There’s a kind of freedom in hopping in the car and heading out from Minneapolis—knowing that within just a few hours, you can be hiking bluffs, skipping stones on Lake Superior, or sipping coffee in a riverside town. These day trips reminded me how much variety lives just beyond the city skyline. I remember thinking, “You don’t have to go far to feel far away.”
From the beachy breeze at Park Point to the whisper-quiet trails near Ely, every destination offered something different—adventure, stillness, laughter, perspective. Whether you’re looking to reset in nature or rediscover a small-town gem, these places let you slow down and savor the ride.
Best Day Trips from Minneapolis:
Quiet trails and river views at Afton State Park
Afton State Park gave me the reset I didn’t know I needed. Just 40 minutes out of the city, I traded pavement for pine needles and found a kind of peace that only comes with trees and sky. I remember thinking, “Sometimes the simplest escape is the best one.”
What I Loved Most: Sitting on a bluff above the St. Croix River, watching the water snake its way between wooded hills.
My highlights? A packed picnic of sharp cheddar, local honeycrisp apples, and a baguette from Avalon Market in St. Paul—simple and perfect after a long morning hike.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Minneapolis: ~40 minutes southeast
- Vibe: Peaceful, rustic, quiet
- Highlights: Hiking trails, scenic overlooks, birdwatching
- Best Time to Visit: Spring through fall
- Cost: $7 day-use vehicle permit
- Hours: 8am–10pm daily
6959 Peller Ave S, Hastings, MN 55033, Phone: 651-436-5391
River town charm and pottery in Red Wing
Red Wing felt like stepping into a storybook—with red brick buildings, art galleries, and the wide Mississippi rolling past. I remember thinking, “This is the kind of place that inspires you to linger a little longer.”
What I Loved Most: Browsing handmade pottery and watching artists at work in the historic Red Wing Pottery building.
My highlights? A cozy brunch at Hanisch Bakery & Coffee Shop, where I had a buttery croissant sandwich and a perfect caramel latte. I took a box of cookies home—and only made it through half the drive before diving in.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Minneapolis: ~1 hour southeast
- Vibe: Quaint, artsy, riverfront
- Highlights: Red Wing Pottery, Levee Park, boutique shopping
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round
- Cost: Free to explore; shopping and dining vary
- Hours: Shops open 10am–6pm; bakery opens early
Art and Spam in quirky, colorful Austin
Austin was unexpectedly fun—a place that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and I loved that. From mural-covered alleys to the surprisingly fascinating Spam Museum, it kept surprising me. I remember thinking, “This town has way more personality than I expected.”
What I Loved Most: Laughing out loud at retro ads and interactive exhibits in the Spam Museum—it’s goofy, but kind of great.
My highlights? A hearty plate of Spam fried rice at Piggy Blues BBQ, followed by a rich brownie and a soda in a glass bottle. It was nostalgic in the best way.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Minneapolis: ~1.75 hours south
- Vibe: Quirky, casual, creative
- Highlights: Spam Museum, murals, coffee shops
- Best Time to Visit: Spring through fall
- Cost: Spam Museum is free
- Hours: 10am–5pm daily
Romantic Day Trips from Minneapolis:
Lakeside serenity and logging heritage in Bemidji
Bemidji felt like a deep exhale. The lake, the Paul Bunyan statues, and the walkable downtown made it feel friendly and timeless. I remember thinking, “This is the kind of place that’s slow on purpose.”
What I Loved Most: Sitting by the lake, sipping coffee, and watching the light shift on the water.
My highlights? A warming bowl of wild rice soup and a maple latte at Wild Hare Bistro, tucked into a quiet corner of downtown. Cozy and comforting.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Minneapolis: ~3.5 hours north
- Vibe: Scenic, quiet, classic small-town
- Highlights: Paul & Babe statues, lakeside walks, art galleries
- Best Time to Visit: Summer and early fall
- Cost: Free to explore
- Hours: Shops and cafés 9am–6pm
Brainerd: lakes, legends, and lunch on the dock
Brainerdwas all things “up north”—tall pines, clear lakes, and that feeling that you’re just a bit farther away from everything. I remember thinking, “This is exactly the kind of quiet I came for.”
What I Loved Most: Kayaking on Gull Lake early in the morning, with loons calling in the distance.
My highlights? Lunch at The Local 218, where I had walleye tacos and a lemonade on the patio. Laid-back and lake-perfect.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Minneapolis: ~2 hours northwest
- Vibe: Outdoorsy, relaxed, classic lake country
- Highlights: Gull Lake, Paul Bunyan Trail, golf & boating
- Best Time to Visit: Summer
- Cost: Free to explore; rentals available
- Hours: Lakeside businesses vary; most open 10am–8pm
Family Day Trips from Minneapolis:
Beach day bliss at Duluth’s Park Point
Park Point in Duluth felt like finding the beach at the edge of a forest. Sand dunes met lake spray, and seagulls danced in the wind. I remember thinking, “I can’t believe this is Lake Superior—it feels like the ocean.”
What I Loved Most: Walking barefoot in the sand as driftwood piled up like sculpture all around me.
My highlights? A sandwich from Northern Waters Smokehaus—smoked salmon with dill cream cheese on rye, eaten at the water’s edge.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Minneapolis: ~2.5 hours north
- Vibe: Beachy, breezy, unexpected
- Highlights: Sand beach, Superior views, birdwatching
- Best Time to Visit: Summer
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Dawn to dusk
Wild beauty and wolf howls in Ely
Ely felt raw and real—wild northern Minnesota at its purest. I remember walking through the woods and thinking, “This is the kind of silence that rearranges your insides.” There was something sacred in the stillness.
What I Loved Most: Visiting the International Wolf Center and hearing the soft, eerie howls echo through the trees.
My highlights? A hearty elk burger and fries at Insula Restaurant, paired with a cold local brew and stories shared around a pine table.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Minneapolis: ~4 hours north
- Vibe: Remote, reflective, natural
- Highlights: Wolf Center, hiking, lakes, canoe access
- Best Time to Visit: Summer and fall
- Cost: $14 admission to Wolf Center
- Hours: 10am–5pm daily (seasonal)
From City Streets to Pine-Scented Paths
Each trip started with a tank of gas and a bit of curiosity—and ended with a story I couldn’t wait to tell. From scenic overlooks and small-town cafés to wolves, waterfalls, and well-worn hiking boots, Minnesota proves again and again that beauty isn’t just out there—it’s right here, waiting.
So take the turnoff. Follow the shoreline. Chase the breeze. You never know what you’ll find just a couple hours from home.
More to explore...
Looking for more Minnesota travel inspiration? Don’t miss these reader favorites:
Jump to a Spot...
- • Quiet trails and river views at Afton State Park
- • River town charm and pottery in Red Wing
- • Art and Spam in quirky, colorful Austin
- • Lakeside serenity and logging heritage in Bemidji
- • Brainerd: lakes, legends, and lunch on the dock
- • Beach day bliss at Duluth’s Park Point
- • Wild beauty and wolf howls in Ely