Are you on the lookout for some of the best day trips from Minneapolis and into its neighboring communities? We certainly understand that the hustle and bustle of the Minneapolis lifestyle can be a little bit overwhelming sometimes, which often leaves us longing for a peaceful escape. The feeling of needing to take some time away from everyday life is a familiar one, but we also understand that long vacations aren’t in the cards for everyone. Those of us who call Minneapolis home are lucky that our city is a central point in Minnesota, making it easy to take a day trip and still come home at night feeling rejuvenated.

Here are six of the best day trips in Minneapolis and its surrounding areas, each of which offers its own charm.

1. Afton State Park (31 miles from Minneapolis)
Afton State Park Trail, Minnesota, USA
TripAdvisor/jammerspot
If your ideal day away from the city includes being one with nature and enjoying plenty of fresh air, Afton State Park is the place for you to be. This breathtaking park was established back in 1969 to preserve bluff lands and the terrain former glaciers created throughout the region. It provides the perfect space to hike, bird watch, and picnic. It's only a bit away from Minneapolis, but you'll feel like you're nowhere near the big city. During the winter months, consider skiing and snowboarding at the nearby Afton Alps for a well-rounded experience.
2. Glensheen Historic Estate (157 miles from Minneapolis)
Google Reviews/Glensheen Mansion
Glensheen Mansion, 3300 London Rd, Duluth, MN 55804, USA
TripAdvisor/Oliver S.
If you decide to take a day trip to the city of Duluth, you should definitely make time for a visit to Glensheen Mansion, a commanding historic estate that sits on almost eight acres of Lake Superior-side property. The late Victorian architecture of the mansion is straight out of a fairy tale. Of course, the mansion's history is not without tragedy -- in the summer of 1977, two murders occurred on the estate's grounds. Some say it is now haunted, so proceed with caution if you're easily spooked.

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3. Lindstrom, Minnesota (41 miles from Minneapolis)
Lindstrom, MN, USA
Flickr/Doug Kerr
The lovely town of Lindstrom is known as "Minnesota's Little Sweden." What's not to love about that? The community's unique water tower is designed like a teapot, which is merely an introduction to this adorable little Nordic town. As you venture through the area, you'll find delightful little bakeries, bistros, and inns that create endless fun and charm. If you're looking to spend some time in the water, Lindstrom even has a fun public beach.
4. Northfield, Minnesota (43.5 miles from Minneapolis)
Northfield, MN 55057, USA
Flickr/museaum
Northfield is a gorgeous town that sits south of Minneapolis. Both St. Olaf and Carleton colleges are located in Northfield and are known to be some of the prettiest university campuses in the state. Northfield offers so much more than meets the eye. Its historical claim to fame? Jesse James and his gang tried to rob the town in 1786 but failed to do so. If this sort of history intrigues you, then there's a whole museum dedicated to the affair. It's a must-see while you're exploring Northfield and its many marvels.
5. Stillwater, Minnesota (26 miles from Minneapolis)
Stillwater, MN 55082, USA
Flickr/Kyle Kroegen
Situated peacefully along the banks of the St. Croix River, Stillwater already gets quite a bit of attention -- and we think it deserves every little bit of this fame. The views of the river here are absolutely incredible, the antique shopping throughout town is to die for, and Stillwater knows how to provide top-notch dining experiences and cuisine. Whether you're interested in historic sightseeing, wineries and breweries, or something in between, Stillwater holds excitement for everyone.
6. Taylors Falls, Minnesota (51 miles from Minneapolis)
Taylors Falls, MN 55084, USA
Flickr/Jenni Konrad
If you are the outdoorsy type, you absolutely must visit Taylors Falls. This small town is home to a variety of hiking trails, as well as wonderful views that can be explored on the water by renting a kayak or taking an exciting boat tour. If that weren't enough, the local history museum will teach you everything you need to know about the town's intriguing past. It's the perfect place for a getaway from Minneapolis.

Try as we might, we’ll never run out of things to do in Minneapolis. We are confident that the places detailed in today’s article are perfect for your day trip needs, but we would love to know your personal favorite destinations in Minneapolis. Let us know in the Facebook comments or recommend another family-friendly adventure in Minneapolis by completing our nomination form.

If our list of the best day trips in Minneapolis and beyond didn’t convince you, never fear: you can learn more about our area’s natural beauty by reading about some of the best natural wonders throughout Minnesota that all ages can appreciate.

If you’re still in the mood for more Minnesota adventures, take a look at this video about the Gunflint Trail & Scenic Byway:

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More to Explore

Best Day Trips In Minneapolis

Sophie Boudreau | April 20, 2022

What are some of the best museums in Minneapolis?

  • The Science Museum of Minnesota features a wide array of interactive science-related exhibits and gallery spaces suitable for all ages.
  • The Minneapolis Institute of Arts is one of the top-rated museums in the country. It features more than 90,000 works of art representing world history and spanning some 5,000 years.
  • The Mill City Museum is located in what was once the world's largest flour mill and focuses on 19th-century flour milling techniques and other aspects related to our food sources.

Read on to learn about some of the many other great museums in Minneapolis-St. Paul.

Where can we find quirky attractions in Minneapolis? 

  • The House of Balls features bowling balls and other unorthodox materials transformed into one-of-a-kind works of art.
  • The Secret Headquarters at Betty Danger's Country Club features an 800-pound gorilla, a vertically revolving open-air dining patio, and other funky stuff.
  • The Can Can Wonderland is a unique indoor golf course created with the best designs collected from architects, fabricators, and electrical engineers from all over the world.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other quirky attractions in Minneapolis.

Where can we find budget-friendly things to do in Minnesota?

  • The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is an expansive open green space peppered with beautiful sculptures, including the iconic Spoon and Cherry sculpture.
  • The Canal Park in Duluth sits on Lake Superior and features views of the Aerial Lift Bridge. You can watch it raise and lower to allow ships to enter the harbor basin.
  • The Munsinger Gardens and  Clemens Gardens in St. Cloud are adjacent properties free and open to the public for strolling, picnics, and closer access to the Mississippi River.

Read on to learn about some of the many other fun and budget-friendly things to do in Minnesota.

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