There’s no better place than the Minnesota State Fair to get a feel for what Minnesota is all about. The “Great Minnesota Get-Together” draws over 1.5 million attendees every year and is the largest 12-day fair in North America. The annual celebration features endless games and rides, animal exhibits, and over 400 free concerts. The fair celebrates everything that is special about Minnesota. If you’re looking for an experience you won’t find anywhere else, visit the North Woods area to see lumberjack and stunt dogs performances, and make sure to catch the State Fair Parade at 2pm every day. Popular musical artists visit the Grandstand each year to play to sold-out crowds. Food is also a highlight of the State Fair; past culinary innovations included SPAM sushi, deep fried grilled cheese bites, and a Reuben pickle dog!

The combination of classical and modernist architecture makes the building signed by two of the most important Scandinavian architects, Fehn and Grosch, an attraction in itself. Here you can find changing exhibitions related to different historical periods, with photos, models, and drawings, as well as a gift shop and café.

The Norwegian Maritime Museum is located on the Bygdøy peninsula. Here, visitors can enjoy fascinating environmental exhibitions about fishing, shipbuilding, sailing, marine archaeology, and an impressive collection of boat models and marine paintings.

Chaotian Gate is a great place to have a glimpse of the confluence of the Yangtze River and Jialing River. During early summer or mid-autumn, the contrast between the muddy Yangtze and the clear waters of Jialing becomes clear. Close to the river, you will find the dock for the many tour boats that travel along the city landmarks.