Things to Do in the Summer in Minnesota

Author

THE SHORES OF LAKE PHALEN MN

For more information about the author, click to view their website: The Shores of Lake Phalen

Posted on

Jul 10, 2023

Book/Edition

Minnesota - Twin Cities Metro Area

share-this
Share This

Things to Do in the Summer in Minnesota

Visit the Minnesota State Fair.

Also known as the Great Minnesota Get-Together, this massive event has something for everyone: tasty food, fun rides, live music, attractions, and more. Don’t forget to pick up some chocolate chip cookies and milk from Sweet Martha’s! This annual event occurs for 12 days, ending on Labor Day.

Stargaze in Voyageurs National Park.

Due to the low levels of light pollution, Voyageurs National Park is an excellent spot to admire the constellations! Plus, this is the only water-based national park in the country.

Go for a bike ride.

Relax and get some exercise in the great outdoors! Two great paths for beginner bicyclists are the Canon Valley Trail and the Midtown Greenway.

Take a boat tour of Lake Itasca.

The great Mississippi River starts right here in Minnesota, at Lake Itasca! Although you could certainly hike around the lake or rent a canoe or kayak, why not take it easy with a boat tour? You’ll learn about local wildlife as well as logging and Native American history.

Visit a lighthouse.

Numerous photogenic lighthouses dot the shores of Minnesota’s lakes, and many of them have nearby parks and hiking trails. Take a day-trip to one of these beauties: Split Rock Lighthouse, Grand Marais Lighthouse, Two Harbors Lighthouse, Duluth North Pier Lighthouse, and Minnesota Point Lighthouse.

Admire Minnesota’s picturesque waterfalls.

While you’ve got your camera out, stop by some of Minnesota’s beloved waterfalls. Top picks include Minnehaha Falls, Ramsey Falls, Wolf Creek Falls, Gooseberry Falls, High Falls, Vermillion Falls, Minneopa Falls, and Minnemishinona Falls.

Check out the North Shore.

The north shore of Lake Superior is a wonderful spot to enjoy the natural beauty of Minnesota. Why not go fishing dockside? Or maybe you could hit the green at one of the area’s many golf courses. There are also hiking trails, bike paths, and kayak rentals.

Pick berries at a local farm.

There are loads of pick-your-own berry farms around the state. Though the varieties depend on the farm and the season, you might be able to pick strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries. Some favorite spots include The Strawberry Basket (in Monticello), The Berry Patch (in Forest Lake), and The Blueberry Fields of Stillwater.

Enjoy a lovely afternoon of learning.

If you would prefer to spend your day indoors in the refreshing AC, why not check out a museum? Here are just a few of your options:

Charles Lindbergh House & Museum

Great Lakes Aquarium

Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum

Minneapolis Institute of Art

Minnesota Children’s Museum

Minnesota Marine Art Museum

Paisley Park (Prince’s home and studio)

Red Wing Shoe Store & Museum

Science Museum of Minnesota

SPAM Museum

Walker Art Center

Delve deep into Niagara Cave.

Another cool option (it remains 48 degrees Fahrenheit year-round), Niagara Cave is a 200-foot-deep limestone cave. It includes a 60-foot waterfall, an underground river, a gemstone mining sluice, and more.

Cheer on the Minnesota Twins.

Visit the beloved Twins’ home stadium, Target Field, in Minneapolis. Grab a hot dog and some Cracker Jacks and root for the home team!

Go shopping at the Mall of America.

Well, we say shop, but shopping’s just one thing you can do at this absolute behemoth. In addition to stores, the Mall of America contains roller coasters, an aquarium, a movie theater, a comedy club, restaurants, and much more.

Check Minnesota Monthly’s calendar for local events.

Embrace your local community by attending a festival or other social event. Here are just a few of the events occurring around the state this summer:

Pan-O-Prog (July 9-16, 2023)

Lumberjack Days (July 14-16, 2023)

Minnesota Original Music Festival (July 19-23, 2023)

There are so many fun things to do in the summer in Minnesota. What’s on your bucket list?

The Shores of Lake Phalen is an assisted living community in a quiet, peaceful environment in Maplewood, Minnesota. We offer numerous health and safety amenities, fun events and activities, a friendly and accommodating staff, and much more. Schedule a tour of the community to explore our spacious apartments, elegant dining room, and more. We look forward to hearing from you! 

Other Articles You May Like

Embracing Pickleball's Benefits: A Game-Changer for Seniors' Health and Well-being

Pickleball has emerged as a beloved sport for seniors, offering many benefits for their physical, social, and cognitive well-being. So, whether you're a seasoned player or a beginner looking for a new hobby, consider embracing pickleball as a game-changer for your overall health and happiness in your golden years.As we age, staying physically active becomes essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and enjoying more vitality and well-being. Fortunately, there is a sport that has gained popularity among seniors in recent yearspickleball. Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, offering numerous benefits for older adults. From improving cardiovascular health to fostering social connections, this low-impact sport has proven to be a game-changer for seniors seeking an enjoyable and accessible way to stay fit. Let's delve into the world of pickleball and explore the benefits for older individuals. Low-Impact Exercise One of the most significant advantages of pickleball for seniors is its low-impact nature. Unlike high-impact sports like running or basketball, pickleball places less stress on joints, reducing the risk of injuries and joint pain. The game is played on a smaller court, requiring less lateral movement and putting less strain on the knees, hips, and ankles. The low-impact nature of the game makes pickleball an ideal choice for seniors with arthritis or those recovering from joint-related surgeries.Furthermore, the game's slower pace allows seniors to build endurance gradually while engaging in a moderate-intensity workout. Combining aerobic and anaerobic movements in pickleball enhances cardiovascular health, lowers blood pressure, and strengthens the heart. Regular sessions help seniors improve their overall fitness levels, stamina, and balance, reducing the likelihood of falls and enhancing their independence. Social Interaction and CommunityPickleball is more than just a sport; it's a social activity that fosters connections among seniors. Many communities and retirement centers now offer pickleball facilities, bringing people together to play and socialize. The game's doubles format encourages teamwork, communication, and camaraderie, making it an excellent opportunity for seniors to meet new people and develop lasting friendships. Playing pickleball promotes a sense of belonging and community involvement, which can combat feelings of loneliness and isolation. Seniors who participate in pickleball leagues or join clubs often report increased happiness and improved overall quality of life. Cognitive BenefitsPickleball isn't just a physical workout; it also offers numerous cognitive benefits for seniors. The game requires strategy, quick thinking, and hand-eye coordination, stimulating the brain and promoting mental agility. Regular pickleball play can enhance cognitive function, memory, and problem-solving skills, reducing the risk of age-related cognitive decline. Moreover, pickleball provides a unique opportunity for seniors to engage in continuous learning. Whether learning new techniques, refining their shots, or adapting their gameplay, seniors can continuously challenge themselves and expand their skill set. This mental stimulation contributes to maintaining a sharp mind and a sense of accomplishment. Pickleball has emerged as a beloved sport for seniors, offering many benefits for their physical, social, and cognitive well-being. The low-impact nature of the game allows seniors to remain active without putting excessive strain on their bodies. The social aspect of pickleball fosters a sense of community and combats social isolation. Additionally, the cognitive demands of the game help seniors stay mentally sharp and agile. So, whether you're a seasoned player or a beginner looking for a new hobby, consider embracing pickleball as a game-changer for your overall health and happiness in your golden years. Get on the court and start experiencing the remarkable advantages of pickleball today! Comfort Keepers Can HelpCaring for others and ourselves can take a lot of thought and preparation as we age. Our Comfort Keeperscan help encourage seniors to meet activity guidelines, recommend ways to add more physical activity to their day, and can help to motivate a senior to stay active. Our trained caregivers can provide transportation to a local park, a trail, or greenways to enjoy a walk together or watch a pickleball game. Caregivers can drive clients to scheduled doctor appointments, provide mobility assistance and meal preparation, and help with activities of daily living. We believe in Elevating the Human Spirit by providing our clients with practical assistance and daily moments of joy. By giving equal parts compassion, attention, and comfort, our goal is to help seniors feel independent again while promoting good health to enjoy their days. ResourcesNational Library of Medicine (NIH): Pickleball: Injury Considerations in an Increasingly Popular SportAmerican Institute for Preventive Medicine: What can the Well-Being Industry Learn from Pickleball?Medical University of South Carolina: Pickleball: Fastest Growing Sport Especially for Seniors

40 Activity Ideas To Spend Time Together

Some of the best time spent together is simply talking and connecting. Whether its chatting over a board game, making dinner, or watching a favorite movie together, having go-to activities are great fool-proof ideas to spend time with loved ones. But it can also be refreshing and fun to shake up your routine by incorporating new ideas. These fun ideas for caregivers and families focus on activities to do with seniors. Some are free or affordable, others may require some planning ahead, but all ideas can be done at home, together or apart, to bring joy and make new memories.Have a spelling bee; really challenge yourselfRead suspense or romance novels out loudOrder an herb garden online, and watch it growOrder supplies to garden in a potOrder supplies from an online crafts store for your loved ones favorite hobby or something fun and newHave your senior narrate parts of their life for you. Write down the memories and create a booklet with photos for you all to cherish.Picnic in the backyard or insideFashion show at homeWatch favorite classic moviesWatch classic TV shows from childhood together and talk about itHave fun with adult coloring booksPaint by numbers Read your horoscope every dayMake a Sundae bar at homeGather items to donateOrganize a room, a drawer or closetPhone or video calls with familyLook at old albums and yearbooksTry scrap bookingWatching the Travel Channel or History Channel Voice journalingCreate a recipe book for the familyHave fun with Snapchat filtersWatch documentariesHave a culture day. Watch a foreign film and cook a meal Play online BingoPut together a collagePlay CharadesHave a formal teaMake origamiPress flowersMake greeting cardsOrder supplies and paint rocksTry a new food or restaurantWatch old music videosStart corresponding with a pen palListen to music favorites; make a playlistDownload a new podcast or audiobookMake a family treeMake a time capsule

Grandfriends Adult Day Program Provides Compassionate Care for Adults Living with Dementia

GrandFriends Adult Day Program Provides Compassionate Care for Adults Living with Dementia The Grandfriends Adult Day Program, housed within the Via Health, Fitness and Enrichment Center, is an adult day program for adults living with dementia. Our mission is to provide older adults who need supervision and daily care with opportunities to stay mentally and physically healthy and avoid being placed in a nursing home. Last year we were approved as a provider through the Department of Veteran Affairs Community Care Network. This means veterans enrolled in the VA healthcare system are now eligible for adult day care services at Via at no cost to them through their VA benefits.Adult day programs promote improved health by offering older adults a place to go each day to receive care, nutritious meals, mental and physical stimulation, and companionship. Benefits to seniors in adult daycare include:         Helps preserve independence.         Provides an opportunity to socialize, resulting in increased alertness and activity.         Activities provide more structure, giving older adults something to anticipate and look forward to.         Physical exercise reduces symptoms of anxiety, improves stamina, health and balance and improves sleep. Caring for loved ones with dementia while managing work and family obligations is challenging. GrandFriends provides respite, allowing caregivers to continue life knowing their loved one is in a safe and caring environment. The program provides health and socialization benefits to clients living with dementia, including group fitness activities, games and activities that stimulate mental health, and socialization with peers.The program runs Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. through 5:30 p.m. to accommodate the work schedule of caregivers. The cost is $55 a day for one day a week or $50 a day for two or more days. This fee covers breakfast, lunch, and snacks, as well as most activity supplies. Transportation to and from the program within a 15-mile radius of The Via Center which is is also available at $3.00 for a one-way trip.The Via Center is centrally located at 1717 Dauphin Street in Mobile, Alabama. To schedule a tour and assessment of your loved one, contact our GrandFriends Supervisor, Christy Harvison, at 251-470-5228 or charvison@viamobile.org.