Minnesota

If you've heard of Minnesota only when the national news names International Falls as the coldest place in the country, you've been missing out on a lot of fun. Yes, a Minnesota winter is cold, but that means there are many great winter sports. Whether on skis, sleds, skates, snowmobiles or snowshoes, you can enjoy the snow and ice. Hockey is nearly a religion in Minnesota – many US Olympic players have come from the North Star state. And don't forget about ice fishing. This is truly the land of 10,000 lakes – you can fish in Minnesota all year round. Of course, it's also great to enjoy those lakes in warmer weather, too. Minnesota has 90,000 miles of shoreline – more than Hawaii, California and Florida combined. Boating, fishing, swimming, water-skiing, even rock-skipping – the opportunities are endless. Hiking, mountain biking, and exploring the outdoors can be a life-long adventure at the many parks, forests and on the trails. And as for indoor entertainment, Minnesota has lots to offer. The Twin Cities, Minneapolis and St. Paul, are cultural centers, boasting fine art museums, historical sights, fine professional and regional theatre, and more. Right outside Minneapolis is the Mall of America, always a big hit with kids as well as shoppers of all ages. There are so many wonders in Minnesota, you can't be surprised to learn that many of life's little necessities, and even luxuries, were invented there – everything from Tonka trucks, roller blades, staplers and masking tape to Snickers bars, Wheaties, bundt pans and Spam. You can even visit the Spam Museum in Austin – do these people know how to have fun, or what?