• Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Alexandria ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

© ames Reininger/stock.adobe.com

2. Afton State Park ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© kiravolkov/stock.adobe.com

3. Apostle Islands

Romantic Islands
© karagrubis/stock.adobe.com

4. Red Wing

© MelissaMN/stock.adobe.com

5. Austin

© DebraAnderson/stock.adobe.com

6. Bemidji

© scandamerican/stock.adobe.com

7. Brainerd

© johnsroad7/stock.adobe.com

8. Duluth

© UbjsP/stock.adobe.com

9. Duluth Park Point Beach

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Like/stock.adobe.com

10. Ely

© Jacob/stock.adobe.com

11. Excelsior

© Susan Rydberg/stock.adobe.com

12. Grantsburg

© FotoRequest/stock.adobe.com

13. Historic Forestville

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Austin/stock.adobe.com

14. Hudson

© MelissaMN/stock.adobe.com

15. Iona's Beach Scientific and Natural Area

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© scandamerican/stock.adobe.com

16. Lake Pepin

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© johnsroad7/stock.adobe.com

17. Mantorville

© stock.adobe.com

18. New Ulm

© Lynn Seldon and Danita Delimont/stock.adobe.com

19. Owatonna

© LorentzenPhotography/stock.adobe.com

20. Pipestone National Monument and Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© johnsroad7/stock.adobe.com

21. Ramsey Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Benjamin Sullivan/stock.adobe.com

22. Stillwater

© wolterke/stock.adobe.com

23. Taylors Falls

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Jacob/stock.adobe.com

24. Two Harbors

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Jamie & Judy Wild and Danita Delimont/stock.adobe.com

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

  • Straddling the Mississippi River, Minneapolis is one of Minnesota's famous "Twin Cities" and the perfect place to base yourself for a weekend getaway or day trip.
  • Check out small towns like New Ulm and Alexandria, go canoeing in the pristine Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, or visit the scenic Apostle Islands in Wisconsin.
  • If you'd rather spend the day at the beach, visit Duluth Park Point Beach, stop by Iona's Beach to hear the singing rocks, or head to one of the many lakes outside the charming town of Brainerd.

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