9 Things to Do in Minnesota This Summer

ST. PAUL, Minn., June 21, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- To mark the first day of summer, Explore Minnesota, the state's tourism promotion office, is highlighting things to do across the state this season. Minnesota is known for its outdoor activities, picturesque parks and trails, summer festivals and, of course, its many lakes. Soak up summer with these unique activities found #OnlyinMN.

1. Enjoy Lake Life  
   With more shoreline than California, Florida and Hawaii combined, Minnesota specializes in lake life. It's not called the "Land of 10,000 Lakes" (11,842, to be exact) for nothing. In the summer, enjoy boating, paddling, dockside dining, watersports and more. No boat? No problem. There are several watercraft rental options across the state.
   
   
2. Reel in a Big One
   Thanks to an abundance of lakes, rivers, streams, and many species of fish, Minnesota provides some of the country's best freshwater fishing. It's a favorite pastime and easy to include as part of any Minnesota vacation. Download the state's official fishing guide here.
   
   
3. Celebrate at an Outdoor Festival
   From popular outdoor music festivals like WE Fest in Detroit Lakes and The Twin Cities Jazz Festival, to quirky small town festivals like Potato Days in Barnesville and Water Ski Days in Lake City, summer is the time to celebrate with friends, family and neighbors. This summer alone, travelers can find 1,400 events at exploreminnesota.com/events.
   
   
4. Explore Parks, Trails and Forests
   Minnesota has one of the nation's greatest state parks systems, featuring 227,000 acres in 75 parks and recreation areas. Voyageurs National Park is uniquely accessible only by boat. Minnesota is also home to the Chippewa and Superior national forests, and the renowned Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. For the urban explorer, Minneapolis and St. Paul were recently ranked the top two park systems in the country. Travelers can plan their next outdoor adventure at exploreminnesota.com/things-to-do/parks-forests.
   
   
5. Dine and Drink Outside
   Summer is patio season in Minnesota. Whether on a rooftop downtown or a lakeside dock, dining alfresco is a must in summer. The state's craft beverage scene also has plenty of outdoor places to raise a glass, many of which are dog-friendly.
   
   
6. Go Golfing
   Minnesota is consistently ranked among the states with the most golfers per capita, and summer is a great time to hit the links. With unique landscapes and some of the finest course conditions in the country, it's a great place to play 500+ courses.
   
   
7. Hit the Road
   Minnesota's 21 scenic byways meander through many landscapes: lake-splashed north woods, tumbling waterfalls, grand bluffs towering above winding rivers, ribbons of prairie and city parks. Several of these drives are also designated as National Scenic Byways. They lead to charming towns, historic sites, parks, bike trails and more.
   
   
8. Camp Under the Night Skies
   In the warm summer months, camping under the night sky is a great way to stargaze, and Minnesota is one of the best places in the lower 48 to view the northern lights. Check out the best places to try to catch them here.
   
   
9. Share Summer Sights on Social Media
   Research shows people seek travel ideas from their social networks. Travelers are encouraged to tag photos and get real-time travel inspiration this summer using statewide travel hashtag #OnlyinMN, which has nearly 1 million uses.

"Minnesota is a top summer vacation destination, and the season accounts for 37% of state travel expenditures," said John Edman, director/CEO of Explore Minnesota. "With our summer weather and abundance of outdoor activities and events, there are thousands of ways to explore the state to make memories found #OnlyinMN."

Explore Minnesota can help plan trips at 888-VISITMN, or via live chat, email and online travel resources at exploreminnesota.com. 

About Explore Minnesota
As the state's tourism promotion office, Explore Minnesota works to inspire consumers and facilitate travel to and within Minnesota. Tourism is a $15.0 billion industry in Minnesota, a key sector of the state's economy. Minnesota welcomes more than 70 million domestic and international travelers annually.

Media contacts: 
Alyssa Hayes, Explore Minnesota, 651-757-1857, [email protected] 
Megan Anderson, Bellmont Partners, 612-255-1118, [email protected]

SOURCE Explore Minnesota Tourism