Kent MinnesotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Kent, Minnesota.
1. Mall of America
MEGA SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
Mall of America offers an indoor amusement park with a Nickelodeon theme, providing a mix of rides and retail therapy. Visitors can enjoy a diverse dining scene while exploring the massive shopping complex. The family-friendly destination provides activities for people of all ages, making it one of Minnesota's top attractions.
2. North Shore Scenic Drive
BREATHTAKING COASTAL ROUTE
North Shore Scenic Drive is a picturesque coastal route lined with waterfalls, lighthouses, and beautiful beaches. The drive is highlighted by several state parks and unique stops including a renowned pie shop and a charming candy store. Travelers can enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Superior's shoreline while making their way through this iconic Minnesota attraction.
3. Minnehaha Park
URBAN WATERFALL OASIS
Minnehaha Park features the stunning Minnehaha Falls and picturesque trails along the Mississippi River. The dog-friendly atmosphere offers numerous picnic spots and includes a historic marker detailing the area's significance. Visitors can enjoy local dining options after exploring this natural urban retreat in the heart of Minneapolis.
4. Minneapolis Institute of Art
GLOBAL ART COLLECTION
The Minneapolis Institute of Art houses a vast collection of global art, including European, Asian, and textile exhibits. The museum features meticulously reconstructed period rooms that transport visitors through time and culture. A highlight of the collection is the unique Tibetan Buddhist Shrine Room, offering a contemplative space within this world-class institution.
5. Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
HISTORIC MARITIME BEACON
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park showcases a historic lighthouse dramatically positioned on Lake Superior's rugged cliffs. Visitors can tour the keeper's house and explore the museum detailing the lighthouse's rich maritime legacy. The park offers breathtaking views of Lake Superior's vast waters and surrounding natural landscapes.
6. Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
OUTDOOR ART EXPERIENCE
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is an open-air art park featuring modern installations set among beautifully landscaped grounds. The garden's colorful pedestrian bridge serves as both a functional crossing and an artistic statement. Visitors can enjoy scenic walking paths while discovering various sculptures that change with the seasons.
7. Target Field
MODERN BASEBALL EXPERIENCE
Target Field is an open-air ballpark offering a clean, family-friendly environment with modern amenities for baseball enthusiasts. The stadium provides a lively atmosphere with spectacular views of the Minneapolis skyline as a backdrop to America's favorite pastime. Fans can choose from a wide range of food options while enjoying professional baseball in this contemporary venue.
8. Mill City Museum
FLOUR MILLING HISTORY
Mill City Museum is built into the ruins of what was once the world's largest flour mill, located on the historic Mississippi Riverfront. Visitors of all ages can learn about the intertwined histories of the flour industry, the river, and the city of Minneapolis. The museum offers interactive exhibits that bring the industrial past to life in this unique historical setting.
9. Guthrie Theater
PREMIER PERFORMANCE VENUE
The Guthrie Theater stands as an American center for theater performance, production, education and professional training in Minneapolis. Known for its dynamic productions of classic and contemporary plays, the venue attracts theater enthusiasts from across the region. The architectural marvel offers not only world-class performances but also stunning views of the Mississippi River and surrounding cityscape.
10. Canal Park
HISTORIC WATERFRONT DISTRICT
Canal Park is a historic waterfront area known for its maritime museum and scenic harbor views in Duluth. The district features the iconic lift bridge where visitors can watch ships navigate the waters of Lake Superior. Tourists enjoy exploring the shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions that highlight Duluth's rich shipping heritage.
11. Glensheen Mansion
ELEGANT HISTORIC ESTATE
Glensheen Mansion is a historic lakeside estate showcasing intricate architecture and lush grounds overlooking Lake Superior. Visitors can experience the mansion through self-guided or expert-led tours that reveal the rich family history and elegant period interiors. The property's gardens and shoreline add to the charm of this cultural landmark that captures early 20th century opulence.
12. Fort Abercrombie State Historic Site
DAKOTA WAR LANDMARK
Fort Abercrombie State Historic Site preserves the first permanent military fort established in what would become North Dakota. The fort played a significant role during the Dakota War of 1862 and now features reconstructed buildings and interpretive displays. Visitors can explore the guardhouse, blockhouses, and museum to learn about military life on the frontier during a turbulent period in American history.
13. Chahinkapa Zoo
FAMILY WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE
Chahinkapa Zoo offers an intimate wildlife experience with over 200 animals representing 70 species from around the world. The zoo provides educational programs and up-close encounters with exotic and native animals in a beautifully landscaped setting. Visitors can enjoy the carousel, playground, and picnic areas making it a perfect family destination near the Minnesota border.
14. Voyageurs National Park
PRISTINE WATERWAY WILDERNESS
Voyageurs National Park invites adventurers to paddle through its pristine waterways just as the French-Canadian voyageurs did centuries ago. The park encompasses more than 40 percent water, featuring interconnected waterways that provide habitat for diverse wildlife including bald eagles, moose, and gray wolves. Visitors can explore remote islands, ancient rock formations, and enjoy some of the clearest night skies in the United States.
15. Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
REMOTE PADDLING PARADISE
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness offers over a million acres of pristine lakes, streams, and forests for outdoor enthusiasts seeking solitude and adventure. Paddlers can navigate more than 1,200 miles of canoe routes, portaging between lakes just as indigenous peoples and voyageurs did centuries ago. The protected wilderness provides habitat for numerous wildlife species and showcases some of Minnesota's most untouched natural landscapes.