Ten Locations In Minnesota You Should Plan To Visit Sometime

Ok so first of all, some of these locations don't have much for tourism, but they do have some picturesque places to pull the car over and get out and stay a while, or at least they're pretty neat to drive through.  Minnesota is a beautiful state, and there's definitely "More to explore in Minnesota" as the commercials always/used to say.

So, without further ado, here are the ten spots in Minnesota you should plan to drive through or stop by on your next roadtrip through the state

#10: Two Harbors

Located just about half an hour from Duluth and awfully close to sights such as Gooseberry Falls State Park, Palisade Head, and the Split Rock Lighthouse, Two Harbors is definitely worth a stop. Complete with an old time train station and several other old-timey locations that add to the beauty of it's historic downtown, Two Harbors is sure to be a fun time for all.

#9: Grand Rapids

Be sure to check out the Forest History Center and the Dam when you drive through Grand Rapids. There's also a mall with a really cool bookstore and a Chinese buffet, and the library is worthy of a stop.  And right next door to the library is the KAXE studios, where I started my volunteering for On The River, and behind the studio sits a small trail and an amphitheater where concerts are held as well as the station's annual Green Cheese Picnic. 

#8: Ely

Ely is the true end of the road.  Check out the Dorothy Molter Museum here as well as the bear and wolf centers.  There's also some pretty neat restaurants and a nice hotel with the Grand Ely Lodge. The town also serves as a nice access point to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.  Worth the extra 90 minute drive from Virginia for sure. 

#7: Bemidji

Back when I was young I was a huge fan of going to Bemidji.  It's a cool little town with a lot to see, such as the Paul Bunyan and Babe statues and a little theme park that I once got sick in.  Apart from that, it's now a place I find myself in almost every week as  I host On The River from here now.  I will say, the downtown here is pretty neat too.

#6: The Twin Cities (specifically Eagan, Edina, Inver Grove Heights, and Bloomington)

These four Twin Cities suburbs hold a special place in my heart, as they are the ones I spent the most time in during the early 2010's when my family was tripping to the Cities quite often.  I will say this now, Eagan does not have much but it does have some really great shopping for those who enjoy it, Inver Grove Heights has some of the cheapest hotels in the Metro, which is why it's made this list and it's the home of B-52 Burgers.  Edina is here because of it's amazing aquatic center, and Bloomington is on the list because of the Mall of America and the Metro station that's underneath it.  Their place on this list isn't really warranted, as the rest of the towns listed are more rural and have much more to do, but they definitely shouldn't be overlooked on your next Minnesota roadtrip.

#5: Rochester

Rochester is one of my favorite Minnesota cities of all time.  There are so many things to do.  You can explore the Mayo Clinic, check out the historic estates of the people who worked at and founded the Mayo Clinic, and so much more.  Plus there's a lot of cool people to meet.  You certainly won't regret making a stop in Rochester!

#4: Harmony

Harmony is the site of an Amish community that is still going strong today.  I've had the pleasure of visiting this area twice, and I definitely recommend checking it out to see what it's all about!

#3: Grand Marais 

This is hands down the highlight of your North Shore travels.  There's a cool marina, some hiking nearby, the Gunflint Trail, and Sven and Ole's Pizza, which is sure to be your families' favorite dinner stop in this town for years to come. 

#2: Biwabik/Aurora/Hoyt Lakes (The East Range)

The last weekend in July is the Hoyt Lakes Water Carnival, which brings tons of people to Hoyt Lakes to sing karaoke and watch dogs dive off of docks all while getting drunk and listening to live music.  So when you travel out there for this enticing festival, be sure to check out Biwabik, an old time German town that's also really cool the first weekend of December and around 4th of July, and Aurora, home to an A&W drive-in and Mesabi East, probably one of the best schools on the Iron Range.  Check out a HS game there you won't regret it.  Also, around that entire area is Giant's Ridge, one of the Northlands' best ski resorts.  You will love the time you spend out here on the "East Range"

Side note: Storybook Lodge is 4 miles south of Biwabik.  For those of you who haven't heard of it, check it out. 

#1: Duluth

You may want to check out a tourism guide for Duluth, because I can't tell you about everything in this little town on the shores of Lake Superior.  But I can tell you that there's the Depot, the Zeitgest Cinema, the Duluth Playhouse, Amsoil Arena, Bayfront Park, Bentleyville, and so much more. Duluth is full of culture, and you'll want to spend a day or two in this lovely city.

What towns in Minnesota are your favorite?  Sound off in the comments!