Your Ultimate Minnesota Summer Bucket List

Summer in Minnesota is pure magic – those precious months when we embrace the outdoors with the enthusiasm of people who've survived another winter. Whether you're a longtime Minnesotan or new to the Land of 10,000 Lakes, here's your essential guide to a perfect Minnesota summer.

Taste the Local Flavor

Start your summer adventure at Sea Salt Eatery in Minnehaha Park, where fish tacos meet waterfall views. After your meal, hit the park's scenic trails from the iconic Minnehaha Falls to the mighty Mississippi River. 

Don't miss peak season at a local farmers market, from the bustling Mill City or Minneapolis Farmer’s Markets to charming neighborhood markets throughout the Twin Cities. There's nothing quite like the first taste of summer berries, fresh sweet corn, and Minnesota-grown tomatoes.

For a true farm-to-table experience, visit a pizza farm like Alpha & Omega Farm in Princeton (75 minutes north) or Red Barn Farm Pizza in Northfield (45 minutes south). These unique gems serve wood-fired pizzas made with local ingredients in idyllic farm settings that are worth the drive. 

Discover Art and Culture

The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden offers 11 acres of art, including the famous Spoonbridge and Cherry. It's free, family-friendly, and perfect for an Instagram-worthy afternoon stroll.

Pack a blanket and enjoy Music & Movies in the Parks. Minneapolis Parks & Recreation hosts free outdoor movies on inflatable screens at various city parks on more than 60 summer nights, plus 205 events showcasing talented musicians and entertainers from Minneapolis and surrounding communities at eight unique park venues throughout the summer. Check out the full schedule here.

Charming Day Trips Await

Minnesota's adorable small towns are summer gems waiting to be explored:

• Stillwater (45 minutes east): Antique shops and riverboat rides along the St. Croix

• Red Wing (60 minutes southeast): Historic pottery tours and Mississippi River views

• Excelsior (30 minutes west): Historic charm on Lake Minnetonka with antique shops and waterfront dining

• Taylors Falls (75 minutes northeast): Scenic St. Croix River town with dramatic rock formations and hiking trails

  
  

Get Out on the Water

Minnesota summers demand time on the water! Rent kayaks, pedal boats, or stand up paddle boards from Wheel Fun Rentals on Lake Harriet or Bde Maka Ska. Have a need for speed? Head to Lake Minnetonka (20 minutes west) for a wide selection of pontoon and speed boats from Your Boat Club, which offers day rentals or memberships for those who want to get on the water all summer long.

The Ultimate Summer Tradition

No Minnesota summer is complete without the State Fair, that glorious end-of-summer celebration featuring everything on a stick, baby animals, and people-watching that can't be beat. Mark your calendar for August 21st to September 1st this year!

Summer in Minnesota flies by fast. This season, make it count by adding a few of these quintessentially Minnesota experiences to your busy summer calendar to make the most of our state's sweetest season!