10 Best Scenic Spots To Take Photos In Minnesota

If you're getting engaged, taking family photos, senior pictures or random glamour shots and you're looking for some outdoor backdrops you're in luck if you live in Minnesota!  I didn’t realize how many beautiful spots we had right here in our own backyard. Check out my top ten list of best scenic spots in the land of ten-thousand lakes!

1. Target Field, Minneapolis–Even if you’re not a huge fan of baseball, Target Field offers one of the most breathtaking views of the Minneapolis skyline I’ve ever seen. The outdoor stadium acts as a frame for the skyscrapers.

2. Apostle Island–This place becomes an ice palace in the winter. I’ve never been there before but I’ve seen videos on YouTube of their Ice caves–and it’s definitely something straight out of a story book! It’s on my bucket list of places to see! The Islands technically belong to Wisconsin, but they are located in Lake Superior.

3. Forestville/Mystery Caves, Preston–If you’re not a claustrophobic person, this place offers an amazing look at life underground–but, you’ll need to bring a jacket. Since it’s so far underground it doesn’t get hotter than 48 degrees in the summer. Above ground, you’ll find a really sweet restored “old time” villiage from the 1800’s.

4. Minnehaha Falls, Minneapolis–It has one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the state! It’s a great place to get your engagement photos, senior photos or any other photo you need taken. It is the perfect backdrop!

5. Munsinger/Clemens Gardens, St. Cloud–It’s a beautiful flower park that’s the perfect place to take a romantic stroll or to just sit alone and read a book by the river. It’s full of hundreds of different flowers and plants.

6. Split Rock Lighthouse, Two Harbors–Imagine every lighthouse picture you’ve ever seen on a postcard, or every romantic movie you’ve ever seen which involved a lighthouse by the water–this place is better than that. It’s like a seen from a movie. Check it out. It’s a great view and the perfect place for a date…or a proposal!

7. Itasca State Park, Lake Itasca--This is where it all begins. Of course, I’m talking about the Mississippi River. You can actually get your feet wet and walk across the rocks that mark the beginning! It’s a breathtaking view of the mighty Mississippi.

8. Saint John’s University, Collegeville–Saint John’s University was founded in 1857, making it one of the oldest universities in the Midwest! It sits next to three lakes and is surrounded by acres upon acres of forest and natural scenery. Saint John’s is the home of The Saint John’s Bible, the first handwritten Bible commissioned in more than 500 years.

9. Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Minneapolis–This place is full of giant sculptures and hundreds upon hundreds of flowers. It’s a beautiful place to take the family on a summer afternoon!

10. Taylor’s Falls Interstate Park, Taylor’s Falls–You’re completely surrounded by nature. Many people come here to go on long walks and hikes in the woods. There are massive cliffs that overlook the river. If you’re looking to get away for awhile and lose yourself in the woods, you’ll definitely want to check this place out.