We asked, you answered—and thousands of votes later, the results are in. Our 2025 Readers’ Choice winners represent the restaurants, shops, experiences, and hidden gems that Minnesotans can’t get enough of. These are the local legends and community favorites that define what it means to live (and love) life in Minnesota. Congrats!
Click here to view the 2025 Best of MN editors’ picks.
Minnesota in 2025 was anything but ordinary—and neither is our annual Best of Minnesota list. Think of this as your ultimate cheat sheet to eating, drinking, playing, shopping, and living well across the state. We’ve combed through the hidden happy hours, chased down the stage spectacles, binged the podcasts, and even spotted the weirdest trends—all so you don’t have to.
This year’s winners are equal parts practical and playful: places to impress your out-of-town cousin, corners of culture you didn’t know you needed, and restaurants that are reshaping the dining scene. Whether you’re craving a Hmong chicken noodle soup worth a national spotlight, a road trip destination to fuel your inner child, or simply the best new spot to sip wine for $5, Minnesota Monthly’s Best of Minnesota is your go-to field guide. In short, we’ve tested, tasted, watched, wandered, and scrolled—so you can dive straight into the good stuff.
Let the people be heard! Click here to view the 2025 Best of MN: Readers’ Choice winners.
FOOD + DRINK
Chef of the Year: Karyn Tomlinson, Myriel
Karyn Tomlinson
Photo by Bill Phelps
Karyn Tomlinson won the 2025 James Beard Award for Best Chef Midwest, experienced the busiest her tiny St. Paul restaurant has ever been, and had a spinal fusion because of a life dealing with scoliosis. Her courage to take care of herself is impressive—but the way she empowers her team to step up and lead is even more so. We’ve always admired how Tomlinson reinvented herself from a pastry chef to a savory and culinary leader. Farm to table is more than a marketing slogan—it’s imbued in the heart and soul of Myriel, where a tasting menu experience features stories of Karyn being put in the will of some of her farming partners who want her to still be able to forage on their land when that time comes. We’re glad the nation has discovered this chef’s incredible ability to coax transcendent flavors out of simple and humble ingredients. Here at Minnesota Monthly, we’ve known all along what a talent she is. -JD
Best Dishes Worth Driving Across the State For: Lonesome Pine Restaurant & Bar
and Northern Waters Smokehaus
First, the escargot at Lonesome Pine in Deerwood. There’s something that cracks me up about having six perfectly broiled snails, swimming in garlic butter, in the adorable escargot serving pan, in a supper club on Bay Lake. It’s delicious, too! Then, there’s The Big Dipper Porketta at Northern Waters Smokehaus in Duluth. Everyone knows about the smoked fish at Northern Waters, but I drive to Duluth for the porketta with provolone, pepperoncini, and green olives, then I dip that bad boy in the zippy three-pepper sauce. -JD
Best Hidden-Gem Happy Hour: Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar
Shakopee’s Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar is redefining happy hour with taps as low as $3, $5 house wine and rails, and $5-$9 light bites like bruschetta, fried bologna sliders, and fresh-shucked oysters. Add in the 18,000-square-foot patio overlooking Canterbury Park, fire pits, lawn games, and live music, and you have one of the metro’s best-kept secrets. -AT
In his new book, three-time James Beard Award-winning Ogala Lakota chef, author, and activist Sean Sherman shares over 100 ancestral and modern recipes from North America’s Indigenous communities—shining a light on the foodways and ingredients that link the natural environments, traditions, and histories of Native people. If you want to learn about the rich history of Indigenous food systems and practice decolonization in your own kitchen, this book is an incredible resource. “I think it’s really important for us to understand the diversity and complexity of Indigenous peoples, not only in North America but beyond,” says Sherman. “I’m hoping that people can walk away with a better understanding of how much we’ve underutilized the amazing food systems of the Americas, and where colonization has also affected Indigenous peoples globally.” -MH
Best Revival of a Minnesota Classic: Chi-Chi’s
Nostalgia for fried ice cream and suburban-style Mexican is intense—and we’re here for the revival of Chi-Chi’s. Founded in Richfield in 1975, the founder’s son Michael McDermott is transforming his Rojo in St. Louis Park into the restaurant named after his mom. Investors have chipped in more than $2.3 million to support a rollout around the country. Expect a modern twist on the classic, including fresher and bolder ingredients. -JD
Most Anticipated Restaurant Crossover: Billy Sushi and NOLO’s
Every restaurateur in town wants to recapture the coolness of Chino Latino: the kind of place that everyone celebrated their 21st birthday at, and the bar was hopping until early in the morning. NOLO’s Kitchen & Bar and Billy Sushi seem the most likely to collab to make that happen. Next year, the owners of two of the trendiest restaurants in town will combine to open a new spot between Bar La Grassa and Parlour. Think Asian, Latin, and American influences. Fusion food, nightlife… the 90s are back, baby. -JD
ENTERTAINMENT + LEISURE
Best Minnesota Podcast: ‘Truer Crime’
Forget sensationalized storytelling—Celisia Stanton’s “Truer Crime” digs deeper. With nuance, empathy, and sharp analysis, the Minneapolis-based host reframes true crime to spotlight race, gender, justice, and the root causes of crime. A viral hit with nearly 150,000 TikTok followers (and 1.7M likes!), plus rave reviews, the podcast’s powerful third season debuted in August and is available on most streaming outlets. -AT
Best Breakout Performance: Kris Kollins as Prince in ‘Purple Rain’
While no one can truly encapsulate the artistry of Prince, Kris Kollins comes pretty close. This year, Kollins made his professional stage debut as The Kid in the pre-Broadway world premiere of “Purple Rain” at the State Theatre—which is an incredible feat in itself, but it’s even more special that he made his debut in Prince’s hometown. -MH
Best Live Music: Room3
Room3, a Minneapolis-based five-piece jazz fusion ensemble, creates a live sonic experience unlike any artist in recent history. Last spring, the group’s sold-out album release show at Dakota was a hypnotic glimpse into their colorful, imaginative universe, where preconceived ideas of music and genre were broken down and reconfigured into something completely new. While their latest album, “Bill’s Garden,” is available to stream, seeing it live is a sight to behold. Get to one of their gigs as soon as possible. -MH
Best Place to Pretend You’re on Vacation Without Leaving the State: Tioga Mine Pit
Near Cohasset and Grand Rapids, Tioga is a gateway to over 6,600 acres of pristine waterways that feel like a taste of the Caribbean—right here in Minnesota. Glide across turquoise-blue waters, relax on sandy shores, or dive deep into Iron Range history. With 20-plus feet of visibility and a depth of 225 feet, you can explore sunken mining relics for an adventure as vivid as it is unexpected. -AT
Best Free Thing to Do in Minnesota: Franconia Sculpture Park
Franconia Sculpture Park, in Shafer, Minnesota, is like a playground for the imagination—100 large-scale sculptures scattered across 50 acres of fields and woods. Welcoming 180,000 visitors annually, this open-air museum blends contemporary art, land installations, and plenty of quirky photo ops. Admission is free (donations encouraged), but the inspiration feels priceless. -AT
Most Jaw-Dropping Stage Design: ‘Beauty and the Beast’ at the Orpheum
Hennepin Arts’ production of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” set a new bar for spectacle. Projections that summoned wolves and painted spellbinding scenery, illusions that transformed the Beast into a man, and bursts of pyrotechnic fire combined to make this production a masterclass in theatrical wizardry. The stage became as much a star as the cast—turning a beloved fairytale into a jaw-dropping, world-class experience. -AT
SHOPPING + SERVICES
Weirdest Trend: Labubus
Those big-eyed, mischievous creatures you’ve seen popping up all over your feed? Meet the Labubus. Born from the world of collectible designer toys, they’ve gone from niche obsession to mall mainstay, with vending machines at Rosedale Center and recently opened Pop Mart at Mall of America doubling down on the craze. Cute, creepy, and totally addictive. -AT
Best New Store or Boutique: Shop My Closet
Located in the heart of Uptown, Shop My Closet brings a fresh energy and reformed model of consumerism to the neighborhood—one that is circular, collaborative, and altogether unique. Capitalizing on younger generations’ thirst for vintage and secondhand shopping opportunities, the store invites secondhand vendors to rent its closet spaces for up to a month, offering a revolving queue of one-of-a-kind collections for shoppers. The business model not only feeds shoppers’ burgeoning taste for uniqueness, but it also presents smaller brands with a prime opportunity for growth. -EE
Best Heritage Boutique: Scandinavian North
With about 1.6 million people of Nordic descent living in Minnesota (according to the 2025 World Population Review), it seems only fitting that our state has no shortage of Scandinavian heritage boutiques. With locations in Stillwater and Duluth, Scandinavian North is a prime example of the sleek minimalism of Nordic design, assembling a diverse range of clothing and jewelry, bags and backpacks, kitchenware, and home goods reflecting Danish, Icelandic, Swedish, Finnish, and Norwegian heritages. -EE
Best Self-Care Splurge: Face Foundrié
From inventive Minnesota startup to a 40-plus-location franchise, Face Foundrié’s revolutionary concept of fast-casual facials has exploded for a reason. Breaking down the barriers often associated with professional skin treatments—efficiency, affordability, and accessibility, to name a few—walking into Face Foundrié feels easier than walking into a nail appointment. And with a facial menu focusing on everything from anti-aging and wrinkle firming to hydration and acne treatment, it appeals to even the most hesitant of beauty consumers—whether you want to look good, feel good, or just relax for 40 minutes. -EE
Best Shop-and-Stroll Scene: 50th & France
The 50th & France neighborhood experienced a mini renaissance of sorts in 2025, welcoming a flurry of new fashion, dining, beauty, and fitness tenants to the fold. And from runway activations and collaborative retail events to vintage markets and open-air concerts, it appears these fresh additions have ignited a newfound energy in the venerable shopping district. Openings like local designer boutique The Fitting Room and sneaker and lifestyle haven Studiiyo bring diversity and edge to the fashion scene, while beauty spa Labb Collective and up-and-coming fitness boutique The Grind upgrade the neighborhood’s wellness offerings. To top things off, Daniel del Prado’s new “Mad Men”-inspired dining concept, Americana, will hit the block next year. -EE
Artisan of the Year: Kerry Brooks
Kerry Brooks of Dock 6 Pottery is rightly named our Artisan of the Year. Her commitment goes beyond crafting her signature wheel-thrown pottery with fused crackle glass; she is a passionate advocate for all handmade arts. Kerry proudly acknowledges that in 30 years, Dock 6 has employed nearly 1,000 potters and helped launch many notable careers, truly “making not just pots but other potters.” For Kerry, every piece created is functional art: “Seeing someone use something I made is the best feeling in the world.” She ensures that her pottery is meant to be enjoyed, from the hands that make it to the table it sits upon. -JS
Emma’s Trend Pick: Western Chic
Boots and fringe. Oversized belt buckles. Denim on denim. Bolo ties. The basic essentials of the Western wardrobe have seamlessly bled into the mainstream over the past few years. And when styled right, they’re surprisingly chic (yes, even bolo ties). Thanks to its decades-long romanticization across popular media—from Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” to Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter”—the look feels at once retro and timely, embodying an Americana spirit of adventure and freedom, while simultaneously allowing for modernization and reinvention. And despite being acceptable rodeo attire, the trend perfectly melds with everyday basics, encompassing both your faded vintage Levi’s and your favorite suede Frye boots. -EE
UNIQUELY MINNESOTA
Best Unexpected Celeb Collab: Ben Percy with Stephen King
This year, Minnesota author Benjamin Percy teamed up with horror legend Stephen King on “The End Times,” a serialized post-apocalyptic newspaper novel. Printed at the Ortonville Independent, the project is both a throwback and an experiment in form. In August, Percy told us, “King has always taken big experimental swings, and that inspired me. So, I sent him a note saying, ‘No pressure, but here’s what I’m doing—it would be amazing if you wanted to contribute. To my surprise and delight, he wrote back within five minutes: ‘Hell yeah, I’m in.’” Check out badhandbooks.com for physical and digital subscriptions. -AT
Best Moment in Minnesota Sports: Minnesota Frost’s Second Walter Cup Win
Best Minnesota Mention in Pop Culture: ‘Love Is Blind’ Season 8
Netflix’s “Love Is Blind” planted its pods in Minneapolis for Season 8, giving viewers a front-row seat to the city’s skyline, hot spots, and drama. From awkward first dates to romantic proposals, the season cast Minnesota as a pop culture backdrop, cementing the Twin Cities as more than a setting—it’s must-watch television. -AT
Best Game Changer: Blaize Shiek and Louie Conn, Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders
Earlier this year, Blaize Shiek and Louie Conn made history as the first male cheerleaders to join the Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders squad, redefining what game-day spirit looks like in Minnesota. Their debut sparked heated debate, but also marked a bold step toward inclusivity in professional sports—proving that passion, athleticism, and pride on the sidelines know no gender, and inspiring fans and athletes alike. -AT
Best Symbol of Civic Leadership: Crop Art Portraits of Speaker Melissa Hortman
To honor the late Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, who were tragically killed in their home earlier this year, some Minnesotans turned to artwork to process their grief. There were at least five tributes to the Hortmans at the Minnesota State Fair’s Crop Art Exhibit, including a detailed portrait of Melissa made by Representative Athena Hollins. A true testament to the indelible mark left by Speaker Hortman on the state of Minnesota, these works capture the couple’s legacy and the community’s profound sense of loss after their passing. -MH
Tucked deep in Cuyuna’s woods, this isn’t just a cabin—it’s an experience. Set on a secluded mine lake with 5 acres of privacy, this one-of-a-kind escape almost disappears into the forest—thanks to triple-pane glass with UV coating that birds can see but people can’t. Depending on the sun and weather, the cabin blends so seamlessly with its surroundings, that it feels like magic. Inside and out, every detail is designed for both tranquility and adventure, from a hot tub, sauna, and stargazing net to a firepit and private beach. Book online at cuyunacabins.com. -AT
There’s something undeniably poetic about watching a thunderstorm sweep across the treetops while you’re dry and warm inside, barefoot with a blanket across your lap. That’s exactly how our first night at Nordlys Lodging Co. unfolded—rain tapping against floor-to-ceiling glass and a tin roof as we settled into the Longhouse, one of two boutique cabins burrowed on a forested bluff in Frederic, Wisconsin.
Just 80 miles northeast of the Twin Cities, Nordlys offers a kind of quiet luxury that’s harder and harder to find. Built with intentionality and stunning restraint, the cabins blend seamlessly into the 140-acre property while elevating every comfort inside. The Longhouse, a 1,200-square-foot modern cabin, is designed to draw your eye outward. Every room offers a unique view of the woods or water. From the cozy king suite to the sleek dine-in kitchen (with seating for six), each space is bathed in natural light and filled with thoughtful details.
The owners, who began vacationing in this part of northwest Wisconsin decades ago, have created something special here—a retreat that is as much about its architecture as it is about immersion in nature. Minneapolis-based SALA Architects designed both cabins, and it shows: clean Scandinavian lines, chef-worthy kitchens, spa-like showers, and a deep respect for the surrounding land.
At Nordlys, the thoughtful touches begin the moment you arrive—starting with a beautifully curated welcome basket. Stocked with locally sourced goodies like coffee from Northern Coffeeworks (Minneapolis), pancake mix from Sturdiwheat (Red Wing), and maple syrup from nearby Morley’s, it’s everything you need for a cozy first breakfast. There’s even tea, muesli, honey, and marshmallows for fireside treats—all plus a packet of wildflower seeds to take a little bit of the Northwoods home with you.
Near the welcome basket, we found the guestbook—a nod to the Scandinavian tradition of the hyttebok, or “cabin book.” Guests jot down highlights, reflections, and little stories, adding to the cabin’s collective memory. It’s part travel journal, part time capsule. Carefully reading each person and family’s experiences, I felt an instant connection that stirred up my own curiosity of what we’d uncover while staying at Nordlys. Stories ranged from a local artist who was seeking renewed inspiration and “babymooners” to a group of gals for a bachelorette party and family staycations (the farthest visitors were from Texas).
The beds here are the kind you dream about—literally. Outfitted with plush Avocado Green mattresses and layered in crisp, organic Quince sheets, each bed is designed for deep, restorative rest. Thoughtful details and clean, modern furnishings from Minneapolis-based Room & Board and throw blankets from Faribault Mill round out the serene, design-forward spaces.
The Longhouse’s most memorable feature may just be its screened porch—less an addition and more a destination in itself. Connected to the main cabin by a charming bridge over a dry creek bed, this semi-attached porch feels like a sanctuary suspended in the trees, with views of the lake just below the hill. This isn’t your average screened porch. It’s climate-conscious and comfort-forward, equipped with motorized screens to keep the bugs out and ceiling-mounted infrared heaters to keep the chill off your shoulders. It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to sip morning coffee wrapped in a wool sweater or linger with a glass of wine as the sky dims and swans call from the water. (Or if you stay out there late enough, you might catch a glimpse of the northern lights.)
The porch also hosts an outdoor, glass-walled Cedar + Stone Nordic sauna—another architectural marvel built with intention. Hailing from Duluth, this sauna honors both Scandinavian heritage and Midwestern craftsmanship. Just steps down a paved path from the screened porch, Nordlys’ wood-fired hot tub feels like a secret forest soak. Whether you’re easing into the warm, cedar-scented water on a crisp night or using it as a cold plunge tub as part of a refreshing Nordic cycle (with the sauna), this outdoor amenity turns any evening into a spa-worthy ritual—steam rising, stars overhead, and the quiet woods all around.
Inside, a well-stocked closet overflows with board games, puzzles, books, and even binoculars for a little wildlife spotting from your window seat—or post up at the digital piano for a spontaneous concert. Step outside and you’ll find a world of natural wonder waiting. Hike miles of wooded trails, pedal scenic gravel roads on a complimentary Surly bike (another Minnesota-based company), or glide across the lake in a kayak or pedal boat. Come winter, trade hiking boots for snowshoes, lace up your skates for the frozen lake, or grab a snow tube and embrace your inner kid.
Nordlys may feel like the middle of nowhere—in the best possible way—but it’s surrounded by a bounty of nearby adventures just waiting to be explored. Just 6 miles away, Straight Lake State Park offers serene solitude and glacier-carved beauty, with miles of quiet trails and calm waters for paddling. For wildlife lovers, McKenzie Creek Wildlife Area and Crex Meadows deliver the goods: 5,000 and 30,000 acres, respectively, of lush forest, wetlands, and prime bird-watching territory.
Dreaming of thru-hiking? Get a taste on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, which winds right through the area. Somers Lake Park is practically next door, with trails and lake views perfect for an easy stroll, while the Gandy Dancer trail and Trade River Trail Area cater to cyclists, skiers, and cross-country trekkers alike.
And yes—Nordlys is dog-friendly. Our well-traveled dachshund, Penny, was as relaxed as we were, curling up on the floor near the wide windows and exploring the wooden decks with gusto. Even she seemed to understand this was a place to exhale.
Whether you’re seeking solitude or just a slower pace, Nordlys delivers (and then some). It’s a place that encourages presence, not performance. The Wi-Fi is fast, but the vibe is soft. You come here to rest, recharge, and reconnect—whether with your partner or the quiet version of yourself you sometimes forget in city life.
NEARBY & NOTEWORTHY
Nordlys feels wonderfully tucked away, but you’re never far from small-town charm.
Frederic
Just 5 miles east, Frederic is your go-to for groceries, gas, and grab-and-go bites. For a classic Wisconsin tavern experience, Friendly Tavern delivers cold drinks and warm hospitality. Looking for indoor fun? Head to The 300 Club for bowling and casual bites. And don’t miss the One 10 Gallery, where you can browse contemporary art and find unique gifts.
Luck
Venture 11 miles south to Luck—a lakeside town as pleasant as its name, perched on the shores of Big Butternut Lake. Grab a cozy breakfast or afternoon latte at Cafe Wren, a beloved local spot with daily scratch-made fare and local artists’ work. Or treat yourself head to toe at 710 Salon & Day Spa, a full-service oasis where you can shop, unwind, and indulge in everything from massages and facials to mani-pedis and microblading.
Siren
Head 11 miles north to Siren and stop by Chipmunk Cheeks Gourmet Treats for house-made fudge, 24-plus flavors of Olson’s Ice Cream, and a colorful selection of nostalgic and trendy sweets—from boba tea to acai bowls. Then pop over to Thread Shed Boutique, a stylish spot that curates fashionable finds for women of all sizes and ages. Or check out an adult painting class at Jellybeana’s Craft & Paint.
Minnesota native Marisa Coughlan is coming home—both literally and artistically—with her new film “Blue Eyed Girl,” which she wrote, produced, and stars in. Filmed entirely in Minneapolis, the heartfelt dramedy hits VOD on Nov. 21. The project, inspired by her late father, is a deeply personal love letter to family, second chances, and the city that shaped her.
Coughlan—known for her cult-favorite roles in “Super Troopers,” “Teaching Mrs. Tingle,” and “Boston Legal”—moved back to Minneapolis in 2016 after a successful Hollywood career. With “Blue Eyed Girl,” she channels both her creative evolution and her Midwestern roots. The story follows a woman in her forties navigating family dynamics, lost dreams, and rediscovered purpose after returning home to care for her ailing father.
The film’s emotional heartbeat lies in its balance of humor and honesty—a mix of suburban nostalgia and raw reflection. Through Coughlan’s writing, “Blue Eyed Girl” explores that liminal space between youth and midlife, where “what could have been” meets “what is.” It’s tender, funny, and deeply human, grounded in the recognizable charm of Minneapolis streets and the quiet beauty of coming home. Available Nov. 21 to stream on Amazon, Apple TV, and all major platforms where you rent/buy new releases.
Split Rock Lighthouse and the Minnesota Historical Society are observing the 50th anniversary of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald’s sinking. The annual Memorial Beacon Lighting at Split Rock will pay homage to the crew of the ship and all those lost in Lake Superior. On Nov. 10 at 4 p.m., the lighthouse will temporarily close for a rendition of the naval hymn, followed by the names of the 29 crew members read aloud to the tolling of a ship’s bell. After the ceremony, the beacon will be lit in their honor. (Read more about Remembering the Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald: 50 Years Later here.)
Tickets to the in-person event are sold out, but it will be streamed on Split Rock Lighthouse’s Facebook Page, and the Minnesota Historical Society’s YouTube channel.
California Building
Photo by Lisa Roy
Discover unique treasures, meet artists, and get a jump on holiday gifts
What: Art Attack! and California Dreamin’ When: Nov. 14-16 Where: Art Attack!: The Northrup King Building, 1500 Jackson St. NE, Minneapolis
California Dreamin’: California Building, 2205 California Street NE, Minneapolis
Two major Northeast Minneapolis art destinations are presenting free open studio events, right on time for holiday shopping and year-round inspiration. More than 450 artists and about 140 open studios will participate in Art Attack! at the Northrup King Building and California Dreamin’ in the California Building. Both events feature art in a wide variety of disciplines, from painting, printmaking and photography to pottery, mixed media, jewelry, furniture, woodworking, textiles, sculpture, and more.
Celtic Christmas
Photo by Sean Higgins
Share in the spirit of “Nollaig Shona” (Happy Christmas)
What: A Celtic Christmas When: Nov. 16, 4 p.m. Where: The Fitzgerald Theater, 10 E Exchange St., St Paul
A Taste of Ireland will make a tour stop in Saint Paul with its lineup of world Irish dance champions to share the spirit of “Nollaig Shona” (Happy Christmas). Combining dance moves with high-energy Irish tunes, ballads, and favorite carols, this high-energy show features stars from “Lord of the Dance” and “Riverdance” as well as other World Champions, plus live musicians, to transport audiences to Christmas in Ireland.
“Family Dinner”
Photo: Hennepin Arts
Embrace the comedy of family holiday dinners
What: “Family Dinner” When: Now through Dec. 27 Where: Dudley Riggs Theatre, 824 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis
Created and directed by Twin Cities improv icon Molly Ritchie and presented by Hennepin Arts, “Family Dinner” features a rotating cast of improvisers who explore all the ways that going home for the holidays can be challenging—and funny. In this completely improvised two-act play, as a family gathers to enjoy a traditional holiday dinner, audience members learn about their history, relationships, and the things that make this family unique. Each family member is assigned a secret selected from audience suggestions, and in the second act, the cast sits down to eat an actual meal with the evening culminating in all the drama that only a family and food can produce. “Because it’s funny when it’s not your family…”
Featuring more than 200 objects from Cambodia’s Khmer Empire, this exhibition features a colossal sculpture of the Hindu god Vishnu—a Cambodian national treasure—and offers an unprecedented look at Khmer bronze artistry brought to light through recent archaeological discoveries. View sacred traditions and their cultural significance in statues, ritual objects, and artifacts that reveal a blend of artistic mastery, religious devotion, and royal power.
The days might be getting shorter, and the temperatures are dropping, but so many organizations still need volunteers to get them through the coming winter. Check out these opportunities below to help your Minnesota community continue to thrive!
OUTDOORS
Minnesota DNR Prepare Minnesota’s Scientific and Natural Areas (SNA) sites for the winter via seed collection, brush cutting, and brush burning. Several upcoming volunteer events are available at Lost Prairie Valley SNA and Wolsfeld Woods SNA. Check the DNR’s SNA calendar for more information on these upcoming opportunities.
Become a rainfall monitor, a network of over 20,000 volunteers nationwide that collect data right in their backyards. The program—done in collaboration of Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow Network (CoCoRaHS)—also collects snowfall.
The Adopt-a-WMA Program offers both individuals and groups the chance to “adopt” Wildlife Management Areas and help maintain these public lands in cooperation with wildlife managers. The program features several levels of management, from hand tasks like garbage pick-up to technical equipment usage like mowing trails—making it perfect for people of varying availability and skills.
Superior Hiking Trail Association Boasting more than 300 miles of trails, the Superior Hiking Trail offers runners, hikers, and bikers beautiful views of Minnesota’s North Shore, made possible through the Superior Hiking Trail Association and its many volunteers. Check online for upcoming volunteer opportunities.
HUMAN SERVICES
Simpson Housing Services
Help Simpson Housing Services serve those impacted by homelessness across the Minneapolis region. This nonprofit offers a plethora of options including meal serving, prep cooking, shelter support, tutoring, and more. Right now, Simpson Housing is looking for volunteers to serve 60 lunches and 45 dinners at Simpson Shelter this holiday season. Click here for more information how how to donate supplies.
Arrive Ministries
Refugee resettlement agency Arrive Ministries has been aiding immigrants and refugees across the Twin Cities and beyond since the 1980s. Arrive offers volunteer opportunities year-round, including practical support for its staff like multimedia capturing and warehouse organization, as well as direct support for immigrants and refugees. Many opportunities are available at Arrive’s regional locations including St. Cloud, Willmar, and Rochester.
The Arc Minnesota
Get involved in public policy efforts through The Arc Minnesota—a statewide organization supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Participate in events like Tuesdays at the Capitol, Get Out the Vote, and more to ensure your local and state representatives understand the issues impacting the disabled community.
Arc also runs Arc’s Value Village, a chain of thrift stores that fund the organization via selling clothing, household goods, books and more to the disabled community. Arc is always looking for volunteers to help sort goods and tag donations and offers flexible hours for any schedule. More info on volunteer opportunities as well as upcoming events can be found online.
Angel Foundation
Angel Foundation, a Minnesota nonprofit supporting adults with cancer and their families, helps ease one of the toughest conversations through its Angel Packs™—therapeutic toolkits designed with child life experts to help parents talk to their kids about cancer. Each age-specific kit includes comforting, educational tools like storybooks, stuffed animals, and journals. Volunteer groups are invited monthly to help assemble these meaningful kits, which are distributed free to families across Minnesota. View the online calendar to learn more about upcoming events.
CULTURE & COMMUNITY
Doing Good Together
Teaching and implementing acts of kindness begins at a young age, which is why Doing Good Together (DGT) is focused on helping families raise service-focused children through programs, tools, and activities that give back to myriad communities in need. In partnership with other local, state, and national organizations, DGT is a convenient, family-oriented platform with opportunities that will fit any family like hosting donation drives, food packing, senior assistance, and more.
In addition, DGT helps families host Family Service Fairs, a festival-style community event bringing families to one location to learn more about organizations, schools, and even businesses looking to have their next gathering focused on giving.
Gay For Good
Gay For Good (G4G) boasts several volunteer opportunities year-round that service multiple communities, all while creating a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community to volunteer and foster diversity, inclusion, and community giving. View volunteer opportunities online.
Chicago Avenue Fine Arts Center
Chicago Avenue Fine Arts Center (CAFAC)—a community-based arts organization in Minneapolis—helps develop and manage several public art projects and hosts events throughout the year, both of which are always in need of volunteers. Find out more here.
ANIMAL SERVICES
North Star Therapy Animals
Are you a handler looking to bring your animal partner to schools, hospitals, hospice centers, and libraries? For almost two decades, North Star Therapy Animals has improved lives throughout the Twin Cites metro community by providing high-quality therapy animal teams and services. Start by signing up for a therapy animal training session and get your furry friend—from cats and dogs to rabbits and rats—ready to bring smiles to faces.
Ruff Start Rescue
Shelter and care for stray, neglected, abandoned, and surrendered animals with Ruff Start Rescue. With both remote and in-person opportunities available, Ruff Start has options for several skillsets. Volunteer in the office and become a cat snuggler or cat caretaker. Lead educational programing or become a transport volunteer and help give dogs potty breaks, fresh food and water, and general love. Ruff Start is also consistently looking for event volunteers, as the nonprofit hosts multiple events throughout the year; check out Ruff Start’s calendar to see upcoming events.
In his new book, three-time James Beard Award-winning Ogala Lakota chef, author, and activist 
Forget sensationalized storytelling—Celisia Stanton’s 
With about 1.6 million people of Nordic descent living in Minnesota (according to the 2025 World Population Review), it seems only fitting that our state has no shortage of Scandinavian heritage boutiques. With locations in Stillwater and Duluth, 
This year, Minnesota author Benjamin Percy teamed up with horror legend Stephen King on 
At Nordlys, the thoughtful touches begin the moment you arrive—starting with a beautifully curated welcome basket. Stocked with locally sourced goodies like coffee from 
If agri-venture is more your speed, swing by nearby orchards and farms like 
