Need a refreshing break without going far? Minnesota’s got everything from waterfalls to cozy river towns—perfect for a quick escape into nature, culture, or small-town charm.
If you are in a hurry, I recommend:
Unique Minnesota Day Trips:
1. Stillwater
Once the epicenter of Minnesota logging, the saw mills at Stillwater produced a large percentage of American timber, which was hauled by the railroads and shipped all over the world. Today the town attracts large numbers of visitors who come to soak up the unique atmosphere and explore all the historic sites. The town is easy to explore on foot, starting at Stillwater’s Historic Main Street which has won several awards for its charm and tourist appeal. There is plenty of scope for outdoor pursuits like walking, hiking, biking, boating and paddling as well as golf, while great shopping, dining, spas, live theatre and art complete the picture. In addition you can enjoy a winery or brewery tour, a Riverboat Tour and much more.
2. Mankato
Mankato is a popular day trip destination located just 75 minutes from Minneapolis, where it offers a great combination of small-town charm, a thriving arts scene and excellent outdoor recreation. Visitors who enjoy walking, hiking and biking will find over 50 miles of paved trails to explore, while several rivers and lakes offer excellent conditions for canoeing, kayaking and paddle-boarding, as well as sandy beaches for children to enjoy. Art lovers can do the CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour, visit the Carnegie Art Center or attend a performance of the Mankato Ballet or Mankato Symphony Orchestra. In addition, there are museums, wineries and breweries to visit, good shopping opportunities and, of course, a wide variety of restaurants and coffee shops.
Mankato, MN 56001
3. Hopkins
History lovers should definitely put the town of Hopkins on their Minnesota day trip to-do list. Settled in the early 1850’s, before Minnesota became a state, Hopkins is bursting with historic buildings and interesting history. A good way to see many of the most interesting historic buildings is taking a self-guided walking tour along Main Street; you can download a walking tour guide from the Hopkins Historical Society website or pop into the Hopkins History Center for more information. However, Hopkins is not only rich in history but also has many other attractions including the Hopkins Center for the Arts, a large selection of antique stores and many restaurants and coffee shops.
Hopkins, MN 55305-5343
4. Buffalo
Buffalo is conveniently located just a short drive from Minneapolis , where it offers visiting city dwellers a small-town atmosphere, a beautiful lake-side location and loads of rural charm. Art lovers will find a thriving arts culture, with local artworks displayed throughout the town. Bargain hunters can have fun rummaging through the treasures in several antique stores and there is a good variety of other shopping experiences to be found in the town. Buffalo offers plenty of green spaces for biking, hiking, walking, and jogging and younger visitors can enjoy children’s playgrounds and a splash-pad. Other activities include golf and water sports in summer and ice skating, cross-country skiing, ice-fishing and more in winter.
Buffalo, MN 14201-4280
5. Heritage Hjemkomst Interpretive Center
Visiting the fascinating Heritage Hjemkomst Interpretive Center in Moorhead is a wonderful idea for a fun and educational day out in Minnesota. The Hjemkomst, (which translates as “the home-coming”) was built in Moorhead around 1974, carefully modeled on an actual Viking long boat. As you watch an informative video documentary and tour the Interpretive Center you will learn the full story of the Hjemkomst and how she made the perilous sea voyage to Norway, following in the footsteps of the Viking ancestors of Robert Asp, her American builder. The Center also features a replica of an ancient Norwegian Hopperstad Stave Church.
Heritage Hjemkomst Interpretive Center, 202 1st Ave North, Moorhead, MN 56561, Phone: 218-299-5515
Romantic Minnesota Day Trips:
6. Itasca State Park
Itasca State Park is the oldest state park in Minnesota, protecting and showcasing an enormous area of over 32,000 acres of forests and lakes, encompassing the headwaters of the mighty Mississippi. As such, if offers visitors a wide diversity of outdoor recreational attractions including camping, hiking, biking, swimming, boating, fishing and wildlife watching. Fishing boats, canoes, kayaks and bicycles are available to rent in the park and the Visitor’s Center can supply you with trail maps and all the information you need for a great day out. In winter the park turns into a snowy wonderland where visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing, snow shoeing and a groomed snowmobile trail.
Itasca State Park, 36750 Main Park Dr, Park Rapids, MN 56470, Phone: 218-699-7251
7. Jeffers Petroglyphs
Jeffers Petroglyphs are located near Comfrey in southwest Minnesota, where you can view more than 5,000 ancient sacred rock carvings. Starting your tour at the Visitor’s Center is key to unlocking this amazing site – here you can watch a video about Native American Culture and explore some interactive exhibits before you set off to see the carvings. An interpretive guided tour is probably the best way to fully appreciate the petroglyphs but you are free to do a self-guided tour in your own time with the help of a booklet from the Visitor’s Center. There is also a self-guided prairie trail where you can see interesting grasses, flowers, birds and small animals.
Jeffers Petroglyphs, 27160 Country Rd 2, Comfrey, MN 56019, Phone: 507-628-5591
Family Minnesota Day Trips:
8. Jordan
Jordan is located just 30 miles from downtown Minneapolis , where it offers visitors a small-town atmosphere and a delightful historic downtown to explore. As you stroll past an array of antique stores and one-off boutiques you can admire at least fifteen buildings which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Other Jordan attractions include Lagoon Park, where you can spend a few hours fishing, swimming or picnicking, before heading to Jim’s Apple Farm, where you will find Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store for a sweet treat. Craft beer enthusiast can stop by Roets Brewery or the Jordan Tap Room to slake their thirst.
Jordan, MN 55352
9. Lake Superior
The beautiful North-Shore of Lake Superior is an ideal day-trip destination in Minnesota, offering miles and miles of stunning shoreline, lakes, beaches, inlets, harbors and historic places to explore. You can take it all in on a scenic drive along Highway 61 or hop aboard the historic North Shore Scenic Railroad in Duluth. The entire area offers a very large selection of activities for day trippers including some of the most scenic hiking and biking trails in the state. Scenic boat tours on the lake are available at Grand Portage and Silver Bay and there are dozens of places to launch a canoe or kayak. You can take a ride on the Summit Express Gondola or be more adventurous and take a canopy tour at Towering Pines.
Lake Superior, MN 55802-5816
10. Luverne
Luverne is located in the south-western corner of Minnesota, close to the border with Iowa. A good place to start your visit would be the Rock County History Center, where you can learn about the early pioneer days in Luverne. Other interesting museums in the town include the Herried Military Museum, the must-see Brandenburg Gallery, which features hundreds of photos by world-famous photographer Jim Brandenburg. When you need some fresh air you can head to the Blue Mounds State Park to enjoy some outdoor fun – activities include fishing, hiking, canoeing and spotting the resident bison herd.
Luverne, MN 56156
📔 I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
- Q: What makes Minnesota great for day trips?
- A: There is no shortage of fun and educational day trips in Minnesota for the whole family to enjoy.
- Q: What can history buffs explore in Minnesota?
- A: History buffs can visit historic towns like Stillwater, Luverne, Hopkins, Rochester, and Saint Paul for a trip through the past.
- Q: What are some unique attractions in Minnesota?
- A: Unique attractions include the Jeffers Petroglyphs, Pipestone National Monument, and Soudan Underground Mine.
- Q: What outdoor activities are available in Minnesota?
- A: The beautiful Minnesota landscape offers outdoor recreational facilities in several state parks for nature lovers.
- Q: What thrilling experiences can families have nearby?
- A: For white-knuckle excitement, families can head to Wisconsin Dells for thrilling rides and fun adventures.
Best Time for Day Trips in Minnesota
- May to June – Ideal for mild weather, blooming wildflowers, and outdoor adventures.
- September to October – Perfect for fall foliage, scenic drives, and apple orchard visits.
- July & August – Warm summer days great for lake trips, hiking, and state parks.
- November – Enjoy cooler weather and fewer crowds at historical and cultural sites.
- December to March – Cold but great for winter activities, cozy retreats, and snow adventures.
Plan Your Trip