As a travel blogger, I realize that I rarely share much at all about my hometown of Minneapolis. Despite being known for the cold, long, brutal winters, Prince, and the recent host of the Super Bowl, Minnesota actually boasts over 15,000 lakes in the state. It is also home to one of the largest federally protected wilderness areas in the United States, the 1.1 million acre Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area (BWCWA). The BWCWA is one of the most pristine wilderness areas I have ever visited and its extraordinary beauty and tranquility is unequal to any place I’ve been outside of remote Patagonia.
I looked over the seven-year history of my blog, thirdeyemom, and found that I do have a handful of posts written over the years on Minnesota and Minneapolis. It is a beautiful place with tons of culture, restaurants, parks, nature and great values. While our heritage is strongly Scandinavian (there are tons of Swedes and Norwegians here), we also are the proud home of many thriving immigrant communities from all over the world. Many people think of Minnesota as simply “flyover land” which is simply not true. However, if you don’t like the cold then it is best to come in Spring, Summer or Fall.
Here is a collection of some of my favorite photos which highlight the beauty of my city and state. Hope you enjoy!
Ely, Minnesota
Grand Portage, Minnesota
Lutsen, Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Winter in Minneapolis
In case you are curious to learn more about Minnesota, check out these posts here.
This post was inspired by the WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge: Tour Guide.
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Gorgeous images, Nicole. Love your boots. 🙂
Thanks so much Sylvia! Yes they are so fun and colorful aren’t they?
Loved our first camping trip in MN this past October! (Much like Wisconsin, but a LOT more water.)
Beautiful pictures. Makes me want to visit and just sit and appreciate God’s handiwork. Thank you.
I drove through on my way back from out West a few summers ago and couldn’t get over how beautiful it is
The second part of that was supposed to read – ‘I can’t wait to go back and explore!’
Your sky pictures are incredible!
Thank you so much!
It’s funny that the more I travel the world, the more I am drawn to the beauty that was near my own backyard. I remember thinking of the Midwest as B-O-R-I-N-G as a kid but you’ve shown me yet again how much beauty is on offer there 😍
Oh thanks Lisa! Yes we do have beauty all around us. A lot of times I get bored with living here for so long but when I capture these photos I remember how lovely and truly special it is. 🙂
Thanks for posting some wonderful photos of our home state. So many who live there don’t realize the true gift they have been granted with having nature out their back door. We have some wonderful treasures in our state the BWCA is one of them!
You are welcome and yes we have so much nature and open space here. I love the BWCA!
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I hear that the walleye fishing is pretty good also!
Yes it is but some of the lakes now are putting restrictions on the walleye fishing due to decreased population. Walleye is so tasty!
Pingback: Welcome to the “Bold North” Minnesota
Some beautiful shots Nicole – love the snowy path especially. Congrats on being featured last week on discover!
Wow! Beautiful shots!
Thank you! 🙂
Fabulous photos
Thanks so much!
Beautiful shots. An idyllic looking spot.
Thank you!