Minnesota isn’t a coastal state with miles of beachfront property. Nor is it a mountainous region with soaring peaks and hidden valleys. But the Land of 10,000 Lakes has a beauty all its own. In every region, there’s a gorgeous natural area that will take your breath away. For many Minnesotans, no matter which breathtaking places in the world they visit, they don’t quite compare to the forests, fields, and lakes right here in the Gopher State. They may not be world-famous, but these staggeringly beautiful places in Minnesota will always be waiting for you:
- Boundary Waters
Eugene Kim/Flickr Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area is world-famous for being one of the last true wildernesses left in the United States. Whether you love hiking, fishing, camping, or boating, you’ll find something to do here. The vast, million-acre expanse means that you’re unlikely to run into another person as you travel the woods and waterways. It’s the perfect place to go when you need to get away from everything.
- Split Rock Lighthouse
Pete Markham/Flickr Split Rock Lighthouse is easily one of the most beautiful lighthouses in the entire country. The lighthouse itself is not the tallest or most eye-catching. But from its place atop a tall cliff overlooking Lake Superior, it is certainly one of the most breathtaking.
- Gooseberry Falls
Joe Ennesser/Flickr There are many gorgeous spots all along Lake Superior. Among the most popular is without a doubt Gooseberry Falls. Found at the state park of the same name, this beautiful waterfall tumbles over rocky cliffs as it makes its way to the Lake Superior. Hiking trails around the lighthouse offer excellent vantage points from many different angles.
- Kettle River
Tony Webster/Flickr Though the Kettle River isn’t the best-known river in Minnesota, we still felt it was worthy of a mention thanks to the spectacular natural scenery that it cuts through. Rugged rock formations line the way of this rough river, which is a popular place for experienced kayakers. The lovely surroundings of the thick woods make this a wonderful Minnesota day trip desitnation.
- Pipestone National Monument
Anissa Wood/Flickr The North Shore gets a lot of attention in Minnesota. But other regions of the state have just as much beauty. Head to southwestern Minnesota, and you’ll find beautiful parks such as Blue Mounds State Park and Pipestone National Monument. Here, you’ll spot pink quartzite cliffs that can’t be found anywhere else in Minnesota. Pipestone has many hiking trails featuring historic sites as well as the beautiful Winnewissa Falls.
- Mississippi River
John W. Iwanski/Flickr The Mississippi River stretches across many miles of Minnesota before it continues its journey to the Gulf of Mexico. No matter where in the state you visit it, you’re bound to find beautiful views. You can walk across it at Lake Itasca, enjoy the cityscape in the Twin Cities, or hike the bluffs that surround it at Great River Bluffs State Park. No matter which you choose, you’ll be taking in one of Minnesota’s most beautiful natural features.
- Palisade Head
Kat B./Flickr Here’s another North Shore destination that draws many visitors every year. Palisade Head is a cliff that rises high over Lake Superior, offering views of many formations—like Shovel Point—in the distance.
- High Falls of the Pigeon River
James Jordan/Flickr The High Falls of the Pigeon River is the tallest waterfall in Minnesota. We share the 120-foot waterfall with the Canadian province of Ontario. This gorgeous, rushing waterfall is well worth the drive to visit it on the Canadian border!
- Touch the Sky Prairie
Michel Curi/Flickr Near Pipestone National Monument in southwestern Minnesota is a large stretch of open land called Touch the Sky Prairie. The 800-acre expanse is full of big skies, wide-open fields, and distant wind turbines. It’s one of few native prairies left in Minnesota, and it’s absolutely beautiful.
- Minneopa Falls
Priya Saihgal/Flickr Southern Minnesota is not without its waterfalls. The most popular is likely Minneopa Falls, easily accessed within Minneopa State Park. This double waterfall tumbles first over an 8-foot drop before surging over a 40-foot-tall cliff. Pathways above the waterfall offer a wonderful view, while other trails offer easy access at the base of the falls. Either way, it’s beautiful!
- Superior National Forest
Phil/Flickr Though Minnesota is home to more than a few vast forests, Superior National Forest is likely the most well known. It covers nearly 4 million acres and is home to well-known areas such as Minnesota’s highest point, Eagle Mountain. If there’s one forest to visit in Minnesota, it is this one!
What do you think? What other beautiful places do you love in Minnesota? Let us know in the comments below!
Eugene Kim/Flickr
Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area is world-famous for being one of the last true wildernesses left in the United States. Whether you love hiking, fishing, camping, or boating, you’ll find something to do here. The vast, million-acre expanse means that you’re unlikely to run into another person as you travel the woods and waterways. It’s the perfect place to go when you need to get away from everything.
Pete Markham/Flickr
Split Rock Lighthouse is easily one of the most beautiful lighthouses in the entire country. The lighthouse itself is not the tallest or most eye-catching. But from its place atop a tall cliff overlooking Lake Superior, it is certainly one of the most breathtaking.
Joe Ennesser/Flickr
There are many gorgeous spots all along Lake Superior. Among the most popular is without a doubt Gooseberry Falls. Found at the state park of the same name, this beautiful waterfall tumbles over rocky cliffs as it makes its way to the Lake Superior. Hiking trails around the lighthouse offer excellent vantage points from many different angles.
Tony Webster/Flickr
Though the Kettle River isn’t the best-known river in Minnesota, we still felt it was worthy of a mention thanks to the spectacular natural scenery that it cuts through. Rugged rock formations line the way of this rough river, which is a popular place for experienced kayakers. The lovely surroundings of the thick woods make this a wonderful Minnesota day trip desitnation.
Anissa Wood/Flickr
The North Shore gets a lot of attention in Minnesota. But other regions of the state have just as much beauty. Head to southwestern Minnesota, and you’ll find beautiful parks such as Blue Mounds State Park and Pipestone National Monument. Here, you’ll spot pink quartzite cliffs that can’t be found anywhere else in Minnesota. Pipestone has many hiking trails featuring historic sites as well as the beautiful Winnewissa Falls.
John W. Iwanski/Flickr
The Mississippi River stretches across many miles of Minnesota before it continues its journey to the Gulf of Mexico. No matter where in the state you visit it, you’re bound to find beautiful views. You can walk across it at Lake Itasca, enjoy the cityscape in the Twin Cities, or hike the bluffs that surround it at Great River Bluffs State Park. No matter which you choose, you’ll be taking in one of Minnesota’s most beautiful natural features.
Kat B./Flickr
Here’s another North Shore destination that draws many visitors every year. Palisade Head is a cliff that rises high over Lake Superior, offering views of many formations—like Shovel Point—in the distance.
James Jordan/Flickr
The High Falls of the Pigeon River is the tallest waterfall in Minnesota. We share the 120-foot waterfall with the Canadian province of Ontario. This gorgeous, rushing waterfall is well worth the drive to visit it on the Canadian border!
Michel Curi/Flickr
Near Pipestone National Monument in southwestern Minnesota is a large stretch of open land called Touch the Sky Prairie. The 800-acre expanse is full of big skies, wide-open fields, and distant wind turbines. It’s one of few native prairies left in Minnesota, and it’s absolutely beautiful.
Priya Saihgal/Flickr
Southern Minnesota is not without its waterfalls. The most popular is likely Minneopa Falls, easily accessed within Minneopa State Park. This double waterfall tumbles first over an 8-foot drop before surging over a 40-foot-tall cliff. Pathways above the waterfall offer a wonderful view, while other trails offer easy access at the base of the falls. Either way, it’s beautiful!
Phil/Flickr
Though Minnesota is home to more than a few vast forests, Superior National Forest is likely the most well known. It covers nearly 4 million acres and is home to well-known areas such as Minnesota’s highest point, Eagle Mountain. If there’s one forest to visit in Minnesota, it is this one!
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Address: Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Ely, MN 55731, USAAddress: Split Rock Lighthouse, 3713 Split Rock Lighthouse Rd, Two Harbors, MN 55616, USAAddress: Gooseberry Falls State Park, Minnesota 61, Two Harbors, MN, USAAddress: Kettle River, MN, USAAddress: Pipestone National Monument, 36 Reservation Ave, Pipestone, MN 56164, USAAddress: Mississippi River, United StatesAddress: Palisade Head, Beaver Bay Township, MN 55614, USAAddress: Grand Portage State Park, Minnesota 61, Grand Portage, MN, USAAddress: Touch the Sky Prairie, Hardwick, MN 56134, USAAddress: Minneopa State Park, 54497 Gadwall Rd, Mankato, MN 56001, USAAddress: Superior National Forest, Stony River Township, MN 55731, USA
