Aerial view of Winona, Minnesota

10 Stress-Free Minnesota Towns For A Weekend Retreat

Minnesota isn’t just the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” it’s a state where every corner tells a different story. Along the North Shore, waves crash against basalt cliffs; in the southwest, ancient quartzite quarries rise from the prairie; and in river towns like Winona or Little Falls, history is as rich as the Mississippi itself.

This guide to ten stress-free Minnesota towns for a weekend retreat highlights destinations where relaxation and discovery go hand in hand. Whether your idea of unwinding is kayaking at sunrise, wandering historic downtowns, or simply breathing in crisp northern air, these towns promise more than just a pause in the United States.

Detroit Lakes

Autumn landscape with lake and trees, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota
Autumn landscape with lake and trees, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota.

Detroit Lakes rests on a sparkling web of over 400 lakes in just 25 miles. Detroit Lake itself boasts a mile-long city beach, known for summer swimming and the annual Independence Day fireworks celebration. On the water, boating, wake sports, sailing, jet skiing, and scuba diving all take place here. The Heartland State Trail offers an 8-mile one-way ride from town under a pine and hardwood canopy past wetlands, an active osprey nest, and an artesian well with wildflower surprises in spring.

The downtown hums with life, shaded boutiques, cafés, and the Becker County Museum. Here, you can discover over 14,000 photographs, 20,000 artifacts, Native American relics, a pioneer cabin, and even the quirky “World’s Smallest Gas Station.” You should also take a stroll to meet six giant troll sculptures hidden throughout city parks and trails, sculpted by Thomas Dambo. For accommodation, Best Western Premier The Lodge on Lake Detroit has full lakefront rooms with private balconies.

Bemidji

Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox statues in Bemidji, Minnesota.
Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox statues in Bemidji, Minnesota. Editorial credit: Danita Delimont / Shutterstock.com

Bemidji’s first breath comes beneath the giant concrete and plaster figures of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox, stately, beloved, and endlessly photographable. Near them lies the Visitor Center, where oversized artifacts, such as a baby moccasin or a fireplace built from stones of every U.S. state, display humor and wonder in equal measure. Walking downtown, you’ll discover the Sculpture Walk, which has quirky, colorful public art alongside bookshops, trading posts, and galleries.

Bemidji frames the start of the Mississippi River. You can rent kayaks at Paul Bunyan Park, single-person for $13/hour, tandem for $18/hour. They include paddles, life jackets, and staff help launching on Lake Bemidji. Or head into Lake Bemidji State Park for canoe, boat, or kayak rentals ($15 half-day / $25 full-day) from May through October as of 2025. Meanwhile, White Pines Resort boasts family-oriented cabins with fireplaces and kitchens.

Pipestone

Main Street in Pipestone, Minnesota, on a summer afternoon.
Main Street in Pipestone, Minnesota, on a summer afternoon.

Pipestone is the best place to witness ancient tradition and living culture. At Pipestone National Monument, a ¾-mile paved Circle Trail winds through tallgrass prairie, sinks beneath quartzite ridges, carries you past Winnewissa Falls, and loops back past Pipestone Creek and the Nicollet Marker. Historic architecture surrounds the town. The Calumet Inn (1888) charms with its original quartzite facade, period antiques, and the feel of stepping into the late 19th century. Nearby, the Pipestone County Courthouse features a soaring clock tower, quartzite construction (1901), and artful restoration. Public art, like the towering World’s Largest Peace Pipe near the historic depot, appears as playful and poignant photo stops. GrandStay Hotel & Suites Pipestone is your best bet for affordable pricing and excellent service.

Fergus Falls

Food stands during the county fair in Fergus Falls in Minnesota.
Food stands during the county fair in Fergus Falls in Minnesota. Editorial credit: Barbarajo / Shutterstock.com

Fergus Falls has it all: gentle hills, riverside charm, and artsy spirit. Downtown, the River Walk lets you walk along the Otter Tail River, including views of the old Central Dam bridge and interpretive signs outlining the town's history. The Central Lakes Trail spans up to 55 miles southeast toward Osakis, ideal for cycling through lakes, bridges, and open prairie. Bike rentals and maps are available at Central Lakes Cycle.

In Fergus Falls, the Otter Tail County Historical Society Museum shares regional stories. The historic C.J. Wright House (1881-82) is a Queen Anne-style marvel you can tour to experience the town’s early elegance. The arts scene remains lively at the Fergus Falls Center for Arts, which features theater, art, dance, live music, and exhibitions. Days Inn by Wyndham Fergus Falls is a good hotel for a retreat near I-94 Speedway Inc.

Taylors Falls

Taylors Falls Princess river boat on the St. Croix River at Interstate Park.
Taylors Falls Princess river boat on the St. Croix River at Interstate Park. Image credit Ken Wolter via Shutterstock

An hour from Saint Paul, Taylors Falls sits at the edge of the Dalles, a basalt gorge carved by the St. Croix River. Interstate State Park is known for its well-maintained 1.25-mile River Trail, looping through rock formations and glacial potholes, the densest concentration of such features found anywhere. Kayakers and canoeists launch inside the park via Taylors Falls Canoe & Kayak Rental. The popular one-way trip to Osceola spans about 7 miles and takes 2-3 hours. A shuttle returns you to town. Life jackets and paddles are included.

Downtown puts more focus on local charm. The Folsom House, a restored 1854 Greek-Revival home, displays W.H.C. Folsom’s original furnishings, his library, grand piano, and personal effects. Nearby, the Taylors Falls Public Library still operates in its original 19th-century Carpenter-Gothic building with an Eastlake-style trim. Wannigan Point Cabins has many cozy log cabins near the river, perfect if you want rustic charm and peace.

Two Harbors

Split Rock Lighthouse in Two Harbors, Minnesota.
Split Rock Lighthouse in Two Harbors, Minnesota.

Two Harbors is the North Shore’s quiet gateway beside Lake Superior. At Agate Bay, look for washed-up agates and watch ore ships move against the breakwater and lighthouse backdrop. At nearby Iona’s Beach, the pink rocks “sing” as waves wash them together, creating a quiet, mesmerizing moment.

Cultural stops include the Depot Museum (1907 brick station turned history museum) with iron-ore and pioneer displays and an old train outside for snapshots. Another highlight is the Split Rock Lighthouse State Park just up the shore. Its 1910 lighthouse is one of America’s most-photographed. Trails here, scuba-accessible wrecks, a pebble beach for paddling practice, and historic buildings as museums add depth. Larsmont Cottages are private luxury cottages set on 40+ acres of woods with 1,300 feet of shoreline.

Silver Bay

Black Beach, Silver Bay, Minnesota.
Black Beach, Silver Bay, Minnesota.

Silver Bay hugs Lake Superior and opens into a world of rugged beauty and hidden quiet. Just outside town, the Bean and Bear Lakes Trail begins at a trailhead in Silver Bay. It's a moderately strenuous 6.6-mile round trip through forest, with quiet lakes and rocky overlooks, a rewarding stretch many hikers mention as “amazing.” Closer, Tettegouche State Park is more in the news for Palisade Head, sea caves, the High Falls, and a sea stack.

Adventure is not far, and the North Shore Adventure Park is in town. There are 10+ ziplines and six rope courses waiting to challenge you. The Black Beach is also a standout, with, as the name suggests, black sand at your feet. Black Beach Inn by GrandStay is just off Highway 61 and a short walk to Lake Superior and Black Beach Park.

Winona

Houseboats in Winona, Minnesota.
Houseboats in the town of Winona, Minnesota. Editorial credit: Linda McKusick / Shutterstock.com

Winona sits where steep bluffs meet the Mississippi River. The Great River Bluffs State Park protects cliffs that soar about 500 feet over the river. Water access comes in the form of Lake Winona, across from Express Suites Riverport Inn. You’ll find a bike and walking path, plus canoe, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard rentals, alongside fishing spots, right from the hotel’s doorstep.

Minnesota Marine Art Museum rests on the river’s edge, hosting six galleries of marine-themed art, from historic prints to contemporary works, set in a beautiful riverside campus. The Winona County Historical Society, housed in a 1915 armory linked to a modern addition, offers immersive exhibits on local architecture, veterans, regional traditions, and changing landscapes. Also rich in heritage is the Kashubian Cultural Institute & Polish Museum, preserving Polish and Kashubian immigrant culture. The 1890 Laird-Norton building and heritage center holds artifacts, exhibits, and murals steeped in local identity.

Little Falls

Charles A. Lindbergh Boyhood Home in Little Falls, Minnesota.
Charles A. Lindbergh Boyhood Home in Little Falls, Minnesota.

Little Falls presents a weekend rich with riverside calm and heritage. Charles A. Lindbergh State Park features a 2.4-mile loop (Hiking Club Trail) through pine, oak, and prairie, ending where young Charles Lindbergh landed his Jenny aircraft in 1923, an extraordinary moment frozen in time. For a sunlit beach day, head to Green Prairie Fish Lake. A sandy shore, volleyball court, gazebo, and picnic tables make it perfect for sun and family time.

History breathes through town. The Charles A. Weyerhaeuser Memorial Museum explores Morrison County’s logging past and the role of the river in transportation. Inside, local exhibits and reconstructed prairie gardens connect you to place and time. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson gives a classic stay with modern comforts.

Mankato

The 1889 Blue Earth County Courthouse in Mankato, Minnesota.
The 1889 Blue Earth County Courthouse in Mankato, Minnesota.

1 hour and 30 mins from Minneapolis, Mankato blends bluffside scenery with a creative energy that makes it stand out. At Minneopa State Park, the twin cascades of Minneopa Falls tumble through a wooded ravine. At the same time, bison roam in a nearby prairie enclosure, a rare chance to see these massive animals in their natural element. For those who prefer two wheels, the trails around town connect river valleys, forests, and rolling farmland, offering plenty of scenic rides without leaving the city’s edge.

Downtown, Mankato leans into its artistic side. The annual CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour turns the streets into an outdoor gallery, while Old Town’s shops, cafés, and murals give it a distinctly local feel. It’s the kind of town where you can spend the morning in a state park, the afternoon browsing local art, and the evening lingering in a neighborhood eatery. Comfortable stays like River Hills Hotel round out the retreat with spacious suites and a relaxed atmosphere.

Finishing Thoughts

If your idea of a getaway is trading city noise for quiet trails, open lakes, and warm small-town charm, these ten stress-free Minnesota towns for a weekend retreat should be at the top of your list. Whether you’re watching the sunrise over Lake Superior in Two Harbors, kayaking down the St. Croix from Taylors Falls, or wandering the historic streets of Pipestone and Little Falls, each town feels both refreshing and restorative. So pack light, slow down, and let Minnesota’s most welcoming towns remind you what it feels like to truly unwind.

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