Minnesota: Water Landscapes and Cultural History

The Mississippi begins its journey at Itasca State Park. In the headwaters region, you can cross it via stepping stones, a wooden bridge or through shallow water. Minnesota pairs this memorable water experience with lake landscapes, protected areas and cultural sites.

Water Landscapes and Wilderness

In northern Minnesota, Voyageurs National Park encompasses 218,000 acres of lakes, forests and streams. The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness stretches for about 100 miles along the US border with Canada. This figure describes its extent; the canoe route network is a separate measure: it covers more than 1,200 miles and crosses more than 1,000 lakes, rivers and streams connected by portages. Most lakes are designated motor-free waters, where only paddle boats are permitted.

On the shore of Lake Superior lies Picnic Flow, an easily accessible, solidified lava flow. The geological character of this site differs markedly from the lakes and waterways in the north.

Waterways and Guided Experiences

The Mississippi National River & Recreation Area combines hiking and cycling with bluffs, waterfalls, historic mill districts and museums along a 72-mile corridor on the Mississippi. The blend of landscape and history is also reflected in the range of activities here.

On Rainy Lake in Voyageurs National Park, the Grand Tour combines wildlife and landscape viewing with stories about the park’s cultural and historical significance. Tour schedules may change; check the current schedule before your visit. The North Canoe Voyage is an on-the-water experience presented as a living history lesson with costumed interpretive rangers. It is weather-dependent.

The Waterfalls Walk at Gooseberry Falls State Park leads to Middle Falls and Upper Falls. Alongside the waterways and tours, the itinerary also includes a specific walk to two waterfalls.

Cultural History and Traditions

Historic Fort Snelling is a National Historic Landmark on Bdote, Dakota homeland. The history of this homeland spans 10,000 years. The fort includes the Plank Museum & Visitor Center, housed in a restored 1904 cavalry barracks; there are also river overlooks, paved paths and exhibit areas.

At Pipestone National Monument, an Indigenous tradition of quarrying red stone for pipes dates back more than 3,000 years and continues today. The pipes are used in prayer and ceremonies. The Mill City Museum in Minneapolis tells the story of the flour industry and is located in the ruins of what was once the world’s largest flour mill. The Baking Lab features exhibits on flour production, demonstrations and samples of freshly baked foods.

Events and Reasons to Visit

The Minnesota State Fair is an annual, 12-day event celebrating Minnesota’s agriculture, arts and industry, ending on Labor Day. The 322-acre Minnesota State Fairgrounds is park-like in design and includes gardens; its architecture reflects Art Deco and the era of the Works Progress Administration. More than 200 events are held there each year outside the annual Fair, including livestock shows, sports competitions, car shows and special events. Specific dates vary; if you’re traveling for a particular event, check the current event calendar.

Explore More Destinations

Explore more destinations: Waseca County, Becker County, Kanabec County, Murray, Scott, Brown County, Hennepin, Ramsey, Washington, St. Louis, Faribault, Stevens, Mille Lacs, Carver, Anoka, Olmsted, Marquette, Goodhue, Pennington County, Benton County, Winona County, Clay County, Douglas County, Blue Earth County, Rock, Dodge County, Steele County, Polk County, Otter Tail County, Pine County, Sherburne County, Freeborn County, Todd County, Cottonwood County, Kandiyohi County, Cook County, Lake Of The Woods County, Lake County, Redwood County, Martin County, Stearns County, Mower County, Morrison, Roseau, Koochiching, Watonwan County, Chickasaw County, Cass County, Deer River, Kittson County, Houston County, Rice County, Itasca County, Clearwater County, Hubbard County, Wright County, Chisago County, Chippewa County, Dakota, Marshall County, Pipestone County, Le Sueur County, McLeod County, Aitkin County, Wadena County, Nicollet County, Beltrami County, Carlton County and Crow Wing County.

For the main travel overview: USA.