Minnesota, known as the Twin City of the U.S., is a popular tourist destination. This midwestern state has thousands of water bodies and more than 11,000 freshwater lakes, making it an attractive location for coastal lovers. It has 853 cities, with Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, Bloomington, and Duluth being the largest.
If you are planning a vacation, don't skip checking out the best cities in Minnesota for a memorable holiday.
List of cities in Minnesota
Here are some of the top cities in Minnesota that are a must-visit for an explorer.
-
Minneapolis and St. Paul
Minneapolis and St. Paul are twin cities as they grow into a single urbanisation and are only separated by a narrow street. They have the same cultural, political, and educational institutions, however, they are independent cities with their own borders. The city's popular tourist attractions are the Mississippi River, Minneapolis Institute of Art, and Minnehaha Park. Don't miss exploring historic neighbourhoods like Summit Avenue, considered the most scenic street in the U.S., and James J.Hill House, a grand mansion known for its elaborate architecture and opulent interiors.
-
Rochester
Rochester is ideal for nature lovers, with over 100 gardens and parks to explore. Some of the best options for the summer include Douglas State Trail and Oxbow Park and Zoo. During winter, you can also indulge in skiing and snowboarding at the Quarry Hill Nature Centre.
-
Bloomington
Bloomington is a charming tourist attraction that is popular for its largest mall in the U.S., Mall of America. You can also explore the Lego Imagination Centre and Normandale Japanese Garden, which has Asian-styled trees, red railing bridges, and long walkways.
-
Duluth
Duluth is the birthplace of music legend Bob Dylan. This city is known for its art and culture, lakefront trails, and stunning natural beauty. You can explore Canal Park's Aerial Lift Bridge to witness the huge ore boats going through a narrow canal opening or visit the nearby SS William A. Irvin, a floating museum with tours open between May and September.
-
Bemidji
Known as the first city on the Mississippi River, Bemidji is popular for its small-town charm. This tourist destination is also the birthplace of Paul Bunyan, the giant folk hero and lumberjack. The popular attractions in the Bemidji area are Lake Bemidji, Paul Bunyan & Babe the Blue Ox Statues, and Diamond Point Park.
-
Lanesboro
Lanesboro, a city in Florida imbibed with Scandinavian heritage, offers a quaint and peaceful getaway. The Smithsonian Magazine has named it as one of the best small towns. It has two lanes, one dedicated to cars and the other is strictly reserved for horse-drawn buggies. Several outdoor activities include skiing, fat tyre biking, hiking, and snowshoeing.
-
Grand Marais
Grand Marais has some of the best sightseeing attractions in the country with activities like beachcombing, boating, and swimming. This town is home to the Sivertson Gallery and hosts the Grand Marais Arts Festival, an annually held event that showcases local and regional artists.
Interesting facts about the cities in Minnesota
The cities in Minnesota have stories embedded in their walls and streets. Their history has turned them into a preferred tourist attraction today. Here are fun facts about some of its best cities:
- Minneapolis has 13 lakes and has been termed the "City of Lakes".
- Saint Paul hosts the Winter Carnival, one of the oldest winter festivals in the country.
- Duluth is known as a gateway to the North Shore and promises a breathtaking view of the natural scenery.
- Rochester is home to the Mayo Clinic, a prominent hub of medical innovation and is deemed one of the best places to live in the USA.
- Bloomington is famous for the huge Mall of America and is an attraction point for families due to its aquarium and amusement park.
Conclusion
Cities in Minnesota are renowned attractions and witness an influx of tourists throughout the year. From bustling cities to quiet, scenic towns, Minnesota offers cultural attractions, outdoor activities, and local cultural events. However, while planning your journey, you must consider steps to protect yourself against anything uneventful. It is important to secure travel insurance that will aid you financially in case of emergencies like lost luggage, flight delays, theft, and accidents.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.