Minnesota Travel Guide
Minnesota deserves far more hype than it’s been given. Known for its abundant lakes, Northwood forests, friendly locals, and snowy winters, Minnesota is the perfect travel destination to discover the “True North”.
If you’re looking to visit some epic lakes, you’re in the right place!
Grab a canoe to explore the vast lakes of Voyageurs National Park. For the most scenic road trip in the state, drive along the North Shore of Lake Superior (the largest freshwater lake in the world!). You don’t even have to leave the city to enjoy lake life – Minneapolis is home to 22 of them! While you’re there, be sure to check out the thriving art, theater, music, and restaurant scenes throughout the Twin Cities. Minnesota is also one of the only places in the U.S. where you can see the Northern Lights!
Destinations
Minnesota Basics
Nickname: Land of 10,000 Lakes
Best Time to Visit
SUMMER
This is the only time you can guarantee there won’t be snow in Minnesota! Summers are typically a great time to visit; however, they can also get uncomfortably hot and humid. If you’re headed to the lake, be sure to pack bug spray! Mosquitoes are prevalent here.
AUTUMN
Fall is spectacular in Minnesota! Many areas burst with autumn colors, and sweater weather takes over. Unfortunately, the autumn season is also quite short, lasting only from about late September through mid-October.
WINTER
With the season lasting from November through early April, winters are long and bitterly cold in Minnesota. Heavy snowfall can make for poor traveling conditions, and high winds put temps well below freezing. If you do find yourself here during the winter and want to brave the weather, there are plenty of activities to try like skiing, snowshoeing, or ice skating.
SPRING
This is a short and unpredictable season in Minnesota. It’s known for being sunny and warm one day and then cold and snowing the next. Late spring is, generally, a good time to visit, but keep in mind that you may experience some bizarre temperature swings.
the minnesotan accent
So what’s the deal with those funny accents – do they really talk like that? As a local, I can tell you the answer is…kind of. Most of us have just a slight accent that’s only heard in certain words, if at all. The further you go north (and the closer you get to Canada), the stronger of an accent you’ll hear. We really do use some peculiar vocabulary though, so please accept this complimentary rundown of Minnesotan slang words and phrases you’re likely to hear.
Uff-da!
An exclamation that can convey exhaustion, relief, dismay, surprise, or annoyance.
“Uff-da! Glad that’s over!”
Dontcha know
Used at the end of a sentence to place emphasis on a statement.
“It’s pretty cold out there, dontcha know.”
You betcha!
Used to express agreement or certainty.
Q: “Do you want to meet for coffee?”
A: “You betcha!”
Ope!
An exclamation of surprise for causing a minor inconvenience to someone.
“Ope, sorry! Let me just sneak past ya there.” Translation: “Excuse me, I need to get past you. I’m very sorry to have bothered you.”
Interesting | I don’t hate it
A passive way to express dislike for something.
Q: “Do you like your food?”
A: “It’s very interesting.”
Translation: “I hate it. I’m just too polite to say so.”
Q: “Did you like the concert?”
A: “I didn’t hate it.” Translation: “No, I didn’t like it.”
Oh fer ____ !
Added in front of various words to create different phrases.
“Oh fer cute!” = Adorable
“Oh fer cripes sake!” = Mild anger
“Oh fer crying out loud!” = True anger
Minnesota Travel Guides
