7 Perfect Destinations for a Long Weekend In Minnesota

Planning a weekend away in Minnesota is a fun challenge; every direction comes with something worth chasing. Head north and you’ve got the Boundary Waters calling your name with quiet lakes and big-sky wilderness. Follow the Mississippi River and you’ll stumble into scenic river towns like Winona that feel made for slow strolls and overlook views. And if you're craving something a little unexpected, New Ulm brings Bavarian charm to the Midwest in the best way. If you want an easy, feel-good pick for your next getaway, these seven towns will point you straight toward a weekend you’ll be glad you took!

Winona

A weekend in Winona is really about the balance between the rugged river bluffs outside and the delicate stained glass you will find indoors. This town is famously home to Great River Bluffs State Park, which preserves two prominent bluffs: the King’s and Queen’s Bluffs. As you hike park, you will be able to appreciate panoramic views of the Mississippi River Valley, along with bird species like eagles, hawks, and waterfowl. As the “Stained Glass Capital of America,” there are numerous churches, cathedrals, and historic buildings around town fitted with stained glass art. The Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka is a highlight, covered in stained glass that depicts Eastern European religious art. Spend the night in a Victorian-style mansion at the Alexander Mansion Historic Bed and Breakfast, which was formerly the home of one of the town’s elite before being restored into the cozy accommodation that it is today.

Crosby

Home to roughly 2,300 residents, Crosby has developed a reputation in recent years as a hub for outdoor adventure. The Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area is just on the edge of town and is a former mining site that has since been converted into a recreational site with clear lakes, forests, and marshes. Within this area, travelers can hike Miner’s Mountain or rent a kayak from Cuyana Outfitters to explore the waters. To top off the afternoon, you can grab a scoop of ice cream from Victual, a specialty foods store downtown. The Crosby Lofts are perfectly positioned on Main Street for your night away, consisting of 16 private guest rooms that are divided among two restored 120-year-old brick buildings.

Ely

If you couldn’t get enough of outdoor adventure in Crosby, then Ely is the next step up for you. This town is a literal gateway to wilderness, offering nearly 20 entrances to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), a 1,000,000+ acre zone of forest and waterways. Throughout the BWCAW, you will find 1,200 miles of canoe routes, 2,000 campsites, and 12 hiking trails. If this wilderness feels a little too overwhelming for one weekend, you can also simply explore the downtown area, which has plenty to do. The International Wolf Center lies on the edge of town, for example, and allows you to see a pack of wolves in person as well as learn about them and their habits. You can pick up a sweet treat from Ely's Old-Fashioned Candy, which sells old-timey sodas, chocolate, and other nostalgic delights. Or opt to stay at the Grand Ely Lodge all weekend long, a resort with a lakeside marina, four-season pool and sauna, restaurant, and lounge.

Lanesboro

Known as the “Bed and Breakfast Capital of Minnesota,” a night away in Lanesboro is just about guaranteed to be memorable. You can kick off your trip by checking into the Scanlan House Bed and Breakfast Inn, a Victorian inn that has been in operation for over 25 years, and, of course, includes a full complimentary breakfast each morning. For lunch the next day, you can swing by Pedal Pushers Cafe, which serves homestyle favorites like chicken pot pie, fish and chips, and burgers. The Commonweal Theatre Company puts on shows as well, with five plays on the calendar for their 38th season this year. Before the show, you can grab a beer from Sylvan Brewing, which has lagers, IPAs, Berliner Weisse, and rotating seasonal varieties on tap.

Red Wing

Red Wing has made a name for itself in two areas over the years: Ceramics and shoes. Travelers can learn about the town’s historic clay industry at the Pottery Museum of Red Wing, which showcases over 6,000 vintage pieces of pottery, stoneware, and folk art. Or if you have ever wanted to learn to make your own ceramic piece, you can also sign up for a class or workshop at the Red Wing Arts Clay and Creative Center! As the birthplace of Red Wing Shoes, make sure to stop by the Red Wing Shoe Company Museum, as well, where you can dive into the company’s history and grab a picture with the world’s largest boot! The St. James Hotel is just the place to spend the night, a family-owned property that has been operating since 1875, featuring 68 Victorian guest rooms.

Northfield

Founded in 1855, Northfield has developed a phenomenal cultural scene over the last 171 years that visitors can explore during a weekend in town. The first institution to have on your list is the Flaten Art Museum, which is part of St. Olaf College, presenting art lectures and exhibitions throughout the year. The Northfield Historical Society, meanwhile, exhibits different aspects of Northfield history, including stories of local heroes and bank raids. Those wanting to explore the great outdoors can also check out the Cowling Arboretum, an 800-acre natural area with 15 miles of trails that wind through prairie, forest, and river habitats. Right in the center of town, you can spend the night at the Froggy Bottoms River Suites, which lie along the banks of the Cannon River.

New Ulm

New Ulm is perhaps one of the most German-influenced towns in Minnesota, and there are plenty of local businesses and festivals to prove it. Kaiserhoff New Ulm serves some of the best German grub in town, with specialties including bratwurst and hot potato salad, weiner schnitzel, and Landjäger. To help wash down the lunch, head over to August Schell Brewing Co., one of the country’s oldest breweries that specializes in German-style beers. You might also enjoy planning your visit to New Ulm during the weekend of July 16th through 19th, when the Bavarian Blast Festival takes place. This annual event includes polka music, a parade, a fun run, and much more. You won’t find a place much more cozy to spend the night than at Bingham Hall Bed and Breakfast, which has four guest rooms to stay in, each featuring amenities like wood and gas fireplaces, massage chairs, and 42” TVs.

A Clearer Sense For Your Next Trip

As the article wraps up, you may already have a clearer sense of where to travel within the state this year. It is hard to go wrong with Ely or Crosby for a nature-packed weekend, while Red Wing, Northfield, and New Ulm offer an engaging look at Minnesota’s culture and history. Fortunately, each of these towns also has a great place to spend the night. You may even find yourself tempted to visit multiple before the year is over!