Places to Visit in Minnesota
Searching for the most beautiful places to visit in Minnesota? Well, you are in the right place! Living in Minneapolis is amazing but I also love having access to so many other cool towns on weekends.
Now, first things first, I especially love exploring some of Minnesota's 90,000 miles of shoreline which you can do right from Minneapolis. In fact, I learned that it's actually more coastline in Minnesota than California, Florida, and Hawaii combined! Here are the places I recommend and I hope you'll love them too.
Minneapolis
This is one of my favorite places in Minnesota (in fact, in all of the Midwest). Why? First off, it offers a bit of everything. Moreover, it's a wonderful place to live and also easy to get to from out of town (whether you are driving or flying).
And once you get here, you can enjoy heaps of great food and diverse attractions year-round. In fact, there are plenty of museums to visit during the cold winter. In the summer, I absolutely love walking (and biking) around Bde Maka Ska, the city's largest and super scenic lake.
You can even visit Minneapolis on a weekend getaway from Chicago (about 3.5 hours by car). But I have to warn you that on Friday afternoons, there can be a lot of traffic.
Now, first things first, start with an espresso at Dogwood Coffee Co., one of my absolute favorite stops...They have several convenient locations in Minneapolis, and their expertly roasted beans made for the perfect morning start. Next, look at a cool art exhibit at Veronique Wantz Gallery.
I love going for lunch at Black Sheep pizza (just around the corner from Hewing Hotel), home to the first coal-burning pizza restaurant in Minnesota!
From there, visit the Walker Art Center, and stroll through the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.
One place that you absolutely can't miss is Mill City Farmers Market located on the Chicago Mall in the historic train shed of the Mill City Museum! The market is open on Saturdays and Sundays throughout summer and every second Saturday of the month in the winter. You can feel the local vibe here and pick up cheap snacks. I love Minneapolis' nickname "Mill City" for its flour-milling past. This is where the name for "Mill City Farmers Market" comes from too.
What I loved best:
Food was a revelation in Minneapolis, especially buttermilk pancakes for brunch at Spoon and Stable.
We stayed downtown for four days at the stylish 4-star Hewing Hotel (around $279/night) for two days, a converted 1897 warehouse with rustic wood beams and rooftop views.
Local tip:
To quickly explore beyond the city, take a romantic day trip to 7 Vines Vineyard, about 30 minutes from the city.
Saint Paul
To get to Saint Paul, I suggest taking the METRO Green Line from downtown Minneapolis to downtown Saint Paul. The ride takes about 35 minutes and costs $2–$2.50 USD one way, depending on the time of day.
If you make the trip to Saint Paul, I think you should consider exploring the Mississippi River waterfront. The riverfront offers beautiful walking paths and great skyline views. If you have more time, Summit Avenue is lined with stunning Victorian mansions, including the James J. Hill House (1891, $10 tours).
What I loved best:
We indulged in hearty Midwestern comfort food at Cossetta’s Italian Market, my favorite highlight. Their pizzeria is a must-visit if you are traveling with kids.
St. Cloud - 1 hour from Minneapolis
This is one of the most unexpectedly peaceful cities I’ve explored in central Minnesota. We drove about one hour northwest from Minneapolis to St. Cloud, nicknamed the “Granite City” for its granite quarries.
On our day trip, we explored the Stearns History Museum (two floors of exhibits, $10 admission). We also walked downtown and admired historic architecture.
What I loved best:
Visiting Munsinger & Clemens Gardens (14 acres of formal flower gardens on the Mississippi River!) was my favorite highlight.
Need a place to stay? Courtyard by Marriott Downtown (from $179/night) is conveniently located near the riverfront and downtown shops.
Lutsen
This mountain-and-lake town in the Sawtooth Mountains is one of my favorite places to go when I'm in the mood for an adventure road trip. We drove about 4.5 hours north from Minneapolis.
I learned that Lutsen is the North Shore’s oldest resort towns. It's actually quite tiny (population only about 200). I learned that it was founded as a fishing camp in the 1880s, and it grew into a retreat for city travelers from there.
We checked into 3-star Caribou Highlands Lodge (from $159/night) for two stress-free days. I enjoyed visiting the North Shore Commercial Fishing Museum in nearby Tofte ($5 admission), and strolling along Lake Superior’s rocky shoreline.
What I loved best:
Riding the Lutsen Mountain Tram up Moose Mountain was my favorite highlight (1,000-foot vertical rise, tickets $29)!
Mankato, Minnesota
If you’re looking for a place where river views, art, and outdoor adventure collide, this small-city is a standout.
We drove about 1 hour 30 minutes southwest from Minneapolis to this city (population around 44,000). The city is known for its role in frontier history and the U.S.–Dakota War of 1862.
Set along the bend of the Minnesota River, Mankato struck me as a friendly river town with a surprising mix of outdoor beauty, historic landmarks, and a lively college-town scene.
During our stay, we visited Reconciliation Park, the historic site of the largest mass execution in U.S. history (38 Dakota men in 1862). In addition, we toured the Blue Earth County Historical Society Museum ($7 admission), and admired the limestone architecture downtown.
I stayed overnight at the Hilton Garden Inn Downtown (from $111/night) for two days, which put us within walking distance of coffee shops, local restaurants, and the riverside trails.
What I loved best:
My personal highlight was stopping for coffee at Fillin' Station Coffeehouse which won the Best Coffee Shop vote and really lets you feel the local vibe.
Winona
This city of about 25,000 people immediately won me over with its stunning scenery. Why? First off, there is plenty of history here. Best of all, the river-town energy and artsy spirit make it easy to relax on your weekend getaway.
We drove about two hours southeast from Minneapolis. During our two day visit, we explored the Minnesota Marine Art Museum ($12 admission) where we saw works by Monet, Van Gogh, and O’Keeffe.
Then we toured downtown’s historic district which is actually on the National Register so you absolutely can't skip it.
It was springtime so we went up Garvin Heights City Park Overlook to enjoy Mississippi Valley views on vacation. I have to warn you that although the trail length is only 0.4 miles, there are several hundred man-made steps on the upper part of the trail, so be ready for a workout!
What I loved best:
Staying at the Alexander Mansion Historic Bed & Breakfast for two days. Our romantic room in this restored 1886 Victorian had a four-poster bed (from $165).
Duluth - 2.5 hours north from Minneapolis
Stretching along the rugged shores of Lake Superior, this is one of the most dramatic cities we’ve visited in the Midwest.
We drove 2.5 hours north from Minneapolis to Duluth on a road trip (population around 86,000), located on the western tip of Lake Superior.
While in town, we watched the iconic Aerial Lift Bridge rise. I learned that it spans 386 feet, and was built in 1905. After, we toured the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center (free), and browsed Canal Park’s shops in restored warehouses.
You can also check out the historic Glensheen Mansion, and take a scenic ride on the North Shore Scenic Railroad. There is also plenty to enjoy outdoors by walking on the Lakewalk Trail, visiting Enger Park and Tower, or hiking along the Superior Hiking Trail.
If you are traveling with kids, Great Lakes Aquarium is a must-visit. A downside? We wished for cheaper admission (at $20 for adults it was steep), but I thought the place was worth it!
For the night, we stayed at Fitger’s Inn, a boutique hotel inside a 19th-century brewery complex on the lakefront ($175/night).
What I loved best:
Live music and open-air dining around Parsons Alley in the evening.
Rochester, MN
Spreading out along the river, this is one of the most welcoming and well-designed cities I’ve visited in southern Minnesota.
We drove about 1 hour 30 minutes southeast from Minneapolis to this city (population around 122,000) best known as the home of the Mayo Clinic (founded 1889, now employing 34,000+ people) on our road trip.
I was instantly taken by this vibrant Midwestern city, with its leafy neighborhoods, striking historic buildings, and the Zumbro River.
We toured the Mayo Clinic Heritage Hall (free), explored the Mayowood Mansion (1911 estate of Dr. Charles Mayo, $15 tours), and walked along downtown’s skyway system (nearly 2 miles of indoor walkways).
What I loved best:
Staying at Kahler Grand Hotel for two days was my personal highlight, a historic 1921 property right across from the Mayo Clinic with old-world charm ($165/night).
Red Wing
This Mississippi River town quickly became one of my favorite places to visit in Minnesota. Why? First off, it’s easy to reach. And once you are there, you can walk everywhere so you don't have to worry about parking all the time. beautifully walkable. In addition, I loved that it was so easy to reach on a day trip, about an hour from Minneapolis.
We had delicious French Toast for breakfast at Red Wing Cafe and locals told me to try the Texas Burger for lunch.
I especially enjoy strolling along the riverfront right from the Red Wing Cafe after...and admiring fall foliage. For a bit of a workout, you can head to He Mni Can-Barn Bluff for lovely trails out in nature.
Ely, MN
Chris and I both think that this Northwoods town, perched near the entry points of the Boundary Waters, is one of our favorite places when we're in the mood for a peaceful weekend outdoors. Once a booming iron mining town, I love the way this place now thrives on wilderness culture.
During our visit, we toured the Dorothy Molter Museum (celebrating the “Root Beer Lady” who lived in the Boundary Waters until 1986, $6 admission), strolled along Sheridan Street’s historic storefronts, and visited the Ely-Winton History Museum ($5).
In addition, you can visit the International Wolf Center and the North American Bear Center, enjoy outdoor activities like hiking at Kawishiwi Falls Trail and paddling in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Other options include shopping downtown, and checking out the Ely Folk School
We checked into 3-star Grand Ely Lodge Resort (from $164/night) for care-free two days.
What I loved best:
Dinner at Insula Restaurant was my favorite highlight (first-come first-served!).
Locals told me about super remote camping at the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA) which I plan to try on our summer trip.
Niagara Cave, Harmony
Ready for a natural wonder full of mystery? This cave was easily one of the most awe-inspiring underground experiences I’ve had in the Midwest!
You'll find this hidden gem near the Iowa–Minnesota border. I think it's especially lovely to visit in the summer and enjoy its refreshing 48 degrees underground.
For me, Niagara Cave is one of the best places to visit in Minnesota. My son loved that the one-hour guided tour. as well as shopping for crystals in the gift shop after!
