Minnesota, in the US, is one of the twelve ‘Midwestern United States’. On May 11, 1858, the state became the 32nd state to join the American federal union. It is the 12th largest state in the US and shares boundaries with Iowa, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. The state has a population of 5,344,861 and is spread over an area of 86,943 sq mi. Minnesota has 89 counties whose names are dedicated to the state’s Native American groups.
The names also commemorate glorious explorations in the past, physical features, and famous politicians. St. Paul is the capital of Minnesota. The state is rich in intensive agriculture and is the home to the Prairies. Minnesota literally means ‘sky tinted water’. It is called the ‘Land of 10,000 Lakes’. It is a prime agricultural, mining, industrial, and cultural center.
With plenty of museums, natural resorts, trails, and shopping centers, it is one of the top tourist destinations of the US. According to the Minnesota Department of Revenue, the state earns about $732 million in state sales tax through tourism alone. It has 820 resorts, 888 hotels/motels, 495 private campgrounds, 270 public campgrounds, and 92 vacation homes. Around 74,875 people are said to have visited Minnesota in 2011.
Important Cities
Minneapolis – St. Paul
Minneapolis is the largest city of Minnesota lying on the bank of Mississippi River. The city is also known as ‘The City of Lakes’. St. Paul, the capital of Minnesota, is located on the east bank of Mississippi River. The two cities together are called the ‘Twin Cities’. The ‘Twin Cities’ is the seat of two waterfalls, St. Anthony Falls and Minnehaha Falls. The Minnesota Zoo is a must see for its 15 simulated, life size dinosaurs which are about 40ft tall. The gigantic Mall of America with its infinite array of recreational options is the heaven for shoppers is in Minneapolis – St. Paul. The ‘Twin Cities’ also cater to tourists in search of history and culture with its American Swedish Institute, Fort Snelling Tour, St. Paul Cathedral, and Basilica of St. Mary. Attractive casinos such as Canterbury Park, Mystic Lake Casino, and Treasure Island Casino make travel to Minneapolis – St Paul an attractive option. Chino Latino, Fogo de Chao, Bryant-lake Bowl, and Murray’s Cocktail Lounge are some of the most recommended restaurants here.
Rochester
Rochester is in the Olmsted County on the banks of Zumbro River. While in Rochester one should visit the Forestville Park which offers camping, fishing, hiking, and other activities. The city also has 85 miles of paved trails. To have a taste of middle class life of Midwestern families a century ago, one can visit the The Heritage House, located at Central Park, Downtown Rochester. In addition to it, one may also add Soldiers’ Field Veterans Memorial and Olmsted County History Center to the itinerary. Prominent malls in the region include Apache Mall, Crossroads Shopping Center, Northgate Shopping Center, and Old River Valley Antique Mall. Pescara, Mc.Goon’s Taxi Co, and Bilotti’s Italian Village are few of the famed eateries in Rochester.
Duluth
Duluth is the situated in St. Louis County on Lake Superior. Duluth is known for its numerous parks, of which six are on Lake Superior. The other prominent ones include Lafayette Park, Hartley Park, Cascade Park, Fond du Lac Park and so on. Duluth has several public golf courses like Lester Park, Enger Park, Northland Country Club, and Ridgeview Country Club. 39miles of Superior Hiking Trail runs through Duluth. It is the site of Glensheen Historic Estate and the museum ship USCGC Sundew. The city also offers several casino options such as Fond Du-Luth Casino, Black Bear Casino Resort, Fond Du Lac Band – Lake Superior among many others. DeWitt-Seitz Marketplace, Fitger’s, Miller Hill Mall also offer several recreational facilities. Tourists looking for unique food joints must check in at Grandma’s Saloon and Grill, Little Angie’s Cantina and Grill, and Pizza Luce Duluth.
St. Cloud
St. Cloud is located 65 miles away from the ‘Twin Cities’. Sauk River flows through its north and Mississippi River runs through the city. The city has 95 well maintained parks and sports several soccer, baseball, and softball fields. Those who love adventure should visit the Quarry Park which hosts various seasonal activities like scuba diving, rock climbing, snowshoe trails, cross-country skiing to name a few. For those in favor of a peaceful walk, St. Cloud offers its Munsinger Garden and Clemens Garden. The Rose Garden along with themed gardens, restaurants, and memoir shops are popular with the tourists. Shopping options are include Great Clips Crossroads Mall, Qwest Crossroads Mall, Division Place Fashion Center, and Midtown Square. Fuji Sushi and Steak House, Val’s Rapid SVC, Green Mill Restaurant are some of the most frequented food hubs in the city.
Eagan
Eagan is located in the Dakota County serving as a huge onion production center of the US. It is famous for its biking tracks and hiking spots mostly concentrated in the Lebanon Hills. The Cascade Bay Water Park is an ideal family retreat. It is a land of varied tastes. One can savor international delights at Kyoto Sushi and Hibachi Center, Pardon My French, Sambol Indian Cuisine, and Ansari’s Mediterranean Grill and Lounge.
Other cities and important centers of tourism in Minnesota includes Eden Prairie, Stillwater, Park Rapids, Grand Rapids, Apple Valley, Beaver Bay, Minnetonka to name a few. There are ample shopping options for potential buyers like Eagan Town Center, Minsk Market, and Galleria attracting tourists all the year round.
Places of Interest:
Minnesota has a number of museums, most of them dedicated to the preservation of County histories. These include Aitkin County Historical Society Depot Museum, Amador Heritage Center, Gibbs Museum of Pioneer, and Dakota Life to name a few. There are also museums dedicated to the history of specific occupations like mining, logging, brewing, and so on. Aviation enthusiasts can visit the Charles.A.Lindberg Museum in Little Falls. Connoisseurs of Art would find Walker Art Center, Minneapolis Institute of Arts, and American Institute of Asmat Art particularly interesting. A few unique museums deserving special attention are Big Honza’s Museum of Unnatural History, Great Lakes Floating Maritime Museum, and Story Lady Toy and Doll Museum.Minnesota also has a number of water parks, resorts for family retreats like Big Splash Indoor Water Park, Grand Rios Indoor Water Park, White Birch Resorts, and Grand View Lodge Resort and so on. In addition to the above, tourists can also visit Hull-Rust-Mahoning Open Pit Iron Mine, Kathio Historic District, and F. Scott Fitzgerald House in Minnesota.
Trails and National Parks
There are 22 listed trails in Minnesota. The favorite among these are Mississippi River Trail, Sakata Singing Hills State Trail, Great River Ridge State Trail, Glacial Lakes State Trail and Root River State Trail. National Parks and ideal sites for outdoor activities include Voyageurs National Park, Pipestone National Monument, and Mississippi National River and Recreation Area to name a few.
Travel Agents
The travel gents of Minnesota offer customized travel plans. Some of these are – Travel Beyond (952) 475-9975; Trabel Leaders (763) 744-3700; and Wild Mountain Ski & Snowboard (651) 465-6365.
