Tourist Destinations World Travel Guides
Popularly known as The Land of 10,000 Lakes, Minnesota is never short when it comes to interesting attractions that draw visitors to this Midwest part of the USA. The state is popular with travelers due to its magnificent scenery, vast and lush forests, and sparkling clear lakes. Two of the reasons why Minnesota is hailed as an important part of the continent of North America are the mighty Mississippi River and the largest lake in the world, the Lake Superior.
It is quite a challenge to see all the splendor of Minnesota, so careful planning of the itinerary is needed. If there is a time constraint, choosing the best spots of the state will render the most fulfilling travel experience. In Minnesota, the attractions that showcase the beauty of nature are the ones that should be on top of the list. Superior National Forest and Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in the northeast of the state has the most pristine lakes and rivers and the town of Ely, the home of International Wolf Center has captivating landscapes. If there is spare time, the wolf exhibits are worth seeing as well.
Near Duluth, the famous North Shore Drive offers an array of attractions including the awe-inspiring sight of the Lake Superior and some mighty waterfalls. The Split Rock Lighthouse State Park is also found on the premises of this lovely region. The park is home to the 1910 lighthouse that was used to protect the shipping of Lake Superior. Here, visitors can spend a great time touring the Split Rock Lighthouse, tower, keeper’s home, and from the building.
Meanwhile, the combination of history and wilderness is best seen in Voyageurs National Park, a quite-isolated destination ideal for a laid-back holiday. It can be reached only by water or air, the park is very much ideal for outdoor pursuits such as canoeing, fishing and boating, and the remoteness of the area offers wonderful chances to be up-close with moose, bears and the rest of Minnesota wildlife.
If there is spare time for some cosmopolitan experience, it is best to roam around the Twin Cities. Getting around the area is quite easy, as The Metrotransit offers light rail transit and buses in and around Twin Cities and its suburbs. The relevant sights here include museums such as the Minnesota Children’s Museum and Science Museum of Minnesota. For the young and young at heart, there’s Valley Fair Theme Park which houses about six roller coasters and other thrilling rides. And of course, the imposing presence of St Paul Cathedral, which can hold up to 3,000 churchgoers, cannot be ignored.
The Twin Cities, most especially the Eat Street along Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis, has most of the ethnic and local cuisine tourists rave about. Being a major tourist hub, many international restaurants and hotels have sprawled in every corner of Minnesota which are important factors in achieving a hassle-free vacation. From nature-tripping to museum-hopping, from shopping to dining, there is so much to see and do in Minnesota that makes it an ideal destination for the holidays.
