MileHacker Logo
Day Trips from Minneapolis

Day Trips from Minneapolis

Minneapolis Minnesota, USA Travel Guide

Accessible Locations

Minneapolis's Twin City, Saint Paul, is easily reached by Metro Green Line tram. Explore the Minnesota The State capitol building, the The great church of St. Paul, the Science Museum of Minnesota, and Grand Avenue shops.

Mall of America in Bloomington is directly accessible by the Metro Blue Line. Beyond shopping, find Nickelodeon Universe, SEA LIFE Aquarium, and various restaurants and recreation.

Transportation

  • Metro Light Rail (Blue and Green Lines) to Saint Paul and Mall of America.
  • Renting an automobile or ride-sharing for Stillwater and Excelsior, public transit connections are limited.
  • Some tour operators may have organized bus trips to Stillwater.
  • Find Day Trips here.

Organized vs. Independent Travel

Organized Tour

Organized tours manage transportation logistics for places like Stillwater or Lake Minnetonka, often with a curated itinerary.

Benefits

  • Structured experience.
  • No driving needed.
  • Pre-planned visits.

Independent Travel

Often chosen for Saint Paul or the Mall of America due to easy public transit access.

Advantages

  • Explore at your own pace.
  • Customize your visit.
  • Easy public transit use.

Time for Each Trip

Saint Paul

  • Half-day to a full-day visit.
  • The State capitol building, Cathedral, Grand Avenue or Science Museum.
  • Walking from one sight to another is feasible.
  • Check museum hours for prolonged visits.

Mall of America / Stillwater / Excelsior

  • Mall of America: Half-day to a full-day.
  • Stillwater/Excelsior: Half-day to a full-day.
  • Scenic drive, shops, meal, boat tour.
  • Enjoy the journey to these charming towns.

Minneapolis & Minnesota Data

  • Minneapolis Population425,000
  • Metro Area Population3.6 Million
  • Lakes in MinnesotaOver 10,000
  • Annual Visitors30 Million+
  • Average Summer Temp75°F (24°C)
  • Average Winter Temp20°F (-7°C)
  • Public Parks180+
  • Miles of Bike Trails200+

Travel Tip

Plan your day trip based on your interests and available transportation. Public transit excels for city exploration.

Natural Escapes

Beyond the city's parks, Minnesota features expansive natural areas inside a short drive, ideal for an invigorating retreat.

Fort Snelling State Park

Located within Minneapolis city limits, this park has extensive hiking/biking trails, fishing, and historical exploration at the confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers. A fantastic urban natural oasis.

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge

Just south of MSP Airport, this big refuge excels for birdwatching, nature walks, and nature photography in a vast floodplain ecosystem.

Afton State Park

A scenic state park along the St. Croix River (45-minute travel eastward). It has rugged hiking trails, riverside scenery, and is popular for cross-country skiing in winter.

Scenic Landscapes

The St. Croix The River basin offers picturesque bluffs, forests, and river views. Lake Pepin, 1.5 a few hours south, is a scenic widening of the Mississippi River.

River Valley Charm

  • Popular for scenic drives, especially in the fall.
  • Charming little towns like Red Wing and Lake City.
  • Popular for boating and enjoying river views.

Seasonal Phenomena

Minnesota's seasons paint the landscape with distinct beauty, offering varied outdoor activities throughout the year.

Year-Round Appeal

  • Fall Foliage: Late September to mid-October for stunning foliage.
  • Winter Wonderland: Frozen Minnehaha Falls, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing.
  • Spring flowering and summer lake activities.

Outdoor Activities Data

Biking Miles200+
State Parks Nearby10+
Bird Species300+
Fishing LakesThousands
Hiking TrailsExtensive
Winter ActivitiesMany

Eco-Friendly Exploration

  • Minnesota's natural beauty calls for exploration.
  • Enjoy the outdoors responsibly by respecting trails and wildlife.
  • Stay on marked paths.
  • Do not disturb plants or animals.
  • Pack out what you pack in.

Cultural Excursions

Extend your cultural exploration beyond Minneapolis to nearby historical and religious sites.

Historical Sites

Historic Fort Snelling, partly within city limits, holds significance as an early frontier outpost. Gibbs Farm (Falcon Heights) offers insights into 19th-century Minnesota pioneer and Native American life.

Local Insights

  • Glimpse 19th-century military plus business life.
  • Cathedral of Saint Paul: Stunning architecture and spiritual importance.
  • Gibbs Farm: Instructional programs on pioneer and Native American life.

Rural Villages

Drive through smaller cities in agricultural areas for a taste of rural Minnesota life.

Rural Minnesota Charm

  • Local produce stands for fresh goods.
  • Small-town cafes and antique shops.
  • Experience agricultural community life.

Cultural Immersion

Diverse Experiences

  • Attend local theater performances.
  • Discover live music venues.
  • Explore independent art galleries.

Architectural Wonders

Minneapolis features famous architectural landmarks, from historic buildings to modernist designs.

Design & History

  • Admire Victorian-style buildings in charming downtowns.
  • The Stone Arch Bridge: A landmark having rich history.
  • Modern skyline views and innovative structures.

Cultural Depth

Minneapolis's arts scene extends to various institutions and neighborhoods.

Heritage Centers

Explore centers dedicated to various ethnic groups, celebrating the city's diverse population.

Local Markets

Discover unique goods and local artisan creations at community markets.

Performing Arts

Check for smaller theater or concerts beyond the major venues, demonstrating talent from the area.

Cultural Immersion

Immerse yourself in Minnesota's rich history and diverse cultural fabric. Respect local traditions and spaces.

Multi-Day Extensions

For those with more time, consider extending your trip in addition to a single day, exploring more distant regions of Minnesota or neighboring states.

Regional Exploration

NS

North Shore of Lake Superior

A 3-4 hour drive north from Minneapolis. This region has stunning scenic drives along Highway 61, rugged hiking trails, charming lakeside towns, and views of the world's largest freshwater lake. Plan 2-3 days.

BL

Brainerd Lakes Area

Approximately a 2-hour drive north. This region is good-liked for cabin rentals, fishing, boating, and golf, especially in summer. It is good for a relaxed 1-2 day escape focused on lake activities.

RO

Rochester Mayo Clinic

About a 1.5-hour drive south. Referred to as the the origin of the world-renowned Mayo Clinic, Rochester also has a pleasant downtown area, parks, and dining options.

Logical Next Destinations

  • Chicago, Illinois: A major cultural and economic hub, easily accessible by flight, train (Amtrak Empire Builder), or car.
  • Milwaukee, Wisconsin: A smaller city known for its brewing history, accessible by car or bus.
  • Des Moines, Iowa: Another Midwestern city, accessible by car or bus, for a different regional experience.
  • Consider a loop through Minnesota, including Minneapolis, the Northern Coast.
  • Potentially extend into Wisconsin (e.g., Door County).
  • Or To the south Dakota (e.g., Black Hills) for diverse experiences.

Suggested Regional Routes

  • Explore diverse landscapes from environmental beauty to special cultural sites.
  • Connect multiple cities for a broader Midwest experience.
  • Road trip along scenic byways outside the city.
  • Discover hidden gems in little towns and rural areas.
  • Combine city breaks with nature retreats.
  • Plan for varied experiences over multiple days.

Regional Travel Considerations

Driving Distances

Be aware of driving times from destination to destination, especially for longer regional trips.

Accommodation

Book lodging in advance, especially for popular North Shore or Brainerd Lakes areas.

Seasonal Impact

Road conditions and activity availability can differ significantly by season.

Extend Your Journey

Extend your journey to discover more of the Large Lakes region. Each destination has an unique character.