Best Spots in Minnesota for Photos
Let’s be real. If you’re familiar with what Minnesota has to offer, you know this state is full of beautiful landscape and incredible sight seeing opportunities. But when it comes to picking a location for your engagement photos, it can be hard to pick. Which spots have the best sunset photos? What kind of landscape are you going to choose? How is anyone supposed to start narrowing the options down? Well, I’ve narrowed down my top five favorites just for you. Minnesota has so much to offer all over the entire state so for now, I’m covering what could be considered “Northern MN.” But if I’m being honest, I think these gems are worth it even if you have to make a bit of a drive.
Whipple Beach
Whipple Beach boasts one of the best sunsets on a lake that you could ever dream of. If you want your engagement photos on a beach, you cannot go wrong here. This stunning beach in the Brainerd/Baxter area of Minnesota truly has no downsides. The beach itself is always welcoming and clean. Even when it is busy, there is so much space and people are so respectful. When you arrive, you’re greeted by stunning greenery and a beautiful sidewalk stroll through the trees towards the lake. Golden hour through these trees is so truly perfect. Whipple Beach offers not only the obvious, lake and beach, but several beautiful golden spots in the trees for your photos. I don’t know about you, but I love options and variety. Allow me to bring you back to the sunset. The sun sets directly on the lake and while always golden and gorgeous, I have at times been blessed to see the most beautiful combination of oranges and pinks while it sets.
Crow Wing State Park
If you’re (like me) a sucker for a golden, grassy field, pine trees, and the picture perfect spot for a picnic, you’re going to fall in love with Crow Wing State Park. On your way into the park, there are fields on both sides of the road. One side is more of an open field where the sun sets and the other has a line of pine trees. Depending on what kind of light you’re looking for, you can choose which side of the road you prefer and you’re so set. Further into Crow Wing, in the actual park, there is a beautiful river (which we love.) And spoiler alert, the sun sets right on the water! This, however, is not my favorite spot for sunset photos. I’m sorry, I know. I prefer the area for the soft light through the trees and the sunsets in the fields and forest areas. An additional perk… Crow Wing is such a quiet and peaceful spot. You will often see hikers and some campers but for the most part, I have found this park to be so quiet and always clean. It’s such a great spot for intimate sessions.
Cuyuna State Recreation Area
You can catch me going crazy for this spot any time of year. Cuyuna is famous for its insane outlook. A little drive up a narrow road leads you to most fabulous views. You can see the whole town from the outlook, the scenery is to die for, and in the fall, the colors cannot be matched. While this might be the highlight, Cuyuna has two incredible spots by the water. The mine pit has water so clear, you can see to the bottom when you swim in it and is so beautiful and clean. The other spot has a dock that makes for an incredible photo op. If you’re a lover of grassy spots by the water and lovely trees, this spot will never let you down. The lighting is always so good, even in the middle of the day. I cannot say enough great things about this place.
The Northland Arboretum
If you want the best outdoorsy, golden sunset at a location that is full of romance and intimacy, there’s no better spot than the Northland Arboretum. Every time I am here, I am met with the softest, most perfect golden hour anyone could ever dream of. Blue skies, the sun hitting the tree line perfectly, and so much peace. At $10 a person, to support this wonderful spot, feels so worth it to me. There is a gorgeous swing set, not the kind you see on the playground, but the kind that makes you want to take a picture and frame it on the walls. From flowery fields, to stunning trails, to even such a cutie parking lot, this place will never disappoint.
Black Beach + The North Shore
You know I could never leave you all with a list of the best spots to take engagement photos in Minnesota without mentioning the incredible Black Beach + North Shore. About an hour out of Duluth, you will be met with the most incredible scenery that Minnesota has to offer. You will feel like you’re in a whole other world in this part of the state. While the sunrise and the golden hour of this area can be incredible, I would advise you to not let that be the highlight. You’re going to want to focus on the Black Sand Beach, the colorful cliffs, the amazing trees, and the fact that Lake Superior is so fabulous and enormous, you’re going to feel like you’re on the ocean. Beside’s the fact that the weather in Duluth and this area is horribly temperamental, it’s worth the risk… just arrive prepared. And I would love to mention, take a quick peek at Google and search Palisade Head. Only a short drive from Black Beach and easy to fit into your photoshoot! Worth it? 100000% yes. If you want insane views that are going to make everyone’s jaws drop, you absolutely must go here.
Thank you for reading! Hope this inspires some beautiful ideas!
~Kate, Captured by Kaitlyn