It’s easy to find ourselves hibernating throughout the winter season. Staying inside cozied up on our couch watching Netflix can sound a whole lot better than braving what is Minnesota winter. But believe it or not, there are so many options for fun winter dates in the Twin Cities. Not only are you going to have fun with your boyfriend, wife, or best friend, but you’re going to enjoy what the season has to offer! So get to planning…Netflix and chill will still be there when you get home 🙂 Here are some of my top recommendations.
8 Winter Dates in the Twin Cities
1. Walk the Chain of Lakes + Lunch at Wakame Sushi & Asian Bistro
One of the best areas to enjoy the Twin Cities. The Chain of Lakes, located southwest of downtown, has some of the best vibes that combine lake views, cityscapes, and active people, plus shops and restaurants, all in an urban environment. One of the most perfect winter dates in the Twin Cities is a walk around one (or a few!) of the lakes—and you’ve got options!
- Popular 3-mile loop around Lake Bde Maka Ska where there is always a city buzz
- Down to Lake Harriet for a less busy, though just as beautiful version
- The more relaxed Lake of the Isles to admire beautiful homes
- Feel like you are out of the city at Cedar Lake
The best part? All but Lake Harriet are connected (and even that one is just a couple of blocks away) which makes it easy to take in each vibe and bring your walk from 2 miles to 10+. You do have to work up an appetite…
Because after your walk, head over to Wakame Sushi & Asian Bistro where you are going to find the best sushi in Minneapolis. They have a fantastic bar area along with a dining space and sushi bar where you can watch them create your roll. Don’t miss out on the Crunch Roll and the Minnesota Roll.
2. Coffee at Quixotic Coffee + Hike at Hidden Falls Regional Park
If you’re looking for more of a woodsy hiking experience instead of the urban winter walk, head down to Hidden Falls Regional Park which offers a ton of great trails. Hidden Falls Regional Park is located along the Mississippi River bluffs with about 6.7 miles of paved trails and a waterfall.
Bring the experience up a notch with a stop at Quixotic Coffee beforehand. Everyone loves a good cup of hot coffee while walking through the woods. They have a delicious Honey Lavendar Latte or Matcha Latte—perfect for your winter hike!
There are so many places to take a winter hike in Minnesota. For more around the cities, as well as the state, read Where to Hike During Minnesota Winter.
3. Downhill Ski at Afton Alps
Hit the slopes for one of the most fun winter dates in the Twin Cities! Afton Alps, located in Hastings, Minnesota, is a short drive (40 minutes or so) from the cities and is a great hill whether you are a seasoned vet or a total newbie. Lift tickets are $64 for the full day and there are cheaper options if you decide to go night skiing. Purchase your tickets before you go and make sure to pack a cooler full of drinks and snacks.
Read Where to Downhill Ski in Minnesota: the 8 Largest Hills for more options!
4. Snowshoe at Theodore Wirth Park + Grab Beers
Enjoy winter to the fullest by snowshoeing through Theodore Wirth Park. It’s a fun wooded yet urban environment that includes cityscape scenery perfect for a winter date night photo. They offer $12 rentals, fire pits, and a fun outdoor atmosphere that includes people cross country skiing, sledding, fat tire biking, and more.
After you’ve worked up a sweat, head somewhere for a beer. Two of the best spots depending on if you’re looking for the brewery scene or a sports bar are:
- Utepils Brewing: Your closest option that features a taproom, outdoor beer garden, and a variety of craft beers.
- Yard House: Not much farther away you can hit a high-end sports bar. This place is awesome. Tons of beers on tap, plenty of big TVs for the game, and a delicious appetizer menu if you’re looking for a snack to go with it!
Read 19 Places to Snowshoe in the Twin Cities to find a place close to home!
5. Cross Country Ski at Elm Creek Park Reserve
Did your ears perk up at the mention of cross-country skiing up above? Hit the trails as a couple over at Elm Creek Park Reserve. They offer 11.6 miles of trails groomed daily (1.8 miles includes snowmaking) with 3.4 miles of lights for when the sun sets early—they are open until 9:00 PM. Rentals are $12 per person and a mandatory ski pass is $9 per person.
Get all of the details in Where to Cross Country Ski in the Twin Cities + a list of other places to hit the groomed trails.
6. Snow Tube at Buck Hill
Feel like a kid again and go snow tubing! It’s seriously a blast—and a total rush! You get going so fast down the hill that every time down is just as fun as the last. Here is how snow tubing at Buck Hill works: you need to make an online reservation. You will have a 2-hour timeslot and it costs $20 per person. Once you get there, stop at the little hut near the tubing hill (can’t miss it), grab your pass, snag a tube and you’re all set!
They have a conveyor belt that allows you to stand there and be carried up the hill at ease. During peak times, you’ll get about 8 or so runs in. Go at an off time and they will feel endless! Bonus: They have a bonfire going and the same hut that gave you your pass sells snacks. One of the most memorable winter dates in the Twin Cities!
7. Escape Room + Tavern on France
Can’t fathom spending this much time outside? Fine. I’ll give you one that doesn’t include immersing yourself in Minnesota winter. Start off your date at Missing Pieces Escape Room. Discover secrets and solve riddles together to get yourself out of the trapped room. Tickets are $27.50 each.
Less than 10 minutes away is Tavern on France. One of my favorite restaurants in the Twin Cities and absolutely my favorite when it comes to the suburbs. There is a bar area that’s always poppin’ and includes friendly bartenders, plus a spacious dining area. Tavern on France also has an incredible brunch option (Sundays from 10 am-2 pm, all you can eat, $18 per adult, mimosas, and Bloody Marys for $3.50) so flip-flop your date agenda and eat before you solve riddles.
8. The Vine Room + The Vine Shop
I’ll even throw in one more for all you winter haters out there. You can stay warm and cozy with all of the good vibes at The Vine Room in Hopkins. This place is just the best. It’s relaxing. It’s fun. And it’s a chance to sit back and relax with your person. They have so many wine options that you can order by the glass or try a few with a flight. Order up a cheese board and find a comfy spot to watch the snow fall outside.
Keep date night going at home with your favorite glass from the wine flight! Stop in The Vine Shop where you can purchase off-sale wine.
Winter Dates in the Twin Cities
Don’t let the season stop you from having fun with your husband, girlfriend, best friend, mom, whoever your date this week might be! There are so many places to explore and winter dates in the Twin Cities make the cold months go by a little bit faster.
