Minnesota

Land of 10,000 Lakes and Vibrant Cities

Minnesota stands out in the upper Midwest with wide open spaces and clear lakes. The state has over ten thousand lakes, giving residents and visitors many chances to fish or paddle. Cities like Minneapolis and Saint Paul form a major urban center known for music scenes and parks. Rural areas feature rolling fields and forests where hiking and biking are popular. Winters bring snowy landscapes ideal for skiing while summers offer long days perfect for outdoor events and festivals across the state.

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State/Prefecture in United States

$$$

$	Cheap
$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

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Safety: 7.9

General Safety:	8
Health & medical:	8
Accessibility:	7
Tap water:	8

Read details

4/5

In Minnesota, most residents speak fluent English and are accustomed to tourists. You’ll find clear signage, helpful locals and widespread use of English in restaurants, shops and public services throughout the state.

Highlights Attractions Getting there Hotels Tips Travel costs Safety Articles

Last update: 12 Oct 2026

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Minnesota Summary

These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.

‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.

‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.

‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.

Read how our scores work

Great for lakes and outdoor recreation. Go boating and fishing, cycle scenic trails, explore forests and enjoy winter sports.

Place score

7.7

Best at:

Lakes

Birdwatching

Secluded

Spotless

Natural sites

Personal score

Suited for

👶 8

Families

🧓 7

Seniors

🛡️ 7

Travel Beginners

👩 7

Solo

United States – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	120 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type A , Type B Type A: Type B: Read about power adapters
Currency:	US Dollar (USD) £1 ≈ US$1.33
Cashless info:	Rating 5/5 The U.S. is highly cashless, with credit and debit cards accepted almost everywhere. Mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely used. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is customary and expected in the U.S. In restaurants, 15-20% is standard. Taxi drivers, hotel staff, and tour guides also expect tips, usually around 10-20% depending on the service.
Public drinking:	Public drinking laws vary by state, but it is generally prohibited in public spaces without a permit.
Public smoking:	Smoking is restricted in most indoor public spaces and some outdoor areas. Local laws vary.
Etiquette:	Greet with a firm handshake, maintain eye contact, respect personal space, and avoid discussing politics or income unless invited to share opinions. Politeness and friendliness are appreciated.

Thanksgiving (November)	A major holiday with closures and domestic travel surges.
Independence Day (July)	Expect parades, fireworks, and celebrations nationwide.
Christmas (December)	Markets, festive events, and crowded tourist spots.

Emergency contact:	Emergency Number: 911 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Taxi apps:	Uber, Lyft, Bolt
Helpful links:	Wikipedia Visa regulations Customs & border control Travel with medicine
Other:	The U.S. is known for its diverse landscapes, cultural experiences, and regional cuisines. Public transport is efficient in cities but less so in rural areas. Renting a car is recommended for exploring national parks.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Minnesota, United States

🌨️

Jan

🌨️

Feb

🌨️

Mar

🌥️

Apr

🌤️

May

🌤️

Jun

☀️

Jul

☀️

Aug

🌤️

Sep

🌤️

Oct

❄️

Nov

🌨️

Dec

High season:	June - Sep.
Shoulder season:	Feb., May, Oct.
Crowdedness:	6 (Many tourists)

Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info

Climate details

Climate and season vary by region: North Shore and Boundary Waters best for hiking and paddling June to September, lakes country best July and August, Twin Cities good May to October, winter sports December to March

Boundary Waters paddling season runs from ice-out in May to September, mosquitoes and biting flies are worst June to July

Minnesota State Fair from late August to Labor Day draws crowds to St. Paul

Autumn colours peak in late September in the north and early October in the south

Don't miss

💧 Admire the cascading waters at Minnehaha Falls in Minneapolis
🎢 Shop and ride indoor roller coasters at Mall of America
🛶 Canoe through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
🌊 See the headwaters of the Mississippi River at Itasca State Park
🎭 Watch a live performance at the historic Guthrie Theater

You've been here?

Why travel to Minnesota?

Minnesota offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural richness and practical travel experiences that appeal to a wide range of visitors. The state’s landscape is defined by its thousands of lakes – many of which are accessible for fishing, kayaking or simply relaxing on sandy shores. In the winter, these bodies of water transform into venues for ice fishing, snowmobiling and cross‑country skiing, while summer brings opportunities for canoeing, birdwatching and scenic drives along the North Shore. Beyond its outdoors, Minnesota’s cities provide vibrant arts scenes and culinary diversity. Minneapolis hosts world‑class museums such as the Walker Art Center and the Minneapolis Institute of Art, alongside a thriving music scene that has produced iconic musicians. St. Paul offers historic architecture, including the beautifully restored Cathedral of Saint Paul and a growing farm‑to‑table dining culture. The state’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its extensive network of bike paths, green spaces and public transportation options, making it easy for travelers to explore without heavy reliance on cars. Minnesota’s friendly communities and well‑maintained tourist infrastructure – clear signage, multilingual guides and ample lodging choices – ensure a comfortable visit. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure, cultural immersion or simply a peaceful retreat surrounded by pristine nature, Minnesota delivers an authentic American experience grounded in natural splendor and welcoming hospitality.

🏙️Cities & Regions

1 Minneapolis
The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul blend urban energy with Midwestern charm, offering world-class museums, vibrant neighborhoods and scenic parks along the Mississippi River that define this dynamic American metropolis.
2 Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
This vast wilderness in Minnesota features over 1,000 miles of interconnected lakes and rivers perfect for canoeing. The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness offers pristine forests, abundant wildlife and a remote experience away from modern civilization.
3 Voyageurs National Park
This Minnesota park features over 1,200 miles of waterways and islands perfect for canoeing and fishing. The Voyageurs National Park offers a serene wilderness experience where visitors can explore remote lakes and forests without feeling overwhelmed by crowds or noise.

🏯Places worth seeing

1 Mall of America
2 Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
3 Mill City Museum
4 Guthrie Theater
5 Minnehaha Falls
6 Split Rock Lighthouse
7 Grand Marais
8 Lakewalk

🎡Places for activities

1 Walker Art Center
2 Target Field
3 Minneapolis Institute of Art
4 Treasure Island Resort & Casino
5 Glacial Lakes State Park

🏞️Natural landmarks

1 Lake Itasca
2 Minnehaha Falls
3 Itasca State Park
4 Mississippi River
5 Superior National Forest Headquarters
6 Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
7 Tettegouche State Park
8 Mille Lacs Lake

🛍️Shopping

1 Mall of America
2 Burnsville Center
3 Nicollet Mall
4 Rosedale Center
5 The Bibelot Shops
6 Split Rock Park
7 Galleria Shopping Center
8 Lofts at Farmers' Market

🎈Events

Minnesota State Fair
Twin Cities Marathon
Loppet Winter Festival
Minneapolis Aquatennial
Stone Arch Bridge Festival
Norwegian Constitution Day
Rib Fest
Minnesota Renaissance Festival
Saint Paul Winter Carnival
Twin Cities Jazz Festival

Explore on map

Open map view

Knowledge before you go

Pack layers; Minnesota weather shifts quickly during spring and fall.
Reserve lodging early for the Twin Cities, especially near downtown or university districts, as hotels fill fast during festivals.
Use public transit in Minneapolis and St. Paul to avoid parking hassles and enjoy scenic riverwalk routes.
Explore the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness on a guided trip; permits are required and local guides provide safety and ecological insights.

How to travel to Minnesota

Travelers can reach Minnesota via major airports such as Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), which serves as a primary gateway. The state is connected by interstate highways, including I-35E and I-94, facilitating road access from neighboring states like Wisconsin, Iowa and North Dakota. Amtrak routes operate through cities like Minneapolis and Duluth, offering rail connections to Chicago and other regional hubs. For air travel, smaller airports in St. Paul, Rochester and Duluth provide domestic flights. Winter travel may involve seasonal considerations due to snowfall, but road conditions are generally maintained. Public transit options within urban areas include buses and light rail systems.

Access summary

From Minneapolis–Saint Paul (MSP): Light rail or taxi to downtown, about 20–30 min.
From Chicago: Direct flights about 1.5 h; train or bus roughly 8 h.
From other Minnesota airports (e.g., Duluth, Rochester): Short domestic flight or 2–3 h drive.

Check your route from anywhere

Where to stay in Minnesota

Minnesota offers a broad range of accommodations including upscale hotels in Minneapolis, cozy inns in lake regions and rustic cabins in wilderness areas. Camping is popular in state and national parks.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

Radisson Blu Mall of America

8.9

Kahler Inn and Suites

8.2

The Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown

9.1

The Chambers Hotel

8.6

LivINN Hotel Minneapolis North / Fridley

8.3

Kahler Grand Hotel

8.1

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Minneapolis Airport Bloomington

7.5

Intercontinental Minneapolis - St. Paul Airport By IHG

9.0

Great Wolf Lodge - Wisconsin Dells Wi

8.5

The Hotel Landing

9.2

Explore more accommodations

How to get around Minnesota

The Twin Cities have extensive bus and light rail networks for city travel. Outside urban areas, renting a car is recommended to access natural attractions and rural towns.

Budget snapshot

Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

-1 %

Daily expenses in Minnesota are around 1% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend around the same on meals and getting around.

Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

-4 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to USD) is 4% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.

Travel costs

To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.

Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.

Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.

Daily cost summary

Travel style categories explained:

Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.

Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.

Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.

	Backpacker	Mid-range	Luxury
💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation	£76	£155	£424
🏨 Accommodation per night, per person	£38	£75	£188
🍝 Food per day	£32	£73	£209
🚕 Transportation per day	£7	£7	£28

Food & Drink

🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person	£30
🍛 Lunch Set, per person	£14
🍟 Fast food combo	£8.50
🍝 Preparing your own food, per day	£11.50
☕ Cappuccino	£4.30
🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l	£4.40

Transportation

🚌 Public transport ticket	£1.70
🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi	£16
⛽ Petrol, 1 l	£0.65

Other

🎞️ Cinema ticket	£10.50
👩‍⚕️ Doctor's consult	£85
🤧 Cold medication	£6.50
💇 Basic haircut	£12.50

Safety information overview

General safety

Minnesota offers a high safety rating, with low violent crime rates and reliable emergency services. Travelers should stay aware of occasional petty theft in tourist spots, keep valuables secure and follow local traffic rules – especially during winter road conditions – to ensure a smooth visit.

Health & Medical

Minnesota offers high‑quality medical care with world‑ranked hospitals, especially in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Affordable health insurance options exist and the state boasts low pollution levels. Travelers should watch for seasonal allergies and cold weather risks.

Accessibility

Minnesota offers solid accessibility: most public buildings, museums and transit hubs are wheelchair‑friendly, with elevators and ramps. However, older neighborhoods may lack curb cuts and some rural areas have limited accessible lodging. Plan ahead for parking permits and elevator availability.

Tap water

Minnesota offers excellent tap water – clean, well‑regulated and abundant across cities and rural areas alike. Public fountains and refill stations are plentiful in parks, schools and downtowns, ensuring easy access to safe hydration for residents and visitors.