Jake Juliot

According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the state is actually home to 11,842 lakes with a surface area of at least 10 acres. And we’re talking legendary fishing destinations such as Mille Lacs, Lake Minnetonka, Leech Lake and many others.

Mall of America is a Minnesota icon. Home to more than 520 stores, 50 restaurants, a theme park and an aquarium, it continues to add trendy shops, exciting entertainment options, restaurants and major events that bring 32 million visits through its doors each year.

Minnesota knows a thing or two about curling. Many of the men’s and women’s curling Olympians call Minnesota home, including 2018 gold medal-winner John Shuster, who plays out of Duluth.

Like rainbow sprinkles on a cold scoop of vanilla, Minnesota’s small towns are both abundant and delightful. From well-known small towns like Ely, Pipestone and Nisswa, to the truly tiny towns highlighted below,

Southwest Minnesota has more than just corn fields and flat land. Jake Juliot from Explore Minnesota uncovered many places to visit in that portion of the state.

About 10 percent of Minnesota’s 1.5 million licensed anglers head back to their favorite lakes for ice fishing once they freeze. They can turn an empty, snow-covered bay into a winter village overnight, complete with houses, makeshift streets, lighting and laughter that often comes with this social winter sport.

Every winter, Duluth’s Bayfront Festival Park transforms into “America's Largest Free Walk-Through Lighting Display," shining bright with 4 million lights at Bentleyville Tour of Lights. Visitors can enjoy hot cocoa, popcorn and roasted marshmallows while marveling at the brilliant displays.

In 2024, Minnesota spent $9.62 per capita on public funding for the arts, making us the #1 ranked state in public arts spending. That’s because Minnesotans have long valued the arts as part of a vibrant, thriving community, and nowhere is that commitment more observable than in the quality, breath, and depth of Minnesota’s theatrical landscape.

Pets are part of the family and often times we want to bring them with everywhere we go. Jake Juliot of Explore Minnesota highlights some dog-friendly hikes and breweries in Minnesota.

Autumn in Minnesota can offer many great events and opportunities to taste great food and drink in the state. Jake Juliot from Explore Minnesota highlights some ways to enjoy Minnesota this weekend.