Embark on These 20 Exciting Day Trips From Minneapolis
Looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Minneapolis? Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or foodie, there’s something for everyone within a few hours’ drive of the Twin Cities.
From exploring the charming streets of Stillwater to hiking the scenic bluffs of Red Wing, the possibilities for a fun-filled day trip are endless. So, pack your bags, fuel up the car, and get ready to embark on an adventure just a short drive away from Minneapolis.
St. Paul, Minnesota
About 15 minutes away
Looking for a quick day trip? Head over the Intercity Bridge into St. Paul to discover the other Twin City and Minnesota’s state capital. As one of Minnesota’s oldest cities, the city is filled with historic landmarks, historic neighborhoods, and lots to do.
St. Paul is a year-round destination of delights from the Saint Paul Winter Carnival, Minnesota Wild hockey, and the Como Zoo and Conservatory to the Minnesota State Fair (in nearby Falcon Heights), museums, and the historic Cathedral of Saint Paul, the city has something for everyone — and it’s very close to home.
Visitors should also make time to explore Hidden Falls, a 10-foot waterfall in Hidden Falls Regional Park that’s a perfect spot for a picnic. St. Paul also has a connection to cartoonist Charles Schulz and permanent bronze sculptures of many Peanuts characters can be found at Landmark Plaza and Rice Park.
Mall of America
About 20 minutes away
The Mall of America is only a hop, skip, and a jump from Minneapolis in Bloomington, but with so much to see and do on four levels, it’s a place where visitors of any age can easily spend a day without much trouble.
Attractions at the mall include an incredible 5-D experience, a movie theater, mini golf, museums, a Nickelodeon Universe, hundreds of stores, and dozens of restaurants.
Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter
About 30 minutes away
Located in Stillwater, Gasthaus has served up Old-World hospitality and delicious German food for nearly six decades. Visitors of all ages will smile big as they dig into bratwurst, schnitzel, spaetzle, and other classics.
After a filling meal, visitors can take a trolley tour around the city, hop aboard the St. Croix for a historic boat tour, or indulge in some retail therapy as they explore over 50 boutiques and shops in downtown Stillwater.
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum AppleHouse
About 30 minutes away
The Arboretum’s AppleHouse is the perfect place for a winter day trip. In November and December, the AppleHouse provides everything visitors need for the holidays, including unique gifts, festive decor, and gourmet foods that can take a holiday celebration to the next level.
Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store
About 45 minutes away
Prepare to be a kid (or an adult) in a candy store! For more than 40 years, this family-owned business off Highway 169 has been a favorite for visitors who come to enjoy an eye-popping array of cotton candy, popcorn, lollipops, retro candies, fresh baked goods and so much more!
With other attractions on hand, including a fortune-telling machine and an animatronic band, it’s a can’t-miss family day trip destination.
Northfield, Minnesota
About 45 minutes away
Just south of Minneapolis, Northfield is an outdoor haven for travelers who enjoy visiting farmers’ markets and perusing fresh produce. Silkey Gardens offers U-Pick fruit and the Little Hill Berry Farm and Lorence’s Berry Farm have some of the best local blueberries.
Elsewhere, visitors can retrace the steps of the notorious James-Younger Gang on the Outlaw Trail or meander through the one-of-a-kind Riverwalk Market Fair to find unique treasures.
Lindstrom, Minnesota
About 45 minutes away
“America’s Little Sweden” is the perfect day trip from Minneapolis, beckoning visitors to bask in the city’s Scandinavian heritage and enjoy some of the best baked goods in Minnesota.
Visitors can nosh on sweet treats from the Lindstrom Bakery and coffee at Northwoods Roasterie. They can also travel to one of Lindstrom’s scenic parks or learn about the town’s Scandinavian roots at museums and cultural centers including Gladje and the Karl Oskar House.
Red Wing, Minnesota
About 1 hour away
Nestled on a scenic stretch of the Mississippi River, Red Wing offers the best of all worlds: Breathtaking views, unique attractions, and a historic downtown. Visitors can enjoy excellent views of the river along the Barn Bluff Trail or from the comfort of a riverboat on a cruise.
No stop in Red Wing is complete without a trip to the Red Wing Shoe Company Museum and its famous World’s Largest Boot (a whopping size 638-D). While there, visitors can explore the fascinating history of this shoe company and even shop for a pair of high-quality shoes.
RELATED: Youngsters traveling on a family day trip are sure to love a trip to LARK Toys in nearby Kellogg.
Stockholm Pie and General Store
About 1 hour, 20 minutes away
A day trip for pie? When you’re traveling to a place that’s been voted the No. 1 pie shop in America, it’s a worthwhile (and tasty) trip.
Everything here is made from scratch and hungry visitors can stop for lunch and enjoy sandwiches, savory pies, and salads with a hearty slice of pie for dessert. Guests can choose from a least a dozen varieties including Butterscotch Pecan, Chocolate Mocha, Peanut Butter Fudge, and Coconut Cream (you can have them shipped too!)
Apart from the cafe, visitors can browse the general store and its selection of artisan cheeses, wine, coffee, books, and more.
Taylors Falls, Minnesota
About 1 hour, 30 minutes away
Situated on the St. Croix River northeast of the Twin Cities, Taylors Falls is a great family destination. Interstate State Park is a hotbed of activity as rockhounds comb the shoreline, nature enthusiasts flock to scenic overlooks, and hikers explore the area’s geological history on beautiful trails.
Visitors looking for more fun on the water can rent a canoe or kayak to explore the St. Croix River or take a scenic boat tour to see the beautiful cliffs along the river.
Wabasha, Minnesota
About 1 hour, 45 minutes away
Wabasha is renowned for its outdoor recreation, especially its eagle watching on the banks of the Mississippi River. Sharp-eyed (or eagle-eyed) guests can visit the National Eagle Center for a chance to see these majestic birds. The city also holds several exciting annual festivals, making Wabasha a fun year-round day trip destination.
Niagara Cave Waterfall
About 2 hours, 15 minutes away
Nestled along the Minnesota-Iowa border, Niagara Cave Waterfall hides deep below the landscape, creating an eery, yet exciting place to explore. Visitors of all ages can marvel at the site of the illuminated, plunging 60-foot falls. Visitors can also get married in an underground “wedding chapel,” and explore the cave’s intricate formations.
Blue Earth, Minnesota
About 2 hours, 15 minutes away
Located near Minnesota’s border with Iowa, Blue Earth is well known for one of the most unique attractions in Minnesota, if not the Midwest: A towering 55-foot-tall statue of the Jolly Green Giant.
The giant green figure welcomes visitors to the Jolly Green Giant Museum, which holds the largest collection of Jolly Green Giant memorabilia as well as local farming artifacts.
Duluth, Minnesota
About 2 hours, 15 minutes away
Travelers looking for a kid-friendly destination can’t go wrong with a visit to Duluth. Visitors can spend a day on the water sailing, boating, or fishing on Lake Superior, make a trek to Split Rock Lighthouse, or visit four different museums at the Historic Union depot downtown.
Looking for more? See the wonders of the water at the Great Lakes Aquarium or book a ride on the North Shore Scenic Railroad. Plan a visit to Lester Park, which rewards visitors with the sight of the 20-foot Lester River Falls, from the Superior Street Bridge.
Two Harbors, Minnesota
About 2 hours, 45 minutes away
A day trip to Two Harbors rewards travelers with the site of Gooseberry Falls on Lake Superior, one of Minnesota’s most iconic symbols. Visitors can watch the falls pass over four scenic drops and explore more along the Gooseberry River, which includes river islands, bridges, and lava flows.
RELATED: Explore more scenic waterfalls in Minnesota
Apart from the waterfall, visitors can make a journey to the Two Harbors Lighthouse, explore the shores of Agate Bay Beach, and enjoy outdoor recreation at Gooseberry Falls State Park.
Iowa’s Great Lakes
About 3 hours away
Michigan is famously known as the Great Lakes State, but a region of Northwest Iowa — known as Okoboji — is home to a collection of seven lakes that give Iowa a claim as a great lakes state.
This group of seven beautiful lakes covers more than 12,000 acres and is a popular tourist destination where residents and visitors alike come to enjoy lakeside communities, scenic beaches, and outdoor adventures.
Hibbing, Minnesota
About 3 hours, 10 minutes away
Nestled in the heart of Minnesota’s Iron Range, Hibbing is famously the birthplace of Bob Dylan — his boyhood home can be seen from afar, but it is currently a private residence.
Hibbing’s iron mining history can be explored at the Hull-Rust Mahoning Mine View. This is one of the biggest open-pit iron ore mines in the world and offers a fascinating view and a scenic overlook of the mine allows for panoramic views and beautiful photography.
Curious travelers can also visit the Greyhound Bus Museum to explore the company’s Hibbing roots and learn about its impact on transportation with exhibits and memorabilia.
Grand Rapids, Minnesota
About 3 hours, 15 minutes away
This tiny northern Minnesota town offers culture in spades with a unique mix of galleries, theaters, and museums.
The city is perhaps most famously the birthplace of actress Judy Garland and visitors can tour the Garland Museum, which houses the largest collection of her Wizard of Oz memorabilia.
Elsewhere in town, visitors can pay visits to the MacRostie Art Center, the Hill Annex Mine (in Calumet), and the Itasca Historical Society to learn about the area’s history.
Wisconsin Dells
About 3 hours, 15 minutes away
With dozens of attractions, four local state parks, and more than 100 restaurants, the Wisconsin Dells are the perfect family vacation spot; somewhere where every family member can find something to enjoy.
Kids of all ages can spend the day at an outdoor waterpark or playground, and families can see the wonders of the Dells on a double-decker boat tour of the Wisconsin River.
RELATED: For a thrilling adventure in the heart of the Dells, take a tour of Witches Gulch — a narrow, winding gorge with stunning beauty.
Park Rapids, Minnesota
About 3 hours, 20 minutes away
Minnesota is famously the Land of 10,000 Lakes. For residents and visitors who love the water, visiting Park Rapids offers a chance to explore hundreds of them, including Mantrap Lake, Fish Hook Lake, and Big Sand Lake near the headwaters of the Mississippi River.
The Lake Country Scenic Byway is perfect for scenic drives and miles of local trails provide the perfect path for unforgettable hikes.
Make Plans For a Day Trip From Minneapolis
No matter what you’re in the mood for, these day trips from Minneapolis provide a guide for a memorable and enjoyable experience. So whether you want to stay close to Minneapolis or spend a day further away enjoying small towns and scenic waterfalls, there’s a day trip from Minneapolis waiting to be added to your bucket list!