10 Best Romantic Weekend Getaways In Minnesota, USA - Updated 2024

Nicole
Nicole 
Updated
| 5 min read

Located on the midwestern side of the US, Minnesota is a vast US state home to beautiful cities and charming towns. Duluth, Saint Paul, and St. Cloud are some places you’ll find in the state. Minnesota is a fantastic getaway destination for all types of tourists, especially couples. It is home to over 10,000 lakes, making it a paradise for beachgoers and water-sports enthusiasts. It also boasts picturesque cityscapes and luxurious attractions, offering its visitors the best of both worlds. Planning to take your significant other on an adventure in The Star of the North? Browse through this list of the best romantic weekend getaways in Minnesota, USA.

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to couple-friendly amenities and activities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 09, 2024.

1. St. Cloud (from USD 144)

Downtown St Cloud
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user McGhiever used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Nestled in the heart of Minnesota, St. Cloud is a captivating city famed for its agricultural industry. It is home to many granite quarries, and it is a producer of dairy products, corn, barley, and other crops. Because of its natural topography, it offers scenic natural parks for its visitors, which are perfect for romantic dates. Take your significant other on a date to George Friedrich Park and admire the breathtaking waterscape together. Spend a day at Munsinger Gardens and create memories in this dreamy setting that seems to be a page straight out of a storybook. If it’s hiking you’re after, why not go hiking at Quarry Park and Nature Preserve?

St. Cloud is 76.6 mi (123.2 km) away from Saint Paul, Minnesota by car.

Stayed at this property?

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, St. Cloud East, MN

8.2 User Rating Wheelchair accessible

Address: 120 Seventh Avenue Southeast, Saint Cloud, Saint Cloud (MN), United States, 56304
117.44 km (73.0 mi) from Lake Elmo Park Reserve

Parking Meeting/banquet facilities 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Non-smoking rooms Business centre Laundry Dry cleaning

2. Afton (from USD 206)

Afton State Park Beach
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user McGhiever used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Afton is a beautiful city in Washington County, Minnesota. It charms tourists with its diverse attractions, making it an ideal getaway destination all year round. Go on a winter holiday in Afton Alps and ski with the love of your life while admiring picture-perfect sceneries. Enjoy a swim and a fishing escapade in Kinnickinnic State Park when you visit during the summer. A scenic date at Cracked Barrel Winery will surely bring bliss to your relationship. You can stroll through its vineyard and go wine-tasting at this lovely place.

Afton is 19.4 mi (31.2 km) away from Saint Paul, Minnesota by car.

Stayed at this property?
Afton, Minnesota, United States
6.54 km (4.1 mi) from Lake Elmo Park Reserve
72 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
ENTIRE HOME 3 Beds 5 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 5

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the shower is fantastic complete with a great window view out to the woods
very nice kitchen and the beds were very comfortable
plenty of hot water the kitchen was well appointed with plenty of pots and pans silverware and knives
the kitchen is open and spacious and was lots of fun to cook in
the bunk beds upstairs in the loft looked like fun for kids
Cleanliness:
so clean bright and comfortable
chad's place was super clean and very comfortable
the place was comfortable clean and well kept
great communication good location clean and well maintained
the dome was clean spacious and perfect for a weekend country getaway
Host:
chad was a fantastic host
he was very friendly and welcoming
chad was helpful and everything we could have expected from an airbnb host
chad is very fast to respond to questions very accommodating and wonderful to work with
we had a great stay in afton chad was an excellent host; very responsive but also not intrusive
Location:
beautiful setting and close to everything we needed
we were close to the cute town of afton and near stillwater hastings hudson and the greater minneapolis/st
fantastic experience at a unique place
loved being tucked into the backwoods and still close to our wedding and graduation events with family
great location for popping to minneapolis and exploring stillwater and st croix valley
Read more reviews

3. Two Harbors (from USD 139)

Iron Ore Docks, Two Harbors, Minnesota on Lake Superior North Shore (30951980688)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Tony Webster used under CC BY 2.0

Situated along the shore of Lake Superior, Two Harbors is a must-visit city in Minnesota for beach lovers and water-sports enthusiasts. It got its name from its history of being two separate communities. Two Harbors features gorgeous beaches, such as Agate Bay Beach, Burlington Bay Beach, Kelsey Beach, and Flood Bay. Imagine swimming all day long and basking in the warmth of the golden Minnesota sun throughout your vacation with your partner. Bring snacks, drinks, and tanning lotion for a complete picnic at the beach.

Two Harbors is 178.7 mi (287.5 km) away from Saint Paul, Minnesota by car.

Stayed at this property?

Country Inn Two Harbors

Address: 1204 7th Avenue, Two Harbors, Two Harbors (MN), United States, MN 55616
247.06 km (153.6 mi) from Lake Elmo Park Reserve

4. Grand Marais (from USD 130)

North Shore Trip - Beautiful Grand Marais, MN (14783064927)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Pete Markham used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Watch a dazzling show of the Northern Lights in Grand Marais, Minnesota. If you think that you can only see this elusive phenomenon in Northern Europe and Alaska alone, you are gravely mistaken. The Northern Lights grace the sky of Grand Marais anytime of the year, but they are best seen in September and March. Level up your vacation in the city by exploring George Washington Pines and Good Harbor Bay, which are great places to be captivated by the Northern Lights. Viewing the Northern Lights will surely be an even more romantic and memorable experience when shared with your sweetheart.

Grand Marais is 261.5 mi (420.8 km) away from Saint Paul, Minnesota by car.

Stayed at this property?
Grand Marais, Minnesota, United States
390.54 km (242.7 mi) from Lake Elmo Park Reserve
266 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Entire cabin 1 Bed 2 Guests 0 Bedrooms 0 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the bed was super comfortable and the heater worked great
unfortunately the wifi was down but we met judy so sweet and helpful
the stove worked like a charm and the gas heater kept the place warm in subzero temps
a beautiful space that provided my partner and i room to relax restore and connect with nature
very cozy warm and the sauna was the cherry on top
Cleanliness:
everything was very clean and warm when i got there
the cabin was clean and tastefully decorated
the marketplace has a very clean bathroom available to use
the place was clean well-stocked and exactly as advertised
a clean cozy getaway perfect for one or two guests
Host:
great value great hosts great house
stevie was so helpful and quick to respond to all of my questions
home was very clean and host offered great hospitality
Location:
awesome location and perfect cabin
amazing sauna and location
mokki was a wonderful place near grand marais to stay
perfect place to get away for a long weekend
cozy and picturesque cabin with close walking access to the lake
Read more reviews

5. Saint Paul (from USD 127)

Downtown St. Paul Minnesota Winter Riverfront (26438720548)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Tony Webster used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Saint Paul is one of the the Twin Cities, along with Minneapolis. It is the capital of Minnesota, and it is known for its extensive stretch of the Mississipi River. When nature, historic landmarks, and architecture merge, you get Saint Paul. It is home to amazing attractions, such as Minnehaha Falls, Fort Snelling State Park, and famous landmarks, such as Minnesota State Capitol, Cathedral of Saint Paul, and Landmark Center. Moreover, this city boasts a number of fascinating museums, attracting lovers who are history, culture, and art buffs.

Stayed at this property?

Drury Plaza Hotel St. Paul Downtown

Wheelchair accessible

Address: 175 10th St. E., Downtown, Saint Paul (MN), United States, 55101
15.06 km (9.4 mi) from Lake Elmo Park Reserve

6. Minneapolis (from USD 189)

Minneapolis, Minnesota-07
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Doug Kerr used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Your Minnesota adventure will not be complete without visiting Minneapolis. A neighbor to the capital city Saint Paul, Minneapolis is the other Twin City that boasts a dramatic cityscape. The Mississippi River adds to the beauty of this highly urbanized metropolis. If you and your partner are fond of art, be sure to swing by Minneapolis Institute of Art and check out its Monet collection. Fall in love with Minneapolis Sculpture Garden’s impressive landscape while enjoying an old-school picnic date. If you want to go shopping or check out some restaurants, you should head to Nicolett Mall.

Minneapolis is 12.4 mi (19.9 km) away from Saint Paul by car.

Stayed at this property?

The Lofton Hotel Minneapolis, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 601 First Avenue North
29.26 km (18.2 mi) from Lake Elmo Park Reserve

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre

7. Brainerd Lakes Area (from USD 129)

Northwoods 1
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Todd Murray used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Satisfy your strong desire to reconnect with nature by visiting Brainerd Lakes Area with the one you love. Brainerd Lakes lies in the heart of the state, and it offers visitors world-class natural attractions. You can go for a swim in Serpent Lake Beach or enjoy afternoon walks at O'Brien Park and Yawkee Park. This city is not only a destination for swimming but also hiking and biking.

Brainerd Lakes Area is 137.7 mi (221.6 km) away from Saint Paul by car.

Stayed at this property?

Arrowwood Lodge at Brainerd Lakes

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 6967 Forest Lake Road
188.55 km (117.2 mi) from Lake Elmo Park Reserve

Parking Restaurant Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Terrace Non-smoking rooms

8. Stillwater

Downtown Stillwater Main St N 100 block
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user McGhiever used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Stillwater is considered one of the prettiest towns in America. It is a destination for all types of tourists, as it offers opportunities for a fun-filled adventure, museums, historical landmarks, must-visit shops, and excellent dining spots. If you and your lover feel like playing golf, you should check out Stillwater’s world-class golf courses, such as Logger’s Trail Golf Course, Oak Glen Golf Course, Foot Golf, and Applewood Hills Golf Club. If you want to shop for vintage items, you will love some of Stillwater’s antique shops: American Gothic Antiques, Let There Be Lights Antique, and Midtown Antiques. You might find some rare and valuable finds at one of these shops.

Stillwater is 20.9 mi (33.6 km) away from Saint Paul by car.

Stayed at this property?

9. Red Wing (from USD 109)

Red Wing MN - downtown
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Michael Hicks used under CC BY 2.0

Take Red Wing by storm with your loving partner for a thrilling experience. Indulge in winter sports in Welch Village, a ski place near the city. Drink some hot chocolate during quick breaks. Go bird watching at Frontenac State Park and enjoy a day with nature. Feel the countryside air brushing against your skin while on a wine-tasting date with your significant other at Falconer Vineyards. These are some exciting experiences you’ll never forget when you tour Red Wing.

Red Wing is 45.2 mi (72.7 km) away from Saint Paul by car.

Stayed at this property?

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Red Wing, MN

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible Visual Aid: Braille

Address: 4275 Highway 61 West
50.0 km (31.1 mi) from Lake Elmo Park Reserve

Parking Restaurant Meeting/banquet facilities 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Non-smoking rooms Business centre Laundry

10. Duluth (from USD 104)

Duluth
Source: Pixabay

Have a wonderful holiday by seeing Lake Superior while on a road trip in Duluth. This port city offers more than just stunning beaches and excellent seafood restaurants. It features architectural wonders that one must see. The Glensheen Mansion, William A. Irvin Museum, and the Victorian Fairlawn Mansion & Museum should be on your itinerary. Surprise your partner with a day at Duluth Rose Garden where you can go on a picnic while marveling at the gorgeous blooms and lake. This charming place adds an enchanting backdrop for your Instagram posts.

Duluth is 151.7 mi (244.1 km) away from Saint Paul by car.

Stayed at this property?

Park Point Marina Inn

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 1033 Minnesota Ave.
210.19 km (130.7 mi) from Lake Elmo Park Reserve

Parking Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Sauna Fitness centre Terrace Non-smoking rooms

Fall in love with Minnesota

Minnesota is a state with a lot in store for its visitors. Whether you are into nature, outdoor activities, museums, shopping, or food trips, this state gets you covered. Plan a holiday in The Star of the North and treat your romantic partner to a holiday he or she will never forget. Create an awesome itinerary with the help of this list of the best romantic weekend getaways in Minnesota.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Nicole, a writer and traveler, also identifies herself as a free spirit with a wild heart. She is dedicated to telling authentic stories in a relatable manner. Nicole also enjoys exploring new,...Read more

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