Chase an August Sunset

August sunsets in Minnesota can be spectacular—the kind that turn the whole sky pink, orange and gold and make everyone stop what they're doing for a minute.

You don't need much of a plan.

Find an open view near the water, bring something cold to drink and stay until the last bit of light disappears.

The lakes and Mississippi riverfront offer plenty of places around Minneapolis to catch one. Or make an evening of it and head outside the city where the horizon gets a little wider.

Sometimes the best August plan is simply being outside at exactly the right time.

Take a Little Escape to Stillwater

You don't have to travel far to feel like you've gotten away.

Stillwater sits along the St. Croix River about 30 miles from Minneapolis and makes an easy August escape.

Spend some time wandering historic Main Street, pop into the shops, walk along the river and take in the views from above town. Stop for lunch or dinner, then stay long enough to see the river in the evening light.

It's close enough for a spontaneous afternoon and charming enough to make it feel like a real getaway.

Do the Great Minnesota Get-Together

We couldn't talk about August without the Minnesota State Fair.

For 12 days, the Fairgrounds become their own little world of rides, animals, exhibits, music, people-watching and foods Minnesotans spend the rest of the year talking about.

Get the cheese curds. Share the mini donuts. Try at least one new food that sounds slightly ridiculous.

But wander, too.

Visit a building you've never explored. Watch a competition you didn't know existed. See the animals. Listen to some music. And enjoy the wonderfully Minnesota experience of seemingly everyone you know ending up in the same place.

There's a reason they call it the Great Minnesota Get-Together.

Stay Out After Dark

August nights are too good to waste indoors.

Outdoor concerts, movies in the park, neighborhood events and live music give you plenty of excuses to extend the evening.

There's something particularly good about listening to music outside when the air is still warm and nobody is quite ready to go home.

Find something happening. Grab a friend. Go.

Sometimes that's enough of a plan.

Follow the Water

We're the Land of 10,000 Lakes. August is a good time to remember why that matters.

Get out on a paddleboard or kayak. Find a beach you've never visited. Take a boat ride. Head toward the St. Croix. Walk somewhere along the Mississippi.

Or simply find a spot near the water and stay awhile.

You don't need a cabin or an entire weekend away to get that unmistakable Minnesota-on-the-water feeling.