Northwest Minnesota
Paul Bunyan, blueberries, black bears and the loon are images sparked by Northwest Minnesota, but beyond these lies an expansive outdoor playground for nature lovers. Grab a paddle or fishing pole, hop on a snowmobile or slip on a pair of hiking boots or skis to discover the woodlands, lakes and dazzling white winters beneath the magical colors of the Northern Lights.
Fun Facts:
Population: 5,132,799 in the state of Minnesota.
Total area: 86,943 square miles.
Average terrain: Northwest Minnesota is home to tall grass prairies, aspen parklands, bogs and coniferous forests.
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Stay Here
Naturally, Northwest Minnesota’s great outdoors are best experienced outdoors in one of many RV parks or campgrounds. However, Northwest Minnesota also holds a solid reputation for cabin accommodations ranging from luxury, such as on Zippel Bay, to cozy and family-friendly, like on Lake Bemidji. Several fishing resorts and marinas are located on breathtaking waterfronts like Lake of the Woods, Rainy River, Cass Lake, Moose Lake and more.
Northwest Minnesota Lodging
Play Here
Sunshine or snow, Northwest Minnesota has enough activity to pack your northern vacation from start to finish. Play golf, hike the trails or visit Itasca State Park and walk across the headwaters of the Mississippi. Cast a lure in the Land of 10,000 Lakes to catch that legendary walleye, muskie or largemouth bass on a chartered fishing trip with professional guides. Or enjoy ice fishing and miles of snowmobile tracks!
Northwest Minnesota Attractions
Dine Here
Sample the abundance of fish from the seemingly endless freshwater lakes of Northwest Minnesota, whether you catch it and throw it on the grill yourself or order a local restaurant’s special. Wild rice also makes a delicious side dish! Attend a chili cook-off or fish fry for local flavor and visit a farmers market for fresh, tasty and oftentimes organic produce. For dessert, enjoy fresh blueberries, raspberries or strawberries.
Northwest Minnesota Restaurants
How to Get Here
Take a flight to Northwest Minnesota’s major airport, Bemidji Municipal Airport. There are 10 other smaller municipal airports in cities such as Brainerd, Baudette, Detroit Lakes and more. Rental cars can be obtained at most of these airports for easy and convenient travel. To best appreciate the layout of the land, travel by car on one of any number of scenic byways. Some span across the whole United States, including the King of Trails Scenic Byway, which stretches from Canada to Mexico on U.S. Highway 75. Others are located solely in Minnesota, such as the Minnesota Wildflower Route that is bordered by the protected state flower, the pink lady’s slipper.
Getting Around
Public transportation becomes sparse the further north you traverse although Greyhound Bus and Amtrak Trains do offer service in some areas. The most efficient method of travel is a rental car. With the freedom and convenience to stop when you please, you will be able to spot a ruffed grouse or red and white winged crossbill on the Pine to Prairie Birding Trail, or visit the Glacial Ridge Project, which is more than 23,000 miles of wetland and prairie that is being resorted to its pre-settlement vegetation – the largest project of its kind in the United States!
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