Southern Minnesota's diverse landscape and unique bike trails provide unparalleled opportunities for adventure.
From punchy gravel hills, to Great Plains farmland that stretches endlessly toward the horizon, to the driftless region’s rolling bluffs and valleys, bicycling in southern Minnesota is an experience unlike any other. Across the region, these four unforgettable bicycling experiences are waiting for you.
Experience the Fall Migration on the Pine to Prairie Birding Trail
Bird-watching—shortened to “birding” by those in the know—is yet another reason to get outside in Minnesota, particularly in the fall. Many birders head to northwest Minnesota, home to more than 275 species of birds thanks to the region’s diverse terrain, from tallgrass prairies to pine forests to sand dunes.
Lakes, Golf & Family Fun Draw Visitors to Brainerd & Mille Lacs
Home to some of Minnesota’s biggest lakes, world-class golf courses and fun activities for the whole family, the Brainerd Lakes and Mille Lacs areas in central Minnesota make ideal summer getaways. There’s enough to see and do to fill a whole week; or set aside a couple weekends to explore each area on its own.
Find out where to see what remains of Minnesota's iconic tallgrass prairie.
Less than two hours west or south of the Twin Cities, you can reach remnants of rolling and pancake-flat prairie, where summer winds ripple grasses and flowers like a sea. Minnesota’s pioneers persistently carved up most of the state’s prairie into 40-acre farms that have grown and merged with each generation. The original tallgrass prairie that once covered 170 million acres of North America was whittled down to less than 4 percent of that range.
There are plenty of things to do and see in Minnesota, both indoors and out, for kids of all ages. From children’s museums for younger kids to indoor rock climbing with your high schoolers, your Minnesota school break staycation awaits whether it's winter, spring, fall or summer.
Dubbed the “Best Outdoor City in America” and the “Craft Beer Capital of Minnesota,” Duluth has long been a destination for its great outdoor activities, unique arts and culture, delicious dining and more. Whether you’re a family, a foodie or a history buff, you’ll find plenty of things to see and do in this eclectic and vibrant port city on the North Shore of Lake Superior.
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In Minnesota, energy extends beyond the 10,000 lakes, pristine forests, lively cities, and friendly towns. It goes beyond the cabin getaways, award-winning restaurants, and the streets that shaped Bob Dylan and Prince.
Here, you'll find access to the best of life and gain a unique perspective on how to live it. This authenticity and unapologetically grounded attitude make Minnesota the Star of the North.
Journey to the Mississippi Headwaters at Itasca State Park
People from around the world come to Itasca State Park in northwest Minnesota to marvel at the serene birthplace of the mighty Mississippi River. They pose next to a large pine log carved with yellow letters that marks the beginning of the great river’s 2,552-mile route across America, from Minnesota's north woods to the Gulf of Mexico.
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