The story of your marriage proposal is one you and your future spouse will share for years to come. “How did he ask? Where were you? What did he say? Did you cry? Let me see the ring!” are all things you’re bound to hear from close friends, family members, and friends or followers on social media. Why? Because no one can resist a good proposal story.

Of course, every element of a proposal is important, but the location is key. If you plan to propose during the 7th inning stretch of a baseball game, but your partner doesn’t like big spectacles, you may want to think again.

Lucky for you, Minnesota has countless beautiful, fun, and unique locations to pop the question. We know you want it to be romantic and that “romantic” to every couple is something different, so here’s our guide to the best spots for marriage proposals in Minnesota.

For Adventure Seekers

You and your partner are Minnesotan through and through. You like water skiing and fishing in the summer, downhill skiing and ice skating in the winter, hiking in the fall, and biking in the spring. If you’re an adventure-seeking couple, you can’t go wrong with these exciting proposal locations.

A Snowy Hilltop

Like we said, you love downhill skiing in the winter. So, why not take advantage of the white powdery hills and pop the question while on top of the Lutsen Mountains, Buck Hill, Afton Alps, Powder Ridge, or Spirit Mountain.

Looking for a different ski resort? We have several ski hills across the state.

Center Ice

Speaking of winter activities, if ice skating is a favorite seasonal pastime of yours, take your partner to a nearby ice rink. Then, get down on one knee at center ice. This one’s easy because there are ample ice rinks December through February. We are the State of Hockey, after all. Try the ice rink outside the Landmark Center in downtown St. Paul, Lake of the Isles in Minneapolis, Powderhorn Lake in Bloomington, Centennial Lakes Park in Edina, Central Park in Maple Grove, the OVAL in Roseville, or Loring Park in Minneapolis.

Gondola Ride by Water or Air

We know what you’re thinking. Gondola rides (the water kind) are European. You’re right! But you can also enjoy a gondola ride right here in Minnesota. Sounds romantic, doesn’t it? That’s because it is. Gondola Romantica offers beautiful gondola rides along the St. Croix River in Stillwater. What a beautiful and unique way to propose!

Wait, were you thinking of an overhead gondola ride? We have that, too! Take in an aerial view of Sawtooth Mountain and the vast Lutsen coastline on the Summit Express Gondola.

Hot Air Balloon Ride

OK, this is one for the books! How many people can say they’ve been on a hot air balloon? Not many. Stillwater Balloons can make that happen. Choose to share your proposal with a few strangers, invite your immediate family to join in on the fun, or enjoy a romantic ride for two (and the pilot, of course). No matter how you pop the question on this one, you’re bound to have a memorable story.

For Artsy Folks

Minneapolis has a lively art scene. So, if you and your partner are artsy folks, a creative location may be ideal for your proposal.

A Museum

The Walker Art Center, Mill City Museum, Minneapolis Institute of Art, or the Minnesota Museum of American Art offer wonderfully unique and creative spaces to pop the question. We recommend scouting the location ahead of time to pinpoint the best spot for your proposal.

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden brings your love for art outdoors. Propose next to the iconic “Cherry and Spoon” or pick your favorite art piece and make it even more memorable by using it as the backdrop of your proposal.

Guthrie Theater

You don’t even have to see a show to gain access to the neat yellow lookout that is iconic to the Guthrie Theater. The lookout offers a panoramic view of the Mississippi River’s east bank, all through a yellow filter. This is definitely a unique spot to pop the question.

For Crowd Lovers

You love attending events together and your partner thinks it’s super romantic to express your love publicly.

Sporting Event

This one will take some work because you’ll have to contact the right person to figure out how to pull it off. But once the details are solidified, you’re ready to cheer on your favorite team until the big moment arrives. Whether you choose a Minnesota Vikings, Twins, Wild, Timberwolves, Lynx, or Loons game (we’re not sure all these teams allows proposals), you’re sure to have a crowd applauding your special moment.

Concert

You both love the same music and you lucked out with tickets to your favorite performer. Again, this one will take some work. Probably a lot more work than the sporting event, but it’s worth it, right? If you happen to strike gold and get approval to propose during a live concert, your partner will gladly tell the story for decades to come.

Minnesota State Fair

Yup, we said it. If you want to share your wedding proposal with a couple hundred thousand people and love anything fried and on a stick, then the Great Minnesota Get Together is the perfect spot.

For Nature Enthusiasts

You love everything outdoors. You love to be near a lake, hill, bluff, river, garden, park, you name it. If this describes your relationship, then the sky is the limit for your proposal location. Minnesota is beautiful year-round and there is no shortage of scenic locations, but here are some of our favorites.

Rice Park

Rice Park is a little piece of natural beauty among the large skyscrapers that make up downtown St. Paul. In the winter, the trees are lit with twinkling holiday lights. It doesn’t get much more romantic than that.

Stone Arch Bridge

The Stone Arch Bridge is a staple in Minneapolis and one that thousands of people enjoy every day. If you don’t mind some passersby witnessing the magical moment, this location offers a little of everything — the rushing Mississippi River, green treeline, and breathtaking skyline view.

Split Rock Lighthouse

OK, so anywhere along the North Shore is breathtakingly beautiful and romantic for a proposal. But Split Rock Lighthouse may be one of the most scenic locations we can think of. Take a walk down to the rocky shoreline of Lake Superior and gawk at the view of the lighthouse standing hundreds of feet tall on the bluff in the distance. Then, pop the question. Later, you’ll find yourself venturing north for a reminiscent trip to Split Rock Lighthouse on more than one occasion, we promise.

Como Park Conservatory

The Como Park Conservatory is everything you want in a romantic proposal. It has unique plants and floral arrangements that create a picturesque backdrop to your personal moment together.

Near a Waterfall

Minnesota has so many beautiful waterfalls within its parks that we couldn’t just pick one. Minnehaha Falls is a beautiful proposal location conveniently located in Minneapolis. Want to get out of town? Drive north to Gooseberry Falls in Two Harbors or Grand Portage State Park for an amazing waterfall view during your special moment.

On the Water

If you enjoy being on the lake or river in the summer, you can’t go wrong with a boat cruise proposal. Book a cruise on the St. Croix or Mississippi rivers or take a tour of Lake Minnetonka. As the last rays of sun dip below the horizon, you’ll be on one knee asking your loved one for a lifetime together.

For Everyone

We could think of millions of perfect proposal sites across this great state, but the most romantic and personal location may be one that is special to you and your partner. Take them back to the place you first met or had your first date. Those places hold a special place in your heart and simply can’t be beat when it comes to proposing.

No matter where you choose to propose, it’s going to be an intimate and exhilarating experience to share with one another. Enjoy it! And try not to be too nervous.