Walleye

From lake-splashed northwoods to the big city, Minnesota walleye is a statewide staple. You can catch the flakey white fish yourself and make a classic shore lunch in the heart of thousands of Minnesota lakes. Just BYO firewood, freshly caught walleye, a cast iron skillet oil, flour, spices, onions, a couple cans of potatoes, baked beans and a big appetite. For those who don't want to DIY, fishing guide services can prep all the fixings.  Or try Minnesota's fun twists on this classic dish, like walleye cakes, chowder, bites, tacos and sandwiches – de rigeur on many menus across the state – or on-a-stick and stuffed in a mushroom at the Minnesota State Fair!

Smoked fish

While fresh is delicious, the classic Lake Superior North Shore flavor is smoked fish. In Grand Marais, the Dockside Fish Market takes fish straight off the boats that dock at its back door and smokes or fries them up for the ultimate fish and chips basket. In Duluth, Northern Waters Smokehaus uses traditional Scandinavian techniques to smoke fish and sausages. And along the gorgeous lakeside “All American” road that runs between the two, the old-school Lou's Fish House in Two Harbors, Russ Kendall's Smokehouse in Knife River and more have been handing hungry travelers paper-wrapped bundles of house-smoked trout, salmon, herring and whitefish for decades.

Local brews, cocktails and wine

Nothing goes better with these local delicacies than a local beverage. While Minnesota is known for producing foods like wild rice, sweet corn and blueberries, it's the state's drinkable crops that are the latest local craze. Wineries, breweries and distilleries and their sipping selections fit right in to the statewide dining scene. Some offer sustainable twists by using fresh water from nearby lakes or incorporating Minnesota-grown wild rice. Get a taste of Minnesota's craft beverage boom here.

Please contact Alyssa Ebel at at 651-757-1857, or alyssa.ebel@state.mn.us for more information, or if you would like to hear more about Minnesota's twist on the farm to table movement for your next story.

For more information, please visit exploreminnesota.com, or follow along via social media, using #OnlyinMN.