Hey all! I’m back with the good stuff.
Today, we’re diving into WHY Minnesota is called “the land of 10,000 lakes”, the views you’re not going to want to miss this Summer, and a few of my favorite MN hotspots.
Happy exploring!
The land of 10,000 lakes
Lake Harriet
Nestled in the heart of the city, Lake Harriet offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and fun activities for a memorable outing. Picture lazy days lounging on the sandy beach, paddleboarding across the water, and cycling along gorgeous trails that showcase the area’s stunning scenery.
But the fun doesn’t stop there! Enjoy FREE concerts and shows at the iconic Bandshell! Check out the upcoming Summer shows HERE. If concerts aren’t your thing, explore the bustling farmers’ markets, where you can taste local treats, meet new people, and feel the community spirit that makes Lake Harriet so special.
White Bear Lake
White Bear Lake is a great place to visit for the day or even just a few hours! They have TONS of water activities that you can rent supplies for like kayaking, canoeing, or boating. After some water fun, enjoy some lake-side dinner then head over to one of the many ice cream shops around! I’d try Tally’s Dockside for some good grub if I were you.
Not only is this lake gorgeous, but there’s always something happening. From summer concerts and art fairs to winter ice fishing contests and holiday celebrations, White Bear Lake is great at getting the community together.
Crane Lake
This serene lake is surrounded by untouched wilderness, making it the perfect place for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Take a hike on the scenic nature trails or rent some water equipment and enjoy the *suspiciously* clear waters. Speaking of clear water, if you love fishing, Crane Lake won’t disappoint. It’s home to various fish species like walleye, northern pike, and bass, making it a favorite spot for anglers.
Views you won’t want to miss in MN
Onyx Beach
Onyx Beach, also known as Black Beach, is a spot you NEED to see at least once in your life. This is the only black beach in Minnesota and is only an hour from Duluth. Unlike busy spots, it’s the perfect quiet escape where you can relax and take in the views. And oh, the sunsets and sunrises here? Absolutely insane!
Trust me, you’ll be left speechless by these views.
Eagle Mountain
Eagle Mountain is one of the best-kept secrets for adventures like me! Located at the top of Eagle Mountain Trail of Superior National Forest, this view is one of the best you’ll see in Minnesota.
And don’t you want to stand on top of the world?! Eagle Mountain Trail is a 3 1/2 mile hike to the top of Eagle Mountain, which at 2301 feet is the highest point in Minnesota.
Lutsen
Ever wanted to see the Northern Lights? Well, you can!
Away from city lights and with clear, dark skies, head up to Lutsen, Minnesota for your chance to see one of nature’s best wonders! For the best chance at seeing the lights, schedule your trip in the Summer months.
Besides the amazing views, grab some dinner at one of the restaurants around town. HERE is a list of a few of the best.
Joe’s favorite MN Summer hotspots
Tettegouche
They have a cart-in campground, which is about one mile walk from the parking lot to your campsite. They provide two-wheel carts to bring everything in with. This is a fantastic way to get a more remote “back-country” camping experience, while still getting to bring in luxuries like books, firewood, coolers, etc.
It’s also right up the cliff from Lake Superior, so you get to fall asleep to the sounds of waves hitting the rocks and wake up by watching the sun rise from across the lake. You’re also right next to a ton of hiking, including the waterfall Cascade Falls, and it also connects to the Superior Hiking Trail. I’ve personally done a solo trip there – leave camp set up and then do day hikes around the areas. It’s awesome!
Hidden Falls
For a more local spot, we love taking our kids to any creek or river that has a sandy beach area where the kids can play in the water. Hidden Falls in St. Paul is great for this and is very close/centrally located.
It’s worth mentioning that the waterfall itself is basically dry and unimpressive, but the river is a lot of fun for having a picnic and cooling off on hot days in the summer – without having to drive far.
For people who want to see that waterfall, you can jump to the Minneapolis side of the river and go to Minnehaha Falls. It’s a much more popular spot though, so expect crowds. We like Hidden Falls as it’s more quiet and less known.
Two Harbors, MN
This northern town has SO much to do. I’ve been to Castle Danger Brewery which has great flight options. There’s also a little lighthouse in the town that you can tour for free. And if that’s not your jam, there’s also a small train museum you can visit.
There are a TON of hiking areas, but this is a lesser-known spot that we’ve taken our family to for a quick day hike. It’s a fairly easy trail that the kids enjoyed and there’s a small hidden waterfall along the way. You can pick your length, and turn back when the kids start to get tired. Split Rock Lighthouse is just up the road as well, though the Carmacks think it’s a bit overpriced and overcrowded for what it is.
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Happy exploring ya’ll! If you do visit any of these spots, submit an MNit HERE and get some $$$ for your travels!