10 Uniquely Minnesota Places I’ve Embarrassingly Never Been

I'm a Minnesota kid. I grew up in the Cities (Fridley to be exact), and attended the University of Minnesota. I spent some time in Minneapolis and Saint Cloud before moving down here -- yet there are some very Minnesota things that I have never experienced, and I don't know why.

These are not things that I have intentionally avoided. In fact, I believe I would probably really enjoy each and every one of them. Its just for some reason, to this point in my life I have never crossed paths with them.

As I write this, it seems like these would make good Minnesota bucket list items for me for 2025.

Saint Paul Winter Carnival

This one is probably the biggest head-scratcher of them all for me. I grew up in the Twin Cities, lived there into my early twenties, and to this day I have never been. I blame this one on my parents. They probably didn't want to bundle up three kids and drag 'em around Saint Paul.

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Itasca State Park: Mississippi Headwaters

Another confusing one for me. Growing up, my family loaded up in the van and went exploring and camping every summer. Sometimes in Minnesota, Canada, the American West -- but never to Itasca State Park. (Yes, we made it to Wall Drug.)

U of M Men's Hockey Game

And yet another one that makes no sense to me. First of all, I love hockey. I've been to Saint Paul Fighting Saints games at the old St. Paul Civic Center, North Stars games at the Met, Wild games at the X -- but never to a Gopher Men's Hockey game. When I was at the U, I had student season football and men's basketball season tickets; but no hockey. Weird.

Boundary Waters Canoe Area

Love the outdoors. Done plenty of backcountry backpacking in the mountains, but never made it to the BWCA for some backcountry canoeing right in our own backyard. Not too late though.

Minnesota's Largest Candy Store in Jordan

For all of the road-tripping I have done in my life across Minnesota, how have I never hit this place up. I certainly would have stopped even if I was just driving past by accident.

Skiing at Lutsen

This is another odd one for me. I have been skiing since I was five or six, and have hit most of the ski areas in Minnesota more than once. I've also had the opportunity to ski in Colorado, Utah, and Montana -- but for whatever reason, I have yet to hit the slopes at what is probably Minnesota's best spot.

Oktoberfest in New Ulm

I'm part German, like beer, and try not to miss a great party -- so how have I never been to Oktoberfest in New Ulm. It's usually listed as one of the best Oktoberfest celebrations in the nation. 2025 maybe.

Voyageurs National Park

This is much like what I had to say about the Boundary Waters. I have been to national parks all across America; some growing up with my family, and others as an adult. Somehow I've missed the one closest to home right here in Minnesota.

SPAM Museum in Austin

First of all let me say it. I love SPAM. (Yes, really.) Even if I didn't enjoy that precious can of meat, I'd still feel like I had missed out by not making a stop to the SPAM Museum in Austin. This should be easy to get done next year.

Boy's State High School Hockey Tournament

And last but not least, I have never been to the state hockey tournament; either at the St. Paul Civic Center back in the day, or at the Xcel Energy Center. No excuses, this is as Minnesota as it gets. I gotta get there. 2025?