Are you looking for a beautiful place to spend your vacation?  Do you want to swim, fish, sail or shop?  If these are the goals you have then you will certainly want to spend the time in the beautiful area of the Otter Tail Country Tourism Association which covers the area east of Detroit Lakes and south of Pelican Rapids.  The area has some of the most beautiful lakes in all of Minnesota.  Along with the beautiful lakes you will meet some of Minnesota’s most hospitable people from those that work in the tourism industry to those that run the shop and stores you will visit while in the area. (more…)

There are lots of lakes in Minnesota but when you are looking for lakes, a great bike and hiking trail, festivals, golf, and more then you want to visit Park Rapids.  Northern Minnesota is epitomized by the landscape in Park Rapids.  The lakes are beautiful, the people friendly and helpful and there something to do regardless of the time of the year. (more…)

Looking for something different and fun to do the day after Thanksgiving?  If so, go to Aitkin and watch the Fishhouse Parade.  Here you will find people ready to celebrate the coming of winter in Minnesota…and Ice Fishing!

Fish houses are loaded onto trailers, put in the back of pick-up trucks or any other type of transporting that can be dreamt up and headed for the 365 frozen lakes surrounding the area. (more…)

Enter the world of the parks in Apple Valley and you will have the opportunity to try your hand a Dogsledding and Skijoring as well as an array of other activities for both the summertime and wintertime.

Dogsledding and skijoring (a winter sport where a person on skis is pulled by a horse, a dog (or dogs) or a motor vehicle) are both becoming a growing sport that not only involves you and the elements but your canine pets. (more…)

Members of the National Football League (FGL) Northern Division of the National Football Conference the Vikings play their home games at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in downtown Minneapolis.

For years the Vikings played at the outdoor field in Bloomington, a suburb of Minneapolis, but at the end of the 1981 season they moved their games from the Metropolitan Stadium to the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome. (more…)

Situated among some of the most beautiful lakes in the world is the community of Brainerd and the other towns that make this area a special place to visit.  You can go to Pine River, Crosslake, Pequot Lakes, Breezy Point, Nisswa, Crosby, Deerwood, Lake Shore, Merrifield, Pillager, Baxter and Brainerd and be enthralled with the beauty and uniqueness of each and every one of the places. (more…)

If you are a fan of the model railroads and would enjoy seeing a top rate display then you really want to visit the Northern Lights Model Railroad Association & Museum.  Here you will be able to see Lionel and HO scale model trains in a 32 foot by 17 foot room.  This building also has a telegraph office with a bay window and a public viewing hall.  (more…)

There are tours of pioneer buildings, steam engine threshing machines, museum displays and demonstrations along with a wide range of other opportunities for a great family time. (more…)

The Chippewa County Historical Society of Montevideo has created a space for you to step back in time and visit a 23-building museum complex.  Here you will be able to experience what life was like before all the modern conveniences of today.  You will be able to visit a church, school, dress shop, law office, print shop, fire department, post office and also the historical homes in the park.  (more…)

Located in the Superior National Forest in Northern Minnesota is the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, which contains over one million areas of wild land. It is one of the most popular places in the world for outdoor lovers to come and experience the true wilderness. (more…)

There is history in this small town in southern Minnesota and the surrounding area that will bring back memories for those that take the time to visit.  For instance, there is the one room school that taught kids west of Amboy for many year, in fact, up until the 50’s it was still going strong.

The school was the site of a whole social and educational experience for the kids that attended there, under many teachers but the most notable was Dorothy Fraze.  She not only taught but directed plays and got involved encouraging the kids to be the best they could be. (more…)

Voyageurs

Way up there, next to the Canadian border is the town of International Falls.  You probably hear about it on the news quite frequently during the winter as having the coldest temperatures in the nation.  The people in International Falls are a wonderful group of people that love the diversity of the seasons and enjoy not only the summer activities but the winter ones as well. (more…)

If you have ever been on a snowmobile you know the joy of having the snow fly under you, the beauty of the fresh white snow allowing you to go to places you wouldn’t normally be able to get to.  You know the power, the thrill of an Arctic Cat. (more…)

Now you’re talking Minnesota Lakes region!  The Leech Lake region is surrounded by littler lakes filled with fish, natural beauty and other activities to keep you entertained while on vacation.  Leech Lake is an area that is not over developed, it retains it’s natural charm, beauty and challenges. (more…)

Bemidji

If you are looking for great fishing, canoeing or perhaps cross country skiing in the winter or ice fishing the place to be is in Bemidji.  This community has so much to offer from the beginning of the Mississippi River (where you can actually walk across the river!) at Itasca State Park to the over 400 lakes within 25 miles of town. (more…)

Have you always wanted to challenge yourself in the great outdoors?  Do you love to canoe?  If the answer to these questions is yes then you may want to consider a trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in Northern Minnesota. (more…)

Forest

Do you want first hand experience on what it was like to live in a logging camp in the 1900’s?  At the Forest History Center you will have the opportunity to experience life by walking back in time to Northwoods #1, an authentically recreated white pine logging camp complete with cook shack, bunkhouse, blacksmith shop, office wanigan, filer’s shack and horse barn. (more…)

This tour is something that is truly interesting.  It takes you through the whole paper making process with the watery pulp that eventually becomes paper to the big presses that flatten it out.  It’s quite a site to see. (more…)

This lighthouse was first lit on April 14, 1892. The Two Harbors Lighthouse was built to provide safe passage into the harbor and as a result Two Harbors became the major shipping point for the iron ore from the Mesabi Range in the early 1900’s. (more…)

The life of an iron ore miner is something that few will ever have the opportunity to experience but here you can try it on for yourself, if even for just a little while.  At the Hibbing Taconite mine you can take a tour on selected Wednesdays and Thrusdays at 12 noon from June 23 to August 19.  Tours depart from Ironworld Discover Center and take approximately 2 hours. (more…)

If you have ever wondered about the world of iron ore mining, the hard work, the machinery and all that goes into bringing the ore to the consumer then you may truly enjoy a trip through this museum. (more…)

When you think of fishing on the big lakes in Minnesota you probably wonder how you will be able to find the fishing spots that will award you that big one to take home or to get a picture of and then throw back.  (more…)

Mille

Mille Lacs Lake has something for everyone from fishing and swimming in the summer to snowmobiling in the winter.  Maybe you want to cross country ski.  It’s all available at Mille Lacs Lake. (more…)

Take the time to visit this 150 mile "loop" which features an area rich in tradition and beauty ­ from more than 1,000 lakes and wildlife-filled wetlands to 19th century flour mills and spectacular roadside scenery. This scenic byway is designated for its cultural, historical or natural significance. (more…)

Nowhere in Minnesota are the experiences of military men and women so vividly captured and interpreted as at the Minnesota Military Museum.  The museum aims to enhance public understanding of how armed conflicts and military institutions have shaped our state and national experience. (more…)

Minnesota is known as the home of the great Paul Bunyan and his oxen Babe.  They make thier home at Paul Bunyan Land at This Old Farm Pioneer Village 7 miles east of Brainerd on highway 18.  Paul Bunyan is the world’s largest talking animated man, he has been talking to people for over 50 years! (more…)

St. Cloud has one of the outstanding colleges in Minnesota with over 175 academic programs, having more than 1000 international students from 90 different countries enableing students to get a world wide experience and learn about other cultures right on the college campus.  There are approximately 16,000 students attending the college. (more…)

You can visit the home, built in 1906, where Charles Lindbergh spent his boyhood summers and some winters at the home on the Mississippi in Little Falls.  (more…)

The zoo is open every day of the year except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. 

There are 445 species at the zoo and 2,449 animals.  Learn all about the animals at the Minnesota Zoo! Explore the Zoo’s Minnesota Trail, Northern Trail, Tropics Trail, Discovery Bay, and the new Wells Fargo Family Farm on a virtual tour; then plan to come and spend the day with them. (more…)

The capital is a beautiful building with a great deal of interesting history.  Take a tour of the building and learn about how the laws are made, where the legislatures work and the capital art and history information and if weather permits walk out to the golden horses. (more…)

Probably the top tourist spot in Minnesota (next to the lakes) is the Mall of America with its more than 520 stores, 20 sit down restaurants, 30 fast food restaurants and 36 specialty food stores there is a great choice at the mall. (more…)

There are 929 lakes in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area and one river running through the cities.  The most well known and frequented lakes are Lake Calhoun, which has a pathway around the lake for skateboarding, walking or jogging and riding bike.  Then there is Lake Harriet with its band shell, beautiful Lyndale Park with its bird sanctuary, peace gardens and rose gardens. (more…)

This 90 acres amusement park with 75 rides will offer you a memorable time with your family or friends.  Not only will you be thrilled with all the rides but there is entertainment too, the shows are included in the admission price so be sure to go and enjoy them.  The Waterpark is open for your entertainment too when the temperature is above 65 degrees. (more…)

Sitting on the banks of the MIssissippi River in downtown St. Paul the Science Museum of Minnesota offers everyone an opportunity to explore the wonders of science, see fabulous displays and participate in activities offered. (more…)

The oldest district in Minneapolis has a great deal to offer from historical sites to the hip cafe’s and theater.  Walking along the river on the paved walkways will allow you to dream of how things used to be and how things will be in the future. (more…)

The museum takes you on a trip through the time when Minneapolis was growing due to them being the flour milling capital.  Because of it’s domination of the milling process it was known as "Mill City."  Mill City Museum is the latest addition to the Minnesota Historical Society’s network of museums and historic sites. (more…)

The Walker Art Center has a broad range of artistic opportunities for you to enjoy from artists in residence to dance.  There is a sculpture garden for you to stroll through and classes and workshops you can take to learn about art.  (more…)

Join the millions that have enjoyed a great play and fabulous dinner at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatre.  Since it’s opening in 1968 the theatre have been more than 200 plays shown, it is the nations largest dinner theatre, and the largest privately owned restaurant in Minnesota.  It couldn’t have succeeded without providing great service and a great time for those that attend. (more…)

This 3/8 mile banked dirt track hosts both modifieds and stock car races every Thursday at 6:30 p.m.  KRA Speedway is located at the Kandiyohi County Fairgrounds.

Pit Entry Fee: $20.00
Car Entry Fee: $5.00
Grandstand Admission:
Child (12 and under) Free (w/ paid adult)
Adult (13 and over) $10.00
Season Pass $125.00

Location: 7th St. N, Willmar

Phone: (320) 212-8503 or (320) 796-2950.

What a wonderful trail of paved surface to walk, nearly 3 miles of trail to weave through the historic town of Hutchinson.

Hutchinson prides itself in it’s historic preservation activities, great homes and well maintained community so the hike will be just wonderful. Stop and watch the deer, wild turkeys, ducks, and geese at the Gopher Wildlife Sanctuary along the trail near the city park.

Come to Hutchinson in the winter and take advantage of our Minnesota prairie snow. The trail is well groomed and maintained by the Crow River Sno Pro’s, and connects to a system of snowmobile trails, that have you adventuring North, South, East and West. Snowmobile maps are available at the Chamber CVB office

The Luce Line trail from Winsted to Hutchinson is undeveloped. It has a medium gravel base and is suitable for biking. The trail from Hutchinson to Cedar Mills was developed with a base of crushed granite in 1998. This bikeable granite is of a larger size. A final surface of crushed limestone will be added in the future. The Luce Line State Trail is a 63 mile long former railroad grade which is being developed for biking, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. The limestone surfaced trail runs from Plymouth 30 miles West to Winsted, with a parallel tread way for horseback riding. Snowmobiles are allowed on the trail West of Orono.

Looking for the opportunity to go gambling when you are visiting Minnesota?  You may choose to go to the Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake where they have nickel slot machines to high stakes Blackjack, Minnesota poker, and Bingo. With nearly 4,000 slot machines and 96 Blackjack game tables you can try your luck at almost anything! (more…)

This village of 22 building takes you through life in the early 1900’s in Dakota County.  Costumed interpreters will take you through the different things that occured in the homes and businesses of this historic village.  There are special events held throughout the year for you to enjoy. (more…)

One of the things that people want to do in Minnesota is to take a paddle boat ride.  This is an opportunity to see the lake and the scenic shoreline on a true paddle boat.  An exact replica of the paddle boats that traveled the Mississippi in the 1800’s this is a wonderful excusion for you to take. (more…)

If you enjoy hiking, running or walking you will be thrilled with the opportunities available in Faribault with the New White Sands Trailhead trail encompassing 45 miles of trails or the 10 miles of bike and hiking trails available right in town.  The Sakatah trail journey’s 45-miles past lakes and prairies all the way to Mankato, MN. which is what the White Sands Trailhead joins into.

Get out there and enjoy the beauty of Southern Minnesota.

Historic Forestville -

Forestville was a community founded during the MinnesotaTerritory days, it had a grist mill, school, and two sawmills, a blacksmith shop, brickyard, post office, general store and a cabinet shop.  Then the railroad chose a different route for their track and Forestville was left with just one family owning the town and supplying the employment for those that remained behind when the majority of the townsfolk’s moved on. (more…)

This area of Minnesota has been settled by the Amish, starting around 1974 the "older order" of the Amish began moving into the area and now have approximately 100 families.  The Amish are a deeply religious, private people who have been able to resist the ways of modern society.  This are hosts 7 one room schools and 3 districts. (more…)

This memorial was built to remember all those from SE Minnesota that have given their lives in the gallant struggle to preserve the United States and keep us all free.  The memorial was built without any tax money, it was strictly donations through fundraisers and generous contributions of those that care to have the history retained for generations to come. (more…)