12 Unforgettable Minnesota Day Trips, One For Each Month Of The Year

Here in Minnesota, there’s something fun to do on every day of the year! Each season means there’s a new nature area, event, or restaurant to discover. But it’s easy to get so caught up in day-to-day life that you forget to plan some fun. And in a state like Minnesota, it’s even easier to get overwhelmed by the plethora of options before you. Luckily, we’ve hatched a plan that will help you remember to have some fun this year. The following day trips – one for each month of the year – will help you explore different parts of Minnesota, discover new favorite spots, and pack your year with fun. Check it out:

Nils Dybvig/Flickr

Sometimes it seems like Minnesota winters stop us from truly enjoying the outdoors. But there are some things in Minnesota that can only be done in winter. A hike to the Hegman Lake Pictographs is one of them. This hike can only be done when Hegman Lake is frozen solid, making January a likely month to take a day trip to the area. The sight of the ancient pictographs are amazing, and the journey there is truly beautiful.

For more information about the Hegman Lake Pictographs, click here.

Maple Grove Parks and Recreation/Facebook

Ice skating is often seen as a holiday activity. But you can do it throughout the winter! There are many places to go in Minnesota, but we especially love the Central Park Ice Skating Loop in Maple Grove. This loop trail offers plenty of space for skaters to speed across the ice or take it nice and slow. Whichever you prefer, we highly recommend taking a trip to this fun spot at some point in the winter. If you visit in February, it's a nice way to get your mind off the winter blues that strike many of us around this time of year.

For more information about Central Park Ice Skating Loop, click here.

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Joe Ennesser/Flickr

Gooseberry Falls is Minnesota's most popular waterfall, and it's easy to see why. The beautiful river, as it tumbles its way to Lake Superior, is some of the most dramatic beauty in the state. Plus, the park that holds the falls is full of scenic hiking trails that almost everyone will enjoy. The waterfall is beautiful to visit year-round, but if you're looking to avoid the crowds, an early spring visit might bring new-to-you views of the popular waterfalls.

For more information about Gooseberry Falls, click here.

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Rapidan Dam Store/Facebook

Rapidan Dam Store is a seasonal pilgrimage for many Minnesotans. This unassuming roadside restaurant opens its doors in April, making this the perfect month to visit. They have great burgers and sandwiches, but you do not want to leave without trying a slice of pie. Visit this April to see for yourself. You'll want to make it an annual visit!

For more information about Rapidan Dam store, click here.

Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary/Facebook

As Minnesota warms up and the flowers begin to bloom, you may want to get outside to take it all in. There are many places to get the wildflower experience, but one of our favorites is a trip to Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden. The short hike through the park will be riddled with colorful flowers, bright foliage, and maybe even some butterflies and birds. The flowers do change seasonally, so if you like your first visit, be sure to check it out again later in the season!

For more information about Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden, click here.

Aspelund Peony Gardens/Facebook

As summer begins, plenty of flower viewing opportunities open up. Aspelund Peony Gardens is a beautiful spot in southern Minnesota. In June, colorful peonies bloom. You'll love the sight of these beautiful flowers. But that's not all you get when you visit. There's also a winery on site that will help you truly enjoy your visit.

For more informationa bout Aspelund Peony Gardens, click here.

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Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

When Minnesota warms up, you might as well enjoy it. And what better way to soak in the sun than visiting one of Minnesota's beaches? There are many to choose from, so you'll likely never have to drive too far to get to a good one. But if you're up for a day trip, consider paying a visit to Father Hennepin State Park. The sandy beach here is perfect for spreading out a towel for some sun soaking, and the lake is great for taking a dip.

For more information about Father Hennepin State Park, click here.

Treasured Haven Sunflower Farm/Facebook

Late summer is sunflower season in Minnesota! Many sunflower farms are scattered throughout the state, but not all of them are open to the public. But in Rush City, Minnesota, Treasured Haven Farm sure is. Visit this sunflower farm in early August for a colorful glimpse of this happy flower. It's a great place to take photos, or to simply enjoy the scenery.

For more information about Treasured Haven Farm, click here.

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Will H/TripAdvisor

By September, it's probably too cold to go swimming. But the icy waters of Lake Superior make Black Beach an iffy swimming spot even at the height of summer. That's why we recommend visiting when the urge to swim won't be too great. Take a day trip to this magical black-sand beach on a sunny September day, and you'll be treated to the beautiful contrast of the red rocks against the black sand and blue sky. It's truly magical.

For more information about Black Beach, click here.

Kerfoot Canopy Tour/Facebook

What better time to fly among the trees than when they're full of color? An autumn trip to Kerfoot Canopy Tour, Minnesota'z most popular ziplining adventure, is absolutely exhilarating. After your safety training, you'll be zipping through the trees in no time!

For more information about Kerfoot Canopy Tours, click here.

King's Place/Facebook

November is best known for Thanksgiving, but tasty turkey isn't the only great food you should eat in this month! Instead, take a day trip to the southeastern Minnesota town of Miesville. Here, you'll discover King's Place, a longstanding restaurant that serves up some of the best hamburgers in Minnesota. You will love the homey atmosphere, great service, and scrumptious burgers.

For more information about King's Place, click here.

Ruin Raider/Flickr

Bentleyville is a Minnesota holiday tradition! It's also the largest light display of its kind in the Midwest. As you walk among the thousands of lights, you'll be delighted by the creative displays, many of which celebrate Minnesota nature and culture. A December day trip to Bentleyville will get you into the holiday spirit like nothing else.

For more information about Bentleyville, click here.