Top Things to do in Minnesota
Top Hotels in Minnesota
- 1. South Pier Inn on the Canal
- 2. La Quinta Inn & Suites By Wyndham Duluth
- 3. TownePlace Suites by Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America
- 4. Celeste St Paul
- 5. Radisson Blu Mall of America
- 6. Hampton Inn & Suites Minneapolis/Downtown
- 7. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Bloomington at Mall of America, MN
- 8. The Marquette Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton
- 9. Best Western Plus Superior Inn
- 10. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Minneapolis Bloomington W
Countries
10 Historic Sites in Minnesota That You Shouldn't Miss
The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul have the famous Mall of America and Walker Art Institute. Bluff Country to the south has water sports and cross country skiing. The Prairielands abound with lake recreations.
Restaurants in Minnesota
1. Forest History Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 121 reviews
CLOSED for the season til June 2020. Discover the past, present and future of Minnesota's forests through guided tours of a 1900s era logging camp and hands-on environmental learning programs. Board the moored river "wanigan," a floating cook shack, take a seat on the porch of a 1930s Minnesota Forest Service patrolman's cabin, climb a 100-foot fire tower and explore the site's self-guided trails.
Reviewed By SUZANNEM671 - Grand Rapids, United States
The forest history is in a beautiful setting. The museum itself has many interesting exhibits and a history video. The best part was the lumber harvesting settlement located behind the museum. The living history skit gave a a good idea of what was life was like in a lumber camp and what was involved in ancient logging. I would not miss the opportunity to visit this venue. Also has trails around it good for snow shoes or cross country sking. They even rent out the equipment if you want to give it a go.
2. Lower Sioux Agency
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By midway42 - Minnesota, United States
One of the 26 Minnesota Historical Society’s locations, the Lower Sioux Agency is found just southeast of the small town of Morton. It is one of a handful of local attractions that are linked to the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862. Established by the US government in 1853, the Agency was the site of the outbreak of the conflict when Little Crow attacked the complex on August 18, 1862. Preceded by Andrew Myrick’s infamous comment of “let them eat grass” when the Indians requested food on credit, the Dakota warriors burned the surrounding buildings before routing Minnesota militia forces at the Battle of Redwood Ferry. The conflict quickly spread through most of south and west rural Minnesota, lasting over a month and culminating in the Battle of Wood Lake. I visited this attraction over two days on a holiday weekend, splicing my time with that at the Dacotah Ridge golf course (see separate review). The Lower Sioux Agency is essentially divided into an indoor museum and a number of outdoor sites. The museum starts with a 30-minute introductory video covering a history of the Dakota Indians from the 1862 conflict to the present day. The rest of the museum is small but packed with information. An historical diorama of the Agency buildings as they stood in 1982 starts in the foyer, and the experience continues in a roughly chronological fashion including descriptions of the pre-contact era, fur-trading, treaty era, and of course the 1862 War, ending with a section on 20th Century history of the tribe. Sprinkled along the way are various furs, a “buffalo learning trunk” consisting of handmade items from the animal, and various electronic displays incorporating the aforementioned subjects. The outdoor experience is showcased by the 1861 stone warehouse, the only original building that still stands. To the west of the museum is the Trader’s Path, detailing the location of period buildings that no longer exist. while to the east is a fairly intimidating mile-long River Path that leads down to the Minnesota River (go figure). As above, I stretched out my visit here over two days with the first spent at the museum and the second on the trails. A small bookstore completes the experience. In summary, this was a fantastic overall experience. The museum and outdoor paths complement each other nicely, with the former covering a wide variety of subjects in a small area with a perfect combination of written and electronic experiences. Additionally, the docent on staff at the time (Dane Nelson, the great-great-grandson of Chief Wabasha) provided detailed commentary on any issue I asked questions about in addition to encouraging me to walk the outdoor paths. The open-air experience as a whole requires a little imagination but is worth the time and effort, especially the River Path for those who want a little workout in addition to their didactics. I would highly recommend a visit here. People with even a passing interest could easily spend a day on site, while others who are history buffs might want to make it a weekend. Thumbs up.
3. Taylors Falls United Methodist Church
4. International Falls Public Library
5. Village of Yesteryear
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
In 1962 the Society was offered the Saco Church located 7 miles southwest of Owatonna, and with the support of the Steele County Agricultural Society, the Society permanently leased a portion of the southeast section of the fairgrounds to begin a pioneer village. The original layout was similar to the center of Owatonna and its Central Park, which was originally circular. Thus was established the Village of Yesteryear, which has grown in the years since through the additional move of historic structures, as well as museum buildings built on site.
6. Pipestone National Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 337 reviews
Site of quarries used by Plains Indian tribes.
Reviewed By barkus1968 - Saint Louis, United States
Ceremonial Sacred site for several American Indian people. This prairie is colored with flowers and each plant has educational markers baking the 3/4 mile trail. The pipestone band quartzite are dazzling. Never would guess this was Minnesota. I enjoyed this as much as any national monument.
7. James J. Hill House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 497 reviews
Rugged stone, massive scale, fine detail and ingenious mechanical systems recall the powerful presence of James J. Hill, builder of the Great Northern Railway. Guides lead tours that help you imagine family and servant life in the Gilded Age mansion, the setting of the public and private lives of the Hill family. The James J. Hill House is a National Historic Landmark. The home also includes an art gallery, which features work from the Minnesota Historical Society's collections.
Reviewed By suebee220
I've been here three times and find it fascinating. It's my go to place when I have guests visiting from out of town. Not only is the house incredible, the tour provides historical information about the Hill family and the contributions James made. If you have time, make the short walk to the cathedral to check it out too.
8. Minnesota State Capitol
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 375 reviews
Connect with this landmark government building designed by Cass Gilbert through its amazing stories — and learn about its incredible architecture, art and history.
Reviewed By Madogfechan - Bishopton, United Kingdom
Such a beautiful building, marble pillars and staircases, breathtaking dome, somber official chambers, rich colours, warm woodwork, gilded details.......all brought to life by the informative guides with their unique stories to share. The guide we had on our tour pointed out so many details that we would surely have missed if left to our own devices. As visitors from Scotland we felt very welcomed here.
9. Fort Snelling State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 126 reviews
Located on Pike Island, this scenic state park is one of Minnesota's most visited attractions, which features trails for cross-country skiing, hiking and mountain biking.
Reviewed By 784andym - Saint Paul, United States
Many people have no idea Fort Snelling State Park is there. It is under the Fort area at the bottom of the bluff along the river. It has wonderful hiking, and is an awesome place to go on a hot summer day.
