Adventure
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Experience this Minnesota must-see for outdoors-loving families; paddle to your heart's content —1,500 miles of phenomenal canoe routes; spot bald eagles, great blue herons, pine martens, and other native wildlife. Superior National Forest, 8901 Grand Ave. Pl., Duluth, MN; + 1 218 626 4300. Fee.
Chippewa National Forest Glide down the gentle Shingobee River in a kayak or canoe; cast for walleye in some of the state's best fishing waters; spot bald eagles perched in massive nests or soaring overhead; meander along some of the park's 298 miles of peaceful hiking trails; feast on wild blueberries before setting up camp. 200 Ash Ave. NW, Cass Lake, MN; + 1 218 335 8600.
Dogsledding in Ely—Wintergreen Dogsled Lodge Learn to mush along snow-packed trails behind a team of athletic Canadian Eskimo sled dogs; explore the snowy wilderness with famed Arctic explorer Paul Schurke or one of the many other dogsled guides in Ely. 1101 Ring Rock Rd., Ely, MN; + 1 218 365 6022 or + 1 218 365 6123. Fee.
Northland Arboretum Explore this wonderland on cross-country skis in the winter; strap on your boots for a youth Nordic ski lesson in January; hike through preserved jack pine savanna in the fall. 14250 Conservation Dr., Baxter, MN; + 1 218 829 8770.
Outdoor Winter Ice Skating Glide across the ice at one of 23 outdoor rinks each winter, run by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. Minneapolis, MN. + 1 612 230 6400.
Paul Bunyan State Trail Create your own tall tale as you bike, roller-skate, skateboard, or snowmobile along this 100-mile trail, 80 miles of which are paved. Brainerd Lakes, MN.
Roseville Skating Center Test your skates on the OVAL, the world's largest outdoor refrigerated skating facility; bring your boards, bikes, and tricks—during the summer it doubles as the Midwest's largest skate park. 2661 Civic Center Dr., Roseville, MN; + 1 651 792 7007. Fee.
Superior Hiking Trail Trek one of the most scenic trails in the country; backpack up the ridgeline above Lake Superior all the way to the Canadian border through seven state parks, or take a short five-to-ten mile day hike past waterfalls, brooks, and the Sawtooth Mountains; keep an eye out for moose, deer, and beavers; snack on wild raspberries and blueberries. Superior Hiking Trail Association offers guided day hikes. Headquarters: 731 7th Ave., Two Harbors, MN; +1 218 834 2700.
Taylors Falls Voyage down the St. Croix River on a paddlewheel boat tour and check out the rock formation known as the Old Man of the Dalles, or just take a lazy canoe trip. For more excitement, shoot down water and alpine slides at Wild Mountain; take to the slopes in the winter on one of the mountain's 25 ski and snowboard runs or bounce down the mountain on a snow tube. Taylors Falls, MN; + 1 651 465 6315.
Voyageurs National Park Canoe, kayak, or motorboat through the vast interconnected lakes to one of the area's 900 islands; learn French songs and paddle salutes on a North Canoe Voyage with costumed interpreters; cast for walleye, smallmouth bass, and northern pike from a lazy houseboat; howl with the wolves and keep a lookout for bald eagles and bears from your campsite. Headquarters: 3131 Hwy. 53, International Falls, MN; + 1 218 283 6600.
Animals
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory Explore the Wolf Woods and Seal Island, the beautiful Japanese garden, palms, and orchids at the conservatory; ride Cafesjian's Carousel; meet Chloe the sloth and see where cocoa comes from at the indoor neotropical rain forest. 1225 Estabrook Dr., St. Paul, MN; + 1 651 487 8200 or + 1 651 487 8201. Donation.
Great Lakes Aquarium Pet a rough-skinned sturgeon or touch a stingray; come face-to-face with the monstrous deep-dwelling fish of Lake Superior; steer a miniature ship through the lakes, raise and lower it through the locks; make electricity at the hydroelectric dam. 353 Harbor Dr., Duluth, MN; + 1 218 740 3474. Fee.
International Wolf Center From the large observation window watch the center's ambassador wolf pack of Great Plains, Rocky Mountain, and arctic wolves play, race, and hunt in their enclosure; interact with exhibits detailing the complex relationship between wolves and humans throughout history; crawl into the Little Wolf den and play like a pup. 1396 Hwy. 169, Ely, MN; + 1 218 365 4695. Fee.
Lake Superior Zoo Glimpse prairie dogs, porcupines, bears, pumas, and Berlin the polar bear; pet a llama at the Children's Zoo or squint at a sloth on the Nocturnal Trail. 72nd Ave. West and Grand Ave., Duluth, MN; + 1 218 730 4900. Fee.
Minnesota Fishing Museum Cast your eyes over the 10,000 fishing artifacts, such as reels, rods, lures, spears, antique boat motors, and hand-carved decoys (including a frog decoy); watch the fish in the 270-gallon aquarium; marvel at the size of the replica state record fishes, including a reproduction of a 70-lb. catfish. 304 W. Broadway, Little Falls, MN; + 1 320 616 2011. Fee.
Minnesota Zoo Glide through the park on the monorail to get a unique view of the zoo's 2,700 animals; brave the cold with the Amur tigers, Mexican wolves, woodland caribou, moose, and grizzly bears in the Northern Trail exhibit; touch sharks and sea anemones at the interactive estuary and tide pool exhibit; pretend to be a chicken in a coop with kid-sized roosts and nest boxes on the Family Farm. 13000 Zoo Blvd., Apple Valley, MN; + 1 952 431 9500. Fee.
National Eagle Center Take a close look at Harriet, Angel, Columbia, and Wash'aka, four educational bald eagles unable to be released into the wild due to various permanent disabilities; watch for wild eagles from the center's decks, which overlook the Gateway to the Upper Mississippi National Wildlife Refuge and a major migratory flyway; peer through kid-proof binoculars at the migrating eagles and tundra swans in the fall, and songbirds in the spring. 50 Pembroke Ave., Wabasha, MN; + 1 651 565 4989 or 877 332 4537. Fee.
Underwater World Surround yourself with sharks as you make your way through the 300-foot glass tunnel; get to know clownfish, octopuses, piranhas and seahorses like the ones that have starred in your favorite animated films in the "SeaCrits of Hollywood" gallery; see what a live shark or ray feels like in the touch pool. Mall of America, East Entrance, Level 1, Bloomington, MN; +1 952 883 0202, 888 348 3824. Fee.
Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary—The American Bear Association Spy the three-legged bear Schwinn sitting Buddha-style; observe playful cub wrestling and other bear behavior at this seasonal home to more than 80 black bears, as well as white-tailed deer and other critters; stand on the viewing platform as the wild bears roam freely below; pick up a few bear facts from knowledgeable naturalists on the observation deck. 12541 Nett Lake Rd., Orr, MN; + 1 218 757 0172. Fee.
Culture
Akeley Paul Bunyan Statue Sit in Paul Bunyan's enormous hand at the tallest (25 feet tall) Paul Bunyan likeness in the world. Broadway, Akeley, MN. +1 218 652 2465.
American Swedish Institute Explore the history of the area's Swedish immigrants on a scavenger hunt through the museum; learn about Swedish culture with special programs for children. 2600 Park Ave., Minneapolis, MN; + 1 612 871 4907. Fee.
Boise Paper Mill See one of the world's largest and fastest papermaking machine; observe the giant spools of paper—the machines churn out over 1,500 tons of paper a day. Boise Inc., International Falls, MN; + 1 218 285 5011.
Charles A. Lindbergh State Historic Site Tour the boyhood home of America's famed aviator; pretend to fly across the Atlantic in a full-scale replica of the Spirit of St. Louis cockpit; see Lucky Lindy's childhood toys. 1620 Lindbergh Dr. South, Little Falls, MN; + 1 320 616 5421. Fee.
Children's Discovery Museum Journey from the Land of Oz to the Fairyland and see the 200 dolls modeled after classic fairytales; chat with Treesa, the talking tree; role-play in kid-size River Town with a firehouse and store; sail toy boats down the model Mississippi and operate a miniature dam at the River Water Table. 2727 U.S. Hwy. 169 S., Grand Rapids, MN; + 1 218 326 1900. Fee includes admission to Judy Garland Museum.
Concordia Language Villages Travel the world without leaving Minnesota; visit re-created villages from France to Finland to Spain to Norway on a guided tour; take a crash course in Korean or immerse yourself in Italian in a weekend program. 901 8th St. S., Moorhead, MN; + 1 800 222 4750. Fee for classes.
Dorothy Molter Museum Celebrate the fascinating life of the last person allowed to live in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Dorothy Molter was a Chicago nurse turned self-sufficient wilderness expert known to passing canoes as the "Root Beer Lady," who lived on an island in Knife Lake for 56 years; explore her Isle of Pines cabins, join in on summertime songs and crafts, and enjoy an ice-cold root beer. 2002 E Sheridan St., Ely, MN; + 1 218 365 4451. Fee.
Ed's Museum Travel back in time with the king of collectors, former grocery store owner Ed Krueger; wander through his store filled with displays of oatmeal tins, magazines from the 1930s, player piano rolls, unsold store merchandise with original price tags including candy bars from 1987, and a box containing Jack's dead cat Sammy; it was Ed's dream to create a museum with his collections, now meticulously organized by the local historical society. 100 S. Gold St., Wykoff, MN; call for appointment + 1 507 352 4205.
Forest History Center Step into the world of a 1900s logging camp; board a "wanigan," a floating cook shack used to feed the loggers as they moved downstream; crawl through a full-size replica of a fallen log; try the controls of a timber harvester, see local wood products from toothpicks to hockey sticks, and learn about the need for reforestation. 2609 County Rd. 76, Grand Rapids, MN; + 1 218 327 4482. Fee.
Gammelgården Museum Learn to make traditional Swedish sausage (korv); get a glimpse into the Minnesota Swedish immigrant experience; explore the culture through crafts, live music, and building tours. 20880 Olinda Trail, Scandia, MN; + 1 651 433 5053. May-mid-Oct. Children under 12 free.
Giant Paul and Babe Statues Amble down to the Lake Bemidji shoreline and wave hello to Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox—these statues featured in Life magazine were the original inspiration for the over-size lumberjack statues you'll find throughout the state. Paul Bunyan Dr., Bemidji, MN. +1 218 759 0164.
Giant Otter and Giant Prairie Chicken Statues Check out the giant otter statue in the town of Fergus Falls; 11 miles further north on Interstate 94 in the town of Rothsay, venture over to a 13-foot-tall statue of a prairie chicken, puffing up his orange air sac (it's called booming) as part of a prairie chicken mating dance. Big Otter, Adams Park, Fergus Falls, MN; Big Prairie Chicken, Rothsay, MN.
Gibbs Museum of Pioneer and Dakotah Life Enter a bark lodge; stoop inside a tepee; explore the seasonal dwellings of the Dakotah; tour a replica pioneer soddy, farmhouse, and one-room schoolhouse. Special programs have included demonstrations of plaited quillwork and Lakota beadwork, wild rice processing and flint knapping. 2097 W. Larpenteur Ave., St. Paul, MN; + 1 651 646 8629. Fee.
Ironworld Duck inside traditional lodgings—from a fur trapper's cabin to a Sami reindeer herder's camp; watch demonstrations of pioneer life skills; ride to the Glen mine on a vintage electric trolley; sample the Iron Range's diverse ethnic heritage at the 43 restaurant. 801 SW Hwy. 169, Chisholm, MN; + 1 218 254 7959. Fee.
Jeffers Petroglyphs Examine ancient Native American carvings of buffalo, elk, thunderbirds, arrows, and more cut into the bedrock over 5,000 years ago; hike down the trail to the buffalo rub—a worn, smooth, and shiny place in the rock where bison would rub their bodies to shed their winter coats; practice throwing an atlatl, a predecessor to the bow and arrow. 217160 County Rd. 2, Comfrey, MN; + 1 507 628 5591. Fee.
Judy Garland Museum Fly over the rainbow to the restored childhood home of the beloved star of The Wizard of Oz; stroll the gardens and birch forest; view costumes and movie props, including the Abraham Lincoln presidential carriage that was used in the movie. 2727 U.S. Hwy. 169 S., Grand Rapids, MN; + 1 800 664 5839. Fee includes admission to Children's Discovery Museum.
The Landing—Minnesota River Heritage Park Make your way into the village on a horse-drawn wagon; examine a restored schoolhouse, train depot, and blacksmith shop—picking up some blacksmithing skills on the way; play house in the 1800s with interactive household items and costumes; make your own news at the print shop. 2187 E, Hwy. 101, Shakopee, MN; + 1 763 694 7784. Fee.
Landmark Center Skip through Landmark Center and neighboring Rice Park and pay tribute to St. Paul native Charles Schulz, creator of the Peanuts comic strip and characters. Pose next to life-size bronze versions of Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Schroeder, Sally, Linus, Marcie and Peppermint Patty. Landmark Center at 5th and Market Sts.; Rice Park at 4th and Washington Sts., St. Paul, MN.
Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum Visit one of the childhood homes of Laura Ingalls Wilder where the events from On the Banks of Plum Creek took place; examine family photographs and letters, a quilt owned by Laura and her daughter Rose, and displays from the TV show based loosely on her books. 330 8th St., Walnut Grove, MN; + 1 507 859 2358. Fee.
Leif Erikson Park Pause for a picnic in the Rose Garden, frolic in the grass, and examine the replica Viking ship that retraced Leif Erikson's Norway to North America route. 10th Ave. East and London Rd., Duluth, MN.
Mille Lacs Indian Museum Watch videos and listen to stories relating the history of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Indians; observe traditional cooking and birch-bark basketry demonstrations; learn about powwow customs at this interactive museum. 43411 Oodena Dr., Onamia, MN; + 1 320 532 3632. Fee.
Mineview in the Sky Gaze down 20 stories and scope out the open, 450-foot-deep Rouchleau pit; examine a 240-ton capacity, 21-foot-high production truck; roam around the children's playground. Hwy. 53, Virginia, MN; + 1 218 741 2717. Donation.
Minnesota Children's Museum Race boats down a water chute; crawl through an anthill; star in your own dance video; scramble up a four-level red-cedar tree fort. 10 West 7th St., St. Paul, MN; + 1 651 225 6000 or + 1 651 225 6001. Fee.
Minneapolis Institute of Arts Enjoy the extensive art collection that includes masterpieces by French Impressionists; explore the corridor of art by children; hula-hoop, dance, and fold origami on the museum's family days. 2400 Third Ave. South, Minneapolis, MN; + 1 612 870 3131. Free admission.
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden After taking in some culture at the Walker Art Center; roam the scenic Minneapolis Sculpture Garden among the large-scale sculptures, including the giant Spoonbridge and Cherry, a Minneapolis icon. Vineland Place across from the Walker Art Center, Minneapolis, MN; +1 612 375 7600.
North House Folk School Weave pine needle baskets; help construct an Inuit kayak; bake rustic brick-oven bread; hone your mushrooming skills; build a toboggan; and much more. Learn these historic wilderness skills at this northern-craft learning center. 500 W. Hwy. 61, Grand Marais, MN; + 1 218 387 9762. Fee.
North West Company Fur Post Barter for beaver fur and play games from the 1800s; examine reconstructed Ojibwe dwellings and the authentically reconstructed fur trading post; chat with costumed voyageurs about the life of a fur trader and the fashionable European beaver hats that kept the trading post in business. Pine County Hwy. 7, Pine City, MN; + 1 320 629 6356. Fee.
Oliver H. Kelley Farm Entertain your rustic side and pitch in on the farm—1850's-style; steer the plow, slop the pigs, churn butter, or try your hand at making soap and baking bread. 15788 Kelley Farm Rd., Elk River, MN; + 1 763 441 6896. Fee.
Pavek Museum of Broadcasting Create your own 1960s radio broadcast; make radio contacts at the Ham Shack; play an instrument without strings or keys—just wave your hands through the electrical field of the Theremin. 3515 Raleigh Ave., St. Louis Park, MN; + 1 952 926 8198. Fee.
Sever's Corn Maze Wind your way through miles of corn maze while noshing on mini-doughnuts and roasted corn; sink and squirm through the kernels in the corn pits; pet camels; launch pumpkins soaring through the air and into Sever's mouth. Shakopee, MN; + 1 952 974 5000, + 1 952 937 1315, or + 1 952 239 8501. Sept.- Oct. Fee.
World's Largest Authentic Hockey Stick Put on your game face next to the 107-foot, three-ton stick made out of the same materials as a normal-size hockey stick—and don't forget the 700-pound rubber puck. 122 Grant Ave., Eveleth, MN; + 1 218 741 2717.
World's Largest Ball of Twine Consider getting a new hobby as you gawk at the 11-foot-tall, nearly 14-foot-wide, 8.7 ton ball of baler twine rolled by Francis A Johnson. Impress your friends with your twine ball knowledge—this is actually the world's largest ball of twine rolled by just one person; many larger imposters were created collectively after getting the idea from Johnson. 1st St., Darwin, MN +1 320 275 3186.
World's Largest Pelican Swing by Pelican Rapids for a photo-op with the town's 15.5-foot pelican statue at the base of Mill Pond Dam; cast a line for sunfish, bluefish, walleye or northern pike in the Pelican River. Hwy. 59 behind the Tourist Information Center, Pelican Rapids, MN. +1 218 863 1221.
World's Largest Tiger Muskie Take a break from the road to see the world's largest replica of a tiger muskie—a 30-foot-long, hand-carved, cedar and redwood tribute to Minnesota's popular fighting fish; explore the 27-mile-long paved Heartland Trail, a former rail line now open for biking and walking. Hwy. 2 and Hwy. 34, Nevis, MN; +1 218 652 3866.
Entertainment
Arctic Cat Factory Tour Stride along assembly lines and under conveyor belts as you watch ATVs and snowmobiles come to life; witness high-tech robotic welding and computerized diagnostic checks used on these extreme snow and off-road vehicles. 601 Brooks Ave. South, Thief River Falls, MN; + 1 218 681 8558.
Chanhassen Dinner Theatres Laugh or cry along with one of the theater's many productions such as Les Misérables, Oklahoma!, Annie, or Seven Brides for Seven Brothers at the nation's largest professional dinner theater. Children must be five years of age or older. 501 W. 78th St., Chanhassen, MN; + 1 952 934 1525. Fee.
The Children's Theatre Company Watch classic tales come to life on the stage with productions featuring such storybook characters as Madeline, Ramona Quimby, Peter Pan, and the Lion from Narnia. 2400 Third Ave. South, Minneapolis, MN; + 1 612 874 0400. Fee.
Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad Take a scenic nature excursion by rail; chug along the St. Louis River from the Lake Superior Zoo on vintage coaches or in an open-air car. Grand Ave. and Fremont St., Duluth, MN; + 1 218 624 7549. June 9-October 7. Fee.
North Shore Scenic Railroad Hop aboard this vintage locomotive for a 90-minute trip through downtown Duluth to Lester River or Two Harbors; eat dinner on the Pizza Train on certain evenings. The Duluth Depot, Duluth, MN; + 1 218 722 1273. Fee.
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts Take your pick of the many phenomenal matinee shows, which in the past have included Chinese dance, Latin song and storytelling, and performances by the choreographer of The Lion King; enjoy intricate marionettes, upbeat drum performances, and cultural dance programs at the annual Flint Hills International Children's Festival. 345 Washington St., St. Paul, MN; + 1 651 282 3000 or + 1 651 224 4222. Fee.
United States Hockey Hall of Fame Museum Send the real hockey fans over to the Hall of Fame; shoot pucks in the replica rink; examine an early Zamboni; view a historical collection of ice skates. 801 Hat Trick Ave., Eveleth, MN; + 1 218 744 5167. Fee.
History
Aerial Lift Bridge Watch giant, ocean- and lake-going ships cruise through the Duluth Ship Canal; admire the colossal elevator-like bridge and Duluth icon that rises 138 feet to let the ships pass underneath it into the harbor. Lake Ave. at the Duluth Ship Canal, Duluth, MN.
Benton County Historical Society Museum Make a quick stop at this small museum just to show the kids a horse-drawn school bus on skis. 218 1st St. N., Sauk Rapids, MN; + 1 320 253 9614.
Commemorative Air Force—Minnesota Wing Soar through the beautiful Minnesota skies in a B-25 Mitchell medium bomber—if you've got a lot of extra allowance money ($375 per ride). Otherwise, keep your feet on the ground and just inspect the five other World War II planes on display, including a rare Tuskegee Airmen P-51C Mustang. 310 Airport Rd., Fleming Field Hangar #3, South St. Paul, MN; + 1 651 455 6942.
The Depot Venture into the St. Louis County Heritage and Arts Center—"the Depot"—to see the first locomotive used in Minnesota, plus many other restored diesel, steam, and electric locomotives as well as passenger cars, freight cars, cabooses and a huge model railroad in action at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum. 506 W. Michigan St., Duluth, MN; + 1 218 727 8025. Fee.
Grand Portage National Monument Explore the reconstructed headquarters of the North West Company and see how to build a fur trade canoe; walk through a replica Ojibwe village as costumed guides describe their lives circa the late 1700s; dance, make crafts, or watch demonstrations at the summer Rendezvous Days and Pow Wow; follow in the steps of the voyageurs as you hike the eight-mile-long Grand Portage Trail. 170 Mile Creek Rd., Grand Portage, MN; + 1 218 475 0123. Fee.
Historic Fort Snelling Fall in line with the new recruits from 1827 and shoulder a musket amid booming cannon fire; have a tea party with Mrs. Snelling; take a bike ride along the Mississippi River. Highways 5 and 55 near Minneapolis- St. Paul Airport, St. Paul, MN; + 1 612 726 1171. Fee.
Hjemkomst Center Run your hand along the water-worn wood of a 76-foot-long, dragon-headed Viking ship that sailed from Duluth to Norway in 1982; hear how this ship—the after-school dream of a junior high guidance counselor—took shape inside a potato warehouse; examine a full-size replica of Norwegian stave church, a style popular in the 13th century. 202 First Ave. N., Moorhead, MN; + 1 218 299 5511. Fee.
Hull Rust Mahoning Mineview Peer into the largest operational open-pit iron-ore mine in the world; examine old mining equipment and trucks; notice that over 1.4 billion tons of earth have been relocated to enable continued drilling, blasting, and mining. 401 Penobscot Rd., Hibbing, MN; + 1 218 262 4166.
Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center Go behind the scenes of the Duluth Ship Canal and Aerial Lift Bridge with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; examine a three-story steam engine; take the wheel in one of the replica ship pilothouses; peer through a telescope at the enormous freighters passing right by the building. 600 Lake Ave. South, Duluth, MN; + 1 218 720 5260. Ext. 1.
Minnesota Air National Guard Museum Picture yourself as part of the Minnesota Air National Guard as you climb into the cockpit of a C-130 transport plane, a C-97 trainer, or F-4 fighter jet; examine real jet aircraft engines in the hangers; see a Russian Mig-15. Minneapolis-St.Paul International Airport, 670 General Miller Dr., St. Paul, MN; + 1 612 713 2523.
Minnesota History Center Clamber through a replica grain elevator; hop on a farmer's wagon from the 1900s; climb inside a real Soo Line boxcar as you follow the journey of grain from farm to town to grain elevator. 345 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, MN; + 1 651 259 3000 . Fee.
Split Rock Lighthouse Historic Site Learn how a six-foot-high Fresnel beacon with a range of 22 miles was used to divert ships from the rocky shores of Lake Superior; travel back to the 1920s with costumed guides; gaze down from the 130-foot cliff at kayakers on the water or plan a kayaking trip of your own. 3713 Split Rock Lighthouse Rd., Two Harbors, MN; + 1 218 226 6372. Fee.
Minnesota Military Museum Check out a real M60 main battle tank and OH-13 helicopter; learn about wars throughout history through the museum's educational exhibits. Camp Ripley, 15000 Hwy. 115, Little Falls, MN; + 1 320 632 7374.
Northfield Historical Society Museum Experience the First National Bank robbery and shoot-out led by the infamous Frank and Jesse James; witness the annual reenactment or watch a video; see the original safe, clock, and outlaws' guns; learn about the James-Younger gang and the valiant townspeople who foiled the heist. 408 Division St., Northfield, MN; + 1 507 645 9268. Fee.
Pipestone National Monument Journey to a site considered sacred by most Plains Indian tribes; watch Native Americans today carry on the traditions of their ancestors by digging this soft red stone out of the quarries and crafting it into ceremonial pipe bowls. 36 Reservation Ave., Pipestone, MN; + 1 507 825 5464. Fee.
Soudan Underground Mine State Park Don a hardhat, step inside the "cage," and descend a half-mile into the Earth to explore the world of underground mining; ride the subterranean rails and travel backwards a century to the days of ore or leap toward to the future and search for dark matter at the High Energy Physics Lab. Soudan Underground Mine State Park, Soudan, MN; + 1 218 753 2245. Fee.
S.S. William A. Irvin Step aboard this floating museum, once an ore boat capable of carrying over 14,000 tons of iron ore and a flagship for U.S. Steel; explore the 2,000-horsepower steam turbine engine, elegant guest quarters, and immense cargo hold; play captain in the pilothouse or spook yourself silly during Halloween's haunted ship tours. 301 Harbor Dr., Duluth, MN; + 1 218 722 7876. Children 10 and under free.
Stearns History Museum Build a child-size log barn; explore a full-size model of a 1930 granite quarry; admire a 1919 Pan automobile; hike through 3.5 miles of wooded and grassland trails in the 100-acre nature park surrounding the museum. 235 33rd Ave. S., St. Cloud, MN; + 1 320 253 8424. Fee.
Nature
Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge Keep an eye out for timber wolves, black bears, deer, and some of the 287 bird species that pass through this 61,500-acre refuge, considered one of the top 50 wildlife viewing areas in the lower 48 states; help capture and band ducks in September; climb the 100-foot-tall observation tower for a marvelous view of the wetlands, forest, grasslands, lakes, and shrublands shaped by glacial Lake Agassiz. County Hwy. 7, Middle River, MN; + 1 218 449 4115.
Blue Mounds State Park Climb as high as 100 feet as you scale the ledges of the massive Sioux quartzite mound; meander through scenic tallgrass prairie on the easy Mound Creek Trail; scope out the 100 wild bison grazing beyond a protective fence, just don't get too close. Hwy. 75, Luverne, MN; + 1 507 283 1307. Fee.
Brainerd Lakes Fish, hike, ski, or play at this popular Minnesota family-vacation spot that also seems to be teeming with everything Paul Bunyan. Hunt out all Paul-related attractions—find his flashlight, ox, fishing bobber, baby shoe, and ax hidden throughout the surrounding area; sit on Paul's lap at the Brainerd Lakes Area Welcome Center on Hwy. 371 S., MN; +1 218 829 2838.
Buffalo River State Park Hike past river, forest, oak savanna, and prairie habitats on the Savanna Cutoff Trail; spot bison bones and skulls along the riverbanks; spy a prairie chicken mating dance; bask in the sun on the swimming pool beach or split a sandwich in the family-friendly picnic area. 565 155th St. South, Hwy. 10, Glyndon, MN; + 1 218 498 2124. Fee.
Father Hennepin State Park Reel in a trophy-sized walleye on Lake Mille Lacs, one of the best fishing spots in the state; camp out on shore or hike the hilly trails in search of albino deer. 41294 Father Hennepin Park Rd., Isle, MN; + 1 320 676 8763. Fee.
Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park Duck under stalactites, dodge stalagmites, and peer into dark underground ponds in Minnesota's longest cave; pretend to shop in the general store from 1889; nosh in Meighen's kitchen or lend a hand in the garden during one of Forestville's living history tours. 21071 County 118, Preston, MN; + 1 507 937 3251. Fee.
Fort Snelling State Park Bike through the park's bottomland forest; swim in Lake Snelling; hike on Pike Island where the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers converge. 101 Snelling Lake Rd., St. Paul, MN; +1 612 725 2724. Fee.
Gooseberry Falls State Park Listen to the roar of the Upper, Middle and Lower Falls of the Gooseberry River; stroll down trails for a better glimpse of the falls and ancient lava formation overlooking Lake Superior; trek through a forest of aspen, birch, and evergreen trees to explore the rest of the park, where scenic camping, kayaking, and cross-country skiing are available. 3206 Hwy. 61 East, Two Harbors, MN; + 1 218 834 3855. Fee.
Hill Annex Mine State Park Take a ride on a pontoon boat across the 500-foot-deep, open-pit iron mine that is partially filled with water; dig up sharks' teeth, clam shells, and other artifacts from the Cretaceous period on a guided fossil hunt. 880 Gary St., Calumet, MN; + 1 218 247 7215. Fee.
Interstate State Park Explore the Dalles—a steep, glacier-carved gorge of the St. Croix River almost 200 feet deep; follow ancient lava flows and check out the glacial potholes that abound in the park, including one that drops 60 feet, making it the world's deepest pothole. Taylors Falls, MN; + 1 651 465 5711.
Itasca State Park Scope out the humble, trickling origins of the mighty Mississippi; hop across the largest river in the United States on stepping-stones; hike, bike, swim, or boat in Minnesota's oldest state park. 36750 Main Park Dr., Park Rapids, MN; + 1 218 266 2100. Fee.
Lac qui Parle State Park Honk and squawk with the vocal flocks of up to 200,000 geese that stop by the lake during their fall migrations; paddle along the lakeshore or the Minnesota River; traverse the easy trails by horse, ski, or on foot to see the park's other wild inhabitants. 14047 20th St. NW, Watson, MN; +1 320 734 4450. Fee.
Lake Bemidji State Park Explore a tamarack bog and look for carnivorous plants; relax on the sandy swimming beach; listen for tree frogs, owls, woodpeckers, warblers, and vireos in this diverse ecosystem. 3401 State Park Rd. NE, Bemidji, MN; + 1 218 308 2300. Fee.
Lake Maria State Park Take a break, picnic, stroll the boardwalk over the marsh, or hike through the woods—one of the few remaining stands of old-growth forest that once covered southern Minnesota; enjoy the spring wildflowers or autumn leaves while searching for endangered yellow-spotted Blandings turtles. 11411 Clementa Ave. NW, Monticello, MN. Fee. + 1 763 878 2325.
Lake of the Woods Show off your catch of the day from what locals refer to as the Walleye Capital of the World; stare up at the phenomenal northern lights while driving down the Waters of the Dancing Sky Scenic Byway (State Hwy. 11); check out 40-foot-long Willie the Walleye leaping along Hwy. 11. Baudette, MN; + 1 218 634 1174.
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park Walk a short way down the scenic Landmark Trail to find the site of an old Dakota village; stroll through the stunning maple leaves in the fall; slide down the snow on the popular sledding hill or hit the trails for beginner and expert level cross-country ski trails. 15066 Kathio State Park Rd., Onamia, MN; + 1 320 532 3523. Fee.
Minnehaha Park Stroll along serene and shady paths to see Minnehaha Waterfall, the famous "laughing waters" setting of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem The Song of Hiawatha. 4825 Minnehaha Ave. South, Minneapolis, MN; + 1 612 230 6400.
Minneopa State Park Stroll the paths surrounding southern Minnesota's largest waterfall; peer up at both falls, with a combined drop of about 40 feet; keep an eye out for wild turkey, beaver, or bluebirds throughout the park. Hwy. 169, Mankato, MN; + 1 507 389 5464. Fee.
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Drive past blossoming crabapple trees; picnic surrounded by summer dahlias and lilies; or bike through vibrant fall maple and oak leaves; listen to live music or storytellers and entertain little hands with crafts for kids on weekends. 3675 Arboretum Dr., Chaska, MN; + 1 952 443 1400. Children 15 and under are free.
Niagara Cave Put on a sweater or jacket and venture into this growing cave amid stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, and fossils; behold an underground waterfall nearly 60 feet tall; pan for gemstones and fossils in the mining sluice. 29842 Country Rd. 30, Harmony, MN; + 1 800 837 6606. Fee.
Paul Bunyan Nature Learning Center Meet Rex and Gracie, a mated pair of trumpeter swans who nest on the pond; walk through three miles of kid-friendly trails; watch beavers swimming to and from their lodge; learn about conservation at this interactive nature center. 7187 Wise Rd., Brainerd, MN; + 1 218 829 9620. Fee.
Quarry Hill Park and Nature Center Survey limestone fossil beds and sandstone caves; get your hands on interactive displays; see an indoor beehive, a 1,700-gallon aquarium filled with Minnesota fish, and a life-size model of a T. rex skull. 701 Silver Creek Rd. NE, Rochester, MN; + 1 507 281 6114.
Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge Spot wild turkey, fox, loon, and deer out your window as you ride along the 7.3-mile Prairie's Edge Wildlife Drive; stroll easy trails through savanna and oak forest. 17076 293rd Ave., Zimmerman, MN; + 1 763 389 3323.
Superior National Forest Tramp through spectacular boreal forest along some of the best hiking trails in the state, bordered by thousands of lakes and streams; catch a glimpse of moose, black bear, or Canadian lynx; listen for howling gray wolves; fill your bucket with tasty summer blueberries; explore one of Minnesota's premier recreation destinations by bike, canoe, or on foot. Headquarters: 8901 Grand Ave. Pl., Duluth, MN; + 1 218 626 4300. Overnight fee.
Temperance River State Park Sample the rugged North Shore of Lake Superior; stroll down easy riverside paths, including a new ADA trail to Hidden Falls; see the narrow gorge and rushing waterfalls as well as the natural potholes dug by the river in the soft lava riverbed. State Hwy. 61, Schroeder, MN; + 1 218 663 7476.
Tettegouche State Park See the 60-foot drop of the High Falls—the tallest waterfall entirely in Minnesota—after taking an easy hike from your campsite or cabin; seek out black bear and moose while hiking past the park's other cascading falls and rivers. 5702 Hwy. 61, Silver Bay, MN; + 1 218 226 6365. Fee.
Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam Stroll the Heritage Trail along the Mississippi riverfront and admire the river's only major waterfall from the Stone Arch Bridge; view ruined mills and learn about Minneapolis's history; see the lock system that allows the colossal boats to shift their elevations by 49 feet, the biggest drop on the Mississippi River. 1 Portland Ave., Minneapolis, MN; + 1 612 333 5336.
William O'Brien State Park Trek the scenic Riverside Trail loop; paddle around Greenberg Island; swim or catch walleye in the beautiful St. Croix River; rough it at one of the campgrounds; cross-country ski and snowshoe come winter.16821 O'Brien Trail North, Marine-on-St. Croix, MN; + 1 651 433 0500. Fee.
Science
The Bakken Museum See, hear, and feel the natural electricity that powers your heart; eavesdrop on the electrical impulses and communications of eels and other fish at the aquarium; travel to Frankenstein's laboratory; generate a 60,000-volt spark. 3537 Zenith Ave. South, Minneapolis, MN; + 1 612 926 3878. Fee.
Bell Museum of Natural History Investigate Minnesota's lifelike natural habitat dioramas; don a 40-pound set of moose antlers; get your hands on feathers, bones, hides, and live creatures. 10 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN; + 1 612 624 7083. Fee.
Headwaters Science Center Shoot your siblings with an air cannon, cast a "frozen" shadow, measure the speed of your curveball. 413 Beltrami Ave. NW, Bemidji, MN; + 1 218 444 4472. Fee.
Science Museum of Minnesota Power a steam engine; make a tornado; experiment in the Cell Lab; trade in any natural objects you've collected on your trip for rocks, skulls, or insects; walk through the big pinhole camera called the Eye Pod. Pan for fossils and gems and play earth science mini-golf in the Big Back Yard (seasonal). 120 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, MN; + 1 651 221 9444 . Fee.