Minnesotans! Summer is finally here! We have survived the cold and snowy winter, and have made it to the warmest months of the year. Make the most of your summer by completing this 2017 summer bucket list filled with completely FREE things!
1. Visit an Arboretum-
There are SO many arboretums in Minnesota! The University of Minnesota's Arb is located in Chaska, MN and it is a great place to spend a day outdoors! Other great Arbs include Linnaeus Arboretum in St. Peter, Minnesota and Muriel Sahlin Arboretum in Roseville, MN.
2. Visit Franconia Sculpture Park-
Franconia Sculpture Park is located in Shafer, MN and is open from dawn to dusk, 365 days a year! It is a nonprofit arts organization operating a 43-acre outdoor sculpture park, active artist residency, and community arts programming.
3. Go waterfall hunting-
There are so many beautiful waterfalls in Minnesota! Why not spend a nice day hunting them down and exploring? A few of my favorites are Devil's Kettle in Grand Marais, MN and Winnewissa falls in Pipestone, MN. Why not even make it a summer roadie?
4. Visit the Lyndale Park Rose Garden-
The Lyndale Park Rose Garden is so pretty! It is a wonderful place to take cute photos with friends... or beautify your Instagram!
5. Music & Movies in the Parks-
For over 120 years there has been free entertainment in the Minneapolis parks . Take advantage of it and fill up your summer with cool tunes and movies in the great outdoors.
6. Go Hammocking in the Minnesota wilderness-
Bring a book, grab some friends and your hammock and take in nature.
7. Go on a mural hunt and take lots of photos-
Grab a camera, some friends and get ready to make your Instagram look amazing! Search online for local murals and go on a hunt to find them! They make great photo backgrounds. There are SO many located in Minneapolis, MN!
8. Go Geocaching-
Download the app and get on your way! It's like a little treasure hunt!
9. Spend a day on the lake-
If you are a true Minnesotan, this better be on your summer bucket list.
10. Watch a Minnesota sunset-
Minnesota sunsets in the summertime are stunning. There are also so many places where you can go to get an amazing view. My personal favorites are the end of Summit Avenue in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Witches Hat in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and of course the lake.
11. Go disc golfing-
Minnesota has around 200 disc golf courses, and most are free to play. Give it a try!
12. Go walking, running, biking or rollerblading along Grand Rounds Scenic Byway-
This is the only urban national scenic byway and it has some great views of the city skyline and is absolutely beautiful.
13. Spend a day on a Minnesota beach-
I mean, it's not a luxury beach like in Florida or Mexico, but it's still pretty awesome.
14. Como Park Conservatory-
The Como Park Conservatory is located in Saint Paul, MN. It is open 365 days a year and is free! If you go, make sure to check out the Japanese flower garden!
15. Soo Line High Bridge-
Located in Stillwater, MN. Super cool views, great for photography, but definitely not for you if you are afraid of heights!
16. Chalkfest-
For two days, talented artists will be pouring into Minneapolis Northwest to transform Main Street into a work of art. Don't miss it! Chalkfest takes place on June 10th and 11th in Arbor Lakes, MN!
17. Have a picnic in a state park-
Pack some good food, grab some friends and don't forget the blanket!
18. Find Minnesota's "Worlds Largests-"
Minnesota has multiple "Worlds Largests!" Get in the car and take a trip around the state and find them!
19. Yoga in the park-
Do it by yourself, or join a class. There are sometimes free ones where all you have to do is show up! It is a great way to start the morning and feel refreshed.
20. Take a stroll on The Stone Arch Bridge-
Located in Minneapolis, MN. Both day and night time on the bridge are beautiful.
21. Visit Indian Mounds Regional Park-
Indian Mounds Regional Park is located in Saint Paul, MN. It is home to six Native American burial mounds high atop 450 million-year-old limestone and sandstone bluffs overlooking downtown Saint Paul. The park has beautiful views, great walking and biking trails and places to explore.
22. Open-Mic night at the ACME-
Open-Mic night at the ACME is used as a starting ground for many comics, as well as a place to practice new material for the veteran comedians. Some jokes may kill, others may bomb, but it's always a good time! It is a FREE show on Monday nights. The doors open at 7:30 pm!
23. Visit the Japanese Peace Garden-
Stroll through Minneapolis’ enchanting peace garden, featuring ancient rocks, bronze sculptures portraying the ancient craft of origami, and a bridge built with granite peace stones from the WWII rubble-strewn remains of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Directly adjacent is the country’s second-oldest public rose garden. All are located on picturesque Lake Harriet, one of Minneapolis’s Chain of Lakes.
