6 best day trips from Minneapolis

Day trips compared

The day trips

15 km · About 45 minutes by light rail, 15–20 minutes by car

1.Saint Paul

Minnesota's capital has the domed State Capitol, the Cathedral of Saint Paul at the top of Summit Avenue's Victorian mansions, the Minnesota History Center and the Science Museum of Minnesota on the river bluff. Its Hmong markets and Grand Avenue shops make a varied day out.

Getting there

Green Line light rail

Best for

First-timers, Families, Culture

45 km · About 40 minutes

2.Stillwater

On the St. Croix River across from Wisconsin, this old lumber town has a historic Main Street of 19th-century brick buildings with antique shops, bookshops and restaurants, a lift bridge and river cruises. It is especially pretty in autumn.

Getting there

Car

Best for

Couples, Quiet stays, Shopping

35 km · About 35 minutes

3.Lake Minnetonka and Excelsior

The big, many-bayed lake west of the city is lined with lakeside towns; Excelsior has a walkable main street, ice-cream shops and summer cruises, including rides on the restored steamboat Minnehaha.

Getting there

Car

Best for

Families, Couples, Quiet stays

80 km · About 1 hour

4.Taylors Falls and Interstate State Park

The St. Croix River runs through a basalt gorge at Taylors Falls, where trails in Interstate State Park pass glacial potholes carved by meltwater. River boat tours and canoe rentals operate in summer, and the cliffs are popular with rock climbers.

Getting there

Car

Best for

Families, Quiet stays

80 km · About 1 hour 10 minutes

5.Red Wing

A Mississippi River town known for Red Wing Shoes and stoneware pottery, with a historic downtown, the hike up Barn Bluff for river views and drives along the Great River Road.

Getting there

Car

Best for

Couples, Quiet stays, Culture

250 km · About 2.5 hours

6.Duluth

On the western tip of Lake Superior, Duluth has the Aerial Lift Bridge, giant ore boats entering the harbour, the Canal Park waterfront and the start of the North Shore scenic drive. It is a long day; many visitors stay a night.

Getting there

Car or intercity bus

Best for

First-timers, Families, Couples

Day-trip tips

• Leave early: most trips are more relaxed with a morning departure and a return before dinner.
• Metro Transit buses cover the whole city, including rapid-bus lines with fewer stops on major corridors such as Chicago Avenue and Lake Street.
• For trips over about 150 km, an overnight stay or an organised tour saves a lot of travelling.

Questions travellers ask