http://www.minnesotabeautiful.com Fri, 05 Mar 2010 04:35:28 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Otter Tail Country Tourism Association - Western Minnesota 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 ... http://www.minnesotabeautiful.com/north-central-western-minnesota-tourism/otter-tail-country-tourism-association-western-minnesota.html Visit Park Rapids - Park Rapids, Minnesota 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 ... http://www.minnesotabeautiful.com/north-central-western-minnesota-tourism/visit-park-rapids-park-rapids-minnesota.html Aitkin's World Famous Fishhouse Parade - Aitkin, Minnesota 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, ... http://www.minnesotabeautiful.com/northeastern-minnesota-tourism/aitkins-world-famous-fishhouse-parade-aitkin-minnesota.html Dogsledding and Skijoring and More - Apple Valley, Minnesota 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 ... http://www.minnesotabeautiful.com/twin-cities-metro-minnesota-tourism/dogsledding-and-skijoring-and-more-apple-valley-minnesota.html Minnesota Vikings - Minneapolis, Minnesota 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 ... http://www.minnesotabeautiful.com/twin-cities-metro-minnesota-tourism/minnesota-vikings-minneapolis-minnesota.html Alexandria Vacation Wonderland - Alexandria, Minnesota   If you were to blend the perfect combination of beautiful scenery, nearly limitless recreational opportunities in the water and on the land, year-round events and attractions, and a rich cultural and natural history, the result would be Alexandria.   The area’s abundant lakes cry out to fishermen ... http://www.minnesotabeautiful.com/north-central-western-minnesota-tourism/alexandria-vacation-wonderland-alexandria-minnesota.html Brainerd Area - Brainerd, Minnesota 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, ... http://www.minnesotabeautiful.com/north-central-western-minnesota-tourism/brainerd-area-brainerd-minnesota.html Northern Lights Model Railroad Assoc. & Museum - East Grand Forks, Minnesota 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 ... http://www.minnesotabeautiful.com/north-central-western-minnesota-tourism/northern-lights-model-railroad-assoc-museum-east-grand-forks-minnesota.html Heritage Village - East Grand Forks, Minnesota. The village purpose is to preserve the history of the northern Red River Valley.  Once a year, during Heritage Days, the third week of every August, the village comes to life with many people and much to do! There are tours of pioneer buildings, ... http://www.minnesotabeautiful.com/north-central-western-minnesota-tourism/heritage-village-east-grand-forks-minnesota.html Chippewa City Historical Park and the Swensson Farm Museum - Montevideo, Minnesota 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 ... http://www.minnesotabeautiful.com/north-central-western-minnesota-tourism/chippewa-city-historical-park-and-the-swensson-farm-museum-montevideo-minnesota.html 1500 Miles of Canoe Trails at Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness 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 ... http://www.minnesotabeautiful.com/northeastern-minnesota-tourism/bwca.html One RoomSchool (RidgeSchool) – Amboy, Minnesota           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, ... http://www.minnesotabeautiful.com/southern-minnesota-tourism/one-room-school-ridge-school-amboy-minnesota.html Voyageurs National Park - International Falls, Minnesota 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 ... http://www.minnesotabeautiful.com/northeastern-minnesota-tourism/voyageurs-national-park-international-falls-minnesota.html Arctic Cat Manufacturing Plant Tour - Thief River Falls, Minnesota 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 ... http://www.minnesotabeautiful.com/north-central-western-minnesota-tourism/arctic-cat-manufacturing-plant-tour-thief-river-falls-minnesota.html Leech Lake Region - Leech Lake, Minnesota 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 ... http://www.minnesotabeautiful.com/north-central-western-minnesota-tourism/leech-lake-region-leech-lake-minnesota.html Bemidji Tourism - Bemidji, Minnesota 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 ... http://www.minnesotabeautiful.com/north-central-western-minnesota-tourism/bemidji-tourism-bemidji-minnesota.html Boundary Waters Canoe Area - Northern Minnesota 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. http://www.minnesotabeautiful.com/northeastern-minnesota-tourism/boundary-waters-canoe-area-northern-minnesota.html Forest History Center - Grand Rapids, Minnesota 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 ... http://www.minnesotabeautiful.com/northeastern-minnesota-tourism/forest-history-center-grand-rapids-minnesota.html Blandin Paper Mill Tours - Grand Rapids, Minnesota 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. http://www.minnesotabeautiful.com/northeastern-minnesota-tourism/blandin-paper-mill-tours-grand-rapids-minnesota.html Two Harbors Lighthouse Station - Duluth, Minnesota 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 ... http://www.minnesotabeautiful.com/northeastern-minnesota-tourism/two-harbors-lighthouse-station-duluth-minnesota.html Active Mine Company Tours - Hibbing, Minnesota 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 ... http://www.minnesotabeautiful.com/northeastern-minnesota-tourism/active-mine-company-tours-hibbing-minnesota.html Minnesota Museum of Mining - Chisholm, Minnesota 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. http://www.minnesotabeautiful.com/northeastern-minnesota-tourism/minnesota-museum-of-mining-chisholm-minnesota.html Charter Fishing in Minnesota - Duluth, Minnesota 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.  ... http://www.minnesotabeautiful.com/northeastern-minnesota-tourism/charter-fishing-in-minnesota-duluth-minnesota.html Mille Lacs Lake - Minnesota 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. http://www.minnesotabeautiful.com/northeastern-minnesota-tourism/mille-lacs-lake-minnesota.html Otter Trail Scenic Byway - Fergus Falls, Minnesota 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 ... http://www.minnesotabeautiful.com/north-central-western-minnesota-tourism/otter-trail-scenic-byway-fergus-falls-minnesota.html Minnesota Military Museum - Camp Ripley, Minnesota Nowhere in Minnesota are the experiences of military men and women so vividly captured and interpreted as at the Minnesota Military ... http://www.minnesotabeautiful.com/north-central-western-minnesota-tourism/minnesota-military-museum-camp-ripley-minnesota.html Paul Bunyan and Babe - Brainerd, Minnesota 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 ... http://www.minnesotabeautiful.com/north-central-western-minnesota-tourism/paul-bunyan-and-babe-brainard-minnesota.html St. Cloud State University - St. Cloud, Minnesota 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.  ... http://www.minnesotabeautiful.com/north-central-western-minnesota-tourism/st-cloud-state-university-st-cloud-minnesota.html Charles A. Lindbergh Historic Site - Little Falls, Minnesota 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.  http://www.minnesotabeautiful.com/north-central-western-minnesota-tourism/charles-a-lindbergh-historic-site-little-falls-minnesota.html Art & Heritage Place - St. Joseph, Minnesota This museum shows the art talent of the Benedictines.  The people that come to the museum learn something new about the Sisters and the monastery with each visit. On display at the Haehn Museum are pieces of the exquisite needlework created by the ... http://www.minnesotabeautiful.com/north-central-western-minnesota-tourism/art-heritage-place-st-joseph-minnesota.html Minnesota Zoo - Apple Valley, Minnesota 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 ... http://www.minnesotabeautiful.com/twin-cities-metro-minnesota-tourism/minnesota-zoo-apple-valley-minnesota.html Minnesota State Capital - St. Paul, Minnesota 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 ... http://www.minnesotabeautiful.com/twin-cities-metro-minnesota-tourism/minnesota-state-capital-st-paul-minnesota.html Mall of America - Bloomington, Minnesota 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. http://www.minnesotabeautiful.com/twin-cities-metro-minnesota-tourism/mall-of-america-bloomington-minnesota.html Minneapolis/St. Paul Lakes Area - Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota 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 ... http://www.minnesotabeautiful.com/twin-cities-metro-minnesota-tourism/minneapolisst-paul-lakes-area-minneapolisst-paul-minnesota.html ValleyFair - Shakopee, Minnesota 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 ... http://www.minnesotabeautiful.com/twin-cities-metro-minnesota-tourism/valleyfair-shakopee-minnesota.html The Science Museum of Minnesota - St. Paul, Minnesota 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. http://www.minnesotabeautiful.com/twin-cities-metro-minnesota-tourism/the-science-museum-of-minnesota-st-paul-minnesota.html Minneapolis Riverfront District - Minneapolis, Minnesota 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 ... http://www.minnesotabeautiful.com/twin-cities-metro-minnesota-tourism/minneapolis-riverfront-district-minneapolis-minnesota.html Mill City Museum - Minneapolis, Minnesota 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 ... http://www.minnesotabeautiful.com/twin-cities-metro-minnesota-tourism/mill-city-museum-minneapolis-minnesota.html Walker Art Center - Minneapolis, Minnesota 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.  http://www.minnesotabeautiful.com/twin-cities-metro-minnesota-tourism/walker-art-center-minneapolis-minnesota.html Chanhassen Dinner Theatres - Chanhassen, Minnesota 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 ... http://www.minnesotabeautiful.com/twin-cities-metro-minnesota-tourism/chanhassen-dinner-theatres-chanhassen-minnesota.html J&L Bison Ranch - Willmar, Minnesota Tour a bison ranch while traveling in Minnesota.  There are 300 bison roaming over 200 acres at this ranch.  Bison cows have been known ot live for as long as 42 years and have 38 calves. They can live in the cold of Minnesota winters ... http://www.minnesotabeautiful.com/north-central-western-minnesota-tourism/j-l-bison-ranch-willmar-minnesota.html KRA Speedway - Willmar, Minnesota 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 ... http://www.minnesotabeautiful.com/north-central-western-minnesota-tourism/kra-speedway-willmar-minnesota.html Luce Line Trail - Hutchinson, Minnesota 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 ... http://www.minnesotabeautiful.com/north-central-western-minnesota-tourism/luce-line-trail-hutchinson-minnesota.html Mystic Lake Casino Hotel - Prior Lake, Minnesota 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 ... http://www.minnesotabeautiful.com/southern-minnesota-tourism/mystic-lake-casino-hotel-prior-lake-minnesota.html Dakota City Heritage Village - Farmington, Minnesota 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 ... http://www.minnesotabeautiful.com/southern-minnesota-tourism/dakota-city-heritage-village-farmington-minnesota.html Pearl of the Lake -  Lake City, Minnesota 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 ... http://www.minnesotabeautiful.com/southern-minnesota-tourism/pearl-of-the-lake-lake-city-minnesota.html New White Sands Trailhead - Faribault, Minnesota 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 ... http://www.minnesotabeautiful.com/southern-minnesota-tourism/new-white-sands-trailhead-faribault-minnesota.html Historic Forestville - Preston, Minnesota 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 ... http://www.minnesotabeautiful.com/southern-minnesota-tourism/historic-forestville-preston-minnesota.html Amish Tours of Harmony - Harmony, Minnesota 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 ... http://www.minnesotabeautiful.com/southern-minnesota-tourism/amish-tours-of-harmony-harmony-minnesota.html Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial - Rochester, Minnesota 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 ... http://www.minnesotabeautiful.com/southern-minnesota-tourism/soldiers-field-veterans-memorial-rochester-minnesota.html