Carlos Creek Winery
Alexandria

For a winery "without the pretentious fuss of Napa," head to Carlos Creak Winery, the largest producer of fine wine in Minnesota. Known for its apple wines, and "ice wines," which are a Minnesota favorite, these sweet wines are "excellent to have with dessert." In the fall, make sure to check out the Grape Stomp and Fall Festival where the "hilarious highlight" of the festival is the "Lucy Look-Alike" contest. Read more.

St. Paul Winter Carnival
St. Paul

This January and February, experience a "winter wonderland of pure fun" at the St. Paul Winter Carnival. An annual event since 1886, these Minnesotans "take their Winter Carnival very seriously" with parades, rides, orchid shows, dances, musical performances, and so much more. The "grandest event, hands down" is the Ice Palace contest, an event that has been going on since the carnival began, where thousands upon thousands of ice blocks are sculpted into a "glorious and otherworldly" palace "built for a queen." Read more.

Welch Mill Canoeing & Tubing
Welch

It might not be "The River Wild" but canoeing down the Cannon River, is a "great way to unwind with the family" while "taking in some beautiful views." Or for some real relaxation, "laze along the river" in a tube and "let the river lull you into dreamland." Read more.

Valhalla Resort
Detroit Lakes

For a "great deal of peace and quiet" head to one of the eight cabins that make up Valhalla Resort, a resort built in 1929 by a Norwegian immigrant. Each cabin is so spread out, you'll feel "like the only person on the planet" as you share the land with "wildlife that won't disturb you." Hiking, fishing, and canoeing are also available. Read more.

Wabasha Street Caves
St. Paul

Whether you are swing dancing into night or learning about those Minnesota gangsters, "the surroundings will always be the star of the show" at Wabasha Street Caves. Nestled into bluffs that line the Mississippi River on St. Paul's West Side, the caves were a mushroom farm in the 19th century and a speakeasy during Prohibition. After you take the tour or before you put on your dancing shoes at Wabasha's swing nights, make sure to check out Grumpy Steve's "for a caffeine-filled pick-me-up." Read more.

The Elf House on Lake Harriet
Minneapolis

"Believe in magic again," and visit this six-inch wooden door that appeared out of nowhere nine years ago, just off a walking path around Lake Harriet. Since this mysterious door has emerged, thousands of letters have been written and answered from Minneapolis locals (mostly children) to the elf known as "Mr. Little Guy."

Lakeview Drive-Inn
Winona

Relive a scene of out Grease or American Graffiti at the Lakeview Drive-Inn, where "cool cars, hip waitresses, and root beer floats rule the scene." A Winona tradition since 1938, Lakeview still makes its homemade root beer fresh daily, and "it tastes like no other root beer on the planet!" Make sure to try the Sugarloaf Mountain Burger, a "massive undertaking" but "worth every bite." Read more.

Robbinsdale Whiz Bang Days
Robbinsdale

Add some bang to your July and head to Robbinsdale's Whiz Bang Days, a four-day festival full of "spectacular and earth-shattering" firework displays and some "truly amazing, truly Minnesotan" food and fun. Named after the locally-produced magazine Captain Billy's Whiz Bang during World War I, this festival celebrates "everything Robbinsdale," from the deep-fried cheese curds to the "lavish and varied" beer gardens. Spend your days on carnival rides and your nights relaxing by Crystal Lake as the fireworks light up the sky. Read more.

Palm's Bakery
St. Louis Park

"Leave behind those Krispy Kremes," and head to Palm's Bakery in St. Louis Park, where a wooden screen door bangs shut behind you when it's your turn to "indulge your sweet tooth." The Palm family has been operating this "quaint" bakery for over 50 years, serving seasonal specialties, cardamom breads, angel food cakes, and doughnuts. Although on most days a line extends way out onto the street, the doughnuts are "so fresh the bag over the box steams up, and they have so much more flavor than those chain doughnut shops." But make sure to "keep your eyes open while looking for Palm's," because "if you blink, you might miss it!"

Muskie Fishing at Lake Bemidji
Bemidji

For a challenge and adventure head out to Lake Bemidji, as Minnesota is "the only place for muskie fishing, period" and Lake Bemidji is "the best fishing Minnesota has to offer." Make sure to wake up at the "crack of dawn" to catch muskie, a fish that can weigh anywhere from 20 to 60 pounds, and when caught, perform some "serious acrobatics" to get free. Read more.