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Minnesota

Provided by Explore Minnesota
FALL/WINTER 2009

Scenery and ethnic history go hand in hand in Minnesota.

No matter what the season, enjoying the view along the way is one of the top reasons for taking a road trip. Minnesota has designated more than 2,500 miles of roads as scenic byways, showing the way to great views. The byways meander through countryside dappled with lakes, the north woods, tumbling waterfalls, ribbons of prairie, rolling bluffs, city parks and winding rivers.

The stories of Minnesota's past come to life at historic sites throughout the state. The oldest pictures of the state's past are the ancient Jeffers Petroglyphs carved into stone in the southwestern prairie. Tales from more recent centuries are told at the Minnesota History Museum. The Grand Portage National Monument fur trading post, the 1820s frontier Fort Snelling, the 1860s Kelley Farm, 1910 Split Rock Lighthouse, a lumberjack camp, aviator Charles Lindbergh's boyhood home and many others tell the stories of Minnesota's past.

Minnesota's native peoples keep alive their rich traditions. Travelers can learn about traditional and contemporary Ojibwe life at the Mille Lacs Indian Museum and the Bois Forte Heritage Center. The struggles and resilience of the Dakota communities along the Minnesota River are the focus of the Lower Sioux Agency historic site. Minnesota's native culture can also be experienced at pow wows and galleries of Indian arts and crafts.

Many of the state's early settlers were Germans, Norwegians and Swedes, but cultures throughout Europe were represented among the state's earliest residents. The 20th century brought many new residents from around the world. Vibrant ethnic festivals range from African American to Vietnamese, from Hispanic to Swiss.

In the Twin Cities area, several neighbor-hoods are noteworthy for their ethnic restaurants and shops: District del Sol in St. Paul, Lake Street in Minneapolis, University Avenue in St. Paul and Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis, which is dubbed "Eat Street."

For more information on where to explore and places to stay, log on to Explore Minnesota Tourism at www.exploreminnesota.com or call 1-888-TOURISM.

MINNESOTA	Burnsville
	Burnsville CVB Burnsville, Minnesota Outside, inside or upside down. Experience Minnesota's favorite season. Find your peak at legendary Buck Hill, warm up to unique shopping at Burnsville Center and when the day is done, cozy up to Burnsville's array of welcoming hotels. Just minutes south of the Twin Cities. www.burnsvillemn.com
MINNESOTA	Duluth
	Vista Fleet Duluth, Minnesota Experience Lake Superior aboard the Vista Fleet! Enjoy Lunch, Dinner, Moonlight, Pizza & Sightseeing Cruises aboard the Vista Fleet. Cruise up next to ships from around the world, sail beneath the famous Aerial Lift Bridge, see lighthouses and more! Groups & private charters are welcome. www.vistafleet.com
MINNESOTA	Lutsen
	Lutsen Resort Lutsen, Minnesota This romantic Lake Superior resort offers uxury condos, townhomes, and log cabins. Historic Scandinavian Lodge with restaurant, pub, pool, whirlpool. Complimentary guest programs include guided hikes and sea-kayak tours, kid's camp, nature programs. Golf, hike, bike, beach campfires. www.lutsenresort.com