destinations for 2022
"Brainerd [has] earned its place among the top ice fishing destinations in the U.S... Over 460 lakes within 25 miles of the city make it a perfect location for angling enthusiasts."
READ ARTICLE
The World's 6 Best Places to See Northern Lights
2022
2022
The World's 6 Best Places to See Northern Lights
Voyageurs National Park, designated by the International Dark-Sky Association as an official dark sky park in 2020 because of its lack of light pollution, is #1 on this list.
READ ARTICLE
2022 Best Places to Camp: Top 10 in the Midwest
2022
2022
2022 Best Places to Camp: Top 10 in the Midwest
Four Minnesota destinations made this list, including Split Rock Lighthouse State Park (#1) and Bear Head Lake State Park #2).
READ ARTICLE
2022 Bicycle Friendly State℠ Ranking
2022
2022
2022 Bicycle Friendly State℠ Ranking
Minnesota made the top five, and was one of only two states to score an A for infrastructure.
READ ARTICLE
10 Best Cities in the U.S. for Outdoor Adventures
2022
2022
10 Best Cities in the U.S. for Outdoor Adventures
"Located about two hours north of the Twin Cities, Duluth will put you in close proximity to a hearty supply of satisfying outdoor exploration."
READ ARTICLE
The 12 Best National Forests to See Fall Foliage
2022
2022
The 12 Best National Forests to See Fall Foliage
"Minnesota is known as the land of 10,000 lakes, and the unspoiled Superior National Forest has its fair share, with 2,000 lakes and streams across 3 million acres."
READ ARTICLE
-
Minnesota Is Having a Moment
2024
2024
"The questions have been flooding in lately from people pondering a move — 'is it as good as it seems?'"
READ ARTICLE
The 15 Happiest Places to Live in the U.S.
2023
2023
The 15 Happiest Places to Live in the U.S.
"If COVID taught Minneapolis residents anything, it’s that the city’s ample green-space goes a long way toward healing and happiness."
READ ARTICLE
-
The Best Hotels for Seeing the Northern Lights
2023
2023
The Best Hotels for Seeing the Northern Lights in the Lower 48 States
"The 12-acre Sandy Point Lodge, with its 12 cabins and 5 hotel-style main-lodge rooms, pairs Voyageurs’ signature night skies with views over Kabetogama Lake. "
READ ARTICLE
The 10 Best Resorts in the Midwest
2022
2022
The 10 Best Resorts in the Midwest
"Minnesota is paradise for outdoorsy types, so it's no surprise the state earned three spots on this year's list."
READ ARTICLE
-
Our 13 Favorite Scenic Byways
2023
2023
Our 13 Favorite Scenic Byways
"This 154-mile byway... features waterfalls, state parks, shoreline towns, and attractions, including the Split Rock Lighthouse."
READ ARTICLE
25 essential drives for a U.S. road trip
2023
2023
25 essential drives for a U.S. road trip
"There are beautiful waterfalls throughout the park, and coastal cliffs that make for excellent hiking. You can even catch the Northern Lights if your timing is right."
READ ARTICLE
23 Best Road Trips in the U.S.
2023
2023
23 Best Road Trips in the U.S.
"Minnesota's Lake Superior shoreline is a thing of glacial beauty."
READ ARTICLE
-
20 Most Beautiful Winter Towns in the U.S.
2023
2023
20 Most Beautiful Winter Towns in the U.S.
"Winter in Lanesboro — a gem of a town that’s tucked away in the bluffs of the Root River Valley, about two hours southeast of the Twin Cities — looks like a painting."
READ ARTICLE
The 8 Best US Ice Fishing Destinations for 2022
2022
2022
The 8 Best US Ice Fishing Destinations for 2022
"Brainerd [has] earned its place among the top ice fishing destinations in the U.S... Over 460 lakes within 25 miles of the city make it a perfect location for angling enthusiasts."
READ ARTICLE
The Coolest Ice Castles and Sculptures in America
2022
2022
The Coolest Ice Castles and Sculptures in America
"Head to Long Lake Regional Park in the Twin Cities suburb of New Brighton, and you’ll be greeted with quite the frozen sight to behold."
READ ARTICLE
These 7 Cities Embrace Winter Like Nowhere Else
2021
2021
These 7 Cities Embrace Winter Like Nowhere Else
Minneapolis made this list because it offers ice fishing and pond hockey, bike paths plowed for winter cyclists, and the ten-day Great Northern Festival in late January.
READ ARTICLE
Get help from the experts to plan your trip
Want to know the best spots in Minnesota? How about tips on how to make the most of your time in a specific city? Our Minnesota experts can answer your questions, offer advice, or plan the perfect Minnesota trip for you. For free.