My top destination picks for a Minnesota getaway

From the Boundary Waters, to the cabin lands of brained, to SPAM Museum, Minnesota has something for everyone.  Minnesota is around 400 miles from top to bottom, which could average around a 10 hour drive from the Iowa border on I-35, to the Canadian Borger on MN-61.  in this guide to exploring Minnesota, we will start towards at the southern border and work the way up to the northernmost.  With myself growing up in Minnesota, I have compiled a list of my top destinations perfect for a week long vacation, or even just a weekend getaway.

1. SPAM Museum

Located in Austin, MN, the SPAM museum is the home of the SPAM fake meat.  SPAM was popular around the Great Depression, however I personally find the fake meat in a metal can absolutely disgusting.  Since the town of Austin is in amongst cornfields, it is ideal for those looking for a night away from home, or for those who enjoy manufactured pork.

2.  The Driftless Area – southern Minnesota

The Driftless area is located on the eastern side of the state running along the missippi river.  The mysterious region in Minnesota starts at the souther border of Iowa and Wisconsin and goes north to around Red Wing, MN.  This area is known for large hills, rock formations, and bluffs overlooking the river.  The bast thing to do in this area in my opinion is to simply head north on US highway 61, visiting all of the small towns and villages along the way.

3.  Stillwater

Located just east of the Twin Cities metro, Stillwater is situated along the St. Croix river.  Stillwater offers many water related activities in the summer time, along with guided trolly tours throughout the St. Croix valley.  As the sun sets over the valley, there is many local bands and artists who come out to play at the bars.  I would almost comapair Stillwater in summer to a toned down Key West.

4.  Mall of America – Bloomington Minnesota

Mall of America is one of the things most people think of when they think of Minnesota.  The mall is the biggest in America, followed by the American Dream in New Jersey.  This mall is located within the Twin Cities metro in Bloomington, MN.  Mall of America features 4 floors for shopping, a mile in length to go around the mall, and an amusement park.

5.  Interstate State Park

Interstate State park is located around 40 minutes north of Stillwater, in St. Croix Falls, MN.  This park has land both within Minnesota and Wisconsin.  Intestate Park offers an exhibit on glaciers, access to the up[per St. Croix, and many walking trails throughout the woods.

6.  Branaird – Cabin Land

The Brainard Lakes area is a common place for people who live in Minnesota to have their summer cabins.  This is great for a weekend on the lake and can be enjoyed from either an AirBNB, or Breezy Point Resort.

7.  Duluth

Aside from the Twin Cities, Duluth is one of the next most populated metro areas in Minnesota.  Duluth offers direct views of Lake Superior, along with some museums that tell the lakes history.  Duluth is also significant as it is the end of I-35, which goes down to Mexico.  Beyond Duluth, there are many small towns worth visiting such as Two Harbors, along with many great lodging options.

8.  Soudan Mines – Ely Minnesota

Located on Lake Vermillion, Soudan Underground Mine State Park offers mine tours, which takes you in mine carts underground, showing the shut down mine.  After the Mine had closed in 1962, state officials had bought the land and turned it into a public attraction.  this park also offers walking trails around Lake Vermillion, along with campgrounds.

9.  The Boundary Waters

The Boundary waters are located at the Canadian border.  They are nationally protected, which means that no motor boats are allowed to preserve the environment and prevent corosion amongst the shoreline.  Typically, it is recommended to be a week long trip to make the way across the waters.  it is required however to reserve campgrounds and permits months in advance.

10.  Northwest Angle

The northwest angle is the north most tip of the continental US.  In over to access this location, you must drive through Canada and back into the piece of land above Lake of the Woods.  This place was purely created as a mistake by the people who initially formed the United States – Canada Border.  While there are not that many options for food and lodging here, it is still worth a visit.