Spring break is right around the corner. Do you have plans to travel? While the typical spring break trip involves traveling south to warmer climates, I’m a fan of staying closer to home to enjoy a Minnesota staycation. 

 

Although I’m a Minnesota native, I love being a tourist in my own state. If you want to stay local for spring break this year, here are five family-friendly destinations in Minnesota I recommend for making great local memories!

1. Bloomington

Where to stay

Great Wolf Lodge

There’s a reason this hotel is a popular destination for tourists. My family had so much fun enjoying the indoor water park, arcade and other attractions that we only left the hotel to explore restaurants in the area.

What to do

Mall of America
This attraction is an oldie but a goodie. In addition to visiting the staples like Nickelodeon Universe and SEA LIFE Aquariums, check out the mall’s new The Fair on 4 which offers state fair food, go-karts, axe throwing and other games.

The Works Museum
Have some hands-on engineering fun experimenting with simple machines, sensors and optic technologies. My family was especially mesmerized by the giant K’NEX Ball Machine at the entrance to the museum.

2. Duluth

For adventure lovers seeking outdoor fun, it's hard to beat the natural beauty and various four-season attractions of Duluth. Perched along the northern shore of Lake Superior, Duluth revels in its harborside locale and is known as the land where the water meets the sky. Duluth has something for everyone; discover outdoor adventure, world-class attractions, breweries and local restaurants. 

Where to stay

Canal Park Lodge has much to recommend, from its wonderful waterfront setting with views over Lake Superior and its proximity to Duluth Lakewalk and Canal Park to its mix of clean hotel rooms and one-bedroom suites.

What to do

Spirit Mountain

A true four-season adventure park, Spirit Mountain is only 15 miles north of Duluth. Winter fun includes skiing, snowboarding, tubing, Nordic trails, and snowmobiling. Spring through fall offers adventures in downhill mountain biking, an alpine coaster, ziplines, chairlift rides, disc golf, and an enormous "jump pillow" for the kids.

Canal Park & The Lakewalk

Hugging the shoreline of Lake Superior, Canal Park is bustling with restaurants, breweries and boutique storefronts. The iconic Aerial Lift Bridge, which goes across the Duluth ship canal, leads cargo ships into the twin ports from Lake Superior. The Lakewalk is a promenade with walking and biking trails. Sit and watch the ships sail the harbor or stroll along the water for some great people watching. 

Great Lakes Aquarium

Alongside Duluth's harbor is the Great Lakes Aquarium, featuring habitats, animals, and sea creatures representing the regional Great Lakes Basin and beyond. Guests learn about the centuries of geological forces that shaped the mysteries of this area.

Lake Superior Railroad Museum & North Shore Scenic Railroad

The Lake Superior Railroad Museum in downtown Duluth was voted "best transportation museum in America" by USA Today readers. Inside the museum you'll find interactive exhibits and collections of model trains, but the main attraction is the unforgettable Lakefront Ride on the North Shore Scenic Railroad.

Enger Park & Tower

Enger Tower sits high atop Duluth's bluffs. Situated in Enger Park, Enger Tower looms 531 feet above the lake, providing prime views of the city and Duluth Harbor. Visitors can climb the narrow stairway to the very top, where spectacular 360-degree views  offer incredible photo opportunities.

Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory

Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve is an amazing place to witness the fall bird migration. It is one of the top hawkwatches in the country in terms of numbers of birds counted and banded, as well as the diversity of species. From September - October, Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory provides public education outdoors about the bird migration and research to visitors of all ages.

North Shore Scenic Drive

With dramatic vistas and the stunning beauty of Lake Superior at every turn, the 148-mile drive along Highway 61 provides wonderful opportunities to experience life along the lake. Begin at Duluth's waterfront Canal Park and stroll northeast. Views along the way captivate as acres of aspens, the majestic Sawtooth Mountains, waterfalls, cliffs, and beaches compete for attention.

The real fun comes from stopping at charming, small northern shore towns along the way with one-of-a-kind shops, restaurants, and local flavors. Two Harbors is worth exploring, just 27 miles north of Duluth. Two Harbors Lighthouse is lovingly restored to its original 1891 splendor and offers up close views of the various lanterns, lenses, and artifacts from Minnesota's oldest continuously operated lighthouse. Nearby, Split Rock Lighthouse sits off Highway 61 and is a must-see. Gooseberry Falls State Park is a true all-season playground with hiking (winter-touring) trails, picnic areas, splendid scenery, and a spectacular waterfall. 

3. Red Wing

Red Wing is an unforgettable destination along the Mississippi River. The city combines history, natural beauty, and small-town charm to create a nationally acclaimed tourism area. Enjoy stunning autumn colors, breathtaking bluffs, historic sites, and outstanding cultural activities. Red Wing has one of the best locations in the state – perched right along the upper Mississippi River, surrounded by cliffs and deep forests. In fact, the river is one of the most famous and beautiful features of the town.

Where to stay

St. James Hotel

Set amid the iconic Mississippi River and majestic bluffs, the St. James is owned by the Red Wing Shoe Company. The historic Minnesota hotel continues to offer guests a blend of old-world service, luxurious amenities and culinary delights that it provided on opening day over 140 years ago. 

What to do

Barn Bluff

Climb up the cliff to the viewpoint known as Barn Bluff – it's the massive rock formation right on the river. The lookout point provides one of the best views in the area. It's a steep climb up, so be sure to wear proper shoes and take your time. It will be worth it for the views!

Red Wing Marine Museum

The Red Wing Marine Museum is one of the most historic structures in the town of Red Wing. The Marine Museum tells the story of one of the motor and boat businesses in Minnesota, which got its start in Red Wing. You will be able to see restored Red Wing Thorobred engines, as well as outboard motors and other river memorabilia and photos. Be sure to walk down to the river to catch a glimpse at the American Queen, one of the largest river steamboats.

Stroll Downtown Red Wing

Red Wing's Main Street is the commercial hub, always buzzing with activity, restaurants, entertainment, and shopping. It also happens to be one of the more historic sections of the town. In fact, many buildings along Main Street date back to the mid-1800s. 

Red Wing's Main Street has more than two dozen boutiques, antique shops, and cafés, but you will want to stop first at Red Wing Shoes. More than 100 years old, Red Wing Shoes is one of the original all-American footwear companies, and they are still turning out the iconic shoes today. The store and museum are a must on Main Street.

You'll also want to visit Fair Trade Books and the Red Wing Confectionery – especially if you have a sweet tooth. On Wednesdays, Red Wing's Central Park has free live music.

Lake Pepin

Lake Pepin is a naturally formed lake that was created from the backup water from the Chippewa River delta. The lake has three marinas and is a prime destination to enjoy fishing, swimming, boating, water skiing, and relaxing along its miles and miles of shoreline.  A highway encircles the lake and takes drivers past many of the area's top views and shopping. It is a 70-mile drive around the lake, which can be a great day trip from Red Wing.

Pottery Museum of Red Wing

The Pottery Museum of Red Wing is also the most extensive collection of Red Wing clay products in the world. More than 6,000 vintage objects of dinnerware, art, stoneware, and pottery are on display. You can also get quite a bit of shopping done in the pottery complex. From bowls and crocks to planters, vases, entire dinner sets, and everything in between, Red Wing Stoneware & Pottery is a shopper's paradise for local pottery products.

4. Alexandria

Located right off I-94 between the Twin Cities and Fargo, Alexandria makes for a great destination to visit for a weekend or a week-long getaway any time of year! While all the lakes and woods provide great outdoor opportunities, you can also find plenty of fun with the Downtown district, excellent trails, plenty of arts, museums, parks, wineries and a whiskey distillery.

 

Where to stay

Arrowwood Resort

Arrowwood Resort is a great location to get away from all the hustle & bustle. The beautiful nature-inspired resort is located on the shores of Lake Darling.  They offer a variety of accommodations from guest rooms, suites, townhome and cottages which are the perfect getaway!

What to do

Cooper Trail Brewing Company

Over the course of our history, Alexandria has had 4 breweries.  Copper Trail is the 5th.  The last brewery closed its doors over 70 years ago, so let's take a moment to appreciate this. Cooper Trail Brewing Company,  located in Historic Downtown Alexandria, has a clean-cut craftsman and industrial style taproom with a relaxing atmosphere, brewery tours  and a wide selection of games. Stop in, have a brew from the frequently changing tap list, and grab a Growler or Crowler to go.

Big Ole

Big Ole is one of the most iconic things to do in Alexandria MN and has been in his place since 1965. He stands right downtown near the water and serves as a popular gathering place and photo op. 

Runestone Museum

Runestone Museum is located right across the street from Big Ole. This is the home to the Runestone which was found by a few farmers in 1898. There’s a lot of skepticism over the authenticity of the stone, but if it is indeed real, it proves the vikings were here much before Christopher Columbus! Make sure to stop by and decide for yourself. 

Carlos Creek Winery

The most fun you'll have at a Minnesota Winery with beautiful views! Enjoy award winning wine, beer, wood fired pizza and live music year round. During the summer, take a wagon ride pulled by two Norwegian Fjord horses for a tour around the grounds and play a game of bocce ball. 

Redhead Creamery
So, Redhead Creamery isn’t located in Alexandria but if you’re road tripping from the Twin Cities this is a must stop on your way there or back! Redhead Creamery is a locally owned creamery you can tour to see how they make their cheese and cheese curds. Tour the farm, pet the cows, and try some really unique twists on cheese curds.

5. Mankato

Escape from the everyday in Mankato. Discover cycling trails, open country roads, downhill slopes and river rapids. Mankato is a hub for arts, entertainment, shopping and nightlife. And it’s all so close. Just a short 75 minutes from Minneapolis, Mankato is an easily accessible Minnesota destination of choice.

Where to stay

In greater Mankato, you’ll find hotels with on-site restaurants; game rooms and swimming pools, fitness and business facilities and campsite and resort properties for those who need only the stars and sounds of the night.

What to do

Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store
Located on the route to Mankato, this candy store is a must-stop road trip destination. The entire family will have fun wandering through multiple rooms filled with candy and elaborate decor from Star Wars, Frozen and other movies.

Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota
The Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota features regularly scheduled art and science activities. Indoor exhibits include an interactive quarry, a tree made of tree forts, and a vertical wind-tunnel.

Sibley Farm
At this small farm, you can get close to alpacas, calves, goats, peacocks, horses, lambs and chicks. Be sure to allow time to play at the farm themed playground that includes a real tractor to climb on.

Minneopa State Park
This state park is beautiful at any time of year and offers miles of trails to explore. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see the park’s waterfall in its frozen form. Also, be sure to go on the Bison Drive to see the park’s roaming buffalo herd.