Minnesota Movie Filming Locations You Can Visit (2026 Guide)
Minnesota’s scenic landscapes and charming towns have made it a popular backdrop for many iconic movies. Planning a family day trip to explore these filming locations is a fun way to combine movie nostalgia with outdoor adventure. Whether your family loves classic films or more modern hits, Minnesota offers plenty of stops worth visiting. Here’s a guide to planning your ultimate cinematic journey.
Henderson – The Real “Lake Minnetonka” from “Purple Rain”
Here’s some fun movie trivia: the famous “purify yourself in the waters of Lake Minnetonka” scene in Purple Rain wasn’t filmed at Lake Minnetonka at all. It was shot on the Minnesota River along Henderson Station Road, just south of Henderson, on a freezing November day in 1983. Most of the rest of the movie was filmed in Minneapolis, including the concert scenes at First Avenue.
Make it a Prince day: start at First Avenue downtown, then drive down to the river near Henderson. If you’d still like to see the real thing, our Lake Minnetonka guide has the best spots for a family picnic or boat ride.
Mall of America & St. Paul – “Jingle All The Way”
Jingle All The Way, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, filmed scenes at the Mall of America, at Mickey’s Diner and in downtown St. Paul. Mickey’s, the classic dining car on West 7th Street, reopened in October 2024 after being closed for more than four years, so you can grab a booth and order breakfast right where the movie was filmed.
Wabasha – The Setting for “Grumpy Old Men”
Grumpy Old Men is set in Wabasha, but it was actually filmed around the Twin Cities and in Red Wing, Faribault, Stillwater and Lake Rebecca Park Reserve in Rockford. Wabasha is still worth the drive for fans. Pair it with the National Eagle Center (50 Pembroke Ave. S.), open daily 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Admission is $14 for adults, $12 for seniors, $10 for ages 5–15, and free for kids 4 and under and U.S. military veterans.
Shakopee – Experience “Little Big League” Nostalgia
Most of the baseball scenes in Little Big League were filmed at the Metrodome, which was torn down in 2014 to make way for U.S. Bank Stadium. Much of the off-field action was filmed in Edina, including games at Countryside Park. Billy’s house is a private home in Edina’s Country Club District, so enjoy the neighborhood from the sidewalk.
The movies iconic amusement park scene was filmed at none other than Shakopee, Valleyfair incase you wanted to recreate the experience.
Mall of America – “D2: The Mighty Ducks
In D2: The Mighty Ducks, the team rollerblades through the Mall of America‘s indoor amusement park. It was called Camp Snoopy back then and is now Nickelodeon Universe, so the kids can ride the same rides.
The first Mighty Ducks movie was filmed all over the Twin Cities, including Mickey’s Diner and the Landmark Center in St. Paul and Parade Ice Garden and the Stone Arch Bridge in Minneapolis.
Grand Hotel in Minneapolis – Featured in “Joe Somebody”
The Club 13 scenes in Tim Allen’s Joe Somebody were filmed at the Grand Hotel Minneapolis, and the karaoke scenes were shot at Grumpy’s Bar & Grill in Minneapolis.
Faribault – “Grumpy Old Men” and “D3: The Mighty Ducks”
Faribault shows up in two movies. It was one of the towns where Grumpy Old Men was filmed, and in D3: The Mighty Ducks, the campus of Shattuck-St. Mary’s School stands in for the Ducks’ prep school. While you’re in the area, Nerstrand Big Woods State Park and its Hidden Falls make an easy nature stop.
Iron Range – “North Country”
North Country, starring Charlize Theron, was filmed on the Iron Range in Eveleth, Virginia, Chisholm and Hibbing, with additional scenes in Minneapolis and New Mexico. The movie is based on the real sexual harassment lawsuit brought by women miners in Eveleth, so it’s one for the grown-ups. If you’re up north, the Iron Range towns make a great day trip.
“Fargo” – Set in Brainerd, Filmed Around the Twin Cities
Fargo is set in Brainerd, but Minnesota had too little snow that winter, so the crew moved some scenes to North Dakota near Bathgate. That’s where they built the “Welcome to Brainerd” sign and the 25-foot Paul Bunyan statue, both just props for the movie. Minnesota filming spots include the Lakeside Club in Mahtomedi, Edina City Hall and the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres.
Want a real giant lumberjack? The Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox statues in Bemidji aren’t in the movie, but they’re a classic family photo stop.
Two Harbors – The “Iron Will” Finish Line
Iron Will‘s dogsled race finishes in St. Paul’s Como Park, but those finish-line scenes were actually filmed at the train depot in Two Harbors. Two Harbors is on the North Shore, so pair it with the Good Son cliffs below for a movie-themed North Shore day.
Back in the Twin Cities, Untamed Heart was filmed in Minneapolis. Its diner scenes were shot at Jim’s Coffee Shop & Bakery, a real diner that closed to the public during filming.
Silver Bay – The Good Son
The thrilling cliff-top ending of The Good Son was filmed at Palisade Head, about three miles northeast of Silver Bay. It’s part of Tettegouche State Park, and its cliffs rise more than 300 feet above Lake Superior. You’ll need a state park vehicle permit ($7 for the day or $35 for the year).
Safety note: There are no railings at the top, and two people died in falls from Palisade Head in 2026. Keep kids close and stay well back from the edge.
Eden Prairie Mall – Mall Rats and Drop Dead Gorgeous
Kevin Smith’s cult classic Mallrats was filmed at Eden Prairie Center in early 1995. This was just before the mall went through a major renovation, making it the perfect time to put up fake storefronts. The elevator and escalators look the same today, but the rest of the mall has been updated.
Drop Dead Gorgeous wasn’t filmed at the mall. It was shot in Farmington, Chaska and Waconia, where the famous burning swan parade float scene was filmed on First Street. There is one scene where Christy Alley is outside the Eden Prairie Mall, claiming to be standing outside the Mall of America. You can see the Eden Prairie sign in the background. It makes me laugh every time.
Minnesota Movie Locations FAQ
Where was the Lake Minnetonka scene in Purple Rain filmed?
Not at Lake Minnetonka. It was filmed on the Minnesota River along Henderson Station Road, just south of Henderson, in November 1983.
Was Fargo filmed in Minnesota?
Mostly, yes. Fargo was filmed around the Twin Cities, including Edina, Mahtomedi and Chanhassen, with some snowy scenes shot in North Dakota because Minnesota had a mild winter.
Where was Mallrats filmed?
At Eden Prairie Center in Eden Prairie, in early 1995.
Ready for Adventure
Minnesota is full of recognizable movie landmarks, from the Minnesota River bank in Purple Rain to the cliffs of the North Shore. Mix in a few outdoor adventures, charming small towns and a diner breakfast, and your movie-inspired road trip will be one to remember.
