Explore MN

Spring is just around the corner, and Minnesota's calendar is bursting with lively events that promise a bit of everything for everyone.

Discover the charm of Minnesota beyond tourist hotspots with off-the-beaten-path activities like meat raffles, pie stops, and free museum visits.

About 10 percent of Minnesota’s 1.5 million licensed anglers head back to their favorite lakes for ice fishing once they freeze. They can turn an empty, snow-covered bay into a winter village overnight, complete with houses, makeshift streets, lighting and laughter that often comes with this social winter sport.

Outstate Minnesota has plenty to offer in regards to events, dining, charm, accommodations, and shopping. Explore Minnesota's Jake Juliot examines some of the hot spots to visit this winter.

Minnesota offers numerous indoor and outdoor activities to do in the state each spring. Jake Juliot and Caitlin Hannah from Explore Minnesota have the following suggestions.

Like rainbow sprinkles on a cold scoop of vanilla, Minnesota’s small towns are both abundant and delightful. From well-known small towns like Ely, Pipestone and Nisswa, to the truly tiny towns highlighted below, there’s nothing quite like exploring a small Minnesota town with family, friends or even solo.

Minnesota is a great state to raise a family and the state also offers many family friendly activities to do year around including the winter months. Jake Juliot from Explore Minnesota joined me on WJON to highlight some activities.

Explore Minnesota's Alyssa Hayes joined me on WJON this week. She discussed the Art in Bloom MIA event in Minneapolis going on from Thursday-Sunday. The Mid West Music Fest is taking place in Winona April 29-30 and the WorldFest is happening in Marshall this Saturday.

On Monday, Minnesota's Tourism Department Explore Minnesota unveiled their new tourism campaign for the year -- "Find Your True North."