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Minnesota – True North USA
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A Lay of the Land

The Mighty Mississippi begins in a small spring-fed lake in Itasca State Park and winds its 1,126-kilometer path through Minnesota before flowing south to the Gulf of America. Visitors can walk a stone path across the source of the Mississippi to ensure a long and happy life, according to legend. The 240-kilometer Highway 61 along Lake Superior’s coast, an All-American Road, offers state parks, scenic overlooks, waterfalls and the Split Rock Lighthouse, whether you’re traveling by auto, bicycle or motorcycle, or hiking the North Shore scenic trail. Visit harbor town Duluth, a lively, welcoming place hopping with breweries and a vibrant lakefront scene.

 

Monumental Outdoors

Two national monuments and two national park sites offer a glimpse into the history and beauty of Minnesota. Voyageurs National Park, the only water-based national park in the USA, features outdoor recreation opportunities year-round, from boating on luxurious houseboats in the summer to excitement on snowmobile trails in the winter. The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area spans 115 kilometers of riverfront through Minneapolis and St. Paul, providing a spectacular natural setting amid vibrant city life. Two national monuments, Grand Portage on Minnesota’s northeastern tip and Pipestone in the southwest corner, preserve the state’s American Indian and fur-trapping heritage. Canoeing through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, a designated wilderness area with 1,300 lakes, feels like being one of the state’s early explorers. Additionally, more than 75 state parks and over 55 state forests, plus two national forests, provide camping, hiking, biking and scenic driving experiences for visitors of all ages and activity levels.

 

Midwestern Metropolis

In the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, scores of theaters, museums and galleries define the famed Twin Cities as an influential arts haven. The Walker Art Center is one of the nation’s top modern art institutes and includes a beautiful sculpture garden featuring the famous “Spoonbridge and Cherry” sculpture. The stainless steel exterior of Weisman Art Museum, designed by Frank Gehry, sparkles on the University of Minnesota campus. The state’s music scene is legendary, launching native superstars Bob Dylan and Prince, artists whose connections to Minnesota are remembered in murals, displays, annual events, landmarks and attractions. Don’t miss Paisley Park, former home and studio of Prince, now open for tours. Award-winning parks and relaxing boat excursions on lakes and the Mississippi River add a relaxing balance to the energy of this metropolitan area. Mall of America in nearby Bloomington is the largest shopping and entertainment complex in the USA. It offers plenty of excitement for all ages, with more than 520 stores and restaurants; Nickelodeon Universe, the nation’s largest indoor theme park; SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium; FlyOver America; and many other attractions and experiences. Plus, there is no tax on clothing or shoes in Minnesota.

Minnesota – True North USA