8 Ideal Minnesota Destinations for a 3-Day Weekend in 2025

Minnesota may be famous for its 10,000 lakes, but its smaller towns reveal an even richer side of the state—where river valleys, forested trails, and historic downtowns come together in perfect harmony. Picture strolling the riverfront in Stillwater, shopping at downtown Lanesboro, or exploring the North American Bear Center in Ely. Each destination merges scenic beauty with cultural touchstones, inviting travelers to slow down and savor the surroundings. Here are eight ideal Minnesota towns for a 3-day weekend in 2025.

Stillwater

Stillwater, often referred to as “the birthplace of Minnesota,” grew along the St. Croix River and still retains its historic allure in every block of its downtown area. A highlight is the Stillwater Lift Bridge, a 1931 engineering landmark whose steelwork and vertical lift span remain a symbol of the city. Families enjoy Teddy Bear Park, open from spring through fall, with its playgrounds, gazebo, and picnic spaces. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the Brown’s Creek Trail, a 5.9-mile path that links the Gateway State Trail to the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, offering a scenic ride or walk through forest and water views. History seekers will find depth at the Warden’s House Museum, a preserved 1853 residence filled with period furnishings and exhibits on the Civil War, the lumber trade, and early prison history.

For an overnight stay, the Water Street Inn has whirlpool rooms, many with fireplaces and river-view balconies, plus dining, an Irish pub, and event spaces—all in the heart of downtown.

Lanesboro

Lanesboro is full of artistic energy, earning national recognition along the way. The town received the Great American Main Street Award in 1998, was named one of the 100 Best Small Art Towns in America by author John Villani, and ranked among the 50 Best Outdoor Sports Towns by Sports Afield magazine. Most recently, Outside Magazine highlighted Lanesboro as one of the 20 Best Dream Towns in America. Each June, Art in the Park fills Sylvan Park with creativity, drawing visitors to a lively festival of fine art, food, and music.

Downtown, Parkway Avenue reflects over a century of history, its preserved storefronts forming a National Register-listed district where the past meets the present. Culture thrives at Lanesboro Arts, a nonprofit that has supported artists and revitalized community spaces for nearly four decades. For a taste of local flavor, Sylvan Brewing serves craft beers in a restored granary—the town’s first brewery in more than a century. Overnight, the Historic Scanlan House B&B, a restored 1889 Queen Anne, has Victorian elegance with stained glass windows, antiques, and welcoming hospitality.

Grand Marais

Grand Marais carries a history that reaches back to the 1700s, when it served as a lively fur trading post. French Canadian Voyageurs named it “Grand Marais,” or “Great Marsh,” for the wetlands that once stretched near the harbor. Today, the town has a heritage with striking natural beauty along the North Shore of Lake Superior.

Visitors gravitate to Artist’s Point, a rugged peninsula where waves crash against the rocks beside the Grand Marais Lighthouse, first lit in 1922 and still guiding ships. Creativity thrives at the Grand Marais Art Colony, a hub for contemporary artists inspired by the lake and nearby boreal forests. For those seeking wilderness, the Gunflint Trail National Scenic Byway offers a passage into Minnesota’s north woods, where wildlife and pristine waters define the experience. After days of exploration, Charlie’s Haven provides a restful stay, with modern comforts, a spacious bath, and a peaceful setting that completes the Grand Marais escape.

Ely

Ely stands as a gateway to Minnesota’s northern wilderness, with wildlife encounters and cultural stories shaping the experience. At the North American Bear Center, exhibits and live talks reveal the lives of black bears and other native species, all set against a backdrop of towering pines. The International Wolf Center deepens the connection, with expert-led programs and resident wolves offering insight into one of the region’s most iconic animals.

Local history comes alive at the Dorothy Molter Museum, where visitors explore the original cabins of the famed “Root Beer Lady,” whose life in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is remembered through tours, outdoor trails, and her signature Isle of Pines Root Beer. For relaxation, Whiteside Park has open green space, walking paths, playgrounds, and shaded picnic spots, making it a favorite community gathering place. After a day outdoors, the Grand Ely Lodge Resort & Event Center provides lakeside comfort with dining, event spaces, and direct access to endless wilderness adventures.

Red Wing

Red Wing blends natural beauty with a heritage shaped by river trade and craftsmanship. At the Pottery Museum of Red Wing, visitors discover the city’s clay industry through thousands of preserved pieces and stories that trace its national influence. History continues at the Goodhue County Historical Museum, with exhibits detailing the region’s geology, Native communities, and industrial past. For outdoor adventure, the He Mni Can/Barn Bluff Trail Head offers hikes to the summit of a landmark bluff, rewarding climbers with sweeping views of the Mississippi River and downtown.

After a day of exploration, the St. James Hotel, 1875 - A Historic Hotel of America, provides timeless lodging with luxury rooms, river views, and gathering spaces that reflect both elegance and a century of tradition.

Winona

Winona, set in Minnesota’s Driftless Area along the Mississippi River, pairs dramatic bluffs with rich cultural offerings. Its most striking landmark, Sugar Loaf, rises 85 feet above town from a 400-foot bluff, a symbol of the city’s landscape. Panoramic views await at Garvin Heights City Park, with trails and a scenic overlook showcasing the river valley below. Art lovers gravitate to the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, home to world-class works inspired by water and exhibitions that explore humanity’s enduring relationship with it.

For an overnight stay, the Alexander Mansion Historic B&B offers Victorian charm in a downtown setting, with elegant rooms, curated furnishings, and garden surroundings that create both relaxation and a sense of timeless hospitality.

Bemidji

Bemidji, known as “The First City on the Mississippi” and proudly calling itself the nation’s curling capital, blends folklore, recreation, and natural beauty. At the heart of town stand the iconic Paul Bunyan & Babe the Blue Ox Statues, a playful roadside landmark honoring the legendary lumberjack. Families enjoy the Headwaters Science Center, with interactive exhibits, live animals, and engaging programs that spark curiosity for all ages. Winter and summer alike, the Buena Vista Ski Area offers downhill runs, cross-country trails, and year-round outdoor fun. For nature lovers, the Mississippi Headwaters State Forest has 8,500 acres of lakes, ponds, and wooded trails for hiking, boating, and swimming.

Overnight stays shine at Ruttger’s Birchmont Lodge, set on the shores of Lake Bemidji. With lakeview balconies, rustic cabins, dining options, and a seasonal marina, it captures the spirit of northern Minnesota while providing modern comforts.

Northfield

Northfield, founded by New England settlers known as “Yankees,” began as an agricultural hub where wheat and corn farms thrived across the Cannon River Valley. Its layered history comes alive at the Northfield Historical Society Museum and Historic Bank Site, housed in the First National Bank, where townspeople bravely thwarted the James-Younger Gang’s 1876 robbery. The museum’s exhibits honor this dramatic moment while also exploring broader community heritage.

Nature seekers gravitate to the Cowling Arboretum at Carleton College, a serene landscape of prairie, forest, and river floodplain open year-round for walking, birdwatching, and quiet reflection. Creativity thrives downtown at the Northfield Arts Guild, with performances, classes, and gallery shows that make the arts accessible for all ages. After a day of history, trails, and culture, guests can unwind at the Contented Cottage B&B, a relaxing retreat nestled in wooded bluffs near both Carleton and St. Olaf Colleges, offering comfort with a touch of small-town warmth.

Minnesota’s small towns invite travelers to slow down, explore, and connect with both history and nature. Whether it is hiking bluffs in Red Wing, meeting wildlife in Ely, or tracing folklore in Bemidji, the experiences are as varied as the landscapes. With welcoming inns, scenic trails, and vibrant downtowns, these weekend escapes showcase the state’s beauty in every season.