Top 5 – Minnesota Edition!
Top 5 Things to Love about Minnesota
1 – Four Distinct Seasons
Crisp fall walks, winter wonderlands, breezy lakeside summer days, fresh spring mornings… The Minnesota annual calendar offers a variety of seasonal experiences. With seasonal traditions such as farmer’s markets, summer festivals and concerts, winter lights and events, and spring flower shows Minnesotans know how to make the most of each season
2 – Nature all around
The land of 10,000 (plus!) lakes also boasts amazing parks, and trails state-wide. Even city living in Minnesota includes easy access to nature and outdoor spaces.
3 – Great food!
From global cuisine to classic comfort food, there is something for every taste. Explore a dish that’s new to you, a unique creation by one of Minnesota’s many award-winning chefs, or dive into the state’s traditional comfort foods such as hot dish. Whether you’re going out for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you’ll find fantastic, quality options in our state.
4 – Quality of life
With quaint neighborhoods and towns, access to top quality healthcare, fantastic education options, housing costs below and salaries above the national average, Minnesota certainly hits a sweet spot. Most cities and towns offer a variety of cafes, parks, and shops woven into their various communities. Befriending local businesses and neighbors and avoiding long commutes is a win for everybody.
5 – Central U.S. Location
For those who regularly travel nationally or internationally, Minnesota is a convenient starting point for work travel or holidays spent exploring the other parts of the country.
Top 5 Minnesota Cities to Visit
1 – Minneapolis/St Paul
Featuring a larger city downtown feel, a collection of fun neighborhoods each with their own flavor, inner-city lakes and rivers, bike paths, museums, music venues, shopping and restaurants, the Twin Cities truly have a lot to offer.
2 – Duluth
Nestled on the shores of the innermost point of Lake Superior, Minnesota’s second-largest city is a great launching pad to explore the various parks and attractions along Lake Superior’s North Shore while still enjoying the comfort and convenience of an urban setting. Browse the shops and restaurants in Canal Park, discover hidden gems in the city’s neighborhoods, or go for a morning job along the lakeshore, Duluth does not disappoint!
3 – Stillwater
This river town’s main street is lined with a collection of quaint shops and restaurants. Lovers of antiques will certainly find treasures in the town’s many antique and vintage shops. Stillwater also offers several riverside dining options and unique restaurants. Don’t forget to stop by Tremblay’s Candy Shop for some delicious homemade fudge!
4 – Grand Marais
This small town perfectly situated on Lake Superior’s North Shore is a hub for artists. From its picturesque town center to the edges of Superior’s rocky shore not only is Grand Marais’ scenery perfect for photo ops, it also boasts great dining and shopping options.
5 - Red Wing
Nestled along the Mississippi River, Red Wing blends historic character with some of the most beautiful scenery in southern Minnesota. Known for its iconic bluffs, charming downtown, and strong arts culture, Red Wing is a great example of Minnesota’s small-town charm.
Top 5 Minnesota Food and Drinks
1 – Juicy Lucy
Cheese inside a burger patty? Genius! Tourists flock to Minneapolis for this hometown creation.
2 – Wild Rice
Whether used in a creamy, cozy soup or worked into a veggie burger, this Minnesota staple adds beautiful, nutty flavor to any meal.
3 – Hotdish
A Midwestern comfort classic, this easy, one-pan casserole is perfect for a cold winter night.
4 – Walleye
A popular lake fish that can be fried or grilled to perfection
5 – Craft Beer
Minnesota has fantastic craft brewery scene. Popular local beer brands include Grain Belt, Surly, and Summit.
Top 5 Minnesota Nature Areas
1 – Boundary Waters Canoe Area
Unmatched peace and wilderness, and often cited as one of the most pristine outdoor destinations in the country, this vast nature preserve sits near the Canadian border. Quiet lakes, dense forests, and canoe-only travel feels completely removed from everyday life.
2 – North Shore, Lake Superior
Stretching from Duluth to the Canadian Canadian border, the North shore of Lake Superior boasts dramatic scenery including cliffs, waterfalls, forests, and beaches. Explore the areas different personalities through the seasons, from majestic fall colours to icy winter waves, this is one of Minnesota’s top hiking and road trip destinations.
3 – Itasca State Park
Home to the headwaters of the world-famous Mississippi River. Visitors can watch and even step across the roaring river’s surprisingly humble starting point. The park also offers miles of scenic trails through old-growth pine forests and by tranquil, crystalline lakes.
4 – Voyageurs National Park
The unique aspect of this park is that it’s “roads” are actually based off waterways! Houseboats, kayaks, and motorboats provide connections to islands, coves, and campsites across a series of interconnected lakes.
5 – Minnesota’s 10,000+ lakes (as a whole)
Minnesota’s lakes are intricately woven into the culture and daily lives of its population. From inner-city neighborhood beaches to remote fishing spots, lakes are everywhere and exist for everyone to enjoy. Whether swimming, hiking, paddling, kayaking, or simply enjoying a lakeside sunrise or sunset, there is almost always a body of water within reach. In Minnesota, The Land of 10,000 Lakes isn’t just a slogan, it’s a lifestyle.
Top 5 Most Memorable Moments in Minnesota Sports
1 – The Minnesota Twins baseball team wins the 1987 and1991 World Series
2 – The Minnesota Lynx women’s basketball team dominate the 2011-2017 seasons with 4 WNBA titles and multiple MVPs, making them one of the most successful pro sports franchises in state history.
3 – The “Minnesota Miracle” of 2018
A once-in-a-lifetime playoff moment when the Minnesota Vikings football team scored a game-winning touchdown on the final play, with only 10 seconds to spare. For a state used to sports heartbreak, it was a rare moment of pure disbelief and joy shared by Minnesota sports fans.
4 – Gophers Hockey National Titles
Five NCAA championships and decades of dominance were key in putting Minnesota on the national hockey map.
5 – The Minnesota High School Hockey Hair Contest
This hilarious and beloved annual tradition sees players show off their flowing, often outrageous hair before the state tournament. What started as a joke has become a rite of passage—celebrating confidence, team spirit, and peak Minnesota personality. It’s silly, sincere, and somehow just as anticipated as the games themselves.
