Weekend Trip Ideas from Minneapolis and St. Paul
Need ideas for a weekend trip from Minneapolis and St. Paul? Here are some suggestions for weekend getaways featuring romantic trips, city breaks, active adventures, as well as summer and winter excursions.
Summer Weekend Trips
Itasca State Park is home to the headwaters of the Mississippi River. Just a few hours north, you will discover the river beginning as a small stream you can easily cross. Visitors can camp at the State Park, find a nearby cabin, or stay in the historic town of Detroit Lakes.
The North Shore and Highway 61 offer scenic beauty, starting an hour north of Duluth. Don’t miss a visit to the historic Split Rock Lighthouse and the striking Gooseberry Falls, known as the tallest waterfall in the area. Additionally, enjoy the breathtaking cliffs of Palisade Head while shopping for Lake Superior Agates and local crafts along Highway 61. The North Shore is particularly renowned in Minnesota for its stunning fall colors, providing accommodations ranging from camping to motels, along with diverse dining options.
Winter Weekend Trips
Lutsen Mountains, located about four hours north of Minneapolis, boasts the largest ski and snowboard area in Minnesota. Beyond skiing, visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, dog sledding, and ice climbing. Many hotels offer specials that include lift tickets for Lutsen Mountains, providing excellent value for a winter getaway. Be sure to look for accommodations with hot tubs to relax in after a day of outdoor activities.
Bayfield, WI, situated on the shores of Lake Superior, makes for an idyllic getaway year-round. In summer, explore the remote Apostle Islands, while winter brings the opportunity to walk out and witness spectacular ice caves that form on the cliffs when the lake freezes sufficiently. Additionally, opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing abound, making Bayfield a versatile winter destination. Consider finding a hotel or cabin with a hot tub to unwind after a day spent in wintry landscapes.
Romantic Trips
Explore the charming cities in the St. Croix River Valley, which marks the border between Minnesota and Wisconsin. Many of these towns, including Taylors Falls, Osceola, Stillwater, Red Wing, Wabasha, and Winona, are conveniently located within an hour of the Twin Cities. Each city features picturesque downtown areas, quaint hotels, and locally-owned restaurants, creating a serene escape without extensive travel.
Ely, located in northern Minnesota, sits adjacent to the beautiful Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness. Here, one can reserve a remote cabin nestled by a lake and truly disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life. With options for canoeing, hiking, and exploring the nearby city of Ely, visitors have the best of both nature and urban amenities. Additionally, Ely houses two notable conservation organizations: the International Wolf Center and the North American Bear Center, both offer engaging experiences for visitors.
City Breaks
Chicago is within a seven-hour drive or a one-hour flight from Minneapolis, offering a perfect city break destination packed with world-class hotels, shopping, dining, museums, galleries, and vibrant nightlife.
Duluth is known for its industrial charm and notable lift bridge, making it a unique city to explore. While the aesthetic may surprise some, the activity of large container ships navigating the port adds interest. Families will find plenty to entertain kids with an aquarium, railroad museum, zoo, and children’s museum. Additionally, the panoramic views from high points overlooking the lake are stunning, with abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation such as fishing, hiking, skiing, rock climbing, mountain biking, and even surfing on Lake Superior.
Family Weekend Getaways
Duluth is particularly popular among families during the summer months, offering a zoo, aquarium, children’s museum, and railroad museum, which can easily fill a weekend’s itinerary. Additionally, there are many family-friendly dining options in the Canal Park area along the lake.
For those in search of outlet malls and water parks, The Wisconsin Dells, located about four hours away, presents ample shopping opportunities, Circus World attractions, fun candy outlet stores, and a plethora of family-friendly hotels and dining options in and around Baraboo. Notably, Devil’s Lake State Park lies nearby, and the quirky Forevertron, a collection of artistic sculptures constructed from salvaged materials, adds another unique reason to visit.
