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Highest-rated things to do in Minnesota by visitors

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Inside Creative House // Shutterstock
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When planning your next holiday, you might feel an instinctual pull toward destinations that would take you across oceans, like Tokyo or Paris, but there are experiences closer to home that will have you thinking twice before booking a trip abroad ever again.

If you're craving a burst of adrenaline, why not reserve a spot in Michigan's famed Saugatuck Dune Rides? The activity's charmingly dated website is a great indication of its word-of-mouth notoriety and timeless appeal. Over in Arizona, you might be surprised to find that it's not just the Grand Canyon that tempts travelers to its desert landscape—it's also one-of-a-kind venues like the Musical Instrument Museum, where music enthusiasts can find over 7,500 instruments from 200 countries around the world.

Indeed, even if you've lived in Minnesota your whole life, you might be surprised by just how many top-rated things you've yet to cross off your list. From architectural wonders and picturesque views to historical museums and other must-see sights, you'll find your appreciation for Minnesota reignited just by reading through this list of top-rated things to do.

Stacker compiled a list of the highest-rated things to do in Minnesota using data from Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor ranks places using a combination of metrics, including overall rating, reviews, and number of page views. As a result, an activity with a 5 out of 5 overall rating might rank lower than one with a 4 out of 5. Data is as of Aug. 15, 2025.

Whether you're a family of five traveling in a recreational vehicle or a duo of friends looking for a quick getaway in Minnesota, read on for a list of sights you could easily plan a trip around.

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#30. Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

Tripadvisor

1 / 30

#30. Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

- Rating: 4.7/5 (633 reviews)
- City: Chanhassen
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#28. Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

Tripadvisor

3 / 30

#28. Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

- Rating: 4.6/5 (2,192 reviews)
- City: Saint Paul
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#24. American Swedish Institute

Tripadvisor

7 / 30

#24. American Swedish Institute

- Rating: 4.6/5 (517 reviews)
- City: Minneapolis
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#20. Science Museum of Minnesota

Tripadvisor

11 / 30

#20. Science Museum of Minnesota

- Rating: 4.6/5 (1,141 reviews)
- City: Saint Paul
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#17. Spam Museum and Visitor Center

Tripadvisor

14 / 30

#17. Spam Museum and Visitor Center

- Rating: 4.6/5 (734 reviews)
- City: Austin
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#15. Cathedral of Saint Paul

Tripadvisor

16 / 30

#15. Cathedral of Saint Paul

- Rating: 4.7/5 (1,095 reviews)
- City: Saint Paul
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#12. Split Rock Lighthouse

Tripadvisor

19 / 30

#12. Split Rock Lighthouse

- Rating: 4.6/5 (1,130 reviews)
- City: Two Harbors
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#5. Gooseberry Falls State Park

Tripadvisor

26 / 30

#5. Gooseberry Falls State Park

- Rating: 4.7/5 (1,681 reviews)
- City: Two Harbors
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#4. Minneapolis Institute of Art

Tripadvisor

27 / 30

#4. Minneapolis Institute of Art

- Rating: 4.8/5 (2,416 reviews)
- City: Minneapolis
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#1. Mall of America

Tripadvisor

30 / 30

#1. Mall of America

- Rating: 4.3/5 (6,046 reviews)
- City: Bloomington
- Read more on Tripadvisor

This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 51 states.

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