Minnesota Travel Mistakes You Should Avoid (Don’t Regret Your Trip!)

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00:00Think Minnesota is all cold and polite people?

00:03Think again. Avoid these tourist mistakes or risk wasting your trip.

00:08Whether you're planning your first journey to the land of 10,000 lakes,

00:12or you've been here but want to do it right this time, listen up.

00:16These eight mistakes can make the difference between an incredible adventure and a travel fail.

00:22Hey, I'm your name, travel expert and YouTuber with 20,000 subscribers.

00:27If Minnesota is on your travel list, whether you're headed for the Twin Cities,

00:32the rugged North Shore, or those picture-perfect lakes,

00:36avoid these common traps so your vacation is one to remember, not regret.

00:40Let's dive right in with number one, underestimating Minnesota's wild weather.

00:46You might imagine a Midwest summer as breezy and warm,

00:49but here, temperatures swing like a roller coaster, especially in spring and early summer.

00:54Packing only shorts and t-shirts? Big mistake.

00:59You could wake up to sunshine and end the day with a chilly breeze or even a surprise shower.

01:04The solution is simple. Always bring layers and a light jacket, even in June.

01:10Locals know to dress for four seasons, sometimes in a single day.

01:14Mistake number two.

01:16Thinking the Mall of America is Minnesota's main attraction.

01:19Sure, it's the biggest mall in the country, and you could easily get lost amid the shops and indoor roller coasters.

01:26But spending your whole day here and nowhere else?

01:29You'll miss the real charm of Minnesota.

01:32Instead, take some time to explore nearby Minnehaha Falls,

01:36where city parks spill down dramatic waterfalls,

01:39or stroll uptown Minneapolis for art, coffee culture, and local boutiques.

01:44Don't forget the iconic Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.

01:49It's a slice of urban creativity you won't find inside any mall.

01:53Number three is for the water lovers.

01:55Don't assume all Minnesota lakes are the same.

01:59A lot of visitors check out a couple lakes near the city and think they've seen it all.

02:03But the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness up north,

02:07or the rocky cliffs along the north shore of Lake Superior, are next level.

02:11Here, you'll find loons calling at sunset, moose wandering the shoreline, and a true sense of peace.

02:18Get out of the suburbs.

02:20Head north for a taste of wild Minnesota.

02:22Mistake number four.

02:24Sticking only to Minneapolis and skipping our state capital, St. Paul.

02:28These cities are twins, but St. Paul has its own distinctive vibe.

02:33From the historic stone buildings and cozy cafes lining Grand Avenue to the classic Wabasha Street Caves,

02:40you'll find a side of Minnesota often overlooked by tourists.

02:44Bonus?

02:45Great bookstores, breweries, and an underrated food scene await you.

02:49Coming in at number five.

02:51Thinking you have to order walleye at every restaurant.

02:54Walleye is Minnesota's official state fish and a beloved local specialty.

02:59But not every place serves it fresh or well.

03:01You'll pay too much for frozen walleye at chain restaurants in the city.

03:06For the real deal, head to small lake towns like Brainerd or Duluth,

03:10where the fish comes right from the water to your plate.

03:13Mistake number six.

03:15Only coming to Minnesota in winter, or avoiding winter trips entirely.

03:20Yes, it gets cold here, but we know how to make winter magical.

03:24Bundle up and check out ice castles, snowshoeing trails, and even frozen waterfalls.

03:29Our winter festivals are full of life, light, and unique traditions.

03:35Just dress in warm, moisture-wicking layers, and you might leave loving winter more than summer.

03:40Mistake seven is missing out on the giant network of state parks.

03:44Stay only in the city, and you're skipping epic hikes and lake views.

03:48Put Itasca State Park on your list.

03:51The headwaters of the Mississippi River are here.

03:54Or for waterfalls and cliffs without the crowds, head to Tedagouche State Park on the North Shore.

03:59Finally, mistake number eight.

04:02Showing up to popular cabins, boundary waters, or busy restaurants without a reservation.

04:07Summer fills up fast in Minnesota, so plan ahead.

04:12Whether it's lakeside cabins or that legendary rooftop bar, booking a month or two early will save you a lot of stress.

04:19Don't let a few rookie mistakes ruin your Minnesota trip.

04:23Like, subscribe, and share if you found this helpful.

04:26And drop your own tips or travel fails in the comments.

04:29See you next time.

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