6 Most Romantic Weekend Getaways in Minnesota (2024)
The Midwestern state of Minnesota is home to many beautiful cities and stunning towns. From Duluth, St. Cloud, Saint Paul, and Minneapolis, there are many breathtaking places in the state of Minnesota that are perfect for romantic holidays. Minnesota offers many fantastic getaway destinations for all types of tourists, especially couples who want to get away for a weekend for a longer holiday. Being known as the land of 10,000 lakes, Minnesota is a paradise for water-sports enthusiasts and beach lovers. From picturesque cityscapes to luxurious attractions, there is something for every visitor to the state.
6 Most Romantic Weekend Getaways in Minnesota
Read on to find out the most romantic weekend getaways in Minnesota.
1. St. Cloud
Sitting in the heart of Minnesota, St. Cloud is a stunning city that is known for its prosperous agricultural industry. The beautiful city is home to many scenic natural parks that are perfect for taking your significant other on romantic dates or weekend getaway. Consider taking your partner on a date to George Friedrich Park to admire the stunning waterscape together. You can also spend a day together at the Munsinger Gardens to create many beautiful memories in this dreamy setting that appears to be right out of a fairytale. And if you are both adventure enthusiasts, then consider a hiking trip at the Quarry Park and Nature Reserve.
This city is located 12.2 kilometers (76.6 miles) from Saint Paul by car.
2. Boyd Lodge
Boyd Lodge is a cozy, rustic mountain lodge-style retreat located in Crosslake. The charm of this resort is the beautiful surroundings of dense woodlands and the easy access to the Whitefish chain of lakes. This is a low-key year-round resort that features many casual, air-conditioned cottages and cabins, all of which come with fully functioning kitchens, spacious living areas with cozy fireplaces, screened-in porches that offer stunning forest views, and all the modern amenities one would need.
Guests at the Boyd Lodge can make use of kayaks and canoes to enjoy their time on the lake and use the boat landing free of cost. Resort facilities include a heated outdoor swimming pool, a private sandy beach, a sauna, a children’s playground, and movie nights.
Imagine sneaking away to your own private cabin here amidst a wood-burning fireplace, with a grill and pure comfort. No matter what time of the year it is, you can decide to have your romantic getaway at the Boyd Lodge to ensure complete satisfaction with your trip. If you want to spend some time in nature with your partner, explore the five miles of nature trails surrounding the lodge. Or you can even get out on the wat, go on a fishing boat or canoe, or just relax and bask under the sun on the golden sandy beaches here.
3. Afton
Afton is a breathtaking city located in Washington County in Minnesota. The city charms visitors with its unique attractions, making it the perfect weekend getaway destination all year round. You can choose to go on a winter holiday in the Afton Alps and ski with your partner as you admire the picture-perfect sceneries of the place. Or you can opt for having a swimming and fishing escapade at the Kinnickinnic State Park in the summer months. If you want to take your relationship to the next step, consider planning a scenic date at the Cracked Barrel Wintery. Take a leisurely stroll through the vineyard and go wine tasting at this rustic and fantastic place.
Afton is located just 31.2 kilometers (19.4 miles) from Saint Paul by car.
4. Ely
The beautiful city of Ely is located deep within the heart of northern Minnesota. The town is surrounded by hundreds of lakes and countless stretches of lush green forest. Ely offers easy access to visitors to explore the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The town of Ely is very popular amongst water explorers and kayakers as it is accessible to those who are beginners or inexperienced in water activities as well.
One of the key draws for visitors to Ely is the International Wolf Center or the Bear Center, both of which provide valuable and extensive information on the native species to this region. For visitors who are more urban-focused, the downtown Ely business district is a must-see, along with exploring the local art centers. Having a fun-filled, adventure-laden holiday to Ely is the perfect way to spend a romantic weekend getaway with your partner.
5. Duluth
Another Minnesota destination that makes for the perfect romantic weekend getaway holiday is the town of Duluth. Duluth is the major port of Minnesota located on Lake Superior. The city has a rich history that has shaped the town into the major tourist hub it is today. The city is known for the dramatically different climates throughout the year, and a visit to Duluth in the summertime is completely different than your trip to the city in winter. Gusts to this city will always find new gems to discover with every visit.
One of the most relaxing activity you can do in Duluth is to spend time with your partner just watching large ships come in and out of the canal at the town’s primary seaport, or you can even catch a show at the famous Duluth Playhouse. There are many special events happening in Duluth all year round, and you can check online ahead of time to book your tickets. Nothing like spending an evening together just enjoying a show.
From visiting the Canal Park located in the heart of Duluth to spending time at the breathtaking Lake Superior, there are many things to do in Duluth. Don’t forget to check out Glensheen, the Historic Congdon Estate, which is a famous house museum operated by the University of Minnesota. One of the most famous things for visitors here is a trip onboard the SS William A. Irvin, which sits on the waterfront of Lake Superior. This flagship of US Steel’s Great Lakes Fleet offers tours of the beautiful spaces inside. You can also see the steam turbine engine and other parts of the ship. With so many exciting things to do in Duluth, it is no wonder that this town is a major tourist hub in Minnesota.
6. Larsmont Cottages
If you want to take off on a romantic weekend getaway with your significant other, consider booking the weekend at Larsmont Cottages. This is a beautiful resort property that truly stands out. Larsmont Cottages is a stunning Two Harbors resort that overlooks over 1300 feet of Lake Superior beachfront. Located on 40 acres of private wooded landscape, Larsmont Cottages is one of the most sought-after resorts on the North Shore. The location also is very convenient as it is close to some of the top attractions like the Gooseberry Falls State Park and two Harbors Lighthouse. You can visit many other Michigan-area attractions easily from here.
Traditional Scandinavian fishing villages inspire the resort’s design. Guests can choose to stay at their choice of luxury rustic chic cottages that come with top-quality furnishings and amenities like whirlpool tubs, kitchenettes, and cozy fireplaces. The main lodge of the resort is home to many guest rooms and suites, which come with extras like DVD players, satellite TV, and complimentary WiFi. You can also indulge in outdoor activities like croquet and bocce with your loved one. You can even rent loaner mountain bikes to explore the beautiful wilderness that surrounds the resort.
