If you're looking for a lush, forested getaway with scenic drives and lakes for fishing, Minnesota is the place for you. This gorgeous Midwestern locale is a great spot for vacationers looking to relax at a cabin for a week or for those hoping for a bit of adventure. Drive your Minnesota rental car upwards from Minneapolis to see the famous Twin Cities and on into the great North Woods.
The land of 10,000 lakes actually has 11,843, so visiting a lake is essential to a Minnesota vacation. Boating of all types is popular during the summer time. Kayaks, motor boats, or even house boating offer a variety of ways to explore one of Minnesota's finest assets. If you're not ready for waterskiing, the lakes offer beaches, fishing opportunities, or cruises to enjoy. If you're at a loss as to which lake you should start with, since just 22 reside within the city's capitol Minnesota, Deer Lake, Lake Minnetonka, or Lake of the Isles are excellent places to start.
You may have heard of Ely, Minnesota. This town of under 4,000 year-round residents is often the entry point for people looking to travel like the voyageurs of old: via canoe. Ely is surrounded by many of the state's pristine freshwater lakes and is full of great stores to grab camping and fishing gear and rent canoes. If you want a quick snack before hitting the lake, stop at The Chocolate Moose where you can chat with the locals. From there, drive down the Echo Trail to Fall Lake, where you can park your vehicle for the duration of your Boundary Waters Canoe Area trip. Once you return to this entry point, hop in your car and head south again. Check out the International Wolf Center, where you can see some Timberwolves, natives of Minnesota.