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Famous as "the land of a thousand lakes" offers inhabitants and visitors numberless opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming and other water sports in hundreds of public state parks and private Minnesota campgrounds.

Meanwhile, big metropolitan centers provide top cultural attractions such as the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis and top outdoor recreation at Minnehaha Park and its top attraction, Minnehaha Falls.

More must-sees near Minneapolis include Mall of America, the nation's largest shopping center comprising acres of shops and indoor theme park rides. Nearby, also don't miss a wet-n-wild experience at America's tallest indoor water park. Formerly known as Water Park of America, in 2017 Great Wolf Lodge took control of the popular resort featuirng a four-story tandem tube ride!

Around the state, other major attractions include the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley about 20 miles south of the Twin Cities; Voyageurs National Park in International Falls; and the scenic 24-mile North Shore Drive along Lake Superior's shore stretching from downtown Duluth to Two Harbors, Minnesota.

Also in Duluth, during the winter months Spirit Mountain skiing includes 22 trails, two terrain parks, and one breathtaking view of the city and its harbor along Lake Superior.

Top Minnesota attractions include Minnehaha Park in Minneapolis (left), Voyageurs National Park
near International Falls (middle), and Highway 61's scenic North Shore Drive (right).

DID YOU KNOW? Minnesota Travel Fun Facts

Minnesota floats more boats.

• At 9.5 million square feet, the Mall of America in Bloomington is big enough to hold 32 Boeing 747 jet airplanes.

• Minnesota's cow population numbers three million.

• Bordering Lake Superior, Minnesota boasts more recreational boat owners than any other state.

• Minnesota has 90,000 miles of shoreline, more than California, Florida and Hawaii combined.

• Minnesota is the original home of the first automatic pop-up toaster, the Milky Way candy bar, Tonka Trucks, and the snowmobile.

also see -> Christmas in Minnesota | Minnesota Lakes & Beaches | Minnesota Fall Foliage

Minnesota State Fair | Minnesota Wineries

More about Minnesota travel & tourism around the Web:

Explore Minnesota - Major attractions as well as less-explored sections of the state with maps & pictures, guides to state & national parks, outdoor adventure & scenic drives, hotels, bed & breakfasts, special package deals.

Minneapolis.org - The city's official travel site with guides to major attractions (including a special look at Mall of America), neighborhoods, hotels & restaurants, online travel booking, kid-friendly fun, nightlife, entertainment & events.

Visit Duluth - Major tourist attractions with sample itineraries, hotel, bed & breakfast and restaurant guides, family vacations, photo gallery, plus check out the the cyber version of Visit Duluth Travel Guide available for download in PDF format.

Visit Detroit Lakes- - A top Minnesota destination for outdoor recreation featuring birding, snowmobile trail and fishing reports, interactive maps, pictures, information on special packages deals & travel coupons plus guides to hotels/motels, B&Bs and RV camping.