Minneapolis is the 8th largest city in the Midwest with a whopping population of 430,000. From the bustling streets to the largest mall in America…you sometimes just need to get away from it all. An escape into nature, wineries, campgrounds, and lakes may be just what you need. I have put together the BEST weekend road trips from Minneapolis all less than 5 hours away. Happy Planning! Happy Relaxing!
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Table of Contents
Weekend Trips from Minneapolis Map
Stillwater, MN
Distance from Minneapolis: 31 minutes
At just over 30 minutes from Minneapolis, Stillwater is the perfect quick weekend road trip to escape those bustling streets. This charming and historic town is actually the birthplace of Minnesota. On the banks of the St. Croix river, you’ll find authentic riverboats, gondolas, trolleys, charming B&Bs, and of course a historic main street.
I recommend staying at Water Street Inn as it has a romantic charm, a rooftop bar, and amazing views of the river. If you can get yourself to sneak away from the relaxing hotel, start your weekend with a historic trolley tour of the city. After learning a bit more about the city, you can window shop down the main street.
Day 2 is all about the St. Croix river. Start your day with a morning kayak tour and end your day with a romantic dinner and sunset riverboat ride! If you have any additional time, you can check out the local winery or brewery!
Search for the best stays in Stillwater!
Taylors Falls, MN
Distance from Minneapolis: 56 minutes
Taylors Falls is the ultimate girl’s weekend getaway, but can also be a fun romantic spot or family getaway. It truly has it all!
Start your weekend with a hike at Interstate State Park. Although there are no waterfalls in Taylors Falls (the name is quite deceiving), there are glacial potholes and epic overviews of the river. After your hike, head out on a historic riverboat ride for more scenic views.
For the rest of your weekend getaway, you can decide between feeding the deer at Fawn-de-Rosa, chasing adventure at Wild Mountain Park, wine tasting at Dancing Dragonfly Winery, and/or admiring the unique art at Franconia Sculpture Park.
Search for the best hotels near Taylors Falls!
Psst: Bring these exciting trivia questions along on your Minneapolis road trip!
Duluth, MN
Distance from Minneapolis: 2 hours 17 min
Duluth is the perfect escape from the big city of Minneapolis. Home of the best Lake Superior views, beaches, hiking, skiing, and so much more!
Start your weekend here with a trip to Canal Park. You can shop, walk the Lake Walk, skip rocks, and grab a bite to eat. Be sure to grab dessert from Coldstone Creamery afterward! If you are looking to explore and learn about the city in a fun and competitive way, be sure to try out a self-guided scavenger hunt with Let’s Roam!
The next day, you can head to Spirit Mountain or Mont-du-lac for some adventurous fun. If visiting in the winter, you’ll be able to ski, snowboard, or tube. And the summer brings mountain biking, water sports, and disc golf.
If you still have energy left over, head out on the trails. I recommend checking out Enger Tower or Ely’s Peak for the best views of the city!
Click here to see the best hotels in Duluth, MN
Superior, WI
Distance from Minneapolis: 2 hours 25 min
Superior may not be on the top of anyone’s weekend road trip list, but there are quite a few hidden gems here that are worth checking out!
Start your weekend by heading to Pattison State Park for a hike along the 4-mile Manitou Falls trail. This trail will take you past Big Manitou and Little Manitou Falls. After your hike, you can spend the rest of the day relaxing on the beach. Be sure to pack a picnic!
The next day head to Amnicon State Park for another hike and swim under the waterfall! Then head back into town to Barkers Island. Here you can try a round of mini golf, tour the S.S. Meteor or rent a stand-up paddleboard. End your night with a stop at the candy shop and a delicious sushi dinner at Wasabi and a stop at Sweden Sweets Candy store for dessert.
Wisconsin Dells
Distance from Minneapolis: 3 hours, 11 minutes
Waterparks, science museums, hiking, arcades, and more! Wisconsin Dells is a perfect weekend getaway from Minneapolis with kids (or without!).
Start your Wisconsin Dells weekend by visiting a Passport to Savings booth (or website) to get discounted tickets to all of the city’s attractions. There’s also no need to stay at an expensive waterpark as you’ll likely want to get out and explore more of what the city has to offer (a day pass will work out just fine).
Some of Wisconsin Dell’s top attractions include Tommy Bartlett’s Exploratory (hands-on science fun), Wizard’s Quest (an immersive Escape Room game), an Upper Dells Boat tour (complete with two short hikes), and of course a visit to the largest indoor waterpark, The Kalahari.
Click here to search the best hotels in Wisconsin Dells
Hayward, WI
Distance from Minneapolis: 2 hours 41 minutes
I remember visiting Hayward as a kid, and it brings back so many great memories. It’s the perfect Northwoods weekend getaway to unplug and relax surrounded by nature.
At the center of the attractions is the famous KOA campground. Here you’ll find rustic cabins, and tent and RV sites. Other campground attractions include a heated pool, jumping pillow, hayrides, tubing, and a waterslide.
If you end up wanting to leave the campground, you can check out Tremblay’s Sweet Shop, the Lumberjack show, The Wilderness Walk, or Out of the Woods Winery.
MN North Shore
Distance from Minneapolis: 3 hr 53 min
The Minnesota North Shore is the ultimate adventure. Your weekend getaway will start from Duluth (so if you have extra time spend a few days here too) and then head along the 154-mile road to Canada. Along the way, you will see beautiful views of Lake Superior, lighthouses, amazing beaches, and cute small towns.
Although it will be tough to fit in all of the sights in just a weekend, I recommend stopping at Gooseberry Falls, Palisade Head, Split Rock Lighthouse, Black Sand Beach, Tettegouche State Park, and end in Lutsen.
If you have extra time, you can extend your weekend road trip from Minneapolis and continue up the shore to spend some time in Grand Marais!
Click here for a complete MN North Shore itinerary!
Bayfield, WI
Distance from Minneapolis: 3 hours 54 min
Bayfield, Wisconsin is best known for its magical sea caves. Although kayaking to these caves is definitely the highlight, the quaint town is fun to visit as well!
We rented a quaint B&B on Lake Superior and spent the weekend relaxing and enjoying the view. We then booked our sea cave tour with Bayfield Kayak, but there are several to choose from. Before or after kayaking, be sure to check out the Meyer’s Beach Sea Cave Trail.
You can also visit in the winter and walk out to the caves. A true winter wonderland! (This is only safe to do during select winters…Lake Superior does not often freeze over so be sure to only do so if it is deemed safe by the professionals).
Click here to search for the best stays in Bayfield, WI
What other weekend road trips from Minneapolis would you add to this list? Be sure to follow along on Instagram for more USA Travel ideas and dog-friendly finds!
AND check out this list of fun road trip questions to bring along these Minneapolis weekend getaways.
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