Get Away From It All Each Month of the Year With These 12 Magnificent Escapes in Minnesota

There’s no better way to experience all that the Land of 10,000 Lakes has to offer than getting out and exploring. Of course, exploring in Minnesota does not always mean a week of roughing it in the Boundary Waters (don't get us wrong - we love the BWCA!). Rather, there are plenty of vacation destinations in Minnesota where you can relax and enjoy the comforts of (someone else's) home. For example, here are a dozen getaways in Minnesota that showcase some of the most beautiful and interesting parts of the Bold North - one for each month of the year!

1. January - Unique Barn Home With Silo, Biwabik

Biwabik is one of the state’s premier winter destinations. This unique barn rental is close to Giants Ridge and all the other cold weather action in the area, making it one of the best vacation rentals in Minnesota for a January getaway.

2. February - Four Season Retreat, Ely

Every February, Ely hosts its annual Winter Festival. With a stay at this lakefront cabin, you can enjoy snowshoeing, ice fishing, or snowmobiling - all while being only a short distance from the festivities in town. If you don't feel like snuggling up and eating in, be sure to pay a visit to Ely Steak House - it's one of our favorite hidden gems in this fantastic North Woods town.

3. March - North Shore Retreat, Lutsen

In March, hit the slopes for a last hurrah at Lutsen. This gorgeous log home at Lutsen Mountains is big enough to host the whole family for a ski weekend (or week). It's one of the best places to stay in Minnesota at this time of year. While you're on the North Shore, be sure to take some time to explore the magnificent Gunflint Trail. It's especially magical in the wintertime, as you can see in this video:

4. April - Country Retreat In Wooded Valley, Houston County

As winter gives way to spring, wildflowers start to emerge in the southern part of the state. Stay at this country retreat, which offers easy access to Beaver Creek Valley State Park and the rest of Minnesota's Driftless Area. If you're a trout angler, be sure to bring your gear.

5. May - Treehouse Cabin on a Bluff With Amazing Views, Winona County

Spend a long weekend perched on a bluff in Minnesota's Driftless Area. Make a trip to Carley State Park, where the bluebells blossom in May.

6. June - Cozy Cabin on Blackduck Lake, Beltrami County

In June, the lady's slippers pop in the Chippewa National Forest - and it's fishing season. Enjoy both at this cozy lakefront cabin in Beltrami County. The Lady Slipper Scenic byway is nearby, and you'll also be within easy reach of the magnificent Lost 40 SNA, a virgin stand of old-grown red and white pines on the northern edge of the Chippewa NF - definitely one of our favorite getaways in Minnesota.

July - Waterfront Lake Shetek Home, The Lakes

When July rolls around, it gets hot in Minnesota. Cool off with a stay at a waterfront cabin on Lake Shetek.

8. August - Comfortable Lake of the Woods Home With a View, Lake of the Woods County

August is a magical time on Lake of the Woods, on the Canadian border. The pelicans are circling, and the fish are biting. Experience all that the area has to offer with a stay at this comfortable lakefront home near Warroad. Be sure to make a stop at Lake of the Woods Brewing Company in town to lay in some supplies for relaxing.

9. September - Waterfront Condo Steps from Mississippi River, Wabasha

By mid to late September, fall foliage is starting to burst in the Mississippi River Valley. Head down to Wabasha, and this waterfront condo, to explore the area's autumnal splendor - and to enjoy the city's annual "Septoberfest" celebration.

10. October - Lilly Estates, Brown County, MN

Take in fall on the prairie, as the hardwoods and tall grass start to show their annual colors. Stay at this log house on the prairie, where you won't be far from New Ulm's famous Oktoberfest.

11. November - Lakeside Cottage, Park Rapids

Get an early start on winter and the holidays with a visit to Park Rapids - the gateway to Itasca State Park. Snuggle up at this lakeside cottage, enjoy your first winter hike of the year, and head into town, where the residents start celebrating the holidays a little earlier than the many towns in the rest of the state.

12. December - Historic Manor, Red Wing

No other Minnesota town does the holidays quite like Red Wing - it looks like a town right of a Norman Rockwell painting around the holidays. That makes this historic manor an ideal spot for a December getaway in the North Star State.

There you have it: a dozen of the best vacation rentals in Minnesota. We live in an amazing state - get out and explore for yourself. You can even pair these monthly stays with a visit to a dozen of Minnesota's amazing state parks. Have you visited any of these spots? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to tell us about some of your favorite places to stay in the Land of 10,000 Lakes!