15 Best Weekend Getaways From Minneapolis, Minnesota

1. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is comprised of a stretch of shoreline and 21 islands along Lake Superior on the northern tip of Wisconsin. You have a chance to take in the wonderful sights and sounds of nature as well as the fresh ocean air.

This natural attraction features Lakeshore Trail, which goes through various cliffs and sea caves that are sure to be a great place for a soothing walk. Other than going on a relaxing stroll, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore also features camping spots, kayaking areas, guided kayaking tours, and boating spots.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Address: 415 Washington Ave, Bayfield, WI 54814, United States

Website: Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

2. Wabasha, MN

An hour and 38 minutes away from Minneapolis, Wabasha is a city that’s nestled along the Mississippi River and is named after the Mdewakanton Dakota mixed-blood chiefs Wapasha, Wapasha II, and Wapasha’s grandson. The city has a plethora of hiking trails along the Mississippi River, which makes for a wonderful hiking adventure for outdoorsmen.

There are also a number of museums, golf courses, and gardens to visit. For skiing and snowboarding fans, there are several ski resorts and ski trails to visit.

3. Stillwater

Famous for its lumber industry, Stillwater, MN, offers travelers the tranquility of nature as the city features abundant forests and is often called “the birthplace of Minnesota” because of its role in establishing the state.

The city’s main street has a wide variety of shops and restaurants that are sure to catch the eyes of any traveler. There is also the historic lift bridge that connects the city to Houlton, Wisconsin. Places like the St. Croix River and the various trails around the city are sure to appeal to any nature lover.

4. Cedar Valley Resort

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

In the mood to stay in a log cabin? If the answer is yes, then this road trip from Minneapolis is worth the travel. The resort boasts its 11 beautifully built log cabins that are all able to accommodate groups of 2 to 38 people.

It is also near the Root River State Bike Trail, which offers visitors a place to either go biking or hiking. Nevertheless, the resort is a nice place to simply sit back and enjoy nature and the great outdoors.

Cedar Valley Resort

Address: 905 Bench St, Whalan, MN 55949, United States

Website: Cedar Valley Resort

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 4pm; Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 8:30am - 12pm

5. Austin, Minnesota

Also known as Spam town USA, Austin is home to the Spam food brand and it even goes as far as to be home to an entire museum dedicated to the brand. It is also home to Hormel’s corporate headquarters which is the factory that produces most of the North American supply of Spam.

But it’s not just processed foods that this fine city is known for as there are a number of historical sites and buildings present as well including the Hormel Historic Home and Mower County Historical Society. There are a number of breweries, shops, bars, and spas as well so a weekend trip from Minneapolis to here is not a bad idea.

6. Duluth

Let’s start our list with Duluth, one of the most popular cities for weekend getaways in the state. Duluth is a port city located in northeastern Minnesota, and is situated on the shore of Lake Superior. Visitors love to watch ships pass through the city’s famous Aerial Lift Bridge, a vertical lift bridge that dates back to 1905. You can also explore the Great Lakes Aquarium, the only all-freshwater aquarium in America. If you’re a history and architecture buff, you’ll definitely want to visit Glensheen Mansion, a massive lakefront mansion which was built in the early 1900s and belonged to businessman Chester Adgate Congdon. The drive from Minneapolis will take about two and a half hours, and we recommend paying attention as you drive into the city - at one point, you’ll have excellent views over the lake and the city, and it’s truly beautiful.

7. Red Wing

Red Wing is just an hour southeast of Minneapolis, and is also situated along the Mississippi River. The city was originally home to the Mdewakanton native Americans, and in the 1850s, those working on the Mississippi River steamboats began to settle in the city. Today, Red Wing is perhaps most popular for the Red Wing Shoes brand, but the city offers plenty for visitors to do. You can enjoy the outdoors along the Cannon Valley Trail, a 20-mile (32 km) trail that offers hiking and biking opportunities in the warmer months and cross-country skiing in the winter. You can also head to the Pottery Museum and learn about Red Wing’s clay industry.

8. Iowa City, Iowa

Next on the list is Iowa City, a college town in eastern Iowa. Despite its humble midwestern roots, this city is actually quite hip and cool. It’s got a thriving arts scene, and is home to the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, a well-known creative writing program, and The Iowa Biennial Exhibition, an exhibition of contemporary printmaking. If you like to catch live acts, including music and dance, you can head to the Hancher Auditorium. City Plaza is a popular hangout spot for locals, where you can hear live music, eat at restaurants, and do some shopping. There’s plenty of cool things to explore in this city, and it’s located just four and a half hours from Minneapolis.

9. Grand Marais

Grand Marais is situated on the northeastern tip of Minnesota along the North Shore, an area of northeastern Minnesota so named because it sits along the north shore of Lake Superior. In the 1700s, the area was a thriving fur trading post, and today, people visit Grand Marais to enjoy strolling along the lakeside and reconnect with nature. The city is an entryway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, so if you like to canoe, this is a prime canoeing spot. You can also walk along the Gunflint Trail, a hiking trail which was once the walking path of fur traders. When you’re hungry, head to Angry Trout Cafe. They serve up fresh fish and have a dock overlooking Lake Superior. The drive to Grand Marais will take you about four and a half hours from Minneapolis.

10. Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

For those who grew up in the upper Midwest, Wisconsin Dells is synonymous with family vacations and the summer break from school. This city is located in the south-central area of Wisconsin, and it takes its name from the nearby gorge on the Wisconsin River. This area has been a popular tourist destination since the mid-1800s, when people used to take boat trips here to see the dells on the river. Sights along the river still brings tourists, but the area is also home to a plethora of water parks and theme parks. One of the most popular is Mt. Olympus Water and Theme Park, which offers 37 water slides, 5 roller coasters, and 9 go-kart tracks. The drive will only take three and a half hours from Minneapolis, so you can be enjoying the water slides in no time.

11. Des Moines, Iowa

Next is the Des Moines, the capital city of Iowa. The city is known for being a hub for insurance and other financial businesses, but it’s got plenty of culture, which locals and tourists both enjoy. One of the most popular attractions is the Iowa State Capitol. It has a gorgeous gold-leafed dome and guided tours are available. If you’re keen to learn more about Iowa’s history, you can spend some time at the State of Iowa Historical Museum. And, if you’re into cool places to eat and hip stores, then you’ll definitely want to spend some time in the East Village. You can pop into RAYGUN to purchase unique clothes and eat at Zombie Burger and Shake Lab, which has a horror movie theme. Des Moines is about four hours south of Minneapolis.

12. Two Harbors

Two Harbors is about a three-hour drive from Minneapolis, and is located in the northeastern part of the state. It is another city which sits along the shores of Lake Superior, making it a popular tourist destination for those who love outdoor activities. One of the most popular attractions in the area is Gooseberry Falls State Park, which offers plenty of hiking trails and beautiful views of the waterfalls along the Gooseberry River. Or, head to Agate Bay Beach, which sits along Lake Superior and has a pier - a great way to take in the beauty of northern Minnesota. Finally, when you feel like you need to relax, stop by Castle Danger Brewery, where you can taste craft beers brewed with water from Lake Superior.

13. Brainerd

Brainerd is a city located in central Minnesota. Minnesota is known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, and the Brainerd area is home to many of them. So, it’s no surprise that Brainerd is one of the most popular tourist destinations for Minnesotans, particularly in the summer months, when you can spend your days swimming, fishing, and boating. But, the area offers more than water-based fun. If you like to bike, head to the Paul Bunyan State Trail, which spans 120 miles (180 km). You can also head to downtown Brainerd, which offers a variety of independent shops and restaurants. The drive to Brainerd will take you just over two hours.

14. La Crosse, Wisconsin

La Crosse, Wisconsin, is about a two and half hour drive from Minneapolis, and is located on the Mississippi River in the western part of the state. It’s a college town, and offers plenty of activities for visitors. In Riverside Park, you can enjoy views of the river, walk or bike along trails, and enjoy a picnic. If you’re travelling with kids, spending the afternoon at the Children’s Museum of La Crosse is a great idea. Or, head to downtown La Crosse, where you can enjoy the city’s nightlife at a craft beer place like Bodega Brew Pub, Inc or at a club like Legend’s Night Club.

15. Bemidji

Our list ends with the town of Bemidji, Minnesota. The city is located in the northern part of the state, and is situated on the banks of the Mississippi River and the shores of Lake Bemidji. There’s plenty of outdoor fun to be had in this city, including Lake Bemidji State Park, which offers up hiking, fishing, and camping opportunities. When you want to head indoors, you can visit the Beltrami County History Museum, where you can learn about the area’s history. Or, spend some time at Headwaters Science Center, a science museum with plenty of hands-on activities.

So many weekend trips from Minneapolis

Minneapolis is perfectly situated for exploring the cities near it. Whether you want a city that offers plenty of outdoor activities, you prefer the vibrancy of a college town, or you just want to have fun in a water park, there’s a destination for you. So gas up the car and start planning your weekend trip from Minneapolis, Minnesota.