Climate
Minnesota has a continental climate with warm summers and extremely cold winters. Heavy snow can be expected from December to April, therefore drivers should consider winter tires and SUVs to manage the rough terrain. The best time to the state is from June to August when visitors can enjoy the outdoors and lakes, as well as the numerous state festivals and farmers markets.
Cuisine
Minnesota is known for its wild berries and hazelnuts, as well as a variety of fish, such as walleye and trout from its countless lakes. Salads are also popular in Minnesota, including potato, pasta and dessert salads. Its Scandinavian and German heritage is seen in items such as lutefisk, gravlax, lingonberries, sausages and sauerkraut. Recent immigration has brought a variety of foods from Vietnam, Somalia, Laos, and Mexico, such as cha-lua, taquitos, tortillas, and poblanos. The annual Minnesota State Fair is famous for its food "on a stick," including pronto pups and deep fried candy bars, as well as its local beer selection.
Traveling with Children
Minnesota is very kid-friendly. Aside from its incalculable natural attractions, like its numerous lakes and parks, where children can enjoy water sports and swimming, the state also features the Mill City Museum, the Minnesota Children's Museum and the Science Museum of Minnesota, which include numerous interactive activities for kids. Free passes for the museums are available at the local libraries. At the Park Zoo and Conservatory, children can enjoy story times, feed the animals and see the Sparky the Sea Lion show in summer, and at the Valleyfair amusement park, kids can ride the heart-stopping North Star and the thrilling Wild Thing, as well as meet and greet the Charlie Brown Peanuts Gang.