If someone asked you what comes to mind when you think of northern Minnesota, you might immediately think of opportunities to fish, hunt, hike, boat and bike in the great outdoors. The Northwoods of Minnesota traditionally draw up images of outdoor living and camping in the wilderness. With countless lakes, old world pine forests and dramatic terrain shaped by glaciers thousands of years ago, such impressions are only natural. Whether you are fishing, hiking or sailing, there is perhaps no better spot than the pine forests and lakes of this extraordinary region to commune with the great outdoors.
While northern Minnesota is clearly an ideal spot to immerse oneself in nature, it is not necessary to resign yourself to camping in a primitive tent and fishing if such activities are not really your ‘cup of tea.’ It is possible to immerse oneself in the splendor of the natural world around you without giving up the finer things in life. Northern Minnesota offers a broad array of elegant accommodations, cultural sites and upscale dining establishments, all easily accessible from the lake country of the north.
Surrounding the lakes of northern Minnesota are countless luxury cabins, resorts and vacation homes, perfect for the family seeking to rent deluxe accommodations for a week or a month. Some real estate may even be available for sale for individuals interested in owning their very own piece of this unique region; a place where they can return year after year to bask in nature while being able to retire to comfortable lodgings at the end of the day. Lake properties and resorts in northern Minnesota feature a wide array of luxurious amenities. Amenities such as indoor pools, Jacuzzis, saunas, screened-in porches, decks, private boat docks and so much more can be found here. If you can imagine it, chances are you will be able to find the perfect place for you and your family in northern Minnesota.
While the tradition of hunting and fishing is an important part of northern Minnesota, the impact the people of this region have had on the cultural and literary history of America is frequently overlooked by those unfamiliar with the area. Amidst the wildly beautiful landscapes and lakes, numerous small towns and communities brimming with Midwestern charm can be found here in the Northwoods of Minnesota. These quiet, picturesque communities have impacted the works of a wide variety of notable American artists and literary figures, such as F. Scott Fitzgerald and Sinclair Lewis. In central Minnesota, within easy driving distance from the lake country of north central Minnesota, lie the Twin Cities of Minneapolis/St. Paul where visitors can experience a walking tour celebrating the life and literary legacy of Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald (commonly known as F. Scott Fitzgerald). Fitzgerald, author of the American masterpiece, The Great Gatsby, was born in 1896 in St. Paul. Fitzgerald made the Twin Cities his home on and off over the course of his entire life. In nearby Sauk Centre, Minnesota, the childhood home of Sinclair Lewis, folks can explore the streets that once inspired his iconic novel, Main Street. Notably, Sinclair Lewis was the first American author to be awarded the prestigious Noble Prize for Literature. The Sinclair Lewis Boyhood Home of Sauk Centre is also open for guided tours daily.
Artists have also made their mark on northern Minnesota. Minneapolis born artist, E. Dewey Albinson was a celebrated artist hailing from this region. During the 1920′s and 1930′s, he travelled the state painting towns, mines and landscapes. Pieces of E. Dewey Albinson’s work can be viewed at the Vern Carver & and Beard Art Galleries in Minneapolis and the Kramer Gallery in nearby St. Paul. One of his most famous works, aptly named, ‘Northern Minnesota Mine’ is currently owned by the Smithsonian American Art Museum. A mere two hours from the heart of the Minnesota Northwoods, Duluth is also home to a variety of art galleries featuring the works of famous northern Minnesota artists. Galleries such as the Northern Prints Gallery offer frequently updated exhibits featuring many such works.
For a modern cultural experience of a different sort, be sure to plan a daytrip to the Mall of America, located just outside of the Twin Cities. Just a couple of hours from the heart of lake country, the Mall of America is truly a sight to behold. This mall is home to numerous upscale shops, fine dining establishments, a hotel and even its own indoor amusement park. The Mall of America is easily accessible for a daytrip destination from the Brainerd Lakes area. The Twin Cities of Minneapolis/St. Paul themselves offer fine dining, world class entertainment and unique historical sites for travelers seeking to explore Minnesota.
If you are interested in spending some time ‘getting back’ to nature in Minnesota, but aren’t into the concept of ‘roughing it’, don’t worry. There are plenty of opportunities to experience the beauty of nature in the Northwoods of Minnesota while simultaneously pampering yourself and broadening your cultural horizons. For a chance for you and your family to appreciate all of the ‘finer’ things in life, plan your next vacation to northern Minnesota today.
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