The North Star State
The Land Of 10,000 Lakes
Experience Fun In All Four Seasons
Get To Know Minnesota
When you plan your next bus trip to Minnesota, consider adding some of these great destinations and experiences. There are so many things Minnesota has to offer, including the large and exciting Twin Cities, small towns like Ely, indoor and outdoor fun, and a great experience of all four seasons. So why not book your bus ticket to the Gopher State today?
Attractions
Explore Minnesota, no matter the weather! Do you like football? Take your friends and family to U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis to see the Vikings play. Is gambling more your speed? Head over to the Fond-du-Luth Casino in Duluth. Looking to entertain the kids? Try out Como Park Zoo & Conservatory in St. Paul. Love shopping? Don’t miss out on the Mall of America in Bloomington. There’s always plenty to do in the Gopher State.
There's no shortage of things to do in Minnesota.
Historical Sights in Minnesota
U.S. history comes alive in Minnesota when you visit attractions like the Forest History Center in Grand Rapids, which was modeled after the North Woods Logging Camp of 1900. The Minnesota History Center near St. Paul is also one of the most fascinating and educational sights in the state. In Little Falls, the Charles Lindbergh House and Museum offers a glimpse into the youth of the famous American aviator.
Don’t forget to visit a few Native American sites as well, from the Kanabec History Center in Mora to the Chik-Wauk Museum & Nature Center in Grand Marais.
Must See List
- Alexander Ramsey Park
- Segway Magical History Tours
- Steamboat Minnehaha
- Phelps Mill Arts and Crafts Festival
- SPAM Museum
- Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum
- Chippewa National Forest
- Nicollet County Historical Society / Treaty Site History Center
- James J. Hill House
- The Minnesota Vikings Museum
- Gopher State Railway Museum
- Sand Creek Adventures
- Red Wing Water Park
- Northern Hideaway Indoor Waterpark
- Maiden Shade Disc Golf course
Top Cities To Visit in Minnesota
Minneapolis
As Minnesota’s “City of Lakes,” Minneapolis certainly lives up to its reputation. Blessed with an abundance of parks on the fabled bodies of water and the Mississippi River, there’s no end to lovely tree-lined walking and biking trails to choose from when the weather is mild (the Minnehaha Falls trail is a local favorite). Window shoppers and serious consumers alike can spend hours wandering The Mall of America – the largest in the United States – a warmer choice if you’re visiting in the harsh winter months. From there expect world-class museums, an astounding culinary scene, music venues a-plenty, and major league sports teams across the board.
Saint Paul
As the state capital of Minnesota, Saint Paul is just as important as its more famous “Twin City” Minneapolis. Loaded with great eateries and museums, there’s also history to be discovered at the Landmark Center, a mix of the city’s past and today’s local art scene. Harriet Island is one of the many great parks here, affording great views of the downtown skyline as you take a stroll or enjoy a picnic. The faithful and architecture fans alike will be inspired by the Cathedral of Saint Paul. And the Como Zoo houses a number of serene gardens in addition to its collection of animals.
Duluth
Tucked away into the southwestern corner of Lake Superior, Duluth is the “Zenith City” of Minnesota. It’s also home to the longest freshwater port in the world. Go down to Canal Park and watch ships lifted on the Aerial Bridge to enter the lake. Take a walk along pebbled beach while there or visit the aquarium. Right in the city limits is Spirit Mountain Recreation Area which offers adventures in summer and winter – including skiing when it snows. If you’d rather see nature from a car, the North Shore Scenic Drive is stunning. Museums, restaurants, live music – there’s no end of things to do here.
Saint Cloud
Follow the Mighty Mississippi upriver from Minneapolis about 65 miles and you’ll land in charming Saint Cloud. Any number of parks beckon for hikes, bikes, kayaks and even SCUBA divers. Check out Beaver Island Trail, Quarry Park and Nature Preserve for lush greenery and wildlife-spotting. Fantastic restaurants and a thriving local brewery scene inhabit new buildings and well-worn establishments alike. Downtown has plenty of boutiques to peruse, while the adjacent but very different Munsinger Gardens and Clemens Gardens offer the chance for retreat. If you need some entertainment or sublime aesthetics, the Paramount Arts District will offer up painting galleries, music, and theater.
Attractions
Michigan has attractions for everyone from thrill-seekers to indoor types. If you’re visiting with your kids, make sure to check out the Holland State Park in Holland, Lake Lansing Park-South in Haslett, or Michigan’s Adventure Amusement Park & Wild Water Adventure in Muskegon. Mackinac Island alone is crawling with excitement, including the famous Fort Mackinac, that’s fun for every age, as is the Detroit Zoo. If you’re looking for a more grownup trip, head over to Detroit’s Greektown Casino for a game or two, the GM Renaissance Center for some serious shopping, or to W.J. Beal Botanical Garden in East Lansing for a romantic stroll through the flowers.
Cultural Destinations
Culture abounds in Minnesota, no matter where you look. It’s impossible not to visit the Minneapolis Institute of Art, which is one of the largest art institutes in the county. The Rochester Art Center features modern and educational art exhibits while the Pioneer Place on Fifth Theatre in St. Cloud offers incredible entertainment without the need to fight the Twin City crowds.
You may also decide to visit Duluth University of Minnesota, which was established in 1947 and offers a number of incredible degree options for young scholars. Winona State University and Minnesota University of Minneapolis are also located within the state.
Where and When to Stay
Most people visit Minnesota during the summer months when the days are long and the weather is warm and temperate. However, those who neglect to visit in the winter will miss out on a number of extreme outdoor sports, such as ice fishing, skiing, snowmobiling, fat biking, and more. The winters in the Gopher State can be intense, but they’re worth braving the cold to get to enjoy the outdoor activities, be they sports or festivals.
You have your pick when it comes to where to stay in Minnesota, including resorts like Brindley’s Harbor Resort in Walker, campgrounds like the YMCA Camp du Nord in Ely, or vacation rentals like Hank’s Place in Warroad. Remember, it’s your trip, so make it your own, down to where you rest your head at night!
What to Bring
When you visit Minnesota in the wintertime, make sure you invest in a good, warm coat, some long johns, and lots of layers. If you decide to come in the spring or fall, remember some days may be chilly while others might be warm, so you’ll need a variety of clothing. In the summer, you’ll want to bring shorts, T-shirts, and an umbrella, as summers in the Gopher State can be rainy. Oh, and don’t forget your sunblock!