Trent Jonas came to Minnesota to attend college - and never left. He's a Twin Cities-based writer with a BA in English and a MFA in creative writing, a Minnesota Master Naturalist, and the proud father of two adult children. With more than a decade of freelance writing experience under his belt, Trent is often out exploring his favorite topics: Minnesota's woods, lakes, and trails. Rhubarb pie is his weakness, so discovering new diners is also a passion.
Many Minnesotans embrace our state’s colder seasons – if we didn’t, we’d be pretty limited during much of the year. But our reward for grinning through harsh winters in the Bold North are the glorious summers we experience in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. What makes the season so wonderful is not only the weather but also all the fun things to do in Minnesota in summer. Here are a few of our favorites.
Summer is when Minnesotans head “Up North” or “to the cabin” or “to the lake” – which can mean any number of different things to different folks. One thing for sure, though, is that whatever we call it, we mean that we’re getting outside and enjoying Minnesota’s famously beautiful summers in nature. Three areas, in particular, draw folks from all over the state to enjoy warm weather in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. They’re some of the best summer vacation destinations in Minnesota.
Need To Know: The Detroit Lakes ("DL") area has a reputation as being a rowdier on-the-water destination in Minnesota with often-younger visitors.
With literally hundreds of recreational lakes in the area, this is cabin country and draws folks from all over. From Fargo/Moorhead and as far as the Twin Cities, visitors flock to the Detroit Lakes area for summer fun. Whether its fishing, boating, or just kicking back at a rental cabin and enjoying the weather, you'll find plenty of summer fun in and around Detroit Lakes.
2. Brainerd Lakes Area
Brainerd Lakes, 7053 N Koering Rd, Brainerd, MN 56401, USA
Need To Know: This is one of the state's most popular areas for summer recreations, so be sure to plan ahead for the region's many events.
Summer fun abounds in the Brainerd Lakes Area, whether you're enjoying lake life at one of the renowned Gull Lake resorts, like Madden's, Cragun's, or Grand View Lodge, or boating, fishing, or paddling on one of the many other area lakes, you're sure to find plenty to fill your summer days. Explore the charming town of Nisswa, hit one of the area's challenging golf courses, or tackle the singletrack at Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area.
Location: Duluth, Minnesota, to Grand Portage, Minnesota
Need To Know: You'll find eight state parks and five state waysides along this 150-mile stretch, so you'll definitely want a Minnesota State Parks pass.
Once you drive beyond Duluth on State Hwy. 61 and start up the North Shore of Lake Superior, Minnesota undergoes a radical transformation. Rugged basalt cliffs and rock formations - even small mountains - rise up from the inland sea. Waterfalls and deep Northwoods forests abound, The many parks, state and national forests, Grand Portage National Monument, and ferry access to Isle Royale National Park, make this part of the state one of the most popular summer vacation destinations in Minnesota. It's particularly attractive for those looking to beat the heat, as Lake Superior creates its own microclimate, which generally keeps summer temperatures cooler than elsewhere in the state.
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Best Beaches, Lakes & Rivers To Visit In Minnesota This Summer
Our favorite way to beat the heat – not at all surprisingly – is to get out on the water in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Boating, fishing, swimming, and paddling are definitely among the most popular Minnesota summer activities, and here is a trio of our favorite places to enjoy the water in the Bold North.
4. McCarthy Beach State Park
McCarthy Beach State Park, 7622 McCarthy Beach Rd, Side Lake, MN 55781, USA
Need To Know: Admission to the state park by car requires a permit, which costs $35 per year or $7 per day. Camping reservations require an additional fee.Admission to the state park by car requires a permit, which costs $35 per year or $7 per day. Camping reservations require an additional fee.
McCarthy Beach is considered one of the best - if not the best - beaches in Minnesota. The long, sand beach extends gradually into beautiful, clear Sturgeon Lake, which makes it ideal for families with younger kids who want to splash in the water. Combined with nearby Side Lake - across an isthmus from the beach - you'll find all sorts of on the water fun at this state park.
Need To Know: Lake Pepin beaches are free. When water levels are high, you should not enter the water at Lake Pepin.
The charming Mississippi River town of Lake City is the Minnesota gateway to Lake Pepin - the largest natural widening of the river. You'll find beaches at Lake City parks, as well as Florence Township/Old Frontenac, just north of town. Sailing, fishing, paddling, and boating are all popular pastimes in this Minnesota town where waterskiing was invented.
6. Big Bog State Recreation Area
Big Bog State Recreation Area Southern Unit, 55716 MN-72, Waskish, MN 56685, USA
Need To Know: Admission to the state park by car requires a permit, which costs $35 per year or $7 per day. Camping and cabin reservations require additional fees.
Given Big Bog State Recreation Area's name, a beach may not be the first thing that pops to mind about this fantastic state park. But you'll find an incredible strand of sand on Upper Red Lake - the largest lake fully within the state's borders. Moreover, the lake clear and relatively shallow, which means the water is much warmer than that of say, Park Point in Duluth, where the beach is lovely but the water is frigid. You'll also find a nearby boat launch to put in for paddling, boating, and fishing.
Parks To Visit In Minnesota This Summer
If there’s one kind of place that we love to visit in the Land of 10,000 Lakes during summertime, it’s the many incredible state parks in Minnesota. Visiting state parks is one of the best cheap things to do in Minnesota in summer, as an annual pass can get your vehicle into all the parks for $35 per year. Here are three we think should be on your must-visit list this season.
7. Itasca State Park
Itasca State Park, 36750 Main Pk Dr, Park Rapids, MN 56470, USA
Need To Know: Camping and lodging reservations require additional fees.
As the oldest and second-largest state park in Minnesota, Itasca State Park would be, simply put, iconic. But add to this the facts that it is also one of the oldest state parks in the nation and home to the headwaters of the Mississippi River, and you'd forgive us if we accord Itasca legendary status. Whether you go to spend a few hours, visiting the headwaters and treebathing amid the old-growth pines, or you spend a week exploring the history and natural beauty of the park, you should definitely put Itasca on your list for this summer. Book a room at the historic Douglas Lodge, and a visit to Itasca becomes one of the most romantic things to do in Minnesota in summer.
Need To Know: Camping and cabin reservations require additional fees.
Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park is an awesome summertime family destination, because it offers such a wide variety of activities. You can hike, camp, explore an historic town, fish for trout on the Root River, and even tour the State's longest cave. You'll definitely want to spend a few days when you visit this park.
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9. Blue Mounds State Park
Blue Mounds State Park, 1410 161st St, Luverne, MN 56156, USA
Need To Know: Camping and tipi reservations require additional fees.
Blue Mounds State Park is another fantastic summertime park in Minnesota, with many things to do. Located in the extreme southwestern part of the state, Blue Mounds offers hiking along a spine of Sioux quartzite, fishing, camping - even in a tipi, when available - rock climbing, and watching a portion of the state bison herd on the tallgrass prairie.
Best Free Summer Activities
Some of our favorite warm weather activities are those that don’t dent the wallet. Hiking, picnics, swimming at a local beach – they’re all things we have access to in the Land of 10,000 Lakes that won’t cost us a dime. But we are also fortunate to some other incredible free things to do in Minnesota in summer, like visiting the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory. Here are three more things to do in Minnesota that you may not even have realized are free.
Need To Know: No fee or pass is required to visit this national park.
Other national parks may charge fees as high as $30 per day to visitors. But it won't cost you a dime to visit our friendly neighborhood national park, Voyageurs. Located along the Canadian border, between Orr and International Falls, Voyageurs National Park showcases the beautiful boreal forests and glacial lakes that define Minnesota's Northwoods. It's also a designated Dark Sky Park, so it's a perfect place for stargazing and chasing the northern lights, as well.
Need To Know: This event is free, however, free tickets, which are available online, are required.
The latest iteration of Taste of Minnesota is a festival along Nicollet Mall and adjacent streets in downtown Minneapolis. The festival is free to enter but does require tickets. Inside, attendees will find activities, music from national acts, art, and more. Although attendance is free, vendors, food, and certain other items are available at a cost.
12. Pipestone National Monument
Pipestone National Monument, 36 Reservation Ave, Pipestone, MN 56164, USA
Need To Know: No fee or pass is required to visit this national monument.
Another free National Park Service unit in Minnesota, Pipestone National Monument protects a fascinating amalgamation of cultural history and geological wonder. The park contains a Sioux quartzite outcropping with an unusual waterfall - something you don't expect to see on the tallgrass prairie of western Minnesota. The site is one of indescribable cultural significance as many Native peoples would journey to this place to quarry the so-called "pipestone" to make everything from pipe stems to jewelry. Here, even groups who were hostile to one another would set aside their differences and quarry side-by-side. Several active quarries are still in use today.
Best Summer Events And Festivals In Minnesota
We do love a good festival in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Whether it’s a tiny suburban celebration, a small town’s big summer event, a county fair, or the grande dame Minnesota State Fair, we love them all! Festivals are particularly awesome if you have kids, because they can be some of the most fun family things to do in Minnesota in summer. Here a few that we really like.
Need To Know: The festival takes place at the end of June. There is no cost for admission, however food, rides, and other items may require a fee.
Taking place every year over the last full week or so of June, Rochesterfest is a celebration of its host city - Rochester - as well as southeastern Minnesota. Live music, vendors, kids activities, a parade, and many more events and activities occur during the festival. It's one of our favorite events for kicking off summer in Minnesota.
Need To Know: The festival takes place in early July. There is no cost for admission, however food, rides, and other items may require a fee.
A Minnesota tradition for more than 70 years, the World's Largest Wild Rice Festival takes place in Deer River every July. With three days of events, including live music, games, food vendors, and a powwow hosted by the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, you're sure to find something to enjoy at this classic small town festival.
15. Minnesota State Fair
Minnesota State Fair, 1265 Snelling Ave N, St Paul, MN 55108, USA
Need To Know: The takes place over 12 days through Labor Day. Tickets may be purchased in advance at a discount or upon entry.
The Minnesota State Fair is the cherry on top of summer's spoonbridge. Hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans (and yes, folks from elsewhere, too) eat and gawk and look their ways through the fairgrounds as a final wave to summer fun. The Great Minnesota Get-Togther, as we like to call it, is a decades old tradition that is an annual rite for many, many people, and we think it's the perfect way to end this list.
So, whether you love music, food, fishing, hiking, or long lazy days on the beach, you will find plenty of things to do in Minnesota in summer. What are your favorite summertime activities in Minnesota? We love to hear your ideas!
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