Minnesota is one of the most unique travel destinations in the United States.
Minnesota attracts a modest number of tourists annually, especially during the summer. During this period, a ton of events are lined up, including the Minnesota State Fair and the Minneapolis Aquatennial, which takes place in the state’s most populous city.
If you’re traveling to Minnesota this summer, then it’s important you pack prepared. Here are 10 essentials to never forget when visiting Minnesota in the months of June, July and August.
Swimsuit
Minnesota is not called the Land of 10,000 Lakes for no reason. In fact, there are over 11,800 lakes in the State, offering a charming array of aquatic adventures. To make the most of these water activities, be sure you’re swim-ready with a swimsuit and other similar accessories.
Sandals or Walking Shoes
Hiking is a common tourist event in Minnesota, so come with comfortable shoes. While sandals are the best option for beach trips and lake activities, you may need more breathable sneakers for its flatland and rocky terrains.
First Aid Kit
It’s almost impossible to rule out injuries or mishaps in Minnesota, and this danger increases depending on the type of outdoor activity you’re engaging in. But with the cost of medical care surging in the State, you may need to rely on first aid kits for minor injuries. On the flip side, you may take out a travel health insurance policy to protect against high treatment costs.
Umbrellas and Ponchos
Brace yourself for occasional light showers, even in the summer. A compact umbrella or a ready to wear rain poncho could make all the difference when the unpredictable weather of the North Star State kicks in.
Insect Repellant
Mosquitos and other insects are sort of prevalent in the State, especially if you would be going outdoor camping. In any case, you should remember to pack an insect repellant, possibly DEET, or any of the other natural bug spray options.
Sunscreen
The summer is unforgivably hot in Minnesota, with temperatures rising above 90°F. As a result, most travelers prefer to come with a sunscreen, preferably SPF 30 or higher. Besides that, you may also need a hat or cap to protect your head from direct sunlight when outdoors.
Mobile Phones
Your mobile phone is perhaps the single most-essential gadget to have while travelling to Minnesota. In fact, not only do today’s smartphones have a ton of functionality, but they also provide an additional entertainment source.
With a mobile phone, you wouldn’t need maps, a compass, a camera or an alarm clock. All these features already come pre-installed into your smartphone. You could also watch a movie, connect with locals on dating apps or play casino games.
Thanks to offshore platforms, there are dozens of Minnesota casino apps that offer access to unrestricted online gaming and bonuses. What’s more? Minnesota is also home to social casinos with the best sweepstakes features, customer support and gaming catalogs.
Power banks
Public outdoor charging stations are not so widely available in Minnesota. So, if you don’t have a gadget that can last all day with heavy use, you may want to consider coming with a power bank or power station. That way, you can prolong your phone’s battery and enjoy outdoor events without missing out on online perks.
Lightweight Clothing
Knowing the clothes to pack is an essential for every trip, and much more so for Minnesota given its rather divergent weather. For the afternoons, you can expect a warm atmosphere, and for that, pack breathable clothing, light t-shirts and accessories to match. However, in the evenings, things might get cooler so pack lightweight sweaters or jackets.
Reusable Water Bottle
Outdoor activities like biking the Root River Trail or hiking in Itasca State Park require proper hydration. Thankfully, Minnesota has some of the cleanest water in the US, with parks and campgrounds offering water refill stations. All you need is a durable and reusable water bottle that will keep you hydrated during your travels.
Honorable Mention: Binoculars
If you enjoy birdwatching, there are over 400 bird species in the state. There’s also the potential for stargazing or scenic viewing when you visit byways such as the North Shore Drive. Good binoculars and a camera would allow you to soak in all the beauty of nature that the Gopher State has in store.
Everyone looks forward to summer in Minnesota because it promises natural beauty and outdoor events at every turn. But with unpredictable weather and large water bodies, it might be a bummer if you’re not fully equipped for your trip.
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