Experience the thunder of Minnesota's waterfalls. See the state's aptly named High Falls as it plummets 120 feet down the Pigeon River at Grand Portage State Park. Visit Minnehaha Falls in Minneapolis and dine alfresco at the popular seasonal spot, Sea Salt Eatery. Take a quick look at 10 Epic Waterfalls here. 

Get acquainted with Dakota and Anishinaabe history, and support and celebrate the state's original inhabitants at significant cultural sites, jubilant community gatherings, and small businesses that sell everything from critically acclaimed books to small-batch soaps, handmade clothing and intricate jewelry. 

Every year on Nov. 10, the Split Rock Lighthouse beacon shines bright to commemorate the sinking of the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald freighter, along with all the other vessels lost on Lake Superior. The ship sank on Nov. 10, 1975. The annual event includes a ceremony honoring the crew that was lost and opportunities for visitors to tour the interior of the light room.

Experience Minnesota's scenic, 575-mile portion of the Great River Road, an All-American Road and National Scenic Byway that spans 10 states along the Mississippi River. Bucket list-worthy stops include the Mississippi River headwaters at Itasca State Park, National Eagle Center in Wabasha, Charles A. Lindbergh House and Museum in Little Falls and many more.

One of Minnesota’s most famous meals is a burger stuffed with molten cheese. The beloved “Juicy Lucy” burger is found at many restaurants throughout the state, but some of the most famous iterations are concentrated in the Twin Cities at Matt’s Bar, 5-8 Club, The Nook and Blue Door Pub. Get a group of friends together and taste your way through town to determine your favorite.

Museums dedicated to art, history, science, and more are scattered throughout Minnesota. The Science Museum of Minnesota and Minnesota Children's Museum in St. Paul are must-sees for families. In Minneapolis, the Minneapolis Institute of Art is the Twin Cities’ encyclopedic museum, housing more than 80,000 objects spanning 5,000 years of world history. Called Mia for short, this impressive attraction is regularly ranked among the top 10 comprehensive art museums in the country. Admission is free, with special exhibits for an additional fee. Find more must-see art museums across Minnesota.

Food halls are the latest foodie trend to hit Minnesota. Taste your way around and shop for local goods at Midtown Global Market, Malcolm Yards and Eat Street Crossing in Minneapolis. 

The iron-ore mines in the Cuyuna Lakes region closed in 1984 and sat dormant for decades — until now. Over the past decade, they've been transformed into a world-class destination for mountain biking, winter fat biking, scuba diving, hiking, paddling, and more. The old mining lakes are full of fish and even a few surprises. Scuba divers will find lakes so clear they have 40-foot visibility. You can find old mining equipment, trucks and even a spooky Jason Voorhees statue just waiting to be discovered.   

You may have gone apple picking in the fall but have you gone strawberry picking in the summer? Head to a local you-pick farm to find a bounty of delicious strawberries, blueberries, peppers, beans, corn and more. For more information about Minnesota you-pick farms, visit Minnesota Grown.

Minnesota is home to many quirky and fun roadside attractions like the World's Largest Ball of Twine and the Jolly Green Giant. Other larger-than-life monuments include a giant Red Wing boot, loon, hockey stick and multiple walleye.

Minnesota's commitment to the arts is showcased statewide with local theaters, award-winning theaters like the Guthrie and Children's Theatre Company, and a plethora of touring shows making their way through Minnesota. Catch a show this season

Minnesota’s breweries just keep adding up; there are more than 150 across the state, so taste as many local beers and ciders as you like (responsibly, of course). Minnesota's breweries are also crafting delicious non-alcoholic beers to enjoy.

Minnesota is home to beautiful historic homes like the James J. Hill House and Alexander Ramsey House in St. Paul, Hormel Historic Home in Austin, Glensheen in Duluth, and the Plummer House and Mayowood Mansion in Rochester. Take a step back in time and marvel at the amazing architecture, furniture and design of these historic homes. Many offer tours, special decorations for the holidays and other events throughout the year.

Plan a visit to a Minnesota distillery or cocktail room. Sip and sample a variety of spirits and learn how they're made during a tour.

Home to legends including Prince, Bob Dylan and contemporary acts like Atmosphere, Dessa and Trampled by Turtles, Minnesota has a great music scene and such major festivals as WE Fest in Detroit Lakes, Mid West Music Fest in Winona, and Winstock in Winsted. 

Minnesota is practically overflowing with adorable downtowns, complete with the requisite independent boutiques, ice cream shops, antique stores and historic architecture. Explore one of the many charming main streets in towns including Little Falls, Nisswa, Red Wing and Stillwater (just to name a few).

Did you know you can go whitewater rafting in Minnesota? It’s true! Chase the rapids on the St. Louis River with Minnesota Whitewater Rafting Tours in Cloquet, Swiftwater Adventures in Carlton, or with Hard Water Sports on the Kettle River in Sandstone.

Get your boots dirty this year and take a hike on one of Minnesota’s many hiking trails. Gaze at the fall colors on one of our favorite seasonal hikes, bundle up and go winter hiking, or bring your furry friend along to a dog-friendly trail and a brewery.

Minnesota may be known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” but it's actually home to 11,842. Spend some time on or near the the water fishing, boating, swimming, skiing, tubing, or walking around the lakes.

Minnesota is home to Mall of America, numerous outlet malls and boutiques galore. Did you know that Southdale Shopping Center in Edina was America’s first enclosed shopping center? Best of all, there is no sales tax on clothing or shoes!

Enjoy outdoor baseball and cheer on the Minnesota Twins at Target Field, visit Target Center for the Minnesota Timberwolves and four-time WNBA champions, the Minnesota Lynx. Head to downtown St. Paul and be part of the "Team of 18,000" at the Xcel Energy Center for a Wild game, cheer on one of six charter franchises of the Professional Women's Hockey League or visit Allianz Field for a Minnesota United FC match. The Minnesota Vikings play at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, home to Super Bowl LII and the X Games.

Minnesota has more than 4,000 miles of paved bike trails throughout the state, plus dozens of mountain biking areas. Learn more about Minnesota’s biking scene by visiting our biking page.

As home to more than 500 incredible golf courses, planning an unforgettable golf vacation in Minnesota is par for the course. Find unique golf holes throughout Minnesota or spend an epic 72 hours golfing in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Brainerd, or northeast Minnesota.

Discover pet-friendly travel ideas, from dog-friendly hikes and breweries to offbeat experiences.

Minnesota's unique lodging options run the gamut from houseboats and tugboats to treehouses and lighthouses.