Summer is rapidly approaching, and less time in the classroom means more time for fun with friends. In case you’ve been spending your time studying, rather than daydreaming, here are some great things to add to your own summer bucket list!

Music Festivals and concerts 

There’s nothing like good friends and great music to start the summer out right! Although, festivals and concerts can be more on the expensive side of things, if you are willing to spend the money, it’s a great option. From the Basilica Block Party on July 8 and 9 to the various performers who will be coming to the State Fair Grandstand, there is definitely a concert for you.

The State Fair

Which brings me to “The Great Minnesota Get Together”…spending your summer in Minnesota and not going the the fair would be like living on a lake and never going swimming. Though it may be hot and crowded, the great food and adorable baby animals make up for it. Go with your family or your friends–either way, it will be a great time. Plus, who doesn’t love deep fried food on a stick?

Road Trips

Road trips are always a great way to spend a summer day, and you don’t even have to go very far. Minnesota has tons of quaint towns—like Grand Marais, Stillwater, and Hudson–that are great day destinations. With their fun restaurants and various shops, you can be a tourist for as long as you want. Take control of your summer and visit somewhere you’ve never been!

 Cliff jumping

Although you will have to get parental permission for this, cliff jumping is always a great time, and the best part is that it is totally free. There are so many awesome places you can go cliff jumping, some of the most popular places being Quarry Park in St. Cloud, and various spots in Duluth. No matter where you decide to live this adventure, remember to be safe and smart.

Minnehaha Falls

Spending time outside is undeniably one of the best parts of summer, which is just one of the many reasons you should add this to your list. Minnehaha Falls is an incredibly popular place to visit during the summer months. From hiking to taking photos of the falls (and the cute dogs), every moment spent there is pure bliss. You can even stop at Sea Salts Eatery for some great seafood.

Ice Cream

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! Ice cream is an essential part of your summer diet… just trust me on this one. From Nelson’s to Grand Ole Creamery, there are tons of fantastic places to get your fill of the delicious treat.

College tours

Whether you like it or not, you are one year closer to graduating… scary, right? It only makes sense that you spend a few of your summer days checking out some university prospects; in fact, you could make a little road trip out of it. Two birds, one stone.

Hiking trails

After you tour that college, you may feel a little stressed; never fear, you can hike away the anxiety. Minnesota has so many great places to hike, you couldn’t even fit all the trails into a summer! From the various trails found up north, to more close by locations like Lebanon Hills, and Ritter Farm Park, you are sure to find the right place for you. Grab your dog, a friend, and hit the trails!

Art Museums

Use one of those inevitable rainy days to visit one of the many art museums the Twin Cities has to offer. The Minneapolis Institute of Arts has many different displays from older classics to more contemporary pieces, it is sure to peek your interest. Ranging in prices, there’s no doubt you will find the right museum to help fuel your inner art critic!

Kayaking and canoeing

We aren’t called the land of ten thousand lakes for nothin’! Head on over to Lake Calhoun and rent a kayak, or if you’d rather stay more local, check out Shultz lake in Eagan. All in all, there’s nothing better than a day out on the lake!

Is your bucket list overflowing? I thought it would be! There are so many great ways to spend your summer, so I urge you to put down your phone, logout of Netflix and enjoy the company of great friends and great places.

Have a wonderful summer!