8 Best Minnesota Towns For A Winter Getaway

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. For some people, winter is a time to stay indoors, warm and cozy, next to a fireplace or under a blanket. But for others, winter is the best time of year for some extreme activities, sights, and occasions. For those who prefer to be outdoors in the wintertime, lace up your ice skates and bust out your snowshoes before heading to these eight best Minnesota towns for a winter getaway. Each has something unique to share, from Gunflint Lodge in Grand Marais to the Ely Winter Festival in Ely.

Grand Marais

Situated on Lake Superior, the town of Grand Marais is a highly sought-after winter destination for remarkable sights and cold-weather phenomena. Start with a snowshoe hike through the snow-covered trails of the Superior Hiking Trail to the summit of Pincushion Mountain. Once up top, enjoy beautiful views of the frozen shores of Lake Superior. The trail features a mixed terrain of rocks, dirt, and tree roots, so be prepared with snowshoes or crampons. If walking seems too slow, rent a snowmobile from Gunflint Lodge and let them take you on an unforgettable adventure. Half-day guided tours are offered for the less experienced riders and take passengers down the Gunflint Trail, which garners an average of 110” of snow annually!

Providing a more laid-back day, book a stay at the town’s only boutique hotel, The Mayhew Inn. Located in the heart of downtown, the inn offers views of the harbor and bluffs along the Gunflint Trail. Six small rooms make up the hotel, which includes a lobby with a fireplace for cozy nights in and a backyard fireplace for stargazing at night.

Ely

Home of winter amazement, indulge in truly unique frosty activities in the town of Ely. For a one-of-a-kind experience, book a sled dog trip with Chilly Dogs Sled Dog Trips. Let the Alaskan huskies pull you through the scenic trails of the Superior National Forest. Enjoy a leisurely time relaxing in the sled enclosure, or partake in a more daring adventure by standing on the back runners and driving the team! Another eccentric sledding experience awaits at the Ely Bike and Kicksled at the Piney Woods Retreat. Rent a kicksled, which is exactly what it sounds like: a sled on skis that you propel by kicking yourself forward. Meander down the snowy trails and end the night with a peaceful stay at the five-bedroom log cabin located in the Northwoods after a day in the snow.

If you want a final bit of winter magic, be sure to attend the Ely Winter Festival. For ten days in February, guests can marvel at snow carvings created by professional artists from around the world, enjoy movies at the film festival, and ski under the stars during the candlelight skiing event at Hidden Valley.

Nisswa

One of the great winter attractions in the town of Nisswa is Mount Ski Gull. Spend the day tubing down five 700-foot-long tubing lanes, or rent a yurt to spend a relaxing snow day outside, with all the comforts of indoors. The 575-square-foot yurt is fully heated for maximum comfort. For beginners, lessons in mountain skiing and snowboarding are also available to help you get comfortable with the sport.

Another notable outdoor adventure zone is the Nisswa Outdoor Hockey Rink. Although advertised for hockey, free skating is allowed too on the rink and is open to the public. If you’re just starting out on skates and feel like it might be a one-time activity, skate rentals are available during some of the season. For a slightly warmer winter activity, indulge in the pleasures at Nature Link Resorts. Disconnect from technology and connect with nature on the 14-acre property in the woods. With stunning forests and a secluded beach, guests will feel revitalized before even enjoying the amenities offered.

Red Wing

Enjoy a plethora of winter fun at Welch Village Skiing and Snowboarding. Partake in all the village has to offer, from the terrain park for snowboarding and tricks, to the multiple ski trails on the east and west loops. What started in 1965 as a modest resort, featuring five slopes serviced by a T-Bar and a rope tow, along with a home-designed snow-making system, has since flourished to include nine chairlifts and over 60 different runs. For a less extreme adventure, head down the Cannon Valley Trail. Stretching around 20 miles long, the trail traverses through the valley and descends 115 feet on its way into Red Wing. The views change with the season, as well as the activities. In the winter, try snowshoeing or cross-country skiing along the trail.

Enjoy the town itself by partaking in the Holiday Stroll Event at the St. James Hotel. Inspired by Victorian-era holidays, the stroll takes guests through the Festival of Wreaths, Gingerbread House Display, Gandy Dancer’s Train Display, Carolers in the Courtyard, and includes holiday-themed cocktails throughout the hotel.

Winona

In the town of Winona, its love of winter is expressed through the multiple festivals held during the chilly season. Be a part of this tradition with a visit to the Winona Ice Fest. While most of the event might be leisurely activities, there is also the opportunity for extreme adventure. Scale hundreds of feet up frozen walls with an ice climbing excursion. Climbing clinics and equipment demonstrations are provided.

For those wanting to stay on the ground during the festival, there is also live music at Winona Ice Park, the second-largest ice park in the U.S.! Another enticing fest in Winona is the timeless Frozen River Film Festival. Award-winning films from Sundance, Cannes, and Telluride are presented right in the heart of the Midwest. Screening over a dozen films, participants can choose from multiple genres and titles, and can also contribute to panels and activities during the fest. A final seasonal activity offered in the town that averages 42.4” of snowfall annually is to take a ride on the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train. Although it may not be stationed in Winona, it does pass through on its journey across the U.S. and Canada. While stationed in Winona, a free concert is put on at the train’s stage, which has been decorated with Christmas lights.

Excelsior

Visit Excelsior and become a part of the town’s history by participating in its annual Klondike Dog Derby. Whether a spectator or participant, witnessing this historic event will be an unforgettable experience. Beginning in the late 1930s, Klondike Day has featured the coronation of an ice princess and ice queen, a snow modeling contest, ski races, a masque evening skating party, and the infamous dog derby.

Another traditional Minnesota winter adventure awaits at the complex lake system of Lake Minnetonka. Over 14,000 acres in size, it is the largest lake in the Twin Cities and encompasses many towns, including Excelsior. The interconnected system features a diverse fish population, encased in basins that vary in fertility, bottom types, and depths. In the winter, the ice freezes to a depth great enough that true anglers can enjoy almost four months of ice fishing. If you want to enjoy the cold-weather activities without so much of the cold weather, spend some time at the indoor Minnetonka Ice Arena. Offering public skating, skating lessons, hockey, and figure skating opportunities, the arena has something for skaters of all levels. Open skating for the public is also made available all year round.

Lindstrom

Lindstrom is hailed as “America’s Little Sweden” after it was established in 1894 by a Swedish immigrant, Daniel Lindstrom. Other notable pioneers who originated from Sweden, with or after Lindstrom, include Vilhelm Moberg, who wrote novels about Swedish emigration to America. Two of his most beloved fictional characters are Karl Oskar and Kristina Nilsson. So loved, in fact, that they are memorialized in a town statue. The Karl Oskar and Kristina Statue was created for a float for the Karl Oskar Days Parade, and now welcomes visitors and residents to the heart of downtown.

Another attraction embracing the town’s Swedish heritage is Allemansrätt Park. The nearby wilderness and recreation area contains 125 acres of park with trails, benches, and campgrounds available. Park guests are invited to hike, snowshoe, cross-country ski, or forage for berries, mushrooms, or asparagus. Bring home a memory from your time in this charming town, with hand-sourced items from the Swedish Gift Store. Wool blankets designed in Sweden, handcrafted from Swedish Pine Dala Horses, and Nordic candy are just a few of the novelties guests can leave with. Running deep with culture and heritage, the family business aims to honor and share the rich Scandinavian traditions through their thoughtfully curated items reflecting Swedish lineage. With long, snowy winters, Lindstrom is a significant town that represents Sweden’s climate, weather, and cold-related activities.

Lutsen

One of the greatest attractions in Lutsen is the Lutsen Mountains Ski Resort. The resort provides skiing in the winter, but is still able to deliver plenty to do in the warmer months. Hike or mountain bike the available trails, or traverse the waters at the base of the mountain via kayak or canoe. The resort and lodge also offer four different restaurants to its patrons. Whether staying as a guest or just spending the day on the mountain, there is something to satisfy every craving. If you find yourself in Lutsen during the holiday season, most venues host events, markets, or parades. Stop in at North Shore Winery and participate in their Christmas Market. The market is expected to sell art, gifts, food, and wines, holiday decorations, maple syrup, and more from local vendors. As a final, truly once-in-a-lifetime experience in Minnesota, do not skip a chance to view the Northern Lights. Lutsen, in particular, is one of the best towns to spot the naturally occurring phenomenon. This small town has many viewing points, so bundle up in your coldest weather gear and step outside to see the sky lit up with hues of green and purple.

A Winter Retreat In Minnesota

Bitter cold, mountains of snow, and frozen lakes are, believe it or not, the appeal of the northern Minnesota towns. The magic of winter is encapsulated in the resorts, forest preserves, lakes, mountains, and even the sky. Everywhere and anywhere you happen to be, there is some wintertime excitement to be had. Don’t miss out on a chance to ski some fresh powder, get pulled through snow-blanketed trails by dogs, or partake in a naturally occurring light show in the sky. Whatever your activity of choice, you will more than likely be able to find it in one of these eight best Minnesota towns for a winter getaway.