While the Mall of America is definitely one of the top travel destinations in the St. Paul area, Minnesota is home to a wide array of cultural events and outdoor activities that everyone will enjoy. Upon your arrival at the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, pick up your MSP car rental and hit the road heading north, making sure not to miss any of these unique places to visit.
726 Vineland Place, Minneapolis, MN 55403
The perfect marriage of cultural experience and outdoor life, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is a sight to be seen. Home to more than 40 sculptures and works of art from the Walker Art Center’s excellent collection, it’s a great place to spend a day enjoying the outdoors while marveling at these awe-inspiring works of art.
Open 365 days a year, this garden has been wowing visitors since it opened in 1988, and is considered the crown jewel of the city’s park system. Walk through the park and enjoy the large art collection, including the iconic sculpture, Spoonbridge and Cherry, and take time to sit and relax in this inspirational atmosphere. Take a picnic lunch and then head north to enjoy part of the north shore scenic drive.
Take in breathtaking views of the vast Lake Superior, the stunning Sawtooth Mountains, and miles of various trees. You can choose to travel straight through the 142-mile drive in the comfort of your rental car, or you can get out and explore the many trails, waterfalls, lighthouses, and more along the way. Along the drive, you’ll find plenty of state parks to stop and explore.
307 Milltown Court, Taylor Falls, MN 55084
Home to a variety of outdoor activities, Interstate State Park is the ideal place to spend a warm summer day. This beautiful 22-acre state park offers camping, rock climbing, and scenic views of the river in addition to opportunities for fishing and canoeing.
One of the unique things about Interstate State Park is the presence of glacial potholes. Formed by the melting of ancient glaciers, Interstate Park is home to more glacial potholes than anywhere else in the world for such a small space. Take a walking tour of the glacial potholes and revel in the sheer force of nature that created these amazing marvels, including “The Cauldron,” which boasts a width of 20 feet, and the “Bottomless Pit,” which was found to be just under 60 feet deep.
3300 London Road, Duluth, MN 55804
Built by the Congdon family in the early 1900s, the Glensheen Mansion is a historic part of Minnesota you do not want to miss. When the home was donated to the University of Minnesota to be opened as a historic home, every piece of the home was still intact, from Chester Congdon’s top hat hanging in the closet to his wife’s handwritten letters in the desk drawer.
Wander through the lovely gardens of this 12-acre estate, then tour the interior of the 39 room home to see what life was like at the turn of the century. With various tour options to choose from, you can see everything from the classic tour of the home, to the hidden nooks and crannies, and even take a kayaking tour to see the mansion from Lake Superior.
445 Ski Hill Rd Lutsen, MN 5561
Avid skiers will want to plan this road trip for winter to take advantage of Minnesota’s gorgeous Lutsen Mountain Resort. This resort is a particular treat for those who enjoy downhill skiing, as it is home to four different mountains and features 95 different runs. After a day (or a few days) on the slopes, treat yourself to dinner and a show at Papa Charlie’s Tavern & Stage.
Planning to visit in the summer? No problem. The resort offers plenty of fun activities like the alpine slide, canoe tours, hiking trails, and more.
The resort hosts multiple events throughout the year, so make sure to check their calendar before planning your road trip.
Avis wants to make sure your road trip through Minnesota will be your best one yet, which is why they make sure you have access to any services or options you could possibly need. From one-way rentals to long-term car rental options, and luxury vehicles ranging from sporty convertibles to comfortable SUVs, you’ll find the right option for your needs when you rent a car in St. Paul.