Hilltop MinnesotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Hilltop, Minnesota.
1. Mississippi Headwaters at Itasca State Park
BIRTHPLACE OF LEGENDARY RIVER
The Mississippi Headwaters at Itasca State Park marks the beginning point of America's most legendary river as it starts its 2,552-mile journey south. Visitors can walk across the humble beginnings of the Mississippi River on stepping stones, making it a bucket-list photo opportunity for many travelers. The headwaters are situated within Minnesota's oldest state park, established in 1891, which spans an impressive 32,000 acres of pristine wilderness.
2. Mall of America
SHOPPING AND ENTERTAINMENT MEGAPLEX
Mall of America stands as one of the largest shopping centers in the United States, featuring a Nickelodeon-themed indoor amusement park. The massive complex offers a perfect mix of retail therapy and family entertainment with activities suitable for all ages. Visitors can enjoy diverse dining options alongside shopping and attractions, making it an all-weather destination for tourists throughout the year.
3. North Shore Scenic Drive
COASTAL BEAUTY AND LANDMARKS
North Shore Scenic Drive stretches along Lake Superior, offering breathtaking views of waterfalls, lighthouses, and beaches. The route is punctuated by several state parks, providing numerous opportunities for outdoor adventures and photography. Travelers can enhance their journey with stops at unique local establishments, including a renowned pie shop and a specialty candy store.
4. Minnehaha Park
URBAN WATERFALL OASIS
Minnehaha Park features the stunning Minnehaha Falls as its centerpiece, creating a natural oasis within the urban environment of Minneapolis. Picturesque trails wind along the Mississippi River, offering dog-friendly paths and peaceful picnic spots for visitors to enjoy. The park also contains historical markers and convenient access to local dining options, making it perfect for half-day excursions.
5. Minneapolis Institute of Art
GLOBAL ART COLLECTIONS
The Minneapolis Institute of Art houses a vast collection of global artistic treasures spanning European, Asian, and textile arts. Among its unique features are meticulously reconstructed period rooms and an authentic Tibetan Buddhist Shrine Room that transport visitors across time and cultures. The museum offers an enriching cultural experience for art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike, with exhibits that rotate throughout the year.
6. Jay Cooke State Park
DRAMATIC RIVER GORGE VIEWS
Jay Cooke State Park features a historic swinging bridge that crosses over the raging St. Louis River, creating an iconic Minnesota outdoor experience. The park offers diverse hiking trails ranging from easy walks to challenging treks, with many routes following the river for spectacular views of the gorge. Visitors can explore the River Inn Interpretive Center to learn about the park's natural history and the significant contributions of the Civilian Conservation Corps to its development.
7. Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
OUTDOOR MODERN ART PARK
The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden showcases modern art installations set against the backdrop of Minnesota's natural landscapes. A colorful pedestrian bridge connects the garden to other attractions, enhancing the visitor experience with scenic walking paths. The open-air gallery invites art lovers to experience contemporary sculptures in all seasons, with the pieces taking on different characteristics as the environment changes throughout the year.
8. Target Field
MODERN DOWNTOWN BALLPARK EXPERIENCE
Target Field offers baseball fans a clean, family-friendly environment with modern amenities in the heart of Minneapolis. The open-air ballpark provides spectacular views of the city skyline while visitors enjoy America's favorite pastime in a lively atmosphere. A wide range of food options featuring local specialties elevates the traditional stadium dining experience to something more representative of Minnesota's culinary scene.
9. Mill City Museum
HISTORIC FLOUR MILL LEGACY
Mill City Museum is ingeniously built into the ruins of what was once the world's largest flour mill, creating a unique historical experience on the Mississippi Riverfront. Visitors of all ages can explore interactive exhibits that illuminate the intertwined histories of the flour industry, the river, and the city of Minneapolis. The museum's architecture beautifully preserves industrial elements while creating a modern learning environment that bridges past and present.
10. Minneopa State Park
WATERFALLS AND BISON VIEWING
Minneopa State Park, located just west of Mankato, showcases southern Minnesota's largest waterfall in a picturesque natural setting. Like Blue Mounds on the other side of the region, the park is home to a bison herd that roams across 331 acres of unbroken prairie. Visitors can view these majestic animals from the safety of their vehicles while driving along the dedicated Bison Drive Road, creating a unique wildlife experience in Minnesota.
11. Hilltop Mountain Bike Trails
SCENIC CYCLING ADVENTURES
The Hilltop Mountain Bike Trails offer outdoor enthusiasts some of the most beautiful MTB routes in the Minnesota area. Cyclists can experience varying difficulty levels while enjoying spectacular views of the natural landscape. These well-maintained trails provide both technical challenges for experienced riders and enjoyable paths for those looking for a more leisurely outdoor adventure.
12. Aiton Heights Observation Tower
EAGLE'S-EYE FOREST VIEWS
The Aiton Heights Observation Tower in Itasca State Park offers visitors an eagle's-eye view of the surrounding hardwood forest. Climbing to the top rewards nature lovers with panoramic vistas that showcase Minnesota's pristine wilderness in all directions. The tower is especially popular during autumn when the changing foliage creates a spectacular tapestry of colors across the 32,000-acre park.
13. Historic Douglas Lodge
RUSTIC PARK ACCOMMODATIONS
Historic Douglas Lodge provides comfortable accommodations within the boundaries of Itasca State Park, offering a rustic yet refined experience for overnight visitors. The lodge serves as both a dining destination and a place to stay, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the natural setting without sacrificing comfort. Its historic architecture and placement within Minnesota's oldest state park create a unique lodging experience that connects guests to the area's rich heritage.
14. Lake Itasca Boat Tours
NARRATED HISTORICAL WATER EXCURSIONS
Lake Itasca Boat Tours provide narrated historical and wildlife excursions across the waters where the Mississippi River begins its journey. Passengers can learn about the area's rich natural history while spotting local wildlife from the unique vantage point of the water. These guided tours offer a relaxing yet educational experience that complements hiking and other land-based activities in Itasca State Park.
15. Blue Mounds State Park
PRAIRIE AND QUARTZITE CLIFFS
Blue Mounds State Park features dramatic pink quartzite cliffs rising from the prairie, creating a striking landscape unique to southwestern Minnesota. The park is home to a herd of bison that roams the native grassland, offering visitors a glimpse of what the Great Plains might have looked like centuries ago. Hikers can explore trails that lead to scenic overlooks, providing expansive views of the surrounding countryside and opportunities to spot prickly pear cactus native to the area.