Minnesota is beautiful, especially throughout the summer months. We often forget just how amazing the Twin Cities are when summer rolls in. Are you planning on making summer 2017 the best one yet, but aren't sure of things to do? Here are a few ideas to get you on your way!

1. Go mural hunting-

Minneapolis is SO colorful! Just about everywhere you go in the city you will spot a mural on a wall. There are many websites and blogs which display many murals as well as their locations. Check them out and get on your way! Not only are these murals fun to look at, but they make great Instagram pics with friends!

2. Go chasing waterfalls-

Minnesota may be the land of 10,000 lakes but there is also a crazy amount of beautiful waterfalls! Check out this website for The Ultimate Minnesota Waterfalls Roadie!

3. Chill on the cliffs at the end of Summit Ave-

The absolute BEST spot in the Twin Cities to watch the sunset on those summer nights!

4. Cross the headwaters of the Mississippi at Lake Itasca-

There is only one place in the entire world where you can walk across the bubbling beginnings of the mighty Mississippi River. Why not do it?!

5. Go to a Saints game-

A great and not very expensive way to spend a summer night with friends!

6. Have lunch at Aster Cafe-

Aster Cafe is located on what one would say is the prettiest street in Minneapolis. The cafe overlooks the Mississippi river and the Minneapolis spyline. It is a candle-lit restaurant-bar with a sweet European patio with live music, and great food! Great place for a cute lunch date with friends!

7. Get ice cream at Nelson's or Izzy's-

Everybody loves ice cream! Especially during the summer months. At Nelson's in both Stillwater and St. Paul you have a wide variety of flavors and definitelty get your moneys worth! I reccomend sharing with a friend! At Izzy's you have many flavor choices as well and you get freshly made waffle cones. They also top the icecream with a tiny little scoop known as, "The Izzy Scoop!"

8. Drive-In movie-

Nothing is better than piling blankets into the back of a pick-up truck and watching three movies in a row with your friends in the great Minnesota summer weather.

9. Watch the sunset at Witches Hat-

The "Witch's Hat" water tower is in Prospect Park, (known as Tower Hill park). It has a wonderful view of the city! The tower observation deck is open one time per year only, during the annual Pratt School Ice Cream Social.

10. Have a picnic in a state park-

Minnesota has so many beautiful state parks! Grab some friends and check them out, especially during the summer months. Why not pack some food and have a cute little picnic?!

11. Take a walk on the stone arch-

Great view of the city at any point of the year, but the summer months definitely have the best!

12. Go to the Foshay Tower observation deck-

My absolute favorite view of the city! There is also a cute museum that you can look around as well on your way up. It is only about $5 for students and is so worth it! It is VERY windy though!

13. The chalk walk art festival-

Absolutely incredible! Took place in Harrison Park in Minneapolis, Minnesota on August 27th last year! Stay tuned to find out if one is happening this summer! The festival is free. The chalk drawings are created in full view of the public, who are encouraged to interact with the artists as they use their amazing talents to create beautiful “murals” before their audience’s eyes. Besides the amazing artists, there are numerous vendors, sponsors, and muscians as well!

14. Spend time on a lake-

It is the land of 10,000 lakes after all!

15. Coffee shop hopping-

Ok this one sounds crazy, but its great! Spend a large portion of the day downtown, or in another area abundant in coffee shops, visiting as many coffee shops as possible. Buy a small coffee/pastry, spend some time in a coffee house, then move on to another coffee shop to pass the time! Make sure to bring some friends with you. Check out this list of coffee shops in the Twin Cities for ideas!

16. Go to an outdoor concert-

The only thing better than a normal concert, is an outdoor concert!

17. Have a bonfire with friends-

Have a bonfire in a friend's backyard, on the beach by the river, anywhere safe on a Minnesota summer night! I guarentee that you will have a great time. Don't forget the s'mores!

18. Dowling Studio-

Great view of the city and great place for some "artsy" pics! Located in the Gutherie Theatre in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

19. Yoga in the park-

Yoga outside in the Twin Cities in the summertime…nothing could be more sublime.

20. Spend a weekend in Duluth-

Beautiful views, cute shops, great resturaunts, overall amazing time!

21. Spend a day in downtown Stillwater-

Minnesota's Birthplace located on the scenic St. Croix River just minutes from Minneapolis and St. Paul on the border of Wisconsin. Great place to take pics with friends and explore on a nice summer day!

22. Exploring cute little bookstores-

Books are NOT overrated! Sometimes explring around the little used book stores leads to finding some treasures!

23. Late night bites at Mickey's Diner-

Nothing is better than some late night hashbrowns or a malt on a summer night with good friends!

24. Go cliff jumping at the quarry-

On a hot summer day go on a roadie with good friends to St. Cloud, Minnesota. Head on over to teh Quarry Park and Nature Preserve and float around the quarry, and if you are feeling it, jump off the cliffs (many people do!)

25. Take LOTS of photos-

Share your fun summer days with everyone! Capture the memories! You don't want to ever forget Summer 2017, also known as the best summer yet!