Minnesota – A Hidden Gem That’s Chill (Literally) ❄️✨

"If I hadn’t gone to high school here, who would even visit?" — My most-used line this trip. Even Americans pause when I say "Minnesota" (Cue: "Wait… where??"). To locals, it’s just "the middle of nowhere" — but this underrated state surprised me! 🌇 Minneapolis Highlights 🎭 Guthrie Theater Catch a play/exhibit, but don’t miss the viewing deck—epic Mississippi River + skyline vistas! 🌉 🌉 Stone Arch Bridge + Water Power Park Walk/bike the trails, get up close to the river, and gawk at downtown’s skyscrapers. 🚴‍♀️ 🎓 University of Minnesota Hidden in downtown! Pro tip: The Tea House was worth my 2-hour drive from Saint Cloud—that good. 🥢 🛍️ Mall of America Largest US indoor mall 🎢🐠 (with a theme park & aquarium!). Tax-free shopping + near the airport—perfect last stop! 🗿 Sculpture Garden That giant spoon & cherry art 🥄🍒 + shady benches for lazy afternoons. 🚗 Hidden Gem: Wayzata (1hr from Downtown) A quaint lakeside town where time slows down: ☀️ COV Restaurant: Lakeside dining with yacht-watching vibes 🛥️. 🌊 Lake Minnetonka trails: Stroll by the water, hear distant train bells 🔔, and soak in the glittering waves. Pure serenity. ⚠️ Reality Check Winter? ❄️ -40°C, endless snow—just… don’t. (But summer? Magic!) Vibe: "Where hygge meets Midwest nice." 🍃 #Minnesota #HiddenGems #UnderratedUSA #TwinCities #ColdButCozy