Minnesota is often dubbed ‘The land of 10,000 lakes’. It is a state of plenty with not only lakes but also an extensive amount of forest and wilderness given over to many state parks dotted throughout the area. It also has two extensive cities that provide great facilities for sightseeing, shopping and fine dining.

The city of St Paul is the capital but the nearby city of Minneapolis is the most populated city. They both lie in a central southeastern location and are commonly known as the ‘Twin Cities’. They are resident to most of the population of Minnesota. The area is known for two attractions that are popular with many visitors: the first is Minnesota State Fair, which lies midway between the Twin Cities in Falcon Heights. The second is the Mall of America. The Fair is hosted for the twelve days prior and including Labor Day at the close of summer. There are numerous stalls, rides, and many events. It attracts many residents who live here and tourists wishing to share in the festivities. It also hosts other events throughout the year when the fair is not present. The other attraction is one that is ever present and is considered as one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world and that is the Mall of America. It hosts two of the most well known stores throughout the United States; Bloomingdales and Macy’s. It also has over 500 shops, a Sea Life Aquarium and a large cinema complex, and not forgetting amusements rides including two roller coasters all under one roof.

Forty per cent of the population of Minnesota live outside the Twin Cities area sharing the outlying areas and borders with its neighbours such as North and South Dakota to the west, Wisconsin to the east and Iowa to the south. Canada of which the United States shares a free trade agreement (which is great for duty free goods) is on Minnesota’s Northern border. It is rich in natural resources sharing the Great Lakes and parks with other state neighbours and Canada. In total Minnesota has access to 64 State Parks, 55 State Forests , 2 State Wildlife Areas, 548 State Wildlife Management Areas, 1 State Natural Area ,1 National Park, 2 National Forests and 7 National Wildlife Refuges. Naturally, it has a large diversity of wildlife, fauna and flora. It is ideal for budding scientists and conservationists but also for a host of outside recreational activity such as simple bathing in the summer to more active sports such as rock climbing and even has area dedicated to the challenged golfer pressing forward to the 19th tee. The sport changes depending on the season with hiking boots given over to show shoes and skis in the winter months.

Minnesota has plenty of self catering vacation rental accommodation available from rustic cabins in the large natural areas to townhouses, condos and apartments in towns and cities.

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