38 Unique things to do in Minnesota

People say Minnesota is the best place to take a vacation FROM, but I beg to differ. The list of unique things to do in Minnesota is endless – you just have to know where to look!

I’ve lived in Minnesota my whole life and it is my favorite place on earth. Here is a collection of my favorite unique things to do in Minnesota from the last 3 years!

Please be respectful of each place you visit. Leave no trace, and leave it better than you found it.

Things to do in Minnesota – Twin Cities area

Foshay Tower Observation Deck

Location: Minneapolis

One of our favorite places to bring visitors to Minneapolis is Foshay Tower. Purchase tickets in the lobby and take the elevator to the top floor to visit a museum of the tower’s history in the roaring 20’s. Make your way to the viewing deck that wraps around the building for the most amazing Minneapolis views!

Museum of Illusions

Location: Bloomington (Mall of America)

The Museum of Illusions, conveniently located in the Mall of America in Bloomington, offers a captivating and immersive experience. We spent over an hour exploring its fascinating exhibits, which feature more than 60 unique illusion rooms, holograms, and interactive displays. Each exhibit is designed to trick your eyes and challenge your perception, making it a delightful adventure for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re planning a fun family outing or a unique date night, this museum promises hours of entertainment and wonder. Don’t miss out on this engaging attraction— get your tickets here and prepare to be amazed! 

Hewing Hotel Rooftop

Location: Minneapolis

The North Loop neighborhood of Minneapolis is a must-visit in itself, but I especially love the Hewing Hotel and its rooftop for drinks and food! It’s a great place to stay, but  you can also just pay to use their rooftop hot tub and sauna for a day. So dreamy.

Grain Belt Sign

Location: Minneapolis

Not much of a “hidden” gem, but a gem that you have to see, especially from the water! Hop in your kayak from Boom Island Park and paddle down the Mississippi for an amazing view of the Grain Belt Beer sign, Hennepin Ave Bridge, and the downtown skyline.

Boom Island Park

Location: Minneapolis

For one of the best views of Minneapolis, head to Boom Island Park. Bring a game, a frisbee, or just come for sunset. Our favorite spot in the city!

Minnehaha Creek

Location: Minnetonka to Minneapolis

For a unique way to see the Twin Cities area, hop on a canoe or kayak for a stretch (or all) of Minnehaha Creek. The creek flows from Lake Minnetonka to Minnehaha falls and takes you through the many different cities in-between. Use this website to plan your trip.

Minneapolis Water Taxi

Location: Minneapolis

The mighty Mississippi River makes its way through Minneapolis and it’s one of the best ways to see the city! Book a spot on the Minneapolis Water taxi for a ride up and down the river. Only 6 people are in the boat at once, and you can bring your own drinks and snacks!

Treehouse Airbnb

Location: Cottage Grove

This Airbnb is the definition of a hidden gem! Explore 4 different levels of treehouse complete with a full kitchen, living area, luxury bathroom, 3 balconies, and even a hidden room! For a list of my favorite Minnesota Airbnbs, click here!

Stillwater high bridge

Location: Stillwater

Everyone loves Stillwater for the shopping and dining, but the hiking and views along the river are also a must see! Get these views of the Stillwater High Bridge at Arcola Bluff day use area. You won’t be disappointed!

Stillwater Trolley Tour

Location: Stillwater

Stillwater is an old logging town and is full of history. Hop on the trolley tour to learn way Stillwater is called “Little San Francisco” and so much more!

Running Aces

Location: Forest Lake

Running Aces Casino makes this list because of their unique harness horse racing. A great summer activity! You can also catch your own fish for dinner  in a pond outside of the casino – so crazy!

Carlson’s Llovable Llamas

Location: Waconia

Waconia is a great town on its own, but did you know you can also see llamas there? Get a tour of the farm and get up close to famous llamas, hug them, and take them on a walk! So fun for just a visit or a birthday party.

Schell’s Brewery Tour

Location: New Ulm

Schell’s Brewery is the second oldest brewery in the country, and when you take a tour it’s much more than your ordinary brewery tour. Walk around the homestead, learn the history of US beer-making, and end with free samples! Be advised that the taproom isn’t open to the public, you must book a tour to visit. New Ulm is a great day trip location on top of this all!

Lake Minnetonka Steam Boat Ride

Location: Excelsior

Get out onto one of the most famous lakes in Minnesota – Lake Minnetonka – by steamboat! Get on in Excelsior and choose from a few different tours to learn the history of the area. It’s so easy to spend a whole day here.

Taylor’s Falls Boat Tour

Location: Taylor’s Falls

We love the hiking in Taylor’s Falls, but seeing the gorgeous bluffs of Interstate State Park by water on this boat ride is awesome too! It’s a great way to learn about the area and to take in the pretty colors during the fall.

Fish Sunflowers

Location: Rogers

July and August is sunflower blooming season! Fish Sunflowers is a great spot to see the pretty flowers up close. Bring a photographer or a tripod and capture some awesome photos! The sunflower fields are free to visit, but please remember to not pick the sunflowers and to be respectful.

Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store

Location: Jordan

Minnesota’s largest candy store is a roadside gem. It’s MASSIVE and has candy from all over the world. Aside from candy, stop here for quirky photo ops, the world’s largest selection of soda, and even some non-candy treats as well!

Things to do in Minnesota – Northern Minnesota

Redhead Creamery

Location: Alexandria

Visit the Redhead Creamery for one of the most unique experiences you can get in Minnesota! Step foot onto a diary farm where cheese is made on-site. Take a tour, see the cows and cheese-making process up-close, and stop by the gift shop/cafe afterwards to try some cheese curds and purchase more to take home!

Viking Runestone

Location: Alexandria

Minnesota is famous for its Viking history. Make your way to the Runestone museum to see the famous Kensington Runestone that was found by a local farmer in 1898. There is controversy as to whether or not it’s real, so go see for yourself! Alexandria makes for a great weekend getaway.

Viking ship and church

Location: Moorhead

For more Viking history, visit the Hjemkomst to see a replica of a Nordic church and take a free tour. If that’s not cool enough, see a replica of a Viking ship that was built in Minnesota and then sailed to Norway! 

Black beach

Location: Silver Bay

What appears to be black sand is actually taconite tailings, but this beach is one that can’t be missed! It’s now a public park with picnic tables and beautiful views!

Devil’s kettle

Location: Grand Marais

The mystery of Devil’s Kettle is one that has to be seen with your own eyes. Part of the waterfall plunges into a hole and scientists are split on where that water goes. Numerous tests have been done, and it was found that the water eventually meets back up with the river, but they still don’t know where it goes!

Related post: 9 Best Minnesota Waterfalls

Palisade Head

Location: Beaver Bay

The one spot in Minnesota that doesn’t feel like you’re in Minnesota at all is Palisade Head. The amazing cliffs overlook Lake Superior and the blue water below. It’s jaw-dropping!

Bean and Bear Lakes

Location: Silver Bay

Our favorite hike in Minnesota is the hike to Bean and Bear Lakes. This hike takes us about 3 hours round trip, but can be made shorter if you only hit the first lookout and don’t hike down to the lakes. It’s a more-difficult hike, but awards you with gorgeous views and clear lakes to cool off in mid-hike!

Quarry Park

Location: St. Cloud

Quarry Park is a gorgeous park that walks you through old granite mines. It’s a popular swimming destination in summer, and makes for great views in the fall. The clear water attracts divers, and the rocks attract climbers. So many activities to do here!

Babe the Blue Ox

Location: Brainerd

You can’t be in Paul Bunyan country without making a stop to see his sidekick, Babe. Find this statue outside of Paul Bunyon Land.

Paul Bunyan

Location: Akeley

Minnesota is filled with Paul Bunyan statues, but the most unique is the one where you can crawl up onto his hand. A fun photo that can’t be missed!

Lake Superior VRBO

Location: Tofte

Our favorite place to stay along the north shore is this VRBO. It’s located right on Lake Superior and the best part about it is the little inlet that is surrounded by massive cliffs and a boathouse that’s over 100 years old. So cool!

Things to do in Minnesota – Southern Minnesota

Faribault Mill Tour

Location: Faribault

Faribault makes for a great MN day trip, but the main attraction is the Faribualt Mill where wool blankets have been made since 1865! Take a tour to see the production from start to finish, and how they do much of it by hand. Also make sure to stop in the on-site store to pick up a blanket of your own.

Tilt-a-Whirls

Location: Faribault

Did you know that the tilt a whirl was invented in Minnesota? In Faribualt to be exact! While you’re there visiting the Faribault Mill, make sure to head downtown to see a few tilt-a-whirls displayed and grab a few photos. 

SugarLoaf Bluff

Location: Winona

The bluffs in Southern Minnesota are so unique compared to the rest of Minnesota’s landscape. See them for yourself in Winona and hike (or drive) up to sugarloaf bluff for some drop dead views of the town below. So pretty in the fall!

Three Oak Wines

Location: Albert Lea

Northern MN isn’t the only place to find cute lake towns. Albert Lea is a super fun lake destination in souther Minnesota and we especially love Three Oak Wines. The wines are great and the surrounding landscape is gorgeous.

Spam Museum

Location: Austin 

The Spam Museum is so much fun! I definitely recommend taking a detour if you’re driving through the area. It’s great for kids and adults alike. Also stop by the Hormel homestead in town, as well as the cute “greetings from Austin MN” sign!

Root River Trail System

Location: Lanesboro

Lanesboro is the perfect weekend getaway and is also a great stop along the Root River Trail system that’s great for biking. We took our rollerblades here for a day and also enjoyed the local ice cream shop, boutiques, and theatre as well!

Pauley Alpaca Company

Location: Rochester

Pauley Alpaca Company is home to alpacas and miniature horses! Stop by for a visit or host a party here. So fun for animal lovers!

Northfield Pizza Farm

Location: Northfield

We love a good pizza farm, and the Northfield Pizza Farm is one of our favorites. Bring your own drinks and a blanket and enjoy pizza that’s made with ingredients grown on-site. Don’t forget to say hi to the chickens and horses!

Northfield Historical Society

Location: Northfield

Northfield is another great Minnesota day trip location, and there’s a ton of history here! Make sure to visit the Northfield Historical Society to learn and see relics from the Jesse James bank robbery in town!

Red Wing Shoes 

Location: Red Wing

We’ve seen ads for Red Wing shoes everywhere we travel, even internationally! It’s a staple of Minnesota, so take a trip to Red Wing to visit their flagship store and museum, and get a photo by the huge boot!

Montgomery MN

Location: Montgomery

Yes, I’m putting a whole town on here on this Minnesota Hidden Gems list! Montgomery is a tiny town that is full of hidden gems. Visit their local brewery, pizza restaurant, winery, and apple orchard/cidery! Another great day trip!

I hope you enjoyed this list of unique things to do in Minnesota! Happy exploring!