When people think about the weather in Minnesota, they often picture snowy winters perfect for sledding and building snowmen. But did you know that our summer months are actually quite warm, with average high temperatures in the upper 70s°F (in the northern half of the state) and mid-80s°F (in the southern half of the state)? Embrace these warm, sunny days while you can! And if you’re hoping to spice up your summer with some fun new activities, check out our lengthy list of things to do in the summer in Minnesota.
Things to Do in the Summer in Minnesota
Visit the Minnesota State Fair.
Also known as the Great Minnesota Get-Together, this massive event has something for everyone: tasty food, fun rides, live music, attractions, and more. Don’t forget to pick up some chocolate chip cookies and milk from Sweet Martha’s! This annual event occurs for 12 days, ending on Labor Day.
Stargaze in Voyageurs National Park.
Due to the low levels of light pollution, Voyageurs National Park is an excellent spot to admire the constellations! Plus, this is the only water-based national park in the country.
Go for a bike ride.
Relax and get some exercise in the great outdoors! Two great paths for beginner bicyclists are the Canon Valley Trail and the Midtown Greenway.
Take a boat tour of Lake Itasca.
The great Mississippi River starts right here in Minnesota, at Lake Itasca! Although you could certainly hike around the lake or rent a canoe or kayak, why not take it easy with a boat tour? You’ll learn about local wildlife as well as logging and Native American history.
Visit a lighthouse.
Numerous photogenic lighthouses dot the shores of Minnesota’s lakes, and many of them have nearby parks and hiking trails. Take a day-trip to one of these beauties: Split Rock Lighthouse, Grand Marais Lighthouse, Two Harbors Lighthouse, Duluth North Pier Lighthouse, and Minnesota Point Lighthouse.
Admire Minnesota’s picturesque waterfalls.
While you’ve got your camera out, stop by some of Minnesota’s beloved waterfalls. Top picks include Minnehaha Falls, Ramsey Falls, Wolf Creek Falls, Gooseberry Falls, High Falls, Vermillion Falls, Minneopa Falls, and Minnemishinona Falls.
Check out the North Shore.
The north shore of Lake Superior is a wonderful spot to enjoy the natural beauty of Minnesota. Why not go fishing dockside? Or maybe you could hit the green at one of the area’s many golf courses. There are also hiking trails, bike paths, and kayak rentals.
Pick berries at a local farm.
There are loads of pick-your-own berry farms around the state. Though the varieties depend on the farm and the season, you might be able to pick strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries. Some favorite spots include The Strawberry Basket (in Monticello), The Berry Patch (in Forest Lake), and The Blueberry Fields of Stillwater.
Enjoy a lovely afternoon of learning.
If you would prefer to spend your day indoors in the refreshing AC, why not check out a museum? Here are just a few of your options:
- Charles Lindbergh House & Museum
- Great Lakes Aquarium
- Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum
- Minneapolis Institute of Art
- Minnesota Children’s Museum
- Minnesota Marine Art Museum
- Paisley Park (Prince’s home and studio)
- Red Wing Shoe Store & Museum
- Science Museum of Minnesota
- SPAM Museum
- Walker Art Center
Delve deep into Niagara Cave.
Another cool option (it remains 48 degrees Fahrenheit year-round), Niagara Cave is a 200-foot-deep limestone cave. It includes a 60-foot waterfall, an underground river, a gemstone mining sluice, and more.
Cheer on the Minnesota Twins.
Visit the beloved Twins’ home stadium, Target Field, in Minneapolis. Grab a hot dog and some Cracker Jacks and root for the home team!
Go shopping at the Mall of America.
Well, we say shop, but shopping’s just one thing you can do at this absolute behemoth. In addition to stores, the Mall of America contains roller coasters, an aquarium, a movie theater, a comedy club, restaurants, and much more.
Check Minnesota Monthly’s calendar for local events.
Embrace your local community by attending a festival or other social event. Here are just a few of the events occurring around the state this summer:
- Chalkfest (June 10-11, 2023)
- Twin Cities Jazz Festival (June 23-24, 2023)
- Gammel Dag Fest (June 24, 2023)
- Wayzata Art Experience (June 24-25, 2023)
- Vicki’s Camp ‘n Country Jam (July 6-8, 2023)
- Pan-O-Prog (July 9-16, 2023)
- Lumberjack Days (July 14-16, 2023)
- Minnesota Original Music Festival (July 19-23, 2023)
_____
There are so many fun things to do in the summer in Minnesota. What’s on your bucket list?
The Shores of Lake Phalen is an assisted living community in a quiet, peaceful environment in Maplewood, Minnesota. We offer numerous health and safety amenities, fun events and activities, a friendly and accommodating staff, and much more. Schedule a tour of the community to explore our spacious apartments, elegant dining room, and more. We look forward to hearing from you!