Day trips from Minneapolis, MN
From Minneapolis, Minnesota
12 Amazing Destinations
Perfect for day trips
Minneapolis, with its vibrant urban scene, is perfectly positioned for a variety of day trips that cater to diverse interests. Whether you're seeking the tranquility of nature, the charm of historic towns, or the excitement of adventure sports, there's a destination within driving distance that's sure to captivate. From the scenic beauty of state parks to the rich cultural heritage of small towns, these day trips offer a perfect escape from the city's hustle and bustle. Embark on a journey to discover the best of what Minnesota has to offer, just a short drive away from Minneapolis.
1. Lutsen Mountains
Lutsen Mountains, located along the North Shore of Lake Superior, offers a stunning blend of natural beauty and adventure. In the summer, enjoy hiking the Superior Hiking Trail, which provides breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding forests. For a more relaxed experience, visit the Lutsen Mountains Adventure Park, where you can enjoy zip-lining, alpine slides, and a ropes course. Don't miss the chance to explore the nearby Gooseberry Falls State Park, which features beautiful waterfalls and scenic trails.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Superior Hiking Trail
- ✓Lutsen Mountains Adventure Park
- ✓Gooseberry Falls State Park
- ✓Zip-lining and alpine slides
2. Stillwater
Stillwater, known as the birthplace of Minnesota, is a charming river town that offers a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. Take a stroll along the historic Main Street, which is lined with Victorian-era buildings, unique shops, and cozy cafes. For a taste of local history, visit the Stillwater Lift Bridge, one of the last manually operated lift bridges in the country. Nature lovers can enjoy a leisurely walk along the Brown's Creek Trail, which offers scenic views of the St. Croix River.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Historic Main Street
- ✓Stillwater Lift Bridge
- ✓Brown's Creek Trail
- ✓Victorian-era architecture
3. Grand Marais
Grand Marais, nestled along the North Shore of Lake Superior, is a picturesque town that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and small-town charm. Explore the Grand Marais Harbor, where you can watch fishing boats come in with their daily catch. For a taste of local culture, visit the Grand Marais Art Colony, which features a variety of art exhibits and workshops. Nature lovers can enjoy hiking the trails at the nearby Cascade River State Park, which offers stunning views of waterfalls and the lake.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Grand Marais Harbor
- ✓Grand Marais Art Colony
- ✓Cascade River State Park
- ✓Waterfalls and scenic trails
4. Red Wing
Red Wing, located along the Mississippi River, is a historic town that offers a mix of culture, history, and natural beauty. Visit the Red Wing Heritage Center, which showcases the town's rich history and cultural heritage. For a taste of local art, explore the Red Wing Arts Association, which features a variety of art exhibits and workshops. Nature lovers can enjoy a leisurely walk along the Mississippi River Trail, which offers scenic views of the river and surrounding forests.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Red Wing Heritage Center
- ✓Red Wing Arts Association
- ✓Mississippi River Trail
- ✓Historic architecture
5. Lake City
Lake City, located along the shores of Lake Pepin, is a charming town that offers a mix of natural beauty and outdoor recreation. Visit the Lake Pepin Recreation Area, which offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and fishing. For a taste of local history, explore the Lake City Heritage Museum, which showcases the town's rich history and cultural heritage. Nature lovers can enjoy a leisurely walk along the Lake City Water Trail, which offers scenic views of the lake and surrounding forests.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Lake Pepin Recreation Area
- ✓Lake City Heritage Museum
- ✓Lake City Water Trail
- ✓Outdoor recreation
6. Duluth
Duluth, located along the shores of Lake Superior, is a vibrant city that offers a mix of natural beauty, culture, and adventure. Visit the Duluth Superior Harbor, which offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and fishing. For a taste of local history, explore the Duluth Depot, which showcases the city's rich history and cultural heritage. Nature lovers can enjoy a leisurely walk along the Lake Superior Hiking Trail, which offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding forests.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Duluth Superior Harbor
- ✓Duluth Depot
- ✓Lake Superior Hiking Trail
- ✓Outdoor recreation
7. Mankato
Mankato, located along the Minnesota River, is a vibrant city that offers a mix of culture, history, and natural beauty. Visit the Sibley Historic Site, which showcases the city's rich history and cultural heritage. For a taste of local art, explore the Mankato Art Center, which features a variety of art exhibits and workshops. Nature lovers can enjoy a leisurely walk along the Minnesota River Trail, which offers scenic views of the river and surrounding forests.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Sibley Historic Site
- ✓Mankato Art Center
- ✓Minnesota River Trail
- ✓Historic architecture
8. Rochester
Rochester, located in the heart of Minnesota, is a vibrant city that offers a mix of culture, history, and natural beauty. Visit the Mayo Clinic History and Heritage Center, which showcases the city's rich history and cultural heritage. For a taste of local art, explore the Rochester Art Center, which features a variety of art exhibits and workshops. Nature lovers can enjoy a leisurely walk along the Zumbro River Trail, which offers scenic views of the river and surrounding forests.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Mayo Clinic History and Heritage Center
- ✓Rochester Art Center
- ✓Zumbro River Trail
- ✓Historic architecture
9. Ely
Ely, located in the heart of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, is a charming town that offers a mix of natural beauty and outdoor recreation. Visit the Ely-Winton Historical Museum, which showcases the town's rich history and cultural heritage. For a taste of local art, explore the Dorsey Peat Museum, which features a variety of art exhibits and workshops. Nature lovers can enjoy a leisurely walk along the Kawishiwi Trail, which offers scenic views of the surrounding forests and lakes.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Ely-Winton Historical Museum
- ✓Dorsey Peat Museum
- ✓Kawishiwi Trail
- ✓Outdoor recreation
Available Tours:
10. Winona
Winona, located along the Mississippi River, is a charming town that offers a mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Visit the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, which showcases a variety of art exhibits and workshops. For a taste of local history, explore the Winona County History Center, which features a variety of historical exhibits and artifacts. Nature lovers can enjoy a leisurely walk along the Great River Trail, which offers scenic views of the river and surrounding forests.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Minnesota Marine Art Museum
- ✓Winona County History Center
- ✓Great River Trail
- ✓Historic architecture
11. Hastings
Hastings, located along the Mississippi River, is a charming town that offers a mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Visit the LeDuc Historic Estate, which showcases the town's rich history and cultural heritage. For a taste of local art, explore the Hastings Art Center, which features a variety of art exhibits and workshops. Nature lovers can enjoy a leisurely walk along the Hastings River Trail, which offers scenic views of the river and surrounding forests.
What to See & Do:
- ✓LeDuc Historic Estate
- ✓Hastings Art Center
- ✓Hastings River Trail
- ✓Historic architecture
Available Tours:
12. Redwood Falls
Redwood Falls, located in the heart of Minnesota, is a charming town that offers a mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Visit the Alexander Ramsey Park, which showcases the town's rich history and cultural heritage. For a taste of local art, explore the Redwood Area Art Center, which features a variety of art exhibits and workshops. Nature lovers can enjoy a leisurely walk along the Redwood River Trail, which offers scenic views of the river and surrounding forests.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Alexander Ramsey Park
- ✓Redwood Area Art Center
- ✓Redwood River Trail
- ✓Historic architecture
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