All the things really neat about Minnesota are more than an hour from the twin cities. Brainard, Duluth, All the "up north" stuff is what I think is different about Minnesota. The Twin Cities area is probably like a lot of other cities. 

Some local things, MOA, Valley Fair, Minnesota Zoo, Como Zoo, Minneapolis Lakes.  I would recommend eating at Cosetta's in St. Paul great italian food. 

Any time of year is fun to visit Minnesota, but I would say for different reasons Winter or Summer would probably be the best. 

Winter-St. Paul Winter Carnival, ice fishing, sking, etc.

Summer- Just really nice weather:)

I'm originally from Minnesota and I've lived in Britain for the past 21 years, so I've become a tourist in my own state! When we go to MN we spend about half the time in the Cities and half the time in the Northwoods because we find both have equally interesting, but very different things to offer.

The things we enjoy in the Cities have included The Renaissance Festival, the Uptown Art Fair (or whatever its called!), Porkys, the Mall of America, Famous Daves, and a few individual streets and shops across Mpls and St Paul.

The things we enjoy in the Northwoods are canoeing down the Mississippi from Lake Bemidji, visiting Itasca State Park, and Camping at Bemidji State Park. And over at Duluth we enjoyed the harbour museum, driving and hiking along the North Shore (especially Gooseberry Falls and Split Rock Lighthouse).

Hi there! I am a Brainerd resident (all my life) if you need some ideas and tips about "Up North" stuff, shoot me an email at becky@lakesareamomsquad.com

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