Southern Minnesota, Minnesota, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Southern Minnesota, Minnesota, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Southern Minnesota, below is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Southern Minnesota, Minnesota, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Southern Minnesota, Minnesota, United States of America, the best time to go is August. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Southern Minnesota, Minnesota, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Southern Minnesota, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Southern Minnesota, Minnesota, United States of America by month

January

Traveling to Southern Minnesota in January, you will notice that it is biting cold. Expect it to rain once in a while. Daytime temperatures are in the 20s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Southern Minnesota. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to find the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters on sale are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

February

February in Southern Minnesota can be extremely cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the single digits F (10+ below zero C). It tends to rain once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Southern Minnesota. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to choose the correct kind. Most adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

March

March in this region can be very chilly. Temperatures average in the low 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Southern Minnesota. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you get the correct type. A lot of adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

April

Traveling to Southern Minnesota in April, you will notice that it is relatively cool. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Southern Minnesota. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you pick the right type. Most adapters available online are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

May

Traveling to Southern Minnesota in May, you will notice that it is mild and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Southern Minnesota. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to choose the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are just plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

June

If you vacation in Southern Minnesota during June, you will probably find that it is a perfect temperature and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 50s F (mid 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Southern Minnesota. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to pick the right type. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

July

Traveling to Southern Minnesota in July, you will notice that it is pretty consistently hot. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Southern Minnesota. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to get the correct type. Many adapters currently sold are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

August

If you are traveling to Southern Minnesota in August, you will notice that it is hot. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Southern Minnesota. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you choose the necessary type. A lot of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

September

September in Southern Minnesota is a perfect temperature. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 50s F (single digits C). It tends to rain regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Southern Minnesota. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you get the necessary kind. Most adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

October

If you visit Southern Minnesota during October, you will probably find that it is chilly. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 60s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 30s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Southern Minnesota. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to pick the correct type. The majority of adapters on sale are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

November

November in Southern Minnesota is pretty cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 20s F (single digits below 0 C). It tends to rain sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Southern Minnesota. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the right type. A lot of adapters currently sold are simply plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

December

If you are traveling to Southern Minnesota in December, you will notice that it is frigid. Expect it to rain sometimes. Daytime temperatures are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Southern Minnesota. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you choose the right kind. Most adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

What to do in Southern Minnesota, Minnesota, United States of America

Southern Minnesota is a destination that offers a rich blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From the breathtaking waterfalls of the river valleys to the diverse attractions of the cities, Southern Minnesota is a great place to spend a weekend or a longer vacation. Whether you are looking for adventure or relaxation, here are the top tourist attractions in Southern Minnesota.

1. Minnehaha Falls

Minnehaha Falls is a must-visit attraction in Minnesota. This stunning 53-foot waterfall is located within the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area, at the junction of the Mississippi River and Minnehaha Creek. Visitors can hike the park's extensive trails, enjoy a picnic lunch, or view the waterfall from one of several overlooks.

2. Mayo Clinic and Heritage Hall

The world-renowned Mayo Clinic is a must-see attraction in Rochester, Minnesota. Visitors can tour Heritage Hall, which offers exhibits about the clinic's history, as well as a self-guided audio tour of the facility. The Mayo Clinic also offers educational programs and research opportunities.

3. Valleyfair Amusement Park

Valleyfair Amusement Park in Shakopee is one of the most popular attractions in Southern Minnesota. The park offers thrill rides, water rides, and family rides, as well as entertainment and concerts throughout the summer. Valleyfair also boasts a water park and a variety of dining options.

4. Mall of America

The Mall of America in Bloomington is the largest mall in the United States and a top shopping destination in Minnesota. The mall offers a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, including an indoor amusement park, aquarium, and miniature golf course.

5. Pipestone National Monument

Pipestone National Monument in Pipestone is a unique attraction that offers visitors a glimpse into Native American culture and history. The area features quarries where Native Americans have mined the sacred pipestone for centuries. Visitors can participate in guided tours, watch demonstrations, and hike the park's trails.

6. Mankato Brewery

Mankato Brewery in Mankato offers visitors a taste of Minnesota's best craft beer. The brewery offers tours and tastings, as well as a beer garden that features live music and events throughout the summer.

7. Riverfront Park and Amphitheater

Riverfront Park and Amphitheater in Mankato is a beautiful park that offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including walking trails, fishing, and kayaking. The park also boasts an amphitheater that hosts concerts and events throughout the summer.

8. Spam Museum

The Spam Museum in Austin is a unique attraction that pays homage to the iconic canned meat. Visitors can tour the museum, learn about the history of the product, and sample Spam-inspired dishes at the on-site cafe.

Whether you're a history buff, a lover of nature, or just looking for some family fun, Southern Minnesota has something to offer everyone. From the stunning waterfalls of the river valleys to the bustling cities and unique attractions, Southern Minnesota is a must-visit destination.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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