State Overview
Training, Agent Resources, FAQs
- Visit the USA Travel Trade: https://traveltrade.visittheusa.com/state/minnesota
- Explore Minnesota: https://mn.gov/tourism-industry/assets/24-resource-guide_tcm1135-565599.pdfÂ
Visitor Guides & Logistics
-  Order a Visitor’s Guide: https://www.exploreminnesota.com/order-travel-guides
- Visit the USA Consumer: https://www.visittheusa.com/state/minnesota
- Explore Minnesota: https://www.exploreminnesota.com/
Lists & Links To Share
Use the official tourism bureau links for client-ready lists you can sort by interest.
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Activities, Tours, & POIs
- Viator Tours: They offer a branded link back to you, so sign up with them and share your personal link.Â
- Project Expedition Tours: They offer a branded link back to you, so sign up with them and share your personal link.Â
- The North Shore Scenic Railroad operates on a 28 mile stretch of track between Duluth and Two Harbors, Minnesota. Public excursions start in early summer and run through the holiday season | https://duluthtrains.com/
- Voyageurs National Park https://www.nps.gov/voya/index.htm
Cities & Gateways
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Suppliers & Itineraries
Suppliers listed here are exclusive to this destination. See the main Supplier Search for regional and national partners.
Tour Radar CONSUMER link to suppliers who service the area. They may be available by booking direct, or book through Tour Radar for the commission listed on the agent site:
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Selling Guide
Minnesota offers a mix of vibrant urban experiences, scenic lakes, and outdoor adventures, making it a versatile destination for clients. Known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” it’s perfect for nature enthusiasts, families, and culture seekers alike.
Regions & Top Spots
Twin Cities: Minneapolis & St. Paul
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Who Should Go: Art lovers, foodies, and urban explorers.
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Highlights: Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, Mall of America, Minnesota State Capitol.
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Experiences:
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Explore world-class museums like the Walker Art Center and the Science Museum of Minnesota.
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Shop and enjoy entertainment at the Mall of America.
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Stroll along the Mississippi River and experience local dining hotspots.
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North Shore & Duluth
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Who Should Go: Scenic drive enthusiasts, hikers, and romantics.
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Highlights: Lake Superior, Split Rock Lighthouse, Gooseberry Falls State Park.
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Experiences:
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Drive along the breathtaking North Shore Scenic Drive.
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Hike trails at Gooseberry Falls or along the Superior Hiking Trail.
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Visit charming Duluth and enjoy lakefront activities.
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Central Minnesota
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Who Should Go: Families and water sports enthusiasts.
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Highlights: Brainerd Lakes, Alexandria.
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Experiences:
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Relax or play on the numerous lakes in the Brainerd area.
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Discover unique museums, like the Runestone Museum in Alexandria.
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Explore golf courses, bike trails, and fishing opportunities.
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Southern Minnesota
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Who Should Go: History buffs and winery enthusiasts.
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Highlights: Rochester, Bluff Country.
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Experiences:
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Tour the historic Mayo Clinic and enjoy Rochester’s arts scene.
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Visit the scenic Mississippi River Valley and quaint river towns.
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Explore wineries and enjoy local flavors.
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Themes & Vibes
Food & Drinks
Minnesota’s food scene features Scandinavian influences, craft breweries, and local specialties like wild rice dishes and the famous “Juicy Lucy” burger.
Historical Highlights
Discover Native American heritage sites, historical landmarks along the Mississippi River, and the Mill City Museum in Minneapolis, showcasing the state’s milling history.
Outdoors
With countless lakes, forest trails, and state parks, Minnesota is a year-round outdoor playground. Summer offers boating, fishing, and hiking, while winter invites snowmobiling, ice fishing, and skiing.
Family Fun
Family-friendly attractions include the Como Zoo & Conservatory, SEA LIFE Aquarium at the Mall of America, and outdoor adventures at Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Seasonal Highlights
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Spring: Wildflower blooms and the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.
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Summer: Lake activities, outdoor concerts, and fairs like the Minnesota State Fair.
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Fall: Vibrant foliage along the North Shore and apple orchard visits.
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Winter: Cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and cozy winter festivals.
Advice From Advisors
Search the Community and/or Facebook group by destination name for more recommendations and recent discussion threads.
- Â Fair Hills Resort (Agent recommendation from the USA FB Group): https://fairhillsresort.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawIBGAJleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHQ-OHiyii31H7kx5vsDbv8JgXu9CDomSvngOl946-6OANO-VfdSPwqzi7Q_aem_BnkiUMCHkMjnnI57FqqF5w
Selling Guides
Bloomington
Bloomington, Minnesota: A Suburban Oasis
Bloomington, Minnesota, a vibrant suburb located just south of Minneapolis, offers a unique blend of urban amenities, natural beauty, and a family-friendly atmosphere.
Who Should Go:
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Outdoor Enthusiasts: Explore the Mall of America, the Minnesota Zoo, or the Minnehaha Park and Creek.
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Family Travelers: Enjoy family-friendly activities like visiting the Mall of America, the Minnesota Children's Museum, and the Minnesota Zoo.
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Shoppers: Indulge in retail therapy at the Mall of America, one of the largest shopping malls in the United States.
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Sports Fans: Catch a game at the Target Field, home of the Minnesota Twins, or the U.S. Bank Stadium, home of the Minnesota Vikings.
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Foodies: Explore the vibrant food scene with a variety of restaurants offering local and international cuisine.
Good to Know:
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Seasons: Summer is the peak season for visiting Bloomington, offering pleasant weather and plenty of outdoor activities. However, the city also has its charm in the fall, winter, and spring, with opportunities for leaf peeping, ice skating, and exploring the historic sites.
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Accessibility: Bloomington is easily accessible by car or bus, with major highways nearby.
How to Sell It:
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Highlight the Mall of America: Promote this iconic shopping and entertainment destination, offering a variety of attractions for all ages.
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Showcase the Outdoor Adventures: Emphasize the nearby parks, trails, and the opportunity to explore the Mississippi River.
By showcasing Bloomington's unique blend of urban amenities, natural beauty, and a family-friendly atmosphere, you can help your clients create unforgettable memories in this suburban oasis.
- Visit the USA Travel Trade: https://traveltrade.visittheusa.com/destination/bloomington-minnesota
- Bloomington Minnesota Travel & Tourism Tour Operators: https://www.bloomingtonmn.org/meetings/tour-operators#itineraries
- FAQ & General Information | https://www.bloomingtonmn.org/
- Request a visitor's guide: https://www.bloomingtonmn.org/plan/visitors-guide
- Visitor's Center Location & Services for clients | https://www.bloomingtonmn.org/contact-us/
- Twin Cities Tours Grey Line | https://grayline-mn.com/tours/
- Weather & Seasons | https://www.bloomingtonmn.org/plan/about-bloomington/
- ACCESSIBLE TRAVEL, PLACES & EXPERIENCES | https://www.bloomingtonmn.org/blog/accessibility-in-bloomington/
- LGBTQ+ | https://www.bloomingtonmn.org/blog/celebrating-pride-in-bloomington/
- Family Fun Twin Cities Family Friendly Things To Do In Bloomington: https://www.familyfuntwincities.com/bloomington-family-fun/
- Free Things To Do In Bloomington Itinerary: https://www.bloomingtonmn.org/plan/itineraries/free-things-to-do-itinerary/
- Play, Stay & Save Pass | https://www.bloomingtonmn.org/play-stay-and-save-pass/
- Mall of America Multi-Day Bundles | https://tix.mallofamerica.com/multi-day-bundles/c/191
- Bloomington Food & Drink Guide: https://www.bloomingtonmn.org/things-to-do/restaurants
- Viator Tours: They offer a branded link back to you, so sign up with them and share your personal link. https://travelagents.viator.com/Bloomington/d50635-ttd
- Mall of America | https://www.bloomingtonmn.org/things-to-do/mallofamerica/
- Professional Sports | https://www.bloomingtonmn.org/blog/professional-sports/
- Bloomington Gardens | https://www.bloomingtonmn.org/plan/itineraries/bloomington-gardens-itinerary/
- Prince: The Minnesota Experience | https://www.bloomingtonmn.org/plan/itineraries/prince-the-minnesota-experience/
- Military History | https://www.bloomingtonmn.org/plan/itineraries/military-history-itinerary/
- Mississippi River & Recreation Area | https://www.nps.gov/miss/index.htm
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