explore minnesota

A new survey shows the summer tourism season was strong across the state.

Explore Minnesota is partnering with more than 100 ice cream shops in the state of Minnesota with their "Minnesota Scoop" promotion from now until August 1. Participating shops will promote their unique #OnlyinMN flavor and a punch card system to reward visitor exploration. These treats can be enjoyed all summer long by Minnesota travelers.

To celebrate our great state's 163rd birthday, here are some fun facts you can share with your friends and coworkers this week.

State Tourism Director John Edman with Explore Minnesota says even though the COVID-19 pandemic continues, all signs are showing families are ready to hit the road running.

Despite the pandemic Minnesota is still offering many activities for people to take part in. They include viewing holiday lights both locally in the St. Cloud area and throughout the state. Alyssa Hayes from Explore Minnesota joined me on WJON.

Minnesotans stuck closer to home this summer. That's according to the results of a just-released survey from Explore Minnesota. Nearly half of the respondents in the state's tourism industry say that a larger than normal share of their guests were Minnesota residents.

A new survey found that 60% of Americans are traveling over Labor Day weekend, and of those traveling 88% are taking road trips.

Every other week Alyssa Hayes from Explore Minnesota joins me on WJON. Today she talked about the 6 drive-in movie theaters in Minnesota which includes Starlite Drive-in in Litchfield and Long Drive-in Theater in Long Prairie. The other drive ins are in Elko, Lake Elmo, Laverne and Warren.

Alyssa Hayes from Explore Minnesota joined Jerry Carlson and I today on WJON. She talked about ways to explore Minnesota on virtual tours online, watching movies and television shows with Minnesota connections, consuming Minnesota beers and dreaming about Minnesota summer vacations.