Here’s The 2026 Top-5 Tourist Traps In Minnesota

Welcome to 2026. If you have plans for travel or trying new experiences this year, my wish for you is light traffic during rush hour and no left lane lurkers. Minnesota is a state that has a LOT to offer, but like all places, there are a few spots that can be defined as tourist traps. You know the place, a lot of hype, not a lot of substance...anyway, here's my 2026 list of Minnesota tourist traps.

What Defines A Minnesota Tourist Trap?

I asked Google to define tourist trap, and this is what I got back: "a place, attraction, or establishment designed primarily to attract tourists and extract their money, often by offering overpriced, low-value goods, services, or entertainment that lack authenticity, leading to disappointment for visitors seeking genuine local experiences."

The places I am going to tell you about are all FREE and do offer some Minnesota substance to your visit, but if you are looking for an 'experience', you might want to look at other places that meet your criteria.

North Shore During The Fall

The North Shore is a great place to visit and experience everything that living along Lake Superior has to offer, but you might want to skip the drive during the fall as everyone seems to head north to see the color. You can get some of the same enjoyment driving around Central Minnesota and seeing fall color, plus you won't be bumper to bumper on Highway 61, waiting to drive past the Glensheen Mansion on your way North.

The Minneapolis Skyway

When I have family or friends from out of state come and visit for the first time, this is the number one thing they talk to me about. "Have you used the skyway?" Yes. It's nice to use if you work downtown; otherwise, many people find it confusing and inconvenient, as it closes in places before night events are done. Bundle up and use the sidewalk; you'll be less confused and probably won't be elbow to elbow with people.

The World's Biggest [Blank]

I personally love these roadside attractions. There is something so retro about them, and to me, they mark travel points along the way to your destination. From the Jolly Green Giant to Vergas' Loon, Garrison's Walleye, and the World's Biggest Hockey Stick, they all serve a purpose, but are good for about one Instagram photo.

Paul Bunyan And/Or Babe Statues

There are about 11 of these around the Land of 10,000 Lakes, so in theory, you don't have to travel too far from home to find one. Each of the towns that has one claims that the statue is the real deal. In reality, they are a great excuse to get out, snap a pic with Paul and or Babe, stretch out your legs, and be back on the road heading towards your final destination.

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Mall of America

It pains me to say this, but this larger-than-life mall is just that, a mall with some of the very same stores you can visit at a 'regular' mall near you. When you add in the fact that there is an amusement park inside, making it a kids' dream and for parents a little bit of a nightmare, you start to realize that once you are there, you are probably spending some time and money for your kids' enjoyment. (Personally, I enjoy going to the MOA during the holiday season to see the decorations)

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