Winter is here, which means many families are ready for cozy cabins and snowy getaways. If you want to embark on a magical winter getaway in Minnesota with your family this year, we’ve selected nine excellent options just for you. Catering to all ages, each destination offers family-friendly things to do, outdoor activities, and more. From adventurous Crosby to historic Red Wing, known for its picturesque bluffs, there’s a destination on this list for every family. Then, if you prefer a resort that offers everything you need for a weekend of family fun, we have those, too! Embrace a snowy escape at kid-friendly resorts like Gunflint Lodge or Grand View Lodge. No matter which destination or resort piques your interest, you will undoubtedly create unforgettable memories with your kids. Keep reading to discover where to travel in Minnesota with kids this winter.
Best Winter Getaways in Minnesota for Families
Don’t let the winter blues keep your family inside this winter. Instead, plan a trip with kids to one of Minnesota’s best winter vacation spots! Whether you are looking for toddler-size adventures or something to please persnickety teens, there is a city on this list for you. Undoubtedly, parents looking for the best Minnesota vacation ideas this winter for families can use our list to discover fun winter activities from Red Wing to Ely.
Duluth
As one of the best Minnesota winter getaways for families, Duluth is an excellent choice for all ages. Nestled along the shores of Lake Superior, Duluth knows how to do winter with kids right. Located less than 3 hours from Minneapolis, tons of family-friendly activities will keep you busy all weekend long. Start your visit by strolling along Canal Park, viewing large ships passing through the harbor and Aerial Lift Bridge.
If you’re traveling with littles, your next stop is the Duluth Children’s Museum. Here, kids will enjoy hands-on exhibits, including aviation, STEM activities, and learning about the local Ojibwe communities. Alternatively, if you’re looking for an action-packed experience, Spirit Mountain has alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing. There are ski lessons available for beginners. Plus, the whole family can try snow tubing with views of Lake Superior! If you want to hit the trails on foot or by snowshoe, try Chester Park Loop, Lester Park Trail, or Hartley Nature Center. Hartley even offers snowshoe and kicksled rentals! If you have teens interested in ice climbing, plan your trip around February’s Duluth Ice & Mixed Fest. They will offer clinics and learning opportunities for all skill levels. Finally, don’t miss the Great Lakes Aquarium or the Lake Superior Zoo.
Bloomington
If you’re wondering where to travel in Minnesota with kids, Bloomington is always a good idea. With family attractions throughout the city, Bloomington is also home to the Mall of America. More than just a mall, MOA offers endless entertainment options, from an indoor amusement park to top-notch dining. Conveniently, two hotels are also attached to the Mall: JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America and Radisson Blu Mall of America.
Start your visit with outdoor adventures at 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. Then, embrace a bit of friendly, family competition Whirlyball. Here, families can try bowling, escape rooms, and more. Alternatively, those young kids in tow will love visiting the science-inspired exhibits at The Works Museum. Then, at the Mall of America, families can try the exciting rides at Nickelodeon Universe. From toddlers to teens, this park offers the perfect mix of thrills, dining, and character meet-and-greets. Afterward, learn about colorful marine life at SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium. Or, go mini-golfing at one of the two on-site courses. There is also a movie theater, arcades, and so much more to enjoy together. No wonder parents love choosing Bloomington for fun weekend getaways in Minnesota for their families!
Ely
Embrace all that winter has to offer when you visit Ely with kids! With almost 20 entry points into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Ely is a favorite amongst outdoorsy families in all seasons. In the winter, enjoy everything from hiking and dog sledding to learning about the local wolves.
As one of the best Minnesota winter getaways for families, you can fill your itinerary with many fun outdoor activities. In Ely, families can go dog sledding, snowshoeing, hiking, kick sledding, and fat tire biking. A winter bucket list activity for many Minnesotans, dog sledding is a popular winter activity here! Several mushers operate with their dogs out of the area. For those interested in winter hiking, consider trails at Bear Head Lake State Park or Cave Lake State Park. Then, without a doubt, the Wolf Center makes Ely a top pick for families! Here, you can learn about and see these wonderful animals. The center’s daily programs will surely be a hit for kids of all ages! Once you’re done exploring, warm up back at your hotel with games or books, cozy fireplaces, and mugs filled with hot cocoa.
Rochester
If you’re wondering where to travel in Minnesota with kids for low-key fun, Rochester is your answer! A comfortable blend of city amenities (like hotels, dining, and shopping) and scenic outdoor spaces, Rochester has a lot to offer families this winter. The city’s caring and innovative culture also means a creative mix of attractions.
Start your visit outside by exploring snowy trails. In Rochester, you’ll find hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing at various trails in and around the city. Quarry Hill Nature Center is a great place to begin your adventures! Ice skating and sledding are also widely available here. Ice skating at Soldiers Field Memorial Park will be particularly memorable. Or, ditch the plastic sleds and go tubing at Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch. They also offer sleigh rides for all ages! Encountering bitter weather? Take toddlers indoors to play at Pipsqueaks Indoor Play Zone. Afterward, learn something new together at SPARK, Children’s Museum. It features a variety of exhibits that toddlers and young kids will love! Meanwhile, older kids and teens will enjoy, Air Insanity, a thrilling indoor trampoline park! With so many fun activities, no wonder families think Rochester is one of Minnesota’s top winter vacation spots with kids!
Red Wing
Discover a welcomed change of scenery amongst Red Wing’s beautiful bluffs and historic downtown. Nestled along the Mississippi River, this city features winter charm like no other. For families, Red Wing offers snowy outdoor adventures, shopping, and some of Minnesota’s most unique attractions.
As one of the best Minnesota vacation ideas this winter for families, you can hike, snowshoe, ice fish, and more in Red Wing. Did you know that you can even go ice fishing on the Mississippi River? Due to the widening near Lake Pepin, it is possible to ice fish in the Mississippi’s frozen backwaters! What a one-of-a-kind experience! Then, spot nesting eagles in the trees along the banks of the river in Colvill Park. Afterward, you can learn more about eagles at the National Eagle Center. Near Red Wing, you will also find Frontenac State Park and Welch Village Ski & Snowboard Area. Indoor activities in the area include bowling and family-friendly museums! Kids will love learning about the world’s largest boot at the Red Wing Museum. Alternatively, the Red Wing Marine Museum is an excellent choice with kids. Finally, check Sheldon Theatre for a list of upcoming performances.
Crosby
Known as Minnesota’s red dirt country in the summer, Crosby is also a winter paradise for families! This area is loved for its fat tire biking, cozy downtown, and proximity to several kid-friendly state parks. Begin your visit by meeting the resident serpent at Serpent Lake and playing in the huge nearby playground. Kids will love racing through its pirate-themed play areas.
In the historic downtown area, you’ll find plenty of shops and restaurants to occupy an afternoon. Treat kids to ice cream at Victual! Across the street, parents can grab a pint at Cuyuna Brewing Company. If you want to try fat tire biking in the snow, you can rent gear from Cykel. They also offer snowshoe and ski rentals. You’ll find tons of single-track trails to bike in the area, whether you are a new or experienced rider. Alternatively, you can also go hiking together. Crow Wing State Park or Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area are great options! Alternatively, hike Milford Mine Memorial Park to learn the history of the local mines. Nearby, you will also find Mille Lacs Kathio & Father Hennepin State Parks. Ice fishing and snowmobiling are also available here. With so many outdoor activities, it is no wonder Crosby is one of the top Minnesota winter getaways for families!
Best Winter Resort Getaways in Minnesota this Winter for Families
Some of the best weekend getaways in Minnesota for families happen all in one spot! Instead of searching for a city that offers everything you need, at the potential cost of too much winter driving, why not book one of the best winter resorts in Minnesota? Whether you want to hit the slopes or splash in a water park, these resorts have endless activities for a weekend filled with family fun. If you’re wondering where to travel in Minnesota with kids this winter, keep reading to discover three of our favorite family resorts.
Grand View Lodge, Nisswa
Spend time this winter making family memories at Grand View Lodge. Overlooking Gull Lake in Nisswa, this resort is a beautiful destination for families looking to enjoy a winter trip together. With a wide array of accommodation options, families are spoiled for choice here. You can book everything from a boutique hotel experience to multi-bedroom townhomes. Indeed, there is a style to fit every need and budget. You can also check out their winter packages here.
While parents can sneak in a much-needed session at the on-site spa or work out at the fitness center, there is plenty to impress kids of all ages, too. Start your visit playing together at Northpark. Here, you will find a huge indoor pool with a waterslide. Kids will undoubtedly delight in swimming and splashing all day! Then, families can also spend their days outside, hiking, snow tubing, and ice skating. Grand View Lodge even offers horse-drawn wagon rides in the snow! Plus, seasonal events provide even more chances to have fun and make memories together. As one of the best Minnesota winter getaways for families, we promise you’ll never hear “I’m bored” while staying here. Finally, excellent on-site dining completes the stress-free winter getaway experience.
Gunflint Lodge & Outfitters, Grand Marais
Parents looking for one-of-a-kind Minnesota vacation ideas this winter for families will love booking Gunflint Lodge. Located on Gunflint Lake at the end of the Gunflint Trail, you can’t get more secluded than this! It’s ideal for families seeking a distraction-free, nature-inspired getaway in the snow. Accommodations include cozy cabins and larger lake homes. Watch the weather, though; this is a long drive in poor conditions.
Featuring a classic, lakeside resort feel, Gunflint Lodge is surrounded by white pines, beautiful lake views, and some of Minnesota’s best wildlife. Keep your eyes out; you may catch a glimpse of moose, Canadian lynx, or black bears! If possible wildlife sightings aren’t enough of a draw, you’ll also have access to on-site dining, naturalist programs (including wolf howling and candle making), fun winter activities, and other family-friendly amenities. In the winter, you can build an itinerary around cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, and ice skating. For a little more adventure, consider ice fishing, ATV ice tours, or snowmobiling. Plus, Gunflint Lodge also offers horse-drawn sleigh rides for all ages! After a long day, head back to your cabin for cozy fires, game nights, and more family bonding. Finally, Grand Marais offers a variety of festivals and events throughout the winter to entice family travelers.
Caribou Highlands Lodge, Lutsen
Next on our list of the best Minnesota winter getaways for families, Caribou Highlands Lodge is a top choice for winter adventures. Located near some of the best alpine ski trails in the Midwest, Caribou Highlands Lodge will make your family feel like you’re staying in a real-life snow globe! They offer a variety of accomodation options to choose from. This includes lodges, townhomes, and even homes that sleep up to 14 to multi-family getaways. With so many options, you can select the best layout based on your preference and budget.
The best part of staying here? It’s a ski-in/ski-out hotel for Lutsen Mountains! Alternatively, the resort also offers a complimentary ski shuttle. You and your kids can play cozy board games back in the room when you’re not racing down ski slopes or hiking on nearby trails. Or, kids can swim in the pool, while parents relax in the hot tub. Even better, you can simply spend some much-needed, distraction-free time together enjoying the beauty of winter. Be sure to pack some wool socks and hot cocoa to complete the cozy experience! Then, on-site dining means you don’t need to go far or spend too much time planning your meals. Finally, Caribou Highlands Lodge also has several packages for families this winter.
Related Article: 7 Best Minnesota State Parks for Families this Winter
Keep Exploring!
We hope this list featuring the 9 Best Winter Getaways in Minnesota for Families helps you plan a fun trip with your kids. From Rochester to Lutsen, these winter vacation spots in Minnesota will offer everything you and your kids need to have fun in the snow. From one Minnesota parent to another, let’s keep exploring!
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.
