Shovel Point at Tettegouche State Park. Photo courtesy of Positive Energy Outdoors.
Minnesota has its iconic views: looking up at Minnehaha Falls, or down on Duluth’s Aerial Lift Bridge from the city above. Here are a few of the state’s most unusual perspectives.
1. From the sky: Up and at ’em
From Monticello to Minneapolis, Minnesota Helicopters offers tours in every part of the state. Design your own route, or sign up for a pre-planned path through the skies. BYO barf bags.
2. From a rope: It’s (mostly) all uphill
C’mon, the only thing cuter than helmet hair is harness heinie, and rock climbing tours provide both. Outdoor course options in Duluth and the North Shore offer amazing views, and you can marvel at the sky above as you rappel down a sheer cliff face.
3. From the water: Nama-stay on your board
Find inner peace as you pray for calm Lake Nokomis waters during a Paddle Board Yoga class (with a fresh view of Minneapolis: upside down and blissfully balanced). Start with a beginner class if you need to work your way up to standing.
4. From the cockpit of a tank: crushing it
What’s more badass than barreling over stuff in a fully armored, rented tank from Kasota, MN’s Drive A Tank? Depending on the level of destruction you can handle, choose between a drive around a track, a one-car smash, a two-car smash, or a house run-over. Camo recommended, helmet required.
Crushing it. Photo courtesy of Drive A Tank
5. From the top deck: Royalty only
Channel your inner Kate Middleton on the “Princess” or the “Queen,” two boats in Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tour’s fleet. The company offers rides down the St. Croix river with a guide who can point out rock formations and noted sites. The open top deck may be the best-hidden rooftop secret in Minnesota.
