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Summer in Minnesota is a special time — something locals and intrepid travelers look forward to every year. Find out where to go and stay, and what to see and do, in our guide to the perfect Minnesota summer.
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1. dine outside
It’s nearly impossible to not find a park near you. Order takeout from your favorite restaurant or pack a picnic and spread out a blanket in one of our many parks.
Some popular spots to dine by the water — an absolute must every summer — are Maynards, 6Smith, Birch’s on the Lake, Sea Salt Eatery, Pimento on the Lake, Angry Trout Cafe, Ernie’s on Gull, Zorbaz, and Boat House.
Other places where you'll find a lively patio in the cities and beyond include W.A. Frost, Saint Paul Brewing, Sol Ave Kitchen, The Bungalow Club, Take 16 Brewing, Italian Eatery, The Market at Malcolm Yards, Forager Brewery, Ursa Minor Brewing, and Rustic Roots Winery.
If you would like a classic drive-in experience, visit The Drive-In in Taylors Falls, Minnetonka Drive In, Lakeview Drive Inn in Winona, Peppermint Twist in Delano, Tip Top Dairy Bar in Osakis, Val’s Rapid Serv in St. Cloud, and more.
Head upstairs to the roof at Brit’s Pub, Gai Noi, Graze Provisions & Libations, LynLake Brewery, Louis Ristorante & Bar, Grandma’s Canal Park, The Scarlet Bar at the St. James Hotel, Kathy’s Pub, or Gun Flint Tavern in Grand Marais.
For something sweet, get a scoop or two at a popular ice cream shop. Some fan favorites include Sebastian Joe’s, Grand Ole Creamery, Nelson’s Ice Cream, Adele’s Frozen Custard, Cup and Cone, Moorhead Dairy Queen, Flapdoodles, Love Creamery and more.
Visit a farm for... pizza? It’s true! Minnesota is home to several popular pizza farms where you can pack your picnic blanket, utensils, beverages, and enjoy a piping hot pizza topped with the freshest ingredients around. Some popular spots are Red Barn Farm, DreamAcres, Alpha & Omega Farm, Pleasant Grove Farms, and more.
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2. go camping
Sleeping under the stars, campfires, s’mores, and getaways with your friends and family are quintessential summer activities. In Minnesota, there are plenty of ways to camp: in a tent, cabin, RV, or unique glamping opportunities like yurts. Have a pup? Bring them along to these dog-friendly campsites.
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must-sees include waterfalls, swinging bridges, and majestic views.
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3. visit a state park
Minnesota has 64 state parks to explore, and they are scattered throughout the state. Some must-sees include the headwaters of the Mississippi River at Itasca State Park, waterfalls at Tettegouche, Grand Portage, Cascade River, Judge C.R. Magney, Nerstrand Big Woods, the swinging bridge at Jay Cooke, majestic views at Maplewood, Split Rock Lighthouse, Interstate, and more.
Other unique experiences are surrey bike rentals at Glendalough State Park, bison viewing at Minneopa or Blue Mounds, and the subterranean tours at Forestville / Mystery Cave State Park. Its popular tours are offered daily from Memorial Day through the end of September, and Fridays and Saturdays through the third weekend in October.
Accessibility wise, many state parks offer electric, all-terrain track chairs that can be used on designated trails. These chairs can help visitors explore new areas that are not suitable for regular wheelchairs.
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4. catch a concert
Minnesota has some legendary music festivals in the metro area, and larger festivals throughout the state that combine music and camping for every type of fan. Lakes Jam in Brainerd and WE FEST cater to the country-rock crowd with headlining artists like Jelly Roll, Tyler Hubbard, Eric Church, and Live.
Over in St. Paul, the Minnesota Yacht Club Festival is back for year three at Harriet Island. This year's three-day lineup across two stages includes Hozier, Alabama Shakes, Fall Out Boy, Green Day, and Weezer.
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from top to bottom: North Shore Camping Co in Beaver Bay, photo by Paul Vincent | Bar Lurcat Patio in Minneapolis, photo by Mike Krivit Photography courtesy of Meet Minneapolis | Parks and Recreation camping gif | Blue Mounds State Park in Luverne, photo by Roy Son | WE Fest in Detroit Lakes, photo by Keith Griner
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This article has been edited for length and clarity.
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