Open Travel Guide
Attractions in Minnesota

Minnesota Attractions Guide 2026

What to actually see in Minnesota: headline landmarks, quieter alternatives, and how to plan both.

By Updated Reviewed by Daniel Mercer

This guide covers 21+ attractions in Minnesota — Walker Art Center, Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) and Mall of America top the list. Every recommendation carries its practical details: typical costs, the best time to visit, and what to know before you commit.

Minnesota, the Land of 10,000 Lakes, stretches from the bluffs and river valleys of the Mississippi's headwaters in the north to the rolling prairies and twin-cities metropolitan energy of the south. Minneapolis and Saint Paul together form one of the most livable metro areas in the United States — renowned for a world-class arts scene anchored by the Walker Art Center and Minnesota Orchestra, a craft beer culture rivaling any city its size, and skyway-connected neighborhoods that let residents and visitors move in comfort year-round. Beyond the cities, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness offers 1 million acres of roadless lakes and forest, the North Shore of Lake Superior delivers dramatic basalt cliffs and waterfalls, and the Iron Range preserves gritty mining heritage amid boreal pines.

Top attractions

The most popular and significant attractions in Minnesota.

  1. 1

    Walker Art Center

    Art MuseumAdult $20 (≈$20 USD) · Child Free under 18 · Senior $15 (65+)2–4 hours
  2. 2

    Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia)

    Art MuseumAdult Free (special exhibitions extra) · Child Free2–5 hours
  3. 3

    Mall of America

    Shopping & EntertainmentAdult Free to enter; attractions inside charge separately · Child Free to enter4–8 hours
  4. 4

    Split Rock Lighthouse State Park

    Historic Landmark / State ParkAdult $12 (≈$12 USD) · Child $6 (ages 6–17)2–3 hours
  5. 5

    Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW)

    Wilderness / CanoeingAdult $16 permit fee per person + $6 entry fee per day (≈USD) · Child $6 permit fee under 182–7+ days
  6. 6

    Gooseberry Falls State Park

    State Park / WaterfallAdult $7 day-use fee per vehicle (≈$7 USD; free with MN State Parks Passport) · Child Included in vehicle fee2–4 hours
  7. 7

    Duluth Canal Park & Aerial Lift Bridge

    Historic Landmark / WaterfrontAdult Free · Child Free1–3 hours
  8. 8

    Como Park Zoo and Conservatory

    Zoo / Botanical GardenAdult Free (suggested donation $4–$6) · Child Free (suggested donation $2–$4)2–4 hours
  9. 9

    Minnesota State Capitol

    Historic Building / ArchitectureAdult Free · Child Free1–2 hours
  10. 10

    Minnehaha Regional Park & Falls

    Park / WaterfallAdult Free · Child Free1–3 hours

Tips for visiting attractions

Make the most of your sightseeing time.

Tip

Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and harsh midday light.

Tip

Book tickets online in advance for major attractions to skip long queues and sometimes save money.

Tip

Many cities offer multi-attraction passes that include public transport. Calculate whether they save you money based on your itinerary.

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