Visiting Minnesota

Make memories this spring in Minnesota. Whether traveling through the North Star State on a family road trip, or just heading up north to catch the last bit of winter recreation before it heats up, your choice in Minnesota is a correct one. Head to the Chester Bowl Ski Area in Duluth before the snow melts in northeastern Minnesota, or get a picture of the famed Ear of Corn water tower in Rochester. Don’t forget the Twin Cities, where you can explore the attractions of Minneapolis and St. Paul, plus the many suburbs like Shakopee, Eagan and Bloomington – home to the Mall of America. A Minnesota spring getaway is just what you need.

Set in the southeastern part of the state, Rochester is the third largest city in Minnesota and home to some great outdoor recreation. Now that spring is setting in, you can gear up and bike your way through town, as Rochester incorporates 85 miles of paved pathway for biking, jogging, or just taking out the family dog. For a real spring treat, head to the Quarry Hill Nature Center from early March until April, for the 2012 Twilight of the Triceratops exhibit. For more fascinating exhibits in Rochester, check out the Rochester Art Center for exhibitions like “Tetsuya Yamada: Commuter” and “Barbara Claussen: Seven and One Half” – both showcased until April 22nd.

Meanwhile, in northern Minnesota, Duluth is a scenic port city hosting some incredible activities. Set right on Lake Superior, the Glensheen Historic Estate is open for tours throughout the year, while the Aerial Lift Bridge is a stunning sight come nightfall - so keep that camera ready. Spend a day at the Great Lakes Aquarium – a three-story staple of Duluth home to permanent exhibits like Otter Cove and Amazing Amazon.

Over 100 species are housed in the Great Lakes Aquarium, but be sure to leave room for the Lake Superior Zoo. Found in Fairmount Park, the zoo is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. until the 2012 Memorial Day Weekend and offers free parking. Check out upcoming spring events at the Lake Superior Zoo, including the Earth Hour Event in late March, the Easter EGG-stravaganza, and the Mother's Day & Teddy Bear Clinic in early May.

Spring in the Twin Cities is a journey all on its own. The Valleyfair! Amusement Park opens for business come May in Shakopee, while the sun is also shining down in Eagan at Cascade Bay. Enjoy some spring shopping at the massive Mall of America in Bloomington, or check out big city attractions like the Walker Art Center in nearby Minneapolis and the Science Museum of Minnesota in St. Paul. Don’t sell yourself short on your spring getaway, and be sure to take all Minnesota has to offer.

Minnesota Hotel Map