Minnesota in Movies and TV: Famous Filming Locations You Can Visit
Nestled on the shores of Lake Calhoun in Minneapolis, the Chain of Lakes Regional Park offers more than just scenic beauty—it’s a cinematic touchstone for fans of the Coen brothers. About 10 minutes from downtown Minneapolis, this park’s serene bike paths and peaceful waters doubled as a backdrop in the film “Fargo,” capturing the stark, wintry charm of the city’s outdoor spaces. Visitors can rent a kayak or stroll along the lakeshore paths during summer, enjoying the vibrant urban nature that contrasts with the film’s snowy suspense. Winter brings cross-country skiers and ice anglers who experience the chilling yet captivating atmosphere that so effectively set the tone for the movie.
Head east to Stillwater, a historic town perched on the St. Croix River, just under 30 miles northeast of Minneapolis, and you’ll find the lift bridge featured in the TV series “Fargo” season two. The town’s quaint riverfront streets and well-preserved 19th-century architecture provide a perfect living picture of small-town Minnesota. Walking along Main Street, visitors can imagine scenes unfolding amid the rustic charm and the river’s steady flow below. Stillwater’s blend of antique shops, cozy cafes, and riverboat tours makes it an inviting place to soak in the atmosphere that inspired the show’s moody narratives.
In Duluth, about 150 miles north of Minneapolis along Lake Superior’s rugged shores, the Aerial Lift Bridge stands as an iconic symbol both for the city and for its appearance in the movie “The Mighty Ducks.” This engineering marvel lifts to let cargo ships into the harbor, and its proximity to Canal Park offers expansive views of the lake and shipping activity. Visitors can watch the bridge in action, stroll the paved lakewalk, and explore the nearby Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center to understand how this working port shaped local life and film history alike. The maritime setting combined with the bridge’s mechanical drama makes for a unique Minnesota landmark.
Further north, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness lies about a four-hour drive from Minneapolis near Ely, offering a starkly different kind of setting for movie buffs who appreciate natural grandeur. Scenes from “The Great Outdoors” were shot here, capturing the endless pine forests and pristine lakes that define the region. Adventurous visitors can embark on multi-day canoe trips along the well-marked trails and campsites, immersing themselves in the same serene wilderness that added authenticity to the film. Summer and early fall provide the best weather for paddling, with the fall colors transforming the landscape into a tapestry of reds and golds.
In the capital city of Saint Paul, the historic Hamm Building attracted attention during the filming of “Jingle All the Way.” Situated in downtown Saint Paul, just across the river from Minneapolis, this vaudeville-era building’s art deco architecture helped set the urban scene in the holiday comedy. Visitors can admire the building’s ornate facade while exploring the nearby Rice Park, a charming green space that hosts concerts and ice skating in winter. Saint Paul’s blend of historic and contemporary urban life offers a tangible connection to the city’s cinematic moments.
Venturing to the north shore of Lake Superior near Two Harbors, the historic Park Point neighborhood and its long sandy beach featured in the film “Purple Rain.” Located 25 miles northeast of Duluth, this stretch of beach showcases the striking contrast between lake and forest, providing an atmospheric setting for the movie’s outdoor scenes. Visitors can walk the beach trail or bike along the lakeshore, taking in the fresh, cool air of the lake and the dramatic horizon that gave the film its distinctive Minnesota edge. Summer and early fall are especially inviting, offering warmer water and vibrant sunsets.
Lastly, the Minnesota History Center in downtown Saint Paul offers an engaging way to explore the state’s deep ties to film and television history. The center’s exhibits include artifacts and stories about notable local productions, including behind-the-scenes glimpses of works filmed across the state. Visitors can dive into interactive displays that explore how Minnesota’s diverse landscapes—from urban centers to remote wilderness—have inspired filmmakers. Year-round accessibility makes the center a perfect stop for travelers looking to deepen their understanding of the state’s cultural footprint in movies and TV.
Together, these locations weave a rich tapestry of Minnesota’s presence on screen, inviting visitors to step into the scenes that have captivated audiences while discovering the real-world beauty and character behind the camera. From urban lakeside parks to wild northern forests, Minnesota’s diverse backdrop continues to inspire storytellers and travelers alike.