By emma hynes
You get a mix of everything in the Twin City as it’s located along the Mississippi River and blends modern skyscrapers with historic architecture and green spaces. You'll find a weekend getaway from the city is no different.
Here are some excellent destinations for weekend trips from Minneapolis that each have their own unique appeal and variety of experiences.
Duluth, MN, is a vibrant port city nestled along the shores of Lake Superior. It offers a perfect mix of natural beauty, industrial history, and modern attractions.
Stillwater’s beautifully preserved downtown is filled with antique shops, cozy cafes, and riverfront restaurants. A stroll across the Stillwater Lift Bridge provides sweeping views of the river and the surrounding bluffs.
Stillwater’s seasonal festivals, like the Lumberjack Days in summer or the Harvest Fest in fall, add to its small-town appeal. The best time to visit is from late spring through early fall, when the river is active, and patios are open.
The park is home to historic Douglas Lodge, offering rustic accommodations and a glimpse into early 20th-century park life with wildlife sightings, birdwatching, and lake activities like canoeing and fishing.
Wisconsin Dells is a lively, family-friendly vacation spot often called the “Waterpark Capital of the World.” Located along the Wisconsin River, it’s packed with attractions that appeal to kids, teens, and adventurous adults.
Beyond the waterparks, visitors can explore Duck Boat Tours, which combine land and water sightseeing, or experience interactive attractions like Ripley’s Believe It or Not! and the Tommy Bartlett Exploratory.
The town is renowned for the Root River State Trail, a 42-mile paved path perfect for biking, walking, and cross-country skiing. Water activities like kayaking, canoeing, and tubing are popular on the Root River.
The trails offer stunning views of the river gorge. The nearby Franconia Sculpture Park adds a cultural touch with its outdoor contemporary art installations. The area is particularly beautiful in spring, when wildflowers bloom.
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