MNTrips is the trusted source for travel throughout Minnesota. Find travel tips and itineraries for Minnesota, including weekend getaways, road trips, lake resort holidays and family vacations. MNTrips guides you to Minnesota towns and cities, with top things to do and places to stay. For each region, find detailed information about Minnesota’s State Parks and nearby nature areas.
Plan things to do in the metro Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, including the Mall of America. Or explore destination ideas in greater Minnesota: where to fish, hike, bike, canoe or camp. Across the state, from the North Shore of Lake Superior to the Mississippi River valley, discover the towns, local neighborhoods, and restaurants that make up Minnesota’s community spirit.
MNTrips encourages travel in summer, winter and fall. Read our travel tips and packing tips to enjoy fun and easy city walks, park hikes, bike trails, day trips, or road trips – year round. Get our top recommendations on where to stay and where to eat.
Written by Minnesotans, MNTrips is the insider guide to all sorts of Minnesota destinations and vacations.
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Our Most Popular Blog Posts
Itasca State Park, Headwaters of the Mississippi River
The oldest, and most iconic, Minnesota State Park is Itasca State Park–the headwaters of the Mississippi River. You can’t say you’ve been there if you haven’t walked across the river.
The Devil’s Kettle, Judge C.R. Magney State Park
It’s a bit of a hike, and a lot of steps, to see one of the real geological oddities of Minnesota, the Devil’s Kettle at Magney State Park.
Waterfalls of Minnesota’s North Shore of Lake Superior
The North Shore of Lake Superior is fed by dozens of Minnesota rivers, most of which have waterfalls you can easily reach on foot. It’s the best place to start your tour of Minnesota waterfalls.
What to do in Grand Marais
The charming old town of Grand Marais, with its many unique Minnesota characteristics, makes a great base for exploring the North Shore of Lake Superior, the Gunflint Trail, and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
7 Great Minneapolis Restaurants
Seven greats of the Minneapolis restaurant scene, plus a few more. A selection of restaurants we’ve enjoyed recently. Some new and some old favorites; choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Great Restaurants in Duluth
Honestly, Duluth was a bit of a surprise when it came to eating out. The Twin Cities, of course, are known for great places to eat, but when I think of Duluth, I admit my thoughts go more to scenery and big boats, not big plates of delicious food. I’ve had to change my thinking.
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Our Latest Blog Posts
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
How to prepare for and enjoy the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, the most pristine landscape in the lower 48 states. Choose a good outfitter, prepare for weather changes, and enjoy the dark skies.
Nature in the City: Westwood Hills Nature Center
A favorite metro nature area, Westwood Hills Nature Center samples all of Minnesota’s best features: lake, marsh, woods, and restored prairie.
Visiting Isle Royale National Park
Located in Lake Superior 20 miles off the coast of the most northern tip of Minnesota, the 50 mile-long, six mile-wide Isle Royale National Park takes some getting to. But once there it offers what the more popular parks don’t, primarily – splendid isolation.
Walking Moose Lake State Park
Moose Lake State Park in the early spring: a classic Minnesota walk, a day trip from Duluth or Minneapolis and easy access from I-35. Enjoy a day hike, the woods, wildlife and, in town, a visit to the Blacklock Photography Gallery.
17 Things to Pack in Your Hiking Day Pack
A lot of Minnesota outdoors exploring involves day hiking. This is the comprehensive list of 17 (and two optional) things we carry in our packs while we’re on day hikes. Hiking essentials, optional gear, and best tips for healthy hikes.
A Walk to Coldwater Spring National Park Site
It’s an easy walk around the historic Coldwater Spring National Park Service site near Fort Snelling and Minnehaha Creek.