Minnesota Spring. A phrase that can make all Minnesotans smile, am I right? The sun is warm. The trees bloom. We say goodbye to ice on the lakes. And that crisp air just smells right! We come out of hibernation and are ready to take on the outdoor world again. And there are so many cities and places that make Minnesota spring an enjoyable time of year. If you’re looking for a day or weekend away in Minnesota this spring, here are 8 places you will want to consider.
*Note: make sure to check on up-to-date COVID-19 restrictions before planning any of these Minnesota spring activities.*
Minnesota Spring Places to Visit
Waconia, Minnesota
I love when winter passes us by because that means a short road trip over to Waconia, Minnesota. Only 43 minutes west of Minneapolis, Waconia is an upbeat and happy city with many ways to welcome back spring.
- Walk Around Lake Waconia: the second-largest lake in the Twin Cities seven-county area. And a beautiful spot for a walk. Bonus if you grab…
- The BEST Coffee: Mocha Monkey has been voted #1 coffee shop in all of Minnesota. And for very (very) good reason! (Lavender Latte is divine.)
- Wineries: Waconia = Wine. Plan a fun winery hop that includes Schram Vineyards Winery & Brewery (my favorite), Parley Lake Winery, and The Winery at Sovereign Estate.
- Rooftops and Patios: Enjoy a cocktail on the patio overlooking Lake Waconia at Lola’s Lakehouse and/or sip beers on the rooftop at Iron Tap.
- Shop for Your Spring/Summer Wardrobe: Waconia has some great boutiques! Don’t miss The Stash of Waconia or Shop Chicks Boutique.
Read Waconia Minnesota: Bars, Wineries, Shops, and More for all of the details!
Bloomington, Minnesota
Bloomington is a great option for the springtime because there are things to do when it’s nice outside and also inside, when we’re hit with a chilly or rainy day. It’s also an ideal destination if kids are joining you because there is fun for the whole family.
- Shop ‘Til You Drop—and MUCH more: The famous Mall of America. Nickelodeon Universe. Lego Land. Bars/Restaurants. All the stores you can think of…you can easily spend the day (multiple!) at MOA.
- Hike: There are a bunch of options in Bloomington. Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Hyland Lake Park Reserve, Minnesota River Bottoms, and the Normandale Japanese Garden.
- Stock Up On Fresh Goods: The Bloomington Farmer’s Market is where you are going to find fresh foods, flowers, crafts, and more. All while finding great treats to snack on along the way.
- Golf—Traditional & Mini: Hyland Greens Golf for a traditional 9-hole course or The Links At Dred Scott Miniature Golf if that’s more up your alley!
- Drink Beer on Outdoor Patios: Cowboy Jacks, NorthStar Tavern, Willy McCoy’s, and Lucky’s 13 Pub all have great outdoor spaces, cold beer, and solid American menus.
Hastings, Minnesota
Take the 40-minute drive from Minneapolis to Hastings, Minnesota. This is a destination that gets you out of the city and into small town living without having to go too far. And there are plenty of Minnesota spring activities.
- Rent Bikes: LeVee Park offers pretty trails along the Mississippi River. Rent bikes from Port of Hastings Outfitters and enjoy the views!
- Hike: Vermillion Falls Park will show you a (freshly melted snow) waterfall, gorge bridge, and old ruins and is the perfect fresh air experience. If you need a pre- or post-hike drink…
- Grab Coffee or Wine: Froth & Cork, independently owned and operated, is an adorable downtown shop that will serve you the perfect drink (and a snack) no matter what time of day.
- Check a Brewery Off Your List: Spiral Brewing is rich with history and an enjoyable spot to grab a cold one!
- Eat/Drink on an Outdoor Patio: The Onion Grille offers tasty eats and views of the river. Note: they currently run their pop up market, take and bake, and Friday Fish Fry carry out. They will reopen fully in April.
more details in MN Day Trip: Hastings Minnesota Things to Do
Rochester, Minnesota
Contrary to popular belief, there is more to Rochester than the Mayo Clinic! Head south for a Minnesota spring day full of hiking, drinking, and shopping.
- Hike: Quarry Hill Nature Center, Douglas State Trail, Chester Woods Park, and Silver Lake Park are all options for getting outside.
- Walk Around and Purchase Fresh Goods: The Rochester Farmer’s Market has friendly vendors selling meats, dairy, flowers, and crafts. Who doesn’t love a farmer’s market in the spring?
- Visit 1 (or all) 5 breweries: Little Thistle Brewing has the best outdoor space along with Forager Brewery.
- Visit a Winery: Salem Glen Vineyard and Winery and Four Daughters Vineyard and Winery are great locations tucked away from the city.
- Shop: so many cute downtown shops in Rochester including gift shops, specialty foods, clothing, and more.
Mankato, Minnesota
- Go See the Buffalo: Minneopa State Park is a favorite park amongst Minnesotans. You can drive through 331 acres of bison range getting up close and personal with the massive animals.
- Hike: In addition to Minneopa (there is a waterfall there!), you can visit the Gardens at Sibley Park, which is Mankato’s largest park.
- Rent Bikes: Hop on the Sakatah Trail (39 miles!) after renting from Nicollet Bike Shop.
- Sip Wine (or Cocktails) at a Beautiful Winery: Chankaska Creek Ranch and Winery is definitely underrated! Their wine and spirits menu is 6 pages long and you’ll be happy to know there’s a great happy hour menu as well.
- Drink Local Beers: LocAle Brewing Company boasts an awesome bison logo with a ton of beers on tap and a food menu.
Giants Ridge Resort
Biwabik, Minnesota
A four-season family resort with so much to do right on site. No matter what time of year, guests of Giants Ridge Resort experience all of the fun that Minnesota offers.
- Two championship 18-hole golf courses: the Legend & Quarry. Both feature natural beauty and spectacular scenery. Ranked #1 & #4 public courses in Minnesota.
- Mountain Biking: Seven lift-served gravity mountain bike trails winding through Northwoods terrain.
- Other Activities: Giants Ridge spring activities feel endless. Climbing wall, hiking, fishing, off-roading, and so much more. Enjoy on-site lodging with tennis courts, food, entertainment, and indoor and outdoor pools.
- Eat/Drinks: The Sleeping Giant Bar & Grille is a popular spot among others including a snack bar and pizza spot. Click the link for details.
Itasca State Park
Park Rapids, Minnesota
If you’re really looking to get out of “city life,” then make your way to the northwest side of Minnesota to Itasca State Park for a day or weekend in nature.
- Itasca is Minnesota’s oldest state park and was established in 1891. Within the 32,000 acres, the Mississippi River begins its 2,552 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. Visit the old growth pine at Preacher’s Grove, Peace Pipe Vista, bison kill site, and over 100 lakes.
- Lodging: There are so many Itasca State Park lodging options. You can stay at the Douglas Lodge, located near the Mississippi Headwaters, log cabins (13), the Clubhouse, or at one of 200 campsites.
- Activities: Bike, Canoe/Kayak, fish, hike, rent a pontoon, swim, and more.
- Where to Eat: The Douglas Lodge Restaurant is a full-service restaurant located at the Douglas Lodge with great local food options.
- Park Fees: $35 annual or $7 daily.
Silver Bay, Minnesota
No matter the season, we can’t leave out the North Shore when it comes to places to visit in Minnesota! It’s always a good time for a trip north, and a top place to do it in the spring is Silver Bay, Minnesota. It’s a great central location to many of the North Shore hot spots.
- Check Out a Black Sand Beach: Right in Silver Bay, definitely make a stop at Onyx Beach, a scenic and calming black sand beach. Even if it’s not quite swimming season, the views are impeccable.
- Visit one of the best state parks in Minnesota: Tettegouche State Park is a must-visit. Don’t miss three incredible hikes: Shovel Point, High Falls, and Palisade Head. My blog below the picture has all the info.
- More State Parks: Temperance River State Park, Cascade River State Park, Split Rock Lighthouse State Park are all within 45 minutes of Silver Bay.
- Grand Marais, Minnesota: An hour north of Silver Bay is Grand Marais which is a cute little Lake Superior town. Don’t miss World’s Best Donuts, Java Moose Coffee, or Gunflint Tavern.
- Dive Bar: Don’t miss The Green Door in Beaver Bay, just a few minutes away. It’s definitely a dive, but that means lots of fun! And they have a great Bloody Mary. Perfect place to catch a Twins game.
For more ideas on the North Shore, Read 14 North Shore Road Trip Stops
Minnesota Spring is a wonderful and happy time of year.
Visit one (or all!) of these 8 places and you’ll most certainly enjoy this season to the fullest. Follow me over on Instagram to see what I am up to—you will get a lot more recommendations every day!
