Located along the Mississippi River, Minneapolis is the largest city in Minnesota. With a population of around 400,000, it’s part of the metropolitan area popularly known as the Twin Cities, comprising Minneapolis and St. Paul. It experiences all four seasons and offers something for everyone. You can check out the paintings and sculptures at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. Or head to First Avenue, which is a renowned venue with live music. You can also walk along the Chain of Lakes, a series of seven lakes that are connected by walking and biking trails. If work brings you here, there are many hotels with free parking for your needs. Carrying a pet with you? The pet-friendly rentals are awesome. If you’re looking for more adventure, Minneapolis is a great base for exploring other nearby cities. Want to find out more? Continue reading about the top day trips from Minneapolis, Minnesota.
1. Red Wing
Our list starts off with the city of Red Wing, which is located to the south-east of Minneapolis. The city sits along Mississippi River and in the 1850s, settlers came to the area to work on the steamboats plying the river. One of the things the city is most known for today is Red Wing Shoes brand, but there’s much more to do in Minnesota than just shoe shopping. If you want to spend some time outdoors, walk along Cannon Valley Trail, which is 20 mi (32 km) long. If you’re visiting in the snowy and cold winter months, you can snowshoe along the trail. For those who prefer to stay indoors, you can head to Pottery Museum of Red Wing, where you can learn about the clay industry of the city.
2. Brainerd
Situated in central Minnesota is a city called Brainerd. The area is locally referred to as Lake Country. Minnesota is home to more than 10,000 lakes and many of them are located in the Brainerd area. Thus, it’s a popular tourist spot, especially in the summer. Visitors love to go boating and swimming in the lakes. There’s also Paul Bunyan State Trail to enjoy. This biking and walking trail spans 120 mi (180 km), offering plenty of nature to see. Or you can explore downtown Brainerd, which has plenty of independent boutiques, antique shops and restaurants. It will take you around two hours to get to Brainerd from Minneapolis.
3. Stillwater
Stillwater is often referred to as the birthplace of Minnesota. Of course, indigenous people lived here before the arrival of settlers, but in 1837, a treaty was signed between the US government and Dakota and Ojibwa nations, which granted settlers the right to inhabit the area. Today, it’s a quaint town located along the St. Croix River. One of the city’s landmarks is Lift Bridge. It’s one of just three left in the region today and you can watch it go up and down to allow boats to pass through. You can visit Warden’s House Museum for its history. The first prison in Minnesota was built in Stillwater and this is your chance to check out the place that the prison wardens used to call home. There’s also plenty of shopping to do and restaurants to enjoy on Stillwater’s Main Street. The drive from Minneapolis takes only 30 minutes.
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4. Alexandria
Alexandria is located in central Minnesota, about a two-hour drive from Minneapolis. It’s a small town, with a population around 14,000, but it offers plenty for visitors to see and do. As it’s surrounded by so many lakes, it makes a great destination for those who want to do some boating or swimming in the warmer months or even some ice fishing in winter.
5. Owatonna
Owatonna is located in southern Minnesota, about an hour’s drive from Minneapolis. The town was settled in the 1850s and has a population around 25,000 today. One of Owatonna’s main destinations in the Historic Downtown District. It’s filled with unique boutiques, shops, restaurants, and the scenic Central Park, which is home to a farmer’s market on Saturdays. Another popular destination is Rice Lake State Park, a wetland area which offers visitors the opportunity to canoe, hike or birdwatch. And if you like art, check out the current exhibition at the Owatonna Arts Center.
6. Hudson
Now we’re going to cross state lines. Hudson is located east of Minneapolis, just across the border in Wisconsin. It’s only a 30-minute drive from Minneapolis, making it a popular spot for Twin Cities’ residents. It’s a small town but offers plenty for visitors to do. It’s got a trendy downtown area, with vintage shops, restaurants and boutiques. If you want to spend some time enjoying the outdoors, head to Lakefront Park, which has views of St. Croix River, a swimming area and a space to picnic. And when you need some caffeine, stop for a coffee at Hudson Bagel & Coffee Co.
7. Mantorville
With a slight population, Mantorville is truly a small town in Minnesota. To enjoy some small town charm, you’ll have to drive about an hour and a half south of Minneapolis. So, what’s there to do in Mantorville? One of the most popular desinations is The Hubbell House. It’s one of Minnesota’s oldest restaurants and you can enjoy steak and barbecue pork ribs in a historic environment. If it’s a nice day out, you can spend some time in Riverside Park, where you can canoe or fish. You can also catch a local theatre show at the Mantorville Theatre Company.
8. Excelsior
Next up, we have Excelsior, a city located just a half-hour west of Minneapolis. It’s situated along the shores of Lake Minnetonka, making it an excellent place to spend a day if you’re interested in swimming, boating or fishing. Another one of the city’s draws is its historic downtown area. You can spend some time perusing the boutiques before stopping for a meal at one of the restaurants. And if you’re into history, stop by Minnesota Streetcar Museum, where you can learn about transportation in the area.
9. Bemidji
Bemidji is located in northern Minnesota, about four hours from Minneapolis. The city sits on the shores of both Mississippi River and Lake Bemidji, meaning there’s loads to do outdoors. For example, you can hike or fish at Lake Bemidji State Park. But don’t worry, if the weather’s bad or you’re more of an inside person, there are indoor options as well. Head to the Beltrami County History Museum to learn about the area’s history. Or get hands-on with science at the Headwaters Science Center.
10. New Ulm
We’ll finish off our list with New Ulm, a city around two hours southwest of Minneapolis. The city was founded in the 1850s and named after the city of Neu-Ulm in Bavaria, Germany. Today, it has around 13,000 residents and offers plenty for visitors to enjoy. To learn about the history of the area, you can head to Brown County Historical Society and check out their exhibitions. When you want to stretch your legs, pay a visit to Flandrau State Park where you can hike a trail or swim in a pond. And if you want to get into the German spirit, enjoy a meal at Veigel’s Kaiserhoff which serves up classic German fare.
11. Duluth (from USD 231.0)
With its stunning natural landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, Duluth is a captivating destination that promises a memorable experience for travelers of all interests. Explore the enchanting waterfront and take in panoramic views of the world’s largest freshwater lake.
Discover the city’s fascinating history at the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center and explore the iconic Aerial Lift Bridge, a symbol of Duluth’s maritime heritage. Immerse yourself in nature at the stunning parks and trails surrounding the city. Visit the famous Gooseberry Falls State Park and witness the cascading waterfalls and pristine forests.
Experience the thriving arts and culture scene with galleries, theaters, and live music venues showcasing local talent. Explore the charming Canal Park district, filled with boutique shops, restaurants, and lively entertainment. Enjoy delicious cuisine, from fresh seafood to mouthwatering regional dishes, and savor craft beers at the city’s breweries.
30-Mile North Shore Helicopter Tour
Duration: 18 to 22 minutes
12. Austin
Austin is a hidden gem that promises a memorable visit filled with unique attractions, natural beauty, and friendly faces. Known as the “Spam Capital of the World,” it is home to the Spam Museum, where visitors can explore the history and fun facts about the iconic canned meat.
During your day tour from Minneapolis, immerse yourself in the local arts scene by visiting the Austin ArtWorks Center, showcasing the work of local artists, or catching a live performance at the Historic Paramount Theatre. Explore the great outdoors at the nearby Hormel Nature Center, offering scenic trails, wildlife observation, and educational exhibits. Enjoy boating, fishing, and swimming at East Side Lake Park.
Loads to explore around Minneapolis
There are plenty of places to visit near Minneapolis. Whether you’re looking to stroll through a charming historic downtown area or splash around in one of Minnesota’s many lakes or go on a hike, there are several great day trip options for you. So pick the one that speaks to you the most and start planning your day trip!
Frequently asked questions about day trips from Minneapolis
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