Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Minnesota's mild summer temperatures make it a great destination if you are looking to escape the heat and experience natural beauty. Minnesota hosts a variety of summer festivals, celebrating music and history, that delight tourists and locals alike. From the Minnesota State Fair to the Tall Ships Festival, there is something for everyone in the "Land of 10,000 Lakes."
Every year, the American Sail Training Association, or ASTA, sends a fleet of majestic tall ships from Green Bay, Wisconsin, to Chicago, Illinois, stopping in Duluth, Minnesota, from late July through early August. The ships are crewed by sailors 13 through 25 years old who are in training with an ASTA-approved program. As these traditional vessels sail through Duluth, visitors have the opportunity to board the ships, experience a bygone era and learn more about sailing opportunities with the ASTA.
visitduluth.com
Cotton candy, corn dogs and dizzying rides are summertime staples. Over one million fun seekers visit the Minnesota State Fair in St. Paul each year to enjoy the daily parade, midway carnival games and rides, livestock exhibits and 11 stages that offer live entertainment. The entertainment line-up during 2010 included such acts as KISS, Carrie Underwood and "Weird Al" Yankovic. Admission in 2010 is $11 for adults and $8 for kids, and special discount days such as Seniors and Kids Day, when seniors and kids are admitted for free, are held throughout the duration of the fair. The Minnesota State Fair is open the last 12 days of summer through Labor Day.
Minnesota State Fair
1265 North Snelling Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55108
651-288-4400
mnstatefair.org
Every year, music lovers look forward to weekends in July and August in Minneapolis when Orchestra Hall offers free concerts from Twin Cities musicians at Peavey Plaza in downtown Minneapolis. Singer/songwriter, jazz, international and indie music are some of the genres featured. A variety of tasty fare is offered. A special selection of concerts are held in the Orchestra Hall. Somerfest presentations at Orchestra Hall in 2010 included a free family concert night as well as "Night at the Ballet," featuring different acts from Tchaikovsky ballets. 2010 tickets for Somerfest shows in the Orchestra Hall are $25 to $65.
Somerfest
1111 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN 55403
800-292-4141
minnesotaorchestra.org
Minnesotans are proud of their Scandinavian heritage, and the biggest Scandinavian festival in Minnesota is the annual Scandinavian Hjemkomst Festival in Moorehead. Over three days in late July, enjoy food, dance and entertainment that celebrates the Nordic cultures of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. Runners can participate in a 5K run and a genealogy room is available where you can trace your Scandinavian (and Irish and German) roots.
Scandinavian Hjemkomst Festival
Hjemkomst Center
202 1st Avenue North
Moorhead, MN 56560
218-299-5515
nordiccultureclubs.org
Aquatennial is the official civic celebration of Minneapolis. It is held every summer for 10 days over the third week of July. The Aquatennial holds events all over town, including a tennis classic, historical tours, a torchlight parade and a beach bash. Many of the events are free. Join in the fun by signing up to compete in the milk-carton boat race or the sandcastle building competition.
Aquatennial
Minneapolis, MN 55401
aquatennial.org
Duluth hosts the Bayfront Blues Festival, an annual three-day music festival of blues acts, great food and great beer during mid-August. The 2010 lineup included Sonny Landreth, Elvin Bishop and Dr. John. Many camp at nearby campgrounds to enjoy this party, which features over 30 acts. 2010 tickets are $95 for all three days or $40 each day at the gate. All tickets are general admission.
Bayfront Blues Festival
Duluth, MN 55802
bayfrontblues.com