Explore Minnesota, the state tourism office, had forecast some 700,000 international visitors to our state this year, up from 567,000 in 2023. But “more than half of Minnesota’s international tourists are from Canada,” WCCO reports, and Canadians are reluctant to travel to the U.S. “The state has seen a 70% drop-off in canceled vacations,” the new outlet reported, and “border crossings from Canada are down 18%.”
Historic water towers are an attraction in many small Minnesota towns. There are more than 900 active water towers throughout the state, and some of them are landmarks: “From Rochester’s ear of corn to Lindstrom’s coffee pot, these towers are part form, part function,” KARE 11 reports. But what happens when a water tower ages past its useful lifespan? There’s a movement to preserve some of our unique towers.
Middle-income earners still have a hard time finding homes to buy in their price range, according to the Minnesota Reformer: “High interest rates and high prices in a still-competitive housing market continue to make it tough for first-time buyers, even those with good but moderate incomes.”
Brainerd has closed the Bridge on 7th homeless shelter for the summer. “[T]he overnight shelter is only open from September through April. A recent decision by the Brainerd City Council not to allow it to operate through the summer has sparked a community debate, and left some without a place to stay,” MPR News reports. The issue extends beyond Brainerd, too: “Similar housing problems are playing out around the state.”
There are at least 54 fairs, festivals and gatherings set for Twin Cities suburbs this summer, the Minnesota Star Tribune reports. “Most of the festivals offer a free entry, with costs associated with food, vendors and some attractions, and many are an all-day affair,” and you’ll find something for nearly everyone.
