28 Things to do in Spring in MN

28 Fun Things To Do in Minnesota This Spring in 2024

Springtime in Minnesota is filled with all kinds of fun things to do. It’s when we say goodbye to winter, and hello to green. The trees come back alive and a lot of Minnesotans start to re-emerge from a long winter of hibernation.

Hopefully, not all of you stayed inside all winter. But for those that stepped outside and rejoin the rest of the world, here are 28 fun things to do in Minnesota in springtime.

The key to having a great time in spring is being flexible. Mother Nature is unpredictable. One day it might be 70 and sunny with melting snow everywhere, or you may find yourself in the middle of a FREEZE.

The key is to be open and ready to change your plans from day-to-day. It’s these weather changes and seasons that make it so much more fun to live in Minnesota.

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28 Fun Things To Do in Minnesota This Spring

Green Activities

Arbor Day

The end of April always means Arbor Day! It is a splendid chance to get outdoors and help get in the spring spirit.

Check out your hometown’s local festivities to help keep the cleanup close to home. Celebrate Arbor Day and Arbor Month by planting trees to reduce the effects of climate change.

This is also a great time to think about your own gardening. Do a walk-through of your yard and start cleaning up debris from the winter. Start planning how your own garden will look this year.

Or take a trip to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and see what’s blooming for your own inspiration!

Top things to do in Minnesota this Spring

Farmers Market

Spring is when many Farmers fill the markets. Early spring you’ll see a lot of potted plants and seedlings for your garden, along with fresh meats, eggs, and bread.

But as June rolls around, the fruits and veggies make an appearance. Check out Minnesota Grown for the location of the nearest one to you.

Farmers market

Flower Shows

Look for a flower show! The Landscape Arboretum and the Como Zoo in St Paul both put on spectacular displays.

If you have a green thumb, the shows will provide you with tons of inspiration for your own backyard. Or if you have a black thumb, it gives you some great ideas of what to tell your gardener to plant!

The MN Landscape Arboretum always has something fun to see. Check out some of their exhibits by clicking here.

The Como Zoo in St Paul MN

Apple Blossoms Drive

The apple orchards really shine during the springtime in Minnesota. Those blossoms transform southern Minnesota trees into something amazing. It is one of nature’s favorite shows.

Thankfully, Explore MN has a route to visit them all! The Apple Blossoms drive is one of the best things to do in Minnesota during spring.

Apple Blossoms

Farm Babies and other Petting Zoos

Are you ready for the cute and cuddly? Spring is the best time to visit a farm or zoo in Minnesota. Their newest members are on display for everyone to see.

The Minnesota Zoo is just one place to check out. They devote the Wells Fargo Family Farm to showing off the babies.

You can also cross the border and visit the Grovins Farm | Springtime fun in Menomonie WI. They specialize in giving you hands-on experience with cute and cuddly animals.

Tip: Get out early to see the Farm Babies. You may even get the chance to pet one! Click here to find out more!

Newly hatched chicks at Govins Lambing Barn

Outdoor Activities in MN

Hike a Trail

Spring in MN can be one of the most enjoyable times to hike. The waterfalls flow faster with the melting of the ice and snow. The heat isn’t bad, and the bugs are still in hibernation.

Best of all, you can get in free to most MN State Parks on National Get Outdoors Day. It is usually the first weekend of June.

Otherwise, pick up a State Parks parking pass for the day or year and take part in a hiking club challenge. There are also many local paths in Minneapolis and Saint Paul. We have some of the best parks in the country.

Hike local with some great hidden hiking trails around the Twin Cities!
Or
Visits a State Park. There are some great trails to explore!

Hiking Trail

Get Muddy on an ATV Trail

All the mud in spring makes for great ATV trails. The Lake Mille Lacs area, Orr and Brainerd have some great trails to check out. Don’t be afraid to drive fast and get dirty on these trails.

If you don’t have your own ATV, check out some of these companies that rent them.

ATV Trails

Spring Camping

Springtime can be some of the best times to camp. Not only do you beat the crowds of summer, but you don’t have to worry about the heat or bugs.

Just bring a few extra layers of clothing just in case things get chilly. And always bring a rain jacket!

My favorite place to find public campgrounds is on Ultimate Campground. It’s also a great time to get into the MN State Parks.

If you haven’t already made your summer reservations, now is the time to do it. They may already be filled up because you can reserve up to 120 days in advance.

Camping in Spring

Maple Syrup Tapping

Find out where the amazing sweet substance that everyone loves to put on their pancakes comes from. It may surprise you just how much sap is needed to produce a bottle of syrup. Regional parks do demonstrations and let you take part in the action.

The MN Landscape Arboretum does a great job with its Maple Syrup Tapping. They also give out samples of their Black Walnut Syrup and maple candies. A quick warning, you may leave with a stockpile of their syrup because it’s that good.

Tip: Be ready to try some fresh maple syrup at a tasting. Find out more by clicking here!

Spile in Tree

Sports

Jog the Lakes

Grab your Water Bottle and join the friendly trails of Lake Harriet and Lake Bde Make Ska (formerly known as Lake Calhoun).

They are some of the nicest family-friendly trails in Minneapolis. These trails connect to each other for added difficulty.

They are paved, and flat, and have a separate trail just for bikers. For those training of a 5k, a full circle around Lake Bde Make Ska is just about the full distance. And Harriet is a 4.5k. Perfect for a beginner to train.

Lake Calhoun
Photo By Tony Webster

MN United FC

Let’s not forget about the MN United FC team. They are the most recent sports team to call Minnesota home and have been quickly making waves.

Playing in their new stadium in St. Paul MN United games are full of energy and tons of fun. You will have a great time.

MN United Soccer

Allianz Field MNUFC Minnesota United st Paul Minnesota MLS by Andy Witchger is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Fishing Opener

While you may not join the Governor on his trip, it’s still worth getting on one of the 10,000 lakes and seeing if you can bring home dinner.

The MN DNR has a lake finder tool on their website that will help you find the best lake for you. They include information about proximity, stocking reports, and topographical details on the lake itself.

Children 16 and under do not need a license. You also don’t need a license to fish at most MN State Parks, as long as you are a resident and remain on the land. So grab your Collapsible Fishing Rod and head to your local pond!

Fishing the lakes

Go to a Baseball Game

If you are looking for green grass during springtime in MN, sometimes the only place you’ll find it is at the Baseball Field. Target Field and CHS Field are home to amazing baseball teams. And they both are very affordable for the family.

For more ways to save money at your next Twins Game, check out: 10 of the Best Discounts at Target Field to Use a Your Next Twins Baseball Game. Get in that Twins Spirit before you head to the game!

Baseball in MN

Festivals

Preston Trout Days

Preston Trout Days in southern Minnesota is just so special all on its own. The small-town festival is in the middle of May. The weekend includes Fishing Contents, Petting Zoos, BBQ, Car show and so much. Check it out!

Preston Trout Days

Homegrown Music Festival

Minnesota has some amazing talent. The Homegrown Music festival brings them all together. It started out with just 5 acts. And 20 years later, it has grown to an 8-day music festival. Check out the Homegrown Music Festival in Duluth to see it all.

Home Grown Music Festival

May Day Parade

In Minneapolis, the Heart of the Beast Theater Company produces an amazing May Day Parade to welcome in spring.

It’s filled with handmade puppets, masks, music, and dance as the performers tell a story. It’s not to be missed.

May Day Celebration Minneapolis
Photo By Alan Turkus

Stand Still Parade

Minnesota has some amazing bike trails and one of the best is the Root River Trail in Harmony MN. The trail passes right through one of the smallest towns; Whalan.

The town is so small, instead of having the parade move, the parade stays in place and the visitors move. It’s one of the few Stand Still Parades in the country.

The Stand Still Parade is the first of its kind. Definitely an #onlyinMN moment. Click to find out more.

Stand Still Parade

Rainy Day Activities in MN

Foshay Observation Deck

Get a view of Minneapolis from the top of one of the first skyscrapers built in Minnesota. The Foshay Tower is one of the most recognizable in the city.

Check out the museum located inside to find out all about the eccentric creator. Then take a trip up to the 31st floor to get a view from the top! Visit the Foshay Observation deck for all the details.

Foshay Tower


Foshay Tower by Fibonacci Blue is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Glensheen Mansion

One of the most impressive homes in Duluth is the Glensheen Mansion. Built right off Lake Superior, it takes up some prime real estate. On a tour you’ll learn all about the history of the family, just don’t ask about its haunted past.

The mansion is also a great way to escape a rainy day in Duluth. If you are looking to explore the gardens, wait for a clear day before heading out.

So much history is in Duluth. These tours can be done year-round, but really shines in spring! Click to find out more.

Typewriter at the Glensheen Mansion in Duluth

Minneapolis Central Library

The Minneapolis Central Library is one of the most unique and largest libraries in the state. Located right off Nicolet, this place inspires creatives and learning of all types.

They have a bunch of special collections. While you are in the area, check out some of the city’s downtown area.

Library

Mini Golf

With the weather as unpredictable as it is, sometimes it’s best to stay indoors. That is why I love indoor Mini Golf options. Try out Moose Mountain Adventure Golf and Rock of Ages Blacklight Minigolf in the Mall of America.

My new favorite location though is Can Can Wonderland in Saint Paul. Built by artists, each hole is a creative adventure. Besides mini-golf, they also have classic arcades and stage shows.

Minnesota has so many great Mini Golf Courses, Check them out: 24 Best Mini Golf in Minnesota | Fun any time of year!

Teeing Off at Can Can Wonerland

Sit Back and Relax

Brewery Tours

Minnesota has some amazing breweries from Summit to Schell. Stop at a location on the way to your final destination or go on a brewery trail and hit up more than one. Or stop into one of the many Minneapolis or Duluth Breweries.

With Brewtrail.com you can custom-create your own trail. They allow you to search by location, tasting, and touring options.

Take the stress out of a brewery tour by chartering a bus. These tours are amazing. Book Today!

Brew Tour

Mining Tours

The Iron Range is actively mining minerals from Northern Minnesota. Places like the Sudan Underground Mine offer tours going ½ mile underground. Or visit the Grand Canyon of the North and see the first strip mine on the Mesabi Iron Range.

It’s been three years since we took this tour and the kids are still walking about it. You don’t want to miss it! Click here for all the details.

Mining Tour

Factory Tours

Have you ever wondered how they make musical instruments? Or how the wool blankets are woven, how they make cheese, or even find out how soda is bottled. Some of my favorite tours to do are the Whistle Bottling in Spring Lake MN and Redhead Creamery in Brooten MN.

Trolley Rides

Some of the best ways to explore a city are by trolley. You can see the sights of the city and get some great information along the way. Rochester, Stillwater, Excelsior, and MPLS are just some locations you can choose from. If you have little kids, they will get a huge kick out of this one!

Trolley Tours

Boat Tours

Take a cruise down the river or on a lake. The best part about boat cruises is they have them for every budget. They are family-friendly, romantic or party boats all around the Twin Cities.

The best place to catch a boat is in Duluth, Taylor’s Falls, Excelsior, and Red Wing.

St. Croix Scenic Boat Tours

Theater

Minnesota has amazing theaters. Check out the Chanhassen Dinner Theater or head downtown and see what playing at the Hennepin Theatre Trust. If you have younger kids, check out the Stages Children’s Theater in Hopkins or the Children’s Theater in Minneapolis.

Theatre

Visit a Bed and Breakfast

With so many resort towns, we are bound to have a few. Lanesboro, in southern Minnesota, has the most in the state. The town is filled with antiques and the Root River Trail.

Another excellent location to find bed and breakfasts is in Stillwater. The resort town has a lively downtown to walk to, wineries, orchards, and a river to relax by. Check out the listings of amazing bed and breakfasts we have.

What are your favorites?

Do you have any other favorite springtime activities in Minnesota you like to do? Feel free to add them to the comments so we can keep this list growing of unique things to do in Minnesota during spring. If you are looking to stay overnight and spend a little more than a day, check out Trip Advisor for the best deals.

If you are looking for some more great ideas, check out my other seasonal list of 28 Things to Do:

28 Things to do in Summer in Minnesota
28 Things to do in Autumn in Minnesota
28 Things to do in Winter in Minnesota

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Spring in Minneapolis is filled with adventure. Check out these unique things to do in Minnesota now. #Familyfun Spring Time | Minnesota | Twin Cities | Things to do in the Twin Cities

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