Find my top places to visit in Minnesota in winter.right here! Whether you want to get outside, stay inside, or explore some hidden gems – these Minnesota winter getaways have something for everyone to enjoy!
New Ulm, Minnesota
Best for: History
New Ulm, Minnesota is about an hour and 45 minutes southwest of the Twin Cities. This little town is full of so much German history! We especially loved touring Schell’s brewery (not your ordinary brewery tour!), shopping around downtown in the German shops, and watching the glockenspiel show!
Related post: Things to do in New Ulm Minnesota
Lutsen, Minnesota
Best for: Outdoor activities
We live in Minnesota, so we have to embrace the snow! Lutsen is just past Duluth on the North Shore of Lake Superior and is an outdoor-lover’s paradise. I love to downhill ski, and Lutsen is hands down the best skiing in Minnesota. If you’ve never been during the winter, you MUST go. It’s so peaceful and beautiful!
Related Post: Lutsen Mountain Ski Weekend Guide
Northfield, Minnesota
Best for: Shopping
Northfield, Minnesota is such a hidden gem. It’s full of history, food, beer, etc. but the best part is the shopping in the historic downtown. From little boutiques to trendy thrift stores to refurbished art, it’s so easy to spend a whole day in Northfield. Make sure to get some drinks at a local brewery or distillery afterwards. Perfect for a girl’s day!
Related Post: Things to do in Northfield MN
Red Wing, Minnesota
Best for: Beer
Red Wing, Minnesota is located about an hour southeast of the Twin Cities on the Mississippi. One of my favorite Minnesota breweries is there, Red Wing Brewery, and it offers a great escape from the cold! If you’re a lover of the MN brewery scene and have yet to visit this spot, make sure to add it to your list! And make sure to stop by the famous Red Wing shoe store.
Related post: Things to do in Red Wing MN
Nisswa, Minnesota
Best for: Resorts
A Grand View Lodge winter getaway has everything you need to make the most of the magic of winter. From horse drawn wagon rides to igloos, Grand View Lodge has it all! Located in Nisswa, Minnesota, Grand View Lodge is about 2 hours north of the Twin Cities. The surrounding area has plenty of shops, restaurants, breweries, and outdoor activities to explore. It is one of the best winter resorts in Minnesota, and perfect for that winter vacation.
Related post: Grand View Lodge Winter Getaway.
Crosby, Minnesota
Best for: Winter trails
Crosby, Minnesota is about 2 hours north of Minneapolis. We stayed at Cuyuna Cove which consists of 5 tiny-home style cabins, and all cabins have their own bathrooms, an outdoor grill, and all the cooking basics you’ll need for your stay. The surrounding area, Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area, is so beautiful and provide the perfect back drop to enjoy some outdoor winter activities like snowshoeing, fat tire biking or even cross country skiing. Crosby itself features some great boutique shops, restaurants, and a fun brewery. Book your stay here!
Related post: Cuyuna Cove Staycation
Rochester, Minnesota
Best for: Food
Donuts, burgers, pizza…you name it and Rochester’s got it! About an hour and 20 minutes south of the Twin Cities, Rochester is known as the home of Mayo Clinic, but it’s really so much more than that. We ate our way through the city and even stopped to see some alpacas!
Related post: Things to do in Rochester MN
Each of these places to visit in Minnesota have so much to offer! Get out there and enjoy these top place to visit in Minnesota in winter.
You’ve got to go up to the shore and take advantage of Lake Superior while it’s frozen! Frozen waves are amazing! We were able to walk all the way out to the lighthouse in Two Harbors 🙂
I’m hoping to head up there in the next month! We were there in January and everything wasn’t frozen yet – it sounds so awesome!
Have u all gone dog sledding before? We went on North Shore around Lutsen. Got to team up the dogs and all! Super fun adventure! Liked your piece on The Jason Show
We have but it was years ago! I’ll have to do some googling to find out where to do it again! Thank you!
I’d like to sign up to get your posts by email.
Loved it, the places and the pictures!!!