Minnesota is a northern state in the United States, set in the upper part of the country and known for its numerous lakes and cold winters. It is often called the North Star State or the Land of 10,000 Lakes, names that give a fair sense of what a visit is about: water, open country and seasons that are felt keenly.
What the state offers
The lakes are the defining feature of the landscape, and they shape how many visitors spend their time, whether on the water in warmer months or in quieter, snowbound surroundings when winter arrives. The cold winters are part of the character of the place rather than a obstacle to it, and travellers who come prepared for them will find much to enjoy in the season.
Cities and capital
Saint Paul is the state capital, and Minneapolis is the largest city. Together they anchor the region's urban life, while much of the rest of the state remains rural and lake-dotted. A visit can mix time in the cities with time in the countryside, depending on what you want from a trip.
Minnesota suits travellers who like the outdoors, who enjoy a northern climate and its changing seasons, and who want to see a part of the United States that differs from the coasts. Plan your route around the season you choose, since summer and winter offer quite different experiences.
