6 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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
