I’ve taken 40+ weekend trips from Minneapolis. Here are the 12 that actually deliver.
The TL;DR by traveler type
- Couples: Stillwater or Bayfield
- Families: Mall of America or Duluth
- Foodies: Madison farmers market
- Nature: Boundary Waters or Apostle Islands
- Weekend: Stillwater (45 min)
The 12 trips ranked
1. Duluth (2.5 hours)
Lake Superior + Canal Park + Aerial Lift Bridge. Stay The Suites Hotel.
2. Stillwater (45 min)
St. Croix River town + B&Bs + antiquing.
3. Chicago (6 hours)
Doable for 3-day weekend. Major US city.
4. Door County, Wisconsin (5.5 hours)
Cherry orchards + lighthouses + supper clubs.
5. Apostle Islands, Wisconsin (4 hours)
22 islands on Lake Superior + sea caves + kayaking.
6. Boundary Waters Canoe Area (4 hours)
1.1 million-acre wilderness. Multi-day canoe trips.
7. Rochester (1.5 hours)
Mayo Clinic + Plummer Building. Easy weekend.
8. Madison, Wisconsin (4 hours)
Capital + lakes + farmers market.
9. Bayfield, Wisconsin (4 hours)
Gateway to Apostle Islands + maritime culture.
10. Mall of America (in Minneapolis but worth half-day)
Largest US mall + Nickelodeon Universe + aquarium.
11. Lutsen + North Shore (4 hours)
Skiing winter + hiking summer + Lake Superior.
12. Lake of the Woods (5 hours)
Fishing capital + multiple resorts + remote feel.
Travel essentials
FAQs
What’s the best weekend getaway from Minneapolis?
For most travelers: Stillwater (45 min).
How far can I drive from Minneapolis in a weekend?
3 hours comfortable, 4-5 doable for 3-night weekends. Over 5 hours one-way is long weekend territory.
What’s the cheapest weekend trip from Minneapolis?
Closest destinations (1-2 hour drive) typically have lower hotel rates plus no flight costs. $200-400 total weekend possible.
When’s the best time for weekend trips from Minneapolis?
Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October) for ideal weather most regional destinations.
Can I do weekend trips from Minneapolis without a car?
Limited but possible. Some Amtrak and bus options exist for specific routes. Rental cars typically required for full flexibility.