Going “up north” is an age-old tradition for people in Minnesota, particularly those who live in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. “Sorry I can’t be there, I’m up north for the weekend.” “Oops I never responded, bad signal up north.” “What are you doing in two weeks? Want to head up north with me?” This is just a way of life if you live in Minnesota!

Generally speaking, “up north” can be classified as anywhere farther north than where you live. But I’ve found that in Minnesota, “up north” tends to mean a few specific places in the state. Minnesota is a destination with an incredible variety of places to visit, things to see – and it’s home to some truly spectacular natural scenery. I may be biased as I’m from Minnesota, but there really are so many amazing places to visit in Northern Minnesota. So, where are the best places to go up north in Minnesota? Here are five of the most popular places Up North for you to plan your Minnesota visit!

1) Boundary Waters

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA or BWCAW) was established through an act in Congress in 1978, and today it is one of the most pristine, untrammeled, and beautiful areas in the Midwest and the United States. Situated in northern Minnesota, with some parts along the Canadian border, the Boundary Waters is the crème de la crème for outdoor adventures. You can go hiking, canoeing, fishing, and even dog sledding! I spent most of my childhood on summer trips to the Boundary Waters, and it truly is unique. Motorized vehicles are not allowed (for the most part), making it one of the best places to get in touch with nature and enjoy the serene peace. It is one of the most visited wilderness areas in the entire country.

2) Duluth

One of the largest cities in Minnesota after Minneapolis and St. Paul, Duluth mixes city life with small town friendliness in a great way! It’s located on the North Shore of Lake Superior. Duluth is an excellent place to visit either as a destination itself (like a weekend getaway), or as the gateway to further north along Lake Superior. Canal Park and the lakeside walk are two places you have to visit in Duluth. If you want the best views over the city, head up to Enger Tower.

3) North Shore

The North Shore of Lake Superior is one of the most popular destinations in northern Minnesota. Lake Superior is the largest of the Great Lakes in North America, and the third largest freshwater lake (by volume) in the world. Stretching from Duluth all along the lake to Grand Portage and the Canadian border, some of the best and most beautiful state landmarks are along the National Scenic Byway, Highway 61! The best way to see this is by taking a road trip and driving until something catches your eye – notable stops include Split Rock Lighthouse, Palisade Head, Gooseberry Falls, and Grand Marais. Check out my full guide for a North Shore road trip here!

4) Itasca State Park

Lake Itasca is famous throughout Minnesota as the headwaters of the Mississippi River, the third-longest river in the world. Itasca State Park is Minnesota’s oldest state park, and one of the most visited as well. There’s nothing more Minnesotan than walking across the Mississippi at its very start! The Mississippi flows 2,320 miles south and empties in the Gulf of Mexico. Not far from Itasca State Park is Bemidji (home of Paul Bunyan), with the famous statues of the legendary lumberjack and his sidekick, Babe the Blue Ox. If you’re heading up north in Minnesota, you need to visit Itasca and the Mississippi headwaters!

5) The Cabin / The Lake

While the state tagline is “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” there are actually 11,842 lakes in the state! Minnesotans love their lakes and they love their cabins. Anyone who has hit summer cabin traffic leaving the Twin Cities on a Friday afternoon can attest to this 😉 While there are several popular destinations to visit up north in northern Minnesota, perhaps the most meaningful to Minnesotans is the cabin and/or the lake. I have spent many glorious summer weekends at cabins around Minnesota, and it really is a different lifestyle.

Many Minnesotans have a second home on a lake. I didn’t, but growing up my aunt/uncle did, as did some of my friends – so I lucked out and got to visit a few lake cabins. Many people, regardless of whether or not they have a cabin, will have a specific lake that they visit regularly, especially during the summer months. While it may be a generic destination, it is one of the most cherished places for Minnesotans!

Planning Your Trip to Minnesota

Wondering how to get to Minnesota? Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport (MSP) has the best availability for flights around the country, although Duluth (DLH) has flights options as well, and may be better suited for exploring northern Minnesota. I always use Skyscanner to find the best deals on flights. Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

Looking for a tour up north in Minnesota? Check out these options!

Where to Stay in Northern Minnesota

Where you stay on your trip up north will depend entirely on where exactly you’re going. It might make sense to have more than one base as you explore this beautiful part of the state! Here are a few options on where to stay around in northern Minnesota:

• Duluth: Park Point Marina Inn – comfortable rooms, some with harbor views, in an unbeatable location in Duluth
• Castle Danger: Grand Superior Lodge – choose between rooms in the main lodge (some with a lake view) or charming log home at this resort on the North Shore
• Grand Marais: East Bay Suites – relaxed studios and suites in an aparthotel in the heart of Grand Marais
• Ely: A Stay Inn Ely – cozy rooms in a homey B&B that gives cabin vibes, featuring a shared lounge, kitchen, and garden
• Grand Rapids: Timberlake Lodge – a four-star hotel in a convenient location, boasting a water park and on-site restaurant

Use the map to search for accommodation around northern Minnesota!

Minnesota is such an incredible destination. There are so many places up north in northern Minnesota to experience the best of what this state has to offer. After traveling around the world, there really is no place like home. I hope this helps in planning a trip up north in Minnesota!

Over to you! What is your favorite destination in “up north” in Minnesota?

You might also like my posts:

6 Reasons to Visit Minnesota in Winter

A Guide for Your North Shore Road Trip

Making the Most of a Trip to Duluth

10 Photos That Will Make You Want to Visit Minnesota’s North Shore

The Top 25 Things to Do in Minneapolis, My Favorite City

The Top 20 Things to Do in St. Paul

12 Tips for the Minnesota State Fair!

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