The Most Instagrammable Spots in Minnesota
Nestled just a short drive north of Minneapolis, the charming town of Stillwater offers a perfect blend of historic architecture and riverfront views that make for stunning photos. The St. Croix River winds gracefully alongside the town, and the historic Lift Bridge, a vertical-lift drawbridge dating back to the 1930s, provides a striking backdrop, especially at sunset. Walking along the paved trail by the river or wandering through the quaint downtown with its brick buildings and boutique shops captures a timeless Midwestern aesthetic. Autumn is particularly magical here, as fall foliage reflects on the water, creating a palette of fiery reds and golds.
Head about two hours northwest of the Twin Cities to Itasca State Park, where the Mississippi River begins its long journey to the Gulf of Mexico. The headwaters area is great for photos, with the river flowing gently over smooth stones. The park’s iconic Old Log Cabin Museum and the rustic Douglas Lodge add historical charm to the natural surroundings. Hike the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Trail, an easy 1.8-mile loop that winds through lush forest and along the riverbank. Early morning light or a clear autumn afternoon enhances the peaceful atmosphere of this sacred source, making it a favorite spot for nature and history lovers alike.
In Duluth, perched on the westernmost tip of Lake Superior, the colorful Aerial Lift Bridge stands as a symbol of the city’s maritime heritage. The bridge lifts to allow large ships to pass between the harbor and lake, an impressive sight to capture from Canal Park. Nearby, the Lakewalk trail offers panoramic views of the sparkling lake, rocky shorelines, and the city skyline. For an elevated vantage point, take a short drive up to Enger Tower on Skyline Parkway. The tower’s observation deck provides sweeping views of Duluth, Lake Superior, and the surrounding hills. Winter transforms the scene with snow-dusted trees and frozen shorelines, while summer offers bright blue skies and vibrant boats bobbing in the harbor.
Farther north in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, about four hours north of Duluth, the vast network of pristine lakes and forests offers a serene, otherworldly photo opportunity. While the area is remote and requires planning, paddling silent waters edged with pine trees is unparalleled. Camp on shore and catch sunrise or sunset reflections on calm water, when the landscape shifts to soft pastels or fiery oranges. This wilderness is unique for its untouched beauty and the chance to document wildlife like loons and beavers in their natural habitat.
Back in the Twin Cities, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden invites visitors to capture contemporary art against a lush green backdrop. The iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen is a whimsical photo magnet, especially when the cherry glistens with morning dew or after a summer rain. The garden’s year-round public art installations, combined with views of downtown Minneapolis, provide a dynamic urban-meets-nature environment. Spring and summer are ideal for vibrant colors in the garden beds; winter brings a peaceful snow-covered contrast to the modern forms.
The charming river town of Red Wing, about an hour southeast of the Twin Cities, is renowned for its bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River and its historic downtown filled with red-brick buildings. Barn Bluff is the standout spot here, a short but steep hike leading to a rocky summit that commands sweeping views of the river valley and the town below. This bluff’s unique geology, with layers of sandstone and limestone, adds texture and depth to photos. Late spring through early fall offers lush greenery, while crisp autumn days paint the landscape with warm hues, perfect for dramatic landscape shots.
In southwestern Minnesota, the Pipestone National Monument, roughly a two-hour drive southwest of Minneapolis, showcases striking red pipestone quarries used by Native American tribes for centuries. The monument is not only a sacred cultural site but also a photographer’s dream with its vast prairie lands and distinctive red rock formations. Trails lead visitors through rolling hills dotted with tallgrass prairie, wildflowers, and glimpses of bison. Capturing early morning mist or golden hour light here highlights the monument’s spiritual and natural significance, setting it apart from more forested parts of the state.
Finally, the North Shore Scenic Drive along Lake Superior’s southern coast, stretching from Duluth to Grand Marais, offers endless opportunities for striking images. One especially photogenic stop is Gooseberry Falls State Park, about 30 minutes northeast of Duluth. The park’s series of waterfalls tumble over volcanic rocks into clear pools, framed by dense northern hardwoods. The easy 1.5-mile loop trail offers multiple vantage points of the falls, each providing unique compositions. The contrast of crisp water, rugged stone, and vibrant foliage is especially dramatic in the fall, when the forest explodes with color, or when winter ice coats the falls with shimmering icicles.
Each of these places captures a distinct facet of Minnesota’s diverse landscape and culture, providing unforgettable scenes that appeal to travelers seeking to document the state’s beauty in all seasons. Whether it’s urban art, historic river towns, rugged wilderness, or tranquil lakeshores, Minnesota’s picture-perfect spots invite visitors to explore and share the magic.