8 Most Photogenic Places in Minnesota (2024)
Minnesota is often overlooked as a tourist destination in favor of more famous states that offer show-stopping attractions. However, Minnesota is one of the most beautiful states in the US you can visit. The birthplace of Bob Dylan is home to an abundance of natural beauty, stunning scenery, dense forests, rich history, and many attractions that are worth checking out. Minnesota is a heaven for those who love outdoor adventures. It is, therefore, no wonder that Minnesota has been nicknamed as the land of 10,000 lakes. Whether it’s the numerous state parks or one of the many mesmerizing lakes, the state of Minnesota is full of photogenic places just waiting for you to discover.
8 Most Photogenic Places in Minnesota
Here are the most photogenic places in Minnesota you must check out, and don’t forget to take your camera along.
1. Minnehaha Falls in Minneapolis
The Minnehaha Falls Park is an aquatic, natural oasis located a couple of miles south of downtown Minneapolis. This is one of the most photogenic places in the state of Minnesota. To perfectly capture photos of this stunning waterfall and surrounding landscape, you can check out two spots. The first is the upper viewing area that gives visitors a wonderful panoramic shot of the Minnehaha Falls, while the second spot is to head down the stone staircase to get an up-close shot from below the falls. After you are done clicking some gorgeous shots of the area, take some time out to explore the picturesque biking and hiking trails in the park. These trails are located along the majestic Mississippi River and prove to be an awesome experience. You can finish your trip to this photogenic spot by having a delicious meal at the Sea Salt Eatery.
2. Split Rock Lighthouse at Two Harbors
The Split Rock Lighthouse State Park is one of the most photogenic attractions in Minnesota. It is located 20 miles northeast of Two Harbors on the North Shore of Lake Superior. The park is home to the famous Split Rock Lighthouse, which was constructed in 1910 to keep Lake Superior shipping safe. Visitors can take a tour of the lighthouse, the keeper’s house, the foghorn building, tower, and light.
There are many hiking options in the park that take you through the forested landscape, pebble beaches, and you get to see some incredible views of the shoreline. In the winters, the hiking trails at Split Rock are designated for fat tire biking. There is also a cart-in campground here, where some of the sites actually offer personal views of the lighthouse.
If you want to get an absolutely epic shot, you should hike down to Pebble Beach, walk just up the shore and take a wide shot of the lighthouse. You will be able to capture the entire dramatic rock cliffs Lake Superior shoreline from here.
3. World’s Largest Boot in Red Wing
If you want to set your social media platform ablaze, you must not miss the opportunity to take a picture with a pair of stunning, Minnesota-made Red Wing Shoes. To further ramp up the wow factor of your pictures, head over to the Red Wing Shoe Company Museum and take a photo with the world’s biggest boot at size 638-D. This massive boot is kept inside the flagship Red Wing Shoes retail store located in downtown Red Wing. After clicking some unique pictures with this massive moc-toe, you can even pick up a similar pair for yourself.
4. Lake Itasca in Clearwater County
Even though it is a small lake, but Lake Itasca serves as the headwaters of the Mississippi River and is one of the most important natural water bodies in Minnesota. Lake Itasca is located in Clearwater County, and it is home to the University of Minnesota’s Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories. The lake is very popular with boaters and those who want to indulge in fishing as there are many game fish to be found here. When you visit Lake Itasca, you will be left in awe of the stunning beauty of the surrounding area. There are also a lot of things to do and many places to see across the Itasca State Park, which is the oldest park in the state of Minnesota.
Make sure to get a great photo of the majestic Mississippi River as you walk across the stones that mark where the lake ends and the river begins. The headwaters is only a 25-mile drive away from another photogenic attraction – Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox in Bemidji.
5. Franconia Sculpture Park in Shafer
Located north of St. Paul in Shafer, the Franconia Sculpture Park, is famous for the larger-than-life interactive artwork that sits here. You truly need to see this sculpture to believe it. And what’s more – the only rule for visitors to the park is that you should definitely touch this artwork. The exhibits change every season, and there are many artist-led workshops that are held around the year for kids and adults.
6. The Boundary Waters in Northern Minnesota
If you have a love for the outdoors, then exploring the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in a canoe is one of the most remote adventures you can indulge in when in Minnesota. Photographing its huge network of pristine lakes and stunning hiking trails is an added bonus. However, there is not much cellular service in the Boundary Waters, so make sure you come prepared accordingly.
7. Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox in Bemidji
Imagine posing with a handsome, 18-foot tall lumberjack, and his 10-foot ox is something that will surely make your social media profile stand out. Head down to Bemidji to take a picture with this iconic Minnesota fashion icon. Located on the shore of Lake Bemidji, you can make a day out of your trip to see this legendary attraction as there are many exciting adventures to be had here in northwest Minnesota.
8. Minneopa Falls in Mankato
Another photogenic place in Minnesota is the Minneopa Falls, located inside the Minneopa State Park in Mankato. The Minneopa Falls is the largest waterfall in southern Minnesota. You can trudge along the rocky shore until you find the cliffs beside the falls. These cliffs offer just the right shade you need to light up your shot beautifully.
The mossy overhangs that surround the falls lend an otherworldly charm to this waterfall. Such natural beauty is difficult to come by anywhere else. After taking as many snaps as your heart desires, you can head over to the bison drive in your car and check out the famous roaming bison herd of Minneopa.
