Bordering Canada in the north, the Dakotas to the west, Iowa to the south and Wisconsin in the east, Minnesota is one of a group of Midwest states that you should consider when thinking of your next go-to destination in the US. Beautiful all year round, you can take in the great views of the countryside or feel the buzz of its cities.

Of course, there’s a variety of choices when it comes to choosing activities in Minnesota. From sports to specialities, camping to city exploration, you don’t have to stick to the traditional tourist pursuits to find out about the North Star state.

Explore the lakes

Minnesota is called the Land of 10,000 Lakes – so it makes sense to find out more about these natural formations, especially in the city of Minneapolis. Walking along the Chain of Lakes is a way to explore some of the different parts of the city, which won’t cost you a cent.

Lake Harriet is a fantastic place to listen to live music in the warm summer months. You can also listen to birdsong in the nearby bird sanctuary, and wander around the rose gardens. You can even take to one of the two beaches there, too. For sports and activity fans, head to Lake Calhoun to rent a bike and boat, or just go there simply to embark upon a morning jog.

A little further out, you’ll find Detroit Lakes with their old-school charm. Many people love it here and its mile-long beach with simple pleasures to enjoy such as water-skiing lessons, a huge flea market and county fair – plus regular stores, rather than lines of gift shops.

Eat and drink

If you like to take in the culture of a new place through its food and drink experiences, then you’ll certainly enjoy your time in Minnesota. Regardless of what your favourite treat or tipple may be, there will be something you can enjoy.

You can go to a pizza farm and – although pizzas don’t grow on trees – these venues open up their premises and let visitors nibble on fire-roasted pizzas with local ingredients. Fruit fans may want to try out the local orchards in the autumn and go apple picking, and even sample some apple-inspired foods.

For those who like craft beer, your delights are catered to as well. Taproom trips mean that you’re able to sample a great range of tastes from different breweries. Impressively, there are more than fifty breweries in the metro area, so you’ll have a fantastic choice from which to pick.

Play golf at a national event course

Golf is a great activity choice for you to get involved with while on holiday. It’s a fantastic way to unwind when you’re away from the usual everyday schedule, you’ll have the chance to appreciate nature and you can get in some exercise at the same time. You can play with members of your family – young and old – and strengthen bonds.

There are many fantastic golf courses across Minnesota, just be sure to do your research before deciding upon where to go. If you’re out on the north-west side of Minneapolis, there’s the Rush Creek Golf Club near Maple Grove. It’s beautiful surroundings have hosted a number of national golfing events, including the LPGA Tour and the 2004 US Amateur Public Links Championship.

Go camping in a state park

As well as the thousands of lakes in Minnesota, there are a great many number of forests and prairies to delve into and take in the stunning nature of your surroundings. So, why not get out to explore nature and spend a few nights camping under the stars?

One place you can think about visiting is the Boundary Waters Canoe Area of the Superior National Forest. It’s the largest protected nature area in Minnesota, covering one million acres. This is a good choice for those who like canoeing, with 1,200 miles of water you can paddle in, plus 12 hiking trails to pick a route on.

If you’re looking for hidden gems closer to Minneapolis, you can also take the hour-long drive to the Nerstrand Big Woods State Park south of the city. It’s perfect for RV drivers, and also offers a great deal to campers who’d like to explore hiking trails.Yet no matter what you do in Minnesota, you’ll have a fantastic time. If you choose to explore the wilderness or stay closer to its towns and cities, you’ll learn a lot about this fun Midwest state.