Ask a Minnesotan what’s in Bemidji and they’re bound to say Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox. Smack dab in the center of town you will find these towering statues that make for a perfect, touristy photo-opp. However, the town of Bemidji is so much more than its most famous residents.

The four-hour drive northwest of the Twin Cities flies by in the summer and fall months when the landscape is lush. Even in the midst of winter, the trek is worth making for a true taste of the Northwoods. Bemidji is an ideal escape for the family, a group of friends or for a quiet weekend away with your spouse.

Book a room at Ruttger’s Birchmont Lodge on Lake Bemidji or Taber’s Historic Log Cabins for a rustic getaway. The area is teeming with campgrounds, namely in Lake Bemidji State Park and places like Oak Haven Resort & Campground.

If you’re looking to explore the area by bike, skates, snowmobile or on foot, Paul Bunyan State Trail is a beautiful, 115-mile path just north of Bemidji. It is Minnesota’s longest state trail and connects with the 49-mile-long Heartland State Trail, giving visitors plenty of options to get up close and personal with local nature. If you would rather explore nature from the comfort of your car, hop onto Lady Slipper Scenic Byway along the Mississippi River and through the woods of Chippewa National Forest.

In town there are plenty of chances to experience Bemidji’s vibrant arts and culture scene. Map out your route on the Sculpture Walk and then catch a play at the Paul Bunyan Playhouse or Wild Rose Theater. Check out the latest exhibits at Watermark Art Center or Gallery North Fine Art.

For a bite to eat, Bar 209 is not your average pub fare. Time and time again, patrons rave about the restaurant’s burgers and walleye tacos—a must if you want to try one of Minnesota’s favorite fish. Turtle River Chop House is a prime choice for sirloin steak to sushi, while Tutto Bene should be your go-to if you’re craving pizza. Before you head out of town, grab an omelet and blueberry pancakes at Minnesota Nice Café, a moniker that rings true throughout the state.

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Winona might surprise you. Once known primarily as a college town, the bluff country community is now a destination chock-full of historic charm, natural beauty and cultural hallmarks.

From the Twin Cities, head southeast and travel for about two hours along the Mississippi River (we recommend traveling by the Great River Road National Scenic Byway for exceptional scenery along the way). As you arrive in Winona, you’ll see how this river town is nestled within towering bluffs, almost like a waterfront scene from J.R.R. Tolkien’s Shire.

For a little pick-me-up, stop at Blue Heron Coffeehouse for carefully crafted coffee and espresso beverages, as well as vegetarian-friendly breakfast and lunch made from organic, locally sourced ingredients. While you’re in the area, stop by the Mid West Music Store, an offshoot of the city’s annual Mid West Music Fest every April.

Fully fueled, head to Riverview Drive to see priceless works of art at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, which houses works by Picasso, Van Gogh, Renoir and Matisse alongside local folk art depicting maritime scenes. The collection also features the famed historic painting, “Washington Crossing the Delaware.” Admission is $7 for adults, $3 for students (free on Tuesdays) and free for children ages 4 and under.

For lunch, head down the river to the recently renovated Boat House Restaurant, situated across from the scenic Latsch Island at Levee Park. Its menu features bistro offerings such as steak frites, poutine and salmon niçoise salad, alongside dishes that wink to local heritage. Try the Boat House Lucy, which is filled with cheese curds in lieu of American cheese. There’s also a decent selection of craft beer, wine and cocktails, including “The Up North”—a blend of bourbon sweetened with maple syrup that comes garnished with two hearty strips of bacon.

Afterward, continue your cultural exploration of Winona with Trester Trolley Tours. Clarence Russell, a longtime Winona resident, offers year-round tours of the city via a refurbished trolley. Learn about Winona’s storied past and see historic architecture, including the Basilica of Saint Stanislaus Kostka to the stunning views of the Garvin Heights Overlook.

If weather permits, spend some time outdoors in the midst of Winona’s inspiring landscape. Lake Park surrounds Lake Winona and features walking and biking trails, picnic sites, a rose garden with a gazebo and more. Hit the blacktop on foot or by bike for a five-mile outdoor excursion around the lake. For varied terrain, explore Holzinger Lodge Trail, a nine-mile, singletrack loop that winds around the bluffs overlooking Lake Winona. The trail is perfect for hiking and mountain biking.

When your adventuring leaves you famished, head to Signatures Restaurant for dinner. Located on the Bridges Golf Club grounds, Winona’s first fine-dining restaurant features an American surf ’n’ turf menu made with ingredients from local farms. We recommend trying a custom chef’s tasting menu, which comes with optional wine pairings and three perfectly seasoned, tender meat dishes: pan-seared duck breast, wood-smoked salmon and marinated sirloin, each paired with roasted root vegetables, as well as a delectable dessert.

End the day at Ed’s (no name) Bar for a nightcap and live music. The quirky bar, founded by Boat House co-owner and artist Ed Hoffman, features a great selection of beers on tap, including Minnesota’s own Grain Belt, Summit, Fulton and Bent Paddle, plus wines and cocktails. Be sure to check out the unconventional artwork by Hoffman and other area artists that crowds the walls of the bar.

For a place to rest your head at night, look no further than Winona’s charming bed and breakfasts. The Carriage House Bed and Breakfast is located behind an 1870-era Victorian mansion that once belonged to lumber baron Conrad Bohn. Wake up to a delicious home-cooked egg soufflé with grilled sausage, potatoes and diced red peppers. Kick it up a notch at the luxurious Alexander Mansion Bed and Breakfast, a turn-of-the-century Victorian mansion that features five guest accommodations with period antiques and tasteful décor. In the morning you will be treated to a gourmet four-course breakfast, including a lightly spiced mix of fruit, a pastry, savory vegetable frittata or quiche, and a sweet ending in the form of vanilla ice cream sprinkled with cinnamon.

With so many sites and attractions to take in, Winona might be a town you have to visit many times.

New Ulm is primarily known as a destination for all things German—after all, the town is named for a Deutsch city on the Danube River. Founded in 1854 by German settlers, the lush Minnesota River Valley town is located about 90 miles southwest of Minneapolis, and displays its heritage in everything from German Restoration Revival architecture to a 45-foot glockenspiel in Schonlau Park.

One of your first stops should be the Hermann Monument. Called “Hermann the German” by locals, the 100-foot monument celebrates New Ulm’s German heritage and traditions by honoring an ancient hero. Another historic hotspot is August Schell Brewing Co., the second oldest family-owned brewery in the United States. Enjoy tastings and tours of the operation, and keep your eyes peeled for the peacocks that roam the brewery grounds.

While historic German culture permeates New Ulm, there’s more to the town than lederhosen, beer steins and oompah music. Visit contemporary shops, restaurants and cultural centers in the downtown district that put the “new” in New Ulm. At the top of the list is Semblance, a boutique that wouldn’t be out of place in the hippest corners of Brooklyn. The gallery-like shop features one-of-a-kind clothing designs by a Minneapolis designer, chic cowhide clutches and minimalist jewelry handmade in Israel.

After a morning of shopping, grab lunch at Lola: an American Bistro. While the charming café is known for homemade scones and buttermilk biscuits, it also makes a delicious daily “farmers market” flatbread, as well as a roast beef po’ boy with grilled onions, roasted tomato and horseradish served on a house-made baguette.

For a couple fresh dining options, try family-owned eateries Pepperboy and The Pantry. The café-style Pantry has a menu dominated by fresh-caught perch—try it batter-fried for tacos with house-made slaw—while Pepperboy offers wood-fired pizza on par with the best in the metro. The “Nutty Italian” is a favorite, featuring an inventive and tasty blend of walnut pesto, Calabrese salami, peppers, pepperoni, onions and fresh mozzarella. In support of the local food movement, both restaurants source many of their ingredients from their own aquaponic farm and greenhouse located on the outskirts of town.

If you are looking for some authentic German fare, visit Veigel’s Kaiserhoff in New Ulm’s historic downtown district. The restaurant has been a landmark in the town for 75 years, serving all the Deutsch staples—Wiener Schnitzel, sauerkraut, and braised ribs with dumplings and rye bread, and bratwurst served with hot German potato salad. We recommend ordering the Kaiserhoff German Sampler. For less than $20, you’ll enjoy their famous ribs, bratwurst, Old German-style pork, red cabbage, German potato salad, sauerkraut and house-made bread.

After dinner, enjoy a little evening entertainment at the Grand Center for Arts & Culture located in the former Grand Hotel. The historic building includes the 4 Pillars Art Gallery, artist studios, workshops and classes, and the Grand Kabaret, which features live jazz, bluegrass and folk music (including the occasional polka tune) on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Rest your weary head at the Deutsche Strasse Bed and Breakfast. The historic 1884 home is located only a few blocks from New Ulm’s downtown district.

Located a short 30-minute drive southwest of the Twin Cities, Waconia has long been considered the “paradise of the Northwest” for its breezy lake town charm. Resting on the shores of the second largest lake in the area, Waconia is a beautiful destination any time of year.

From the Cities, head west on Highway 5 for a scenic drive through Chanhassen and Victoria. This route will also take you past the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum—if time allows, we highly recommend you stop and smell the roses.

Start your day on a caffeinated note at Mocha Monkey Coffeehouse. The original downtown location is nestled in a unique 100-year-old home. Owner Jon Schmidt is something of a Renaissance man—dabbling in pottery, music and, of course, artisan coffee. Friendly baristas will help you choose from a menu that includes everything from the classics to more inventive creations. Will it be the dark chocolate and hazelnut Jungle Mocha or the Lucky Monkey Mocha with white chocolate and crème de menthe? Plus, their food menu includes fresh baked goods, gourmet soft pretzels twisted by hand and baked from scratch, and soups and sandwiches.

Spend some time on the water at Lake Waconia. The more than 3,000-acre lake is one of the largest in the area and hosts a number of species of fish and other wildlife. In Towne Marina, a family-owned boat rental shop located on the southern shore of the lake, has everything you’ll need to enjoy an afternoon on the lake.

Be sure to explore the trails on Coney Island. The historic parcel on Lake Waconia was privately owned until the city recently purchased it for public use. Now part of Lake Waconia Regional Park, Coney Island features hiking trails, picnic areas, wildlife observation and historical interpretations. Consider it Minnesota’s indigenous counterpart to Brooklyn’s roller coaster-studded peninsula.

If you find yourself in Waconia between the months of May and December, spend an afternoon at Sovereign Estate Winery, located on the north shore of Lake Waconia. This family-owned country vineyard saw its first vines planted in 2008. Locals enjoy the award-winning wines paired with delectable food and a side of live entertainment courtesy of local bands. For $10, you can taste five samples of your choosing and take a souvenir glass home as a keepsake.

Dinner on the lake is a must in Waconia. Lola’s Lakehouse serves perfect lakeside-vacation fare: beautifully crisp fish and chips, a large selection of fresh oysters, a bacon-and-ham-rich clam chowder, and one of the best crab cakes in the Twin Cities. Sit on their spacious deck that places you right on the water with pristine views of Coney Island. If there are no deck tables available, fear not: The restaurant’s wide doors open onto the deck, which, in nice weather, makes the whole place feel like it is outdoors.

After a day of exploring the town, rest your weary bones at The Simple Cottage. Located just 15 minutes west of Waconia, this 1928 bungalow is the perfect place to unwind and relax.

Shining like a beacon on the shores of Lake Superior, Duluth is often thought of as the gateway to the North. The forests, trails and waters on the city’s outskirts have become a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, and the events and attractions are must-sees and -dos.

When you ask someone to picture Duluth, chances are images of the Aerial Lift Bridge are some of the first to come into vision. It is as synonymous with Duluth as the Colosseum is with Rome. A resident and visitor favorite, this steel and cable colossus has a clearance height of 180 feet, and stretches 386 feet to connect the “mainland” to Park Point—the world’s longest freshwater sandbar, extending out more than five miles. It’s the perfect spot to snap a picture or watch the boats come and go.

Spirit Mountain takes outdoor fun to new heights. During the winter, skiers and snowboarders can carve their way through the powder on any of the mountain’s 22 runs. And when the yearly thaw paints the mountain green in the spring, Spirit Mountain Adventure Park unfurls into full bloom. This warmer weather attraction features the Timber Twister—an alpine coaster that races down a 3,200-foot elevated track—the 700-foot-long Timber Flyer zip line, mountain biking and more. Couples can even tie the knot with breathtaking views of Lake Superior and the St. Louis River as a backdrop.

Living in the Land of 10,000 Lakes means we have a large and vast world full of sandy valleys, coontail forests and fluttering fins under the waves of our shimmering waters. The Great Lakes Aquarium brings this world to the surface and showcases more than 200 species of fish, birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals found in the Great Lakes basin and other freshwater ecosystems throughout the world.

While Grandma’s Marathon is not a state holiday, it should be. Visitors from all over the country and state make the yearly migration in droves for the race. Even if you’re not lacing up your shoes and participating in any of the three races, you can dance the night away and mingle with friends during two nights of live music during this weekend celebration.

Duluth’s picturesque location coupled with its outdoor and indoor attractions make it a perfect getaway for any size of family at any time of the year.

With more than 520 stores and 50 restaurants, not to mention theaters, an amusement park, an underground aquarium, comedy clubs and more, Mall of America is the undisputed leader in creating the ultimate shopper-tainment extravaganza.

Morning:

Get a great parking spot up front in one of the many lots that flank all sides of the mall. Start your day walking—not just a healthy idea but a practical one—to see firsthand the incredible array of shops. Getting the lay of this land is paramount for a successful shopping excursion. One lap around a single level of the mall is .57 miles, giving you plenty of time to window shop. Stores typically open at 10 a.m., but Mall of America comes to life well before then.

When the shops do open, you’ll be ready. Spend the morning hours focusing on levels 1 and 2. Most locals will tell you the best way to navigate the expanse is to simply walk in a circular motion around each level, always taking the same set of elevators or escalators up to the next. The key is to pace yourself, and enjoy the people-watching as much as you do the merchandise.

Lunch:

With 50-some restaurants to choose from, it’s tough to call your attention to just one. However, one of our favorites is newcomer Cantina Laredo for a sit-down meal. Culinary on North is a great way to experience a new kind of food court that blends old standbys with incredible sit-down and to-go newcomers. Try Piada Italian Street Food, which is a fast-casual chain of made-to-order piadas, pastas and chopped salads.

Afternoon:

Spend the afternoon finishing up level 2 and immersing yourself in level 3, stopping for a mid-afternoon caffeine fix at local favorite Caribou Coffee. Its unique location allows for spectacular people-watching.

Evening:

Dinner options abound, but some of our favorites are CRAVE, Tucci Benucch, Twin City Grill, the adjacent FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar at the Radisson Blu or the incomparable Cedar + Stone, Urban Table at the JW Marriott. Better yet, have apps and a pre-dinner cocktail at one and dinner at another.

Follow up an incredible meal by heading to the level 4 of the mall for an entertainment zone for all tastes. Choose from 21+ theaters showing Hollywood’s latest where you can order your beverages of choice, Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy, or catch your favorite sports team in action at Sky Deck Grille & Lanes—think Chuck E. Cheese for adults.

Tucked deep in southern Minnesota’s bluff country lies Lanesboro—the perfect getaway for a day or two on two wheels or four.

Nestled in the bluffs of the Root River Valley is the hidden gem of Lanesboro in southeastern Minnesota. It’s no wonder so many of the establishments along the charming main drag here have bikes—and canoes and kayaks—for rent. The town’s greatest appeal, arguably, is the Root River State Bike Trail, rated one of the best trails in the Midwest.

Winding some 60 miles through the valley, the trail runs along an abandoned railroad bed through towering 300-foot limestone bluffs, forestlands, river beds and rolling fields. In the winter months, this vast network becomes fertile stomping ground for snowshoes and cross country skiing. There are also more than 100 miles of groomed snowmobile trails in and around town.

In warmer months, take a leisurely and refreshing float down the river, toss in a fishing line or just enjoy one of the many serene picnic spots flanking the river banks. Then unwind in the parlor of one of the many bed and breakfasts that have earned this town with a population of just 800 the title, “B&B Capital of Minnesota.”

Take in a spirited comedy or stirring drama at the Commonweal Theatre—a state-of-the-art theater known as the “rural Guthrie,” a nod to not only the furnishings that made their way from the downtown Minneapolis establishment to their current home in Lanesboro, but also to the incredible performances on its stage at any time of the year.

Small town charm with all of the big city amenities await in Lanesboro. Get going.

Nestled alongside the mighty Mississippi, this historic town blends the best of yesteryear with today.

It’s name is synonymous with boots and pottery, but this charmingly picturesque town has managed to hang on to its glory days while catering to more timely tastes of brew pubs and wineries as new business spring up in and around the river valley.

The pottery legacy dates back to 1877, when the first stoneware company was formed in Red Wing at the sharpest navigable bend in the Mississippi River. Our young country needed crocks, jugs, and sewerpipe it seemed, and Goodhue County had the clay deposits and an immigrant workforce to start producing millions of pieces of functional stoneware.

Here, history isn’t repeating, but continuing. Boots (from none other than Red Wing Shoe Co., of course), pottery, the Mississippi River—same as they ever were. Only now the boots are sold for hundreds of dollars by J.Crew and the pottery is hot on eBay. Staying true to your roots never paid so well. But it didn’t happen by accident. Red Wing is a tightly knit place, woven together by passionate shop owners and friendly residents.

Intertwined with this history are newcomers like Red Wing Brewery, which when it opened, ended the town’s 61-year brewing dry spell with the kind of operation that makes you want to skip work on a Friday afternoon and hold down a table here for the next few hours—even if you work in the Twin Cities.

The pub is a locavore’s dream, from the pizza dough and garlic bread (made by Hanisch Bakery a mile up Main Street) to the wine (supplied by nearby Falconer Vineyards and Cannon River Winery). Even the labels lean local with beer names: Jordan Creek IPA, People’s Porter, Barn Bluff Brown Ale, Work Boot Red Ale, Stoneware Stout.

Take in beautiful sunsets and amazing wine and wood-fired pizzas at Falconer Vineyards and Winery, a 6.5-acre vineyard nestled in the bluff valleys that surround Red Wing. Grab the donut of the day at Hanisch, the fish buffet on Friday nights at Marie’s, and fine eats at The Port.

A visit to Red Wing isn’t complete without a stop at the regal St. James Hotel, and of course, posing for a selfie at Red Wing Shoe Co.’s flagship store, where the whiff of leather-scented masculinity belies the boots’ handcrafted beauty, each pair a wearable piece of history. Naturally, the best pic to be had is with the world’s largest boot, on display at an impressive 16-foot tall, 20-foot long, 7-foot wide, size 638 ½ D monster in the store’s entryway.

A mug, a pair of boots: these are the trades that put Red Wing on the map and keep it there. But they aren’t all that make it a destination. Visit the Red Wing Arts Association Gallery, housed in the historic 1905 railroad depot, browse Scandinavian gifts at Uffda Shop, stand in awe as you take in the bygone opulence of the Sheldon Theatre, a sort of miniature Orpheum. Built as a lavish venue for traveling shows in 1904, the theater was converted to screen movies during the Great Depression. Much of its original glamour—glittering gold accents and intricately carved marble—was lost in the process and would have remained so if not for a major restoration in the mid-1980s. This is the Red Wing worthy of a quick 55-mile ride southeast of the Twin Cities.