Minnesota – Eloray

Minnesota: The land of 10,000 Lakes (Tyler Vigen, Wikimedia CCA 4.0)

Let’s Visit Minnesota

Join our virtual tour highlighting the top tourist attractions in Minnesota.
For an overview of the state, see: National Geographic Kids. Minnesota

Highlights

Let’s learn more about some fascinating places worth seeing in Minnesota.

Mall of America (Bloomington) is famous for being the largest shopping mall in the United States. It features over 500 stores, an indoor amusement park, an aquarium, and numerous restaurants, making it a top destination for shoppers and families.
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (Northeastern Minnesota) is known for its vast network of pristine lakes, forests, and wildlife. It’s a popular destination for canoeing, camping, and hiking in the rugged wilderness near the Canadian border.
Minneapolis Institute of Art (Minneapolis) is renowned for its extensive collection of over 90,000 works of art, ranging from ancient artifacts to contemporary pieces, making it one of the largest art museums in the U.S.
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park (Two Harbors) is famous for its picturesque lighthouse perched on a cliff overlooking Lake Superior. It’s one of Minnesota’s most photographed landmarks and offers scenic hiking trails along the coast.
Itasca State Park (Park Rapids) is known for being the headwaters of the Mississippi River, where visitors can walk across the shallow beginnings of one of the longest rivers in the world. The park is also popular for hiking and camping.
Voyageurs National Park (International Falls) is famous for its water-based landscape, with lakes, islands, and forests. It’s a haven for boaters, kayakers, and anglers, offering unique opportunities for wildlife viewing and outdoor activities.
Minnesota Zoo (Apple Valley) is known for its diverse collection of animals from around the world, including a unique indoor tropical rainforest and exhibits showcasing wildlife from Minnesota’s own ecosystems.
Mallory’s Hill (St. Paul) is famous for its breathtaking panoramic views of the Mississippi River and surrounding areas, offering visitors an excellent vantage point to explore and enjoy nature.
Minnehaha Falls (Minneapolis) is a well-known urban waterfall located within Minnehaha Park. It’s a popular spot for picnicking and hiking, and the 53-foot falls are especially striking during the winter when they freeze over.
Fort Snelling (St. Paul) is an important historical site known for its role in early Minnesota history and its significance during the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862. The restored military fort offers interactive exhibits and reenactments for visitors.

Intriguing mysteries and weird facts

Discover these little-known facts about Minnesota.

Minnesota Is the Land of 10,000 Lakes (But There Are Even More)
While Minnesota is famously known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” it actually has over 11,000 lakes, giving it a reputation as a paradise for water lovers, especially during the summer months.
The State Fair Serves Food on a Stick—Lots of It
At the Minnesota State Fair, you can find almost anything served on a stick, from classic corn dogs to unusual offerings like deep-fried candy bars, spaghetti, and even alligator meat. The fair is one of the largest in the U.S.
Minnesota Invented the Stapler
Minnesota is home to the invention of the modern stapler. The company Swingline, originally based in Minnesota, developed the tool that’s now essential for offices and classrooms.
Minneapolis and St. Paul Are Known as the “Twin Cities”
Minneapolis and St. Paul are called the Twin Cities because they sit next to each other, separated by the Mississippi River. Despite their proximity, they have distinct personalities and cultures.
There’s a Giant Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox
Bemidji, Minnesota, is home to huge statues of the legendary lumberjack Paul Bunyan and his companion, Babe the Blue Ox. These roadside attractions are a nod to Minnesota’s rich logging history and folklore.
The First Automatic Pop-Up Toaster Was Invented in Minnesota
The pop-up toaster, a staple in kitchens everywhere, was invented in 1921 by Charles Strite in Minnesota. It changed breakfast forever, making toast quick and easy to prepare.
You Can Visit a City Named After a Sneeze
Minnesota is home to a town called Nisswa, which sounds like someone sneezing. The town is known for its quirky name and its beautiful lakeside location, making it a popular spot for vacationers.
The Largest Ball of Twine Made by One Person Is in Minnesota
In Darwin, Minnesota, you can visit the world’s largest ball of twine made by one person. This quirky roadside attraction weighs nearly 17,000 pounds and has a yearly “Twine Ball Day” to celebrate.
Prince Was Born and Raised in Minnesota
The iconic musician Prince was born and raised in Minneapolis, where he later built his famous Paisley Park Studios. He remained a proud Minnesotan throughout his life, and fans still visit his estate to honor his legacy.
Minnesota Experiences Some of the Coldest Temperatures in the U.S.
Minnesota is known for its brutally cold winters, with temperatures regularly dropping below zero. The town of Tower holds the record for the coldest temperature ever recorded in the state, a frigid -60°F in 1996.

Notable People

Here are 10 famous men and women from Minnesota.

Famous Men

Prince (1958–2016) was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and became an iconic musician known for blending funk, rock, pop, and R&B. He is famous for hits like Purple Rain and When Doves Cry and for his groundbreaking influence on modern music.
Bob Dylan (1941– ) was born in Duluth, Minnesota, and became one of the most influential singer-songwriters in history. He is known for songs like Blowin’ in the Wind and Like a Rolling Stone, as well as for winning the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2016.
Charles Lindbergh (1902–1974) was born in Detroit, Michigan, but grew up in Little Falls, Minnesota. He became famous for being the first person to complete a solo nonstop flight across the Atlantic Ocean in 1927.
F. Scott Fitzgerald (1896–1940) was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, and became one of America’s greatest authors. He is best known for his novel The Great Gatsby, which captured the essence of the Jazz Age.
Walter Mondale (1928–2021) was born in Ceylon, Minnesota, and served as the 42nd Vice President of the United States under President Jimmy Carter. He also ran for president in 1984 as the Democratic nominee.

Famous Women

Judy Garland (1922–1969) was born in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, and became a legendary actress and singer. She is best known for her role as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz and for her powerful voice in Hollywood musicals.
Winona Ryder (1971– ) was born in Winona, Minnesota, and is a famous actress known for her roles in Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, and Stranger Things. She has received critical acclaim for her performances in both film and television.
Sharon Sayles Belton (1951– ) was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and became the first African American and first woman to serve as mayor of Minneapolis. She is known for her work in civil rights and urban development.
Lindsey Vonn (1984– ) was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, and is one of the most successful American alpine ski racers in history. She has won four World Cup overall championships and is an Olympic gold medalist.
Jessica Lange (1949– ) was born in Cloquet, Minnesota, and became a celebrated actress with multiple Academy Awards. She is known for her roles in films like Tootsie and Blue Sky, as well as the TV series American Horror Story.