how many of these 26 minnesota experiences can you check off in 2026?

1. take a road trip

Experience Minnesota's scenic, 575-mile portion of the Great River Road, an All-American Road and National Scenic Byway that spans 10 states along the Mississippi River. Bucket list-worthy stops include the Mississippi River headwaters at Itasca State Park, the red richness of Cuyuna, the beautiful bluffs in Winona, and many more.

2. stroll a charming main street

Minnesota is practically overflowing with adorable downtowns, complete with the requisite independent boutiques, ice cream shops, antique stores and historic architecture. Explore one of the many charming main streets in towns including Little Falls, Nisswa, Red Wing and Stillwater (just to name a few).

3. discover at least one of our 11,842 lakes

Minnesota may be known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” but it's actually home to 11,842. Spend some time on or near the water fishing, boating, paddling, swimming, skating, skiing, tubing, or walking around the lakes. Bonus points if you can make a weekend out of it.

spend some time on or near the water all year round.

4. cheer on the home team

Enjoy outdoor baseball and cheer on the Minnesota Twins at Target Field, visit Target Center for the Minnesota Timberwolves and four-time WNBA champions, the Minnesota Lynx. Head to downtown St. Paul and be part of the "Team of 18,000" at the Grand Casino Arena for a Wild game, cheer on the Minnesota Frost, or visit Allianz Field for a Minnesota United FC match. The Minnesota Vikings play at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, home to Super Bowl LII and the X Games.

5. pick your own produce

You may have gone apple picking in the fall, but have you gone strawberry picking in the summer? Head to a local you-pick farm to find a bounty of delicious strawberries, blueberries, peppers, beans, corn and more.

6. go for a bike ride

Minnesota has more than 4,000 miles of paved bike trails throughout the state, hundreds of miles of designated gravel bike paths, plus dozens of mountain biking areas. For beginners, we’ve rounded up all you need to know in our trusty 101. With this many options, you can choose to bike for a few hours of your day or make it a long weekend of cycling fun.

if you were a minnesota destination, based on your astrological sign

We consulted the cosmos, checked the maps and the results are very Minnesotan.

DID WE GET YOURS RIGHT?  WEIGH IN >>

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MORE BEST OF THE BEST

from top to bottom: Split Rock Lighthouse in Two Harbors, photo by Riley Hallaway  |  Outside of Taylors Falls, photo by Paul Vincent  |  Fair Hills Resort on Pelican Lake near Detroit Lakes, photo by Paul Vincent  |  Gif from inside HideAway Cafe looking at downtown in Northfield, video by B Schneider  |  PWHL Frost game at Grand Casino Arena, photo by Minnesota Frost  |  Rod's Berry Farm in North Branch, photo by Andrew Parks  |  Lanesboro gravel trail, photo by Paul Vincent

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This article has been edited for length and clarity.

YOUR TEN MUST-DO THINGS THIS WINTER IN MINNESOTA >>

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