Central and Northern Minnesota is a vast area. Pretty much covers about 2/3 of the state. You might get better and more specific suggestions if you can be more specific as to where you might want to be going? What do you like to do and what do you want to see? Duluth? North Shore? Detroit Lakes? Bemidji? International Falls/Canadian Border? Northwest? Central? Each of these sections of the state have something to offer. Great State parks throughout.
Duluth and North Shore drive north are impressive. Many state parks are breath taking. Most have camping. Itasca State Park, this is where the Mississippi River starts, this is really nice. Minneapolis and south along the Mississippi River to Iowa are also amazing. This is along the Minn. Wisconsin area.
These are my favorite areas as a lifer in this cold state.
We've only spent a few nights in Minnesota--all at one park, but we can recommend it: "Country Campground" in Detroit Lakes, not far from North Dakota. We would certainly go back there.
Some great scenery and hikes within short driving distance. We were there in late August or early September. Leaves were beginning to change.
