As the New Year approaches, many families in Minnesota are planning winter getaways to celebrate the holiday. Imagine finding a cozy cabin in Northern Minnesota to ring in the New Year with your kids as snow falls gently outside the window. Lutsen, for example, offers the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and Hygge vibes. Or, perhaps a visit to Bloomington for thrilling amusement park rides and a little shopping is more your style? Then, Chisago Lakes, known for its proximity to the Twin Cities, excellent state parks, and charming small-town ambiance, provides a relaxing retreat for families seeking a peaceful New Year celebration. Many Minnesota destinations beckon families to embark on a fun New Year’s getaway together. This year, create cherished moments against the backdrop of our state’s natural beauty and welcoming communities.
Keep reading to discover our top picks for Minnesota’s best New Year’s Eve travel destinations.
Best Places to Travel for the New Year near Minneapolis with Kids
For families in the Twin Cities metro seeking a convenient yet delightful New Year’s getaway with kids, we’ve got you covered! Here are two great options within an hour of Minneapolis and Saint Paul that kids and adults alike will adore.
Chisago Lakes
The Chisago Lakes area is an excellent choice for a holiday getaway with kids. Its proximity to Minneapolis, paired with its accessible outdoor adventures, makes it an ideal option for families looking for a low-key holiday. Featuring five communities along Highway 8, including Chisago City, Lindström, and Taylors Falls, this area also offers everything from beautiful state parks to charming downtowns.
Start your visit by hiking at Interstate State Park. Arguably one of Minnesota’s coolest state parks, your kids will love seeing the rock formations and taking in the river views. Then, if there’s snow, Wild River State Park features excellent snowshoe trails! Ice skating is also available at Chuckie Lundquist Park. Alternatively, let kid’s imaginations run wild at Franconia Sculpture Park. Here, you can see 100 giant, outdoor sculptures across 50 acres! Looking for a thrill during your visit to Chisago Lakes? Wild Mountain Recreation offers downhill skiing and snow tubing for all skill levels. Indeed, from Chisago City to Taylors Falls, this area is filled with family-friendly things to do, making it one of Minnesota’s best New Year’s Eve travel destinations!
Bloomington
It’s no secret that Bloomington is one of the best Minnesota vacation ideas for families. During the holidays, families love Bloomington even more for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse range of activities for all ages. It is also home to the iconic Mall of America, which offers endless entertainment options, from shopping and dining to exciting indoor attractions.
At the Mall of America, families can enjoy thrilling rides at Nickelodeon Universe, learn about marine life at SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium, and many other fun, family-friendly attractions. Plus, two hotels are attached to the Mall: JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America and Radisson Blu Mall of America. Both offer modern amenities and convenience. Alternatively, consider a weekend away at Great Wolf Lodge Water Park, which features an indoor water park and other dynamite activities for kids.
Then, get outside by exploring the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. When the Visitor’s Center is open, there are explorer packs that kids can borrow to guide their experience. More indoor fun can be found at Whirlyball, including bowling, escape rooms, and more! Finally, those traveling with young kids will adore the science-inspired exhibits at The Works Museum. With so many fantastic opportunities, it is no wonder families love choosing Bloomington for fun weekend getaways in Minnesota with kids!
Best Places to Travel for the New Year in Northern Minnesota with Kids
If you’re wondering where to travel in Minnesota for New Year’s Eve with kids, Northern Minnesota features some of the best options! Whether you want to snuggle up in a cozy cabin, hike along snowy trails, or play with your kids in the snow, these are some of the best Minnesota winter getaways for families. From Alexandria to Grand Marais, keep reading to see why these cities made our list!
Grand Marais/Lutsen
Featuring some of Minnesota’s best winter hiking, Grand Marais and Lutsen are a crowd-favorite for the New Year. Not only are these cozy communities nestled along the shores of Lake Superior, but they offer major Hygge vibes, endless outdoor adventures, and some seriously cozy cabins!
Families love hiking snowy trails in the winter at Cascade River State Park, Judge C.R. Magney State Park, and Grand Portage State Park. Most state parks also offer snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Then, fat tire biking is an excellent experience for adrenaline-seeking teens! Those interested in skiing will love the alpine trails at Lutsen Mountains. Want to try something unique? Take kids to open curling sessions at the Cook County Curling Club (offered Tuesdays and Wednesdays). Nearby, ice skating is also available (including skate rentals). Time it correctly, and you can even dazzle kids with views of the Northern Lights. Finally, many local restaurants also offer fun New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day meals. As one of the best Minnesota vacation ideas for families, this part of the North Shore will impress kids and adults alike!
Duluth
Duluth never fails to charm families, and the New Year is no different! This vibrant city knows how to do winter with kids, even with a chill in the air. Featuring tons of kid-friendly activities less than 3 hours from Minneapolis, it’s one of the best weekend getaways in Minnesota for families. Start your visit by strolling along Canal Park, viewing large ships passing through the harbor and Lake Superior.
Add the Duluth Children’s Museum to your itinerary if you’re traveling with littles. They offer a Noon Year’s Eve party on December 30th to help families celebrate! If you’re still in the holiday spirit, Glensheen Mansion offers Christmas Tours through January 7th. With teens, head to Burrito Union on December 30th for 2023 Trivia! Alternatively, if you’re looking for an action-packed experience during the New Year, Spirit Mountain offers alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing. Kids can try ski lessons, while parents enjoy some alone time racing down the slopes together. Or, the whole family can try snow tubing with views of Lake Superior! Then, don’t miss spending time at fun places like the Great Lakes Aquarium or the Lake Superior Zoo.
Finally, you can find special New Year’s meals at The Boat Club (best with older kids and teens), New Scenic Cafe, and Va Bene. Indeed, if you’re looking for fantastic New Year’s Eve travel destinations in Minnesota, Duluth has everything you need, from celebratory events to endless family fun.
Bemidji
Next on our list of New Year’s vacation spots in Minnesota with kids, Bemidji is a stand-out choice for those looking for a quiet getaway in the woods. With ample outdoor activities, cozy cabins galore, and the iconic Paul Bunyan and Babe statue watching over the lake, Bemidji is a great choice this holiday season.
Outdoorsy families will love Bemidji’s proximity to two fantastic state parks: Lake Bemidji State Park and Itasca State Park. Both offer snowy trails for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Itasca State Park is home to the Mississippi River Headwaters, which are still accessible during the winter months. If you want to learn more about the headwaters, make Headwaters Science Center your next stop. Plus, ski families can find kid-friendly downhill trails and a tubing park at Buena Vista Ski Area. Once you’ve said hi to Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox, head to the nearby playground for some fun in the snow. Afterward, stroll through town to search for all the sculptures along the Bemidji Sculpture Walk.
Did you know that Bemidji is also hailed as the “snowmobile capital of the north”? You’ll find various options for trails and rentals in the area. Ice fishing is another great family activity here when the lake has frozen through. Regardless of how you fill your days, this is certainly one of the best Minnesota winter getaways for families!
Ely
With almost 20 entry points into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Ely has been a family tradition for decades. This New Year’s Eve, make Ely your destination of choice with kids to embrace all of its winter offerings, from hiking to learning about the local wolves.
Undoubtedly, the Wolf Center Ely Minnesota alone makes Ely one of the best Minnesota vacation ideas for families! Here, you can learn about and see these magnificent creatures. Their daily programs will surely be a hit for kids of all ages! Afterward, choose from various outdoor activities, including dog sledding, snowshoeing, hiking, kick sledding, and fat tire biking. Depending on the snowfall and temperatures, those interested in dog sledding with their kids may be in luck! Several mushers operate with their dogs out of the area. For hiking, consider trails at Bear Head Lake State Park or Cave Lake State Park. Once you’re done exploring for the day, head back to your hotel or cabin to play games together, enjoy cozy fireplaces, and connect as a family. After all, that’s what this holiday getaway is all about!
Nisswa
Nisswa captures everything Minnesotans love about “Going Up North”. From lakeside cabins and resorts to outdoor recreation and scenic views, Nisswa is one of our top picks for the best Minnesota winter getaways for families!
To kick off the holiday weekend, Mount Ski Gull has skiing and tubing for the whole family! To make the visit extra special, you can even rent one of their Yurts, a fun spot to warm up a bit and experience a cozy ski picnic together. If you’re looking for more outdoor activities in Nisswa with kids, you’ll also find ice skating, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, snowshoeing, and hiking in the area. In fact, there are several great places to explore nature, including Crow Wing State Park, Paul Bunyan Trail Access, and the nearby Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area. If your family is interested in snowmobiling, several outfitters are ready to help you hit the trails when the snow is cooperating! And, of course, Nisswa is known for having some “pretty good” shopping in town.
Finally, if you book your stay at Grand View Lodge, you can enjoy Grand Holidays events through January 2. This New Year’s Eve, make Nisswa your travel destination of choice in Minnesota!
Alexandria
While Alexandria is known for being surrounded by some of Minnesota’s best lakes, it’s also a fantastic destination in the winter. Alexandria is located in the heart of West Central Minnesota and offers families many ways to make memories together in the snow! From tubing and snowshoeing to snowmobiling and ice fishing, you’ll find plenty of ways to enjoy the New Year together. Start your visit to Alexandria at Big Ole Central Park. Here, you’ll find a great photo op with the kids in front of Big Ole!
As one of the best New Year’s vacation spots in Minnesota with kids, some of Alexandria’s best attractions are outside! You’ll find various nearby parks, including Lake Carlos State Park, Kensington Rune Stone County Park, Spruce Hill County Park, and Lake Brophy County Park. Then, Andes Tower Hills is a local ski resort featuring 16 downhill runs and lifts (from beginner to expert). Families can also find cross-country skiing, tubing, and snowshoeing opportunities here. Over the holiday weekend, you can also enjoy the Garden of Lights Walking Tour. Held at Legacy Gardens, kids will delight in meandering through the festive light display! Then, when you’re ready to lace up those skates, Discovery Middle School Ice Rink has an outdoor ice rink and natural ice rink open to the public. Noonan Park also offers an ice skating rink and warming house.
Want to make a big splash this New Year? Take kids to Big Splash Indoor Waterpark! Float down the lazy river together or race down one of the three 4-story-tall waterslides! Make it an even more convenient getaway by staying on-site at Arrowhead Resort. Alternatively, those traveling with littles can head to Shenanigans Indoor Playground to play together. Finally, The Sugar Shack is a must-stop to treat your kids for the New Year!
Happy New Year in Minnesota!
We hope you found this article featuring the top New Year’s Eve travel destinations in Minnesota for families helpful in planning your own getaway. Undoubtedly, if you’ve been wondering where to travel for the New Year with kids, from Alexandria to Bloomington, there are several excellent choices on this list. We hope you have a wonderful holiday creating special memories with your kids!
Antonia Grant is a Minnesota mom + freelance writer who loves encouraging parents to find ways to connect and make memories with their kids. She’s a firm believer in providing children with experiences over things. You can find more from Antonia and her family adventures on Instagram @knead.to.roam. She shares all things family travel, outdoor adventures, and their favorite foodie finds.
