Regions and Subregions of Minnesota
Minnesota is filled with places to visit that are unique and special. There countless indoor and outdoor activities across the state that you may want to consider. Here is an overview of some of the main regions or areas of the state.
“The Lake” or “The Cabin”
If you are heading north or west from Minneapolis/St. Paul on a summer Friday afternoon, you will quickly learn that lots of people leave the cities to head out to the lakes. It seems most people that head to “the lake” have a different lake place that they head to. When someone says they are going to “the lake” it could really mean about any lake. If you want to know which one, you may have to ask to find out which lake they are heading to.
Many people have cabins at one lake or another. Other people visit friends or family in rural Minnesota, which may or may not include a lake destination. There are also lots of campgrounds, bed and breakfasts and getaway destinations to be found. We will meander our way through exploring a variety of different lake places available to stay at, to help you find some of these hidden retreat gems so you can find your own bed and breakfast or other retreat to check out on your future getaway to “the lake” – whatever lake you might be headed to.
“The Cities”
When people from the more rural parts of Minnesota say they are heading to “The Cities” they mean the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area. It really could mean anywhere within about 50 miles of Minneapolis or St. Paul.
For those who don’t already live there, going to the cities can be somewhat of a major event. Sports events, lots of shopping and restaurant options, museums, theaters and lots more can be found to see and do in the cities. (Not to mention Trader Joes!)
While it might be only an hour or two away, going to the Cities is often an all day or all weekend event for those of us in “outstate” (non-metro) Minnesota. We cram everything we can into a day trip or weekend getaway in the cities. Museums, restaurants, shopping,… there is no shortage of things to do in the Cities.
Duluth and the North Shore
Duluth, located on Lake Superior, is in northeastern Minnesota. This is a significant travel destination frequented by many from Minnesota and beyond.
Growing up our families went to Duluth every year or so. We have continued this tradition with our own family, as Duluth and the North Shore are one of our favorite places to go. No matter how many times you go, every time is a little different. The weather alone can have a big impact on Duluth travel plans, more than once causing us to rethink what we want to do due to unexpected fog, rain, wind or other weather impact.
Duluth is unlike almost any other area of Minnesota. The lake and tourists make it more laid back than the Cities. It still has some metro characteristics, but it is overwhelmingly a tourist mecca, especially in the summer. Between the lake, the shipping, the views, the tourists, and everything else Duluth and the north shore have to offer, this is one area you don’t want to miss!
Small Town Minnesota
Lots of small towns throughout Minnesota are home to really great people. Rural Minnesotans are typically hard working folks. They generally look out for each other and help one another out.
One drive through a rural town and you may be surprised at the waves you may get from complete strangers. With that said, if you are a complete stranger, you may find people aren’t as outwardly friendly as they might otherwise be to another person from town. I would wager though that most rural Minnesotans would be outwardly kind towards most people, especially if you were in need of help, advice or directions.
One of the best ways to explore small towns in Minnesota are to check out their local festivals and events, or to stay in a local bed and breakfast or small town hotel or motel. You will likely quickly feel welcomed and part of the community.
Southern Minnesota
Southern Minnesota roughly refers to the southern 1/3 of the state. Home to towns like Rochester (think Mayo Clinic) and Mankato in the southeast, Redwood Falls in the central part of southern Minnesota, and Pipestone in southwest Minnesota.
Outside of the larger cities of this region, there are ridges, valleys and lots of open spaces. This is a fertile farming region, where crops like soybeans, corn and wheat grow well.
Central Minnesota (non-metro)
Central Minnesota generally refers to the region between Fargo (North Dakota)/Moorhead and St. Cloud, generally following the Interstate-94 corridor, more or less, extending out a bit north and south from I-94. It isn’t very well defined in boundaries, but generally encompasses the middle 1/3 of the state.
St. Cloud and Fergus Falls are two of the larger communities in the central region of Minnesota. There is lots to see and do in Central Minnesota. In the larger cities, there is shopping, restaurants, sporting events and cultural activities like museums and theaters.
Outside of the larger communities, there are lots of outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, swimming and more. Many lakes are located across Central Minnesota, much to the delight of cabin-goers.
Northern Minnesota
From East Grand Forks (MN) to Duluth, extending across the entire northern-most 1/3 of Minnesota is what is generally referred to as Northern Minnesota.
One thing that you will likely quickly notice is the trees. The Central and Eastern portions of Northern Minnesota in particular are heavily forested. It is such a delight for the senses to walk through or even drive through some of the dense forests of northern Minnesota. There is something so unique and special about breathing the fresh air in the woods. I can smell the fresh pine already!
Summary
Minnesota has quite a few distinct regions and sub-regions. There are some things common across Minnesota, while other elements are common in only a few areas. Minnesota has a fair amount of variety, so make sure you check out at least a few different areas to get a well rounded perspective on this “Land of 10,000 Lakes” – you will be glad you did!
