Minnesota

Minnesota is a state in the Upper Midwest, bordering Canada to the north and Lake Superior to the northeast. Lakes cover much of the north, which is why the state is nicknamed the Land of 10,000 Lakes. The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul sit on the Mississippi River. Highway 61 follows the North Shore past rocky coves, waterfalls and small harbor towns. Farther north, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is a protected area of lakes and forest, much of it reached by canoe.

The Twin Cities offer restaurants, arts and museums, and the state has Scandinavian and German heritage that shows in local festivals and cooking. Minnesota suits travelers who like lakes, hiking and paddling, and cities with museums and live music, and who don't mind long drives between regions. Summer is the main season for swimming and boating, fall colors the northern forests, and winter suits cold-weather sports. Give the Twin Cities and the North Shore four to five days, and add more time for the Boundary Waters.