10 Christian family weekend trips from Minneapolis
Take a weekend off and unwind with beautiful lake views, luxurious lodging, and spa treatments through a short family weekend trip to Minneapolis and nearby areas.
The many lakes and vibrant cultural scenes have made Minneapolis a tourist destination. And anyone who has been there would tell you that it is a paradise for tourists.
But, let’s say you’re staying or visiting, and you’ve had a rough week and need some downtime more than anything. The list features fantastic destinations in Minnesota that are perfect for a Christian family weekend trip.
- Have a weekend getaway in Stillwater, Minnesota
Stillwater is a few minutes’ worth of drive from Minneapolis, where you can ride in a gondola or a paddle-wheel riverboat. In this picturesque river town where time seems to have stopped in the valley, you may enjoy all the amenities of Main Street, including excellent shopping, dining, hotel, and entertainment.
Also, Stillwater River Boats offers public tours and private charters that are suitable for a family weekend short trip.
Recommendation: Kickstart your adventure with a bike ride through Stillwater. The well-traveled Brown’s Creek Trail has 5.9 miles of beautiful scenery from the city’s western outskirts into the central business district.
- Head over to Northshore and Lake Superior in Duluth, Minnesota
Duluth is full of fun activities for the whole family and is only a little over two hours from Minneapolis. Duluth, Minnesota, is a major port on Lake Superior. Canal Park is located on the Lakewalk trail, which runs along the water and offers views of the Aerial Lift Bridge, built in 1905.
According to Families Love Travel, your children will enjoy throwing rocks into Lake Superior and seeing the big ships come into port from Canal Park. They can also visit the lighthouse for a breathtaking panorama.
Recommendation: In season, the Vista Fleet sails the port and lake, providing scenic boat trips for families with awe-inspiring vistas of the city. You can also try creative tours of Glensheen Mansion’s opulent turn-of-the-century architecture and grounds that await visitors who make their way there.
- Embark on a Great River Road Trip
For 3,000 miles, the Great River Road (one of the country’s famous All-American Roads) traces the path of the Mississippi River through 10 states, including Minnesota, taking in the region’s historic sites, modern cities, and breathtaking landscapes.
Recommendation: Now that summer is almost here, take your time and savor each bite and sip along the Great River Road. Fresh and excellent food can be found along your journey.
- Discover outdoor activities in Red Wing, Minnesota
Red Wing, Minnesota, is the next stop on the list of Christian family weekend short trips from Minneapolis. Get away from it all on top of some picturesque hills far above the city. Red Wing is a great place to go hiking or riding if you enjoy the outdoors.
Recommendation: If you are into adventures, you must try various outdoor activities with your family members and friends, such as paddling, hiking, and bicycling, and make memories that will surely last a lifetime.
- Go state-hopping to Madison, Wisconsin
You might get away from it all for the weekend in Wisconsin. Madison is a fantastic metropolis with a lively art scene and a constant bustle of activity. In addition, the travel time from Minnesota is only about 5 hours and 35 minutes.
Recommendation: The Wisconsin State Capitol is a must-see if you find yourself in Madison. The building’s appearance is stunning, with a majestic dome and two wings. The interior is equally beautiful, with various decorative touches and painted murals.
- See the parks in Des Moines, Iowa
From Minneapolis, a trip to Des Moines, Iowa, the state capital, takes around three hours. Throughout the weekend, you can enjoy a wide variety of activities and sights.
According to Megan & Aram, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Gray’s Lake Park, Water Works Park, and Principal Park are just a few of the city’s numerous magnificent parks. Every park in town is perfect for lounging in the sun and taking in the sights of the area’s natural wonders.
Recommendation: You should definitely try Pappajohn Sculpture Park. With its 31 works of contemporary art, this park is a great spot for a picnic, some selfies, or just to take it all in.
- Visit the charming town of Northfield, Minnesota
Northfield, a popular weekend destination for Minneapolis residents, is known for its unique shops and abundant outdoor activities.
The picturesque village of Northfield, Minnesota, is about 45 minutes south of Minneapolis along the Cannon River. Go along the riverbank and have the youngsters see if they can spot any ducks or geese.
Recommendation: Northfield has a plethora of great places to eat and drink, whether you’re in the market for fresh, local fare or a one-of-a-kind coffee shop or brewery.
- Explore Green Bay, Wisconsin
Green Bay serves as Brown County’s administrative center. It’s four hours distant, but it’s well worth the trip because it’s famous for more than just the Green Bay Packers.
It also contains exciting and instructive activities that the whole family may enjoy. Family Destinations Guide shared that historic landmarks, zoos, gardens, natural attractions, and hiking paths are all accessible to Christian families. The Bay Beach Amusement Park is a great place to have some initial fun.
Recommendation: Water parks and splash pads across Green Bay provide a welcome respite from the summer heat and hours of entertainment for children.
- Stay at the Grand Ely Lodge in Ely, Minnesota
Located in the center of a beautiful northern wilderness, Grand Ely Lodge offers more than just comfortable lodging, excellent service, and delicious food; it also serves as a springboard to countless exciting experiences.
Its website states large rooms, communal spaces, a pool, sauna, game room, 24-hour dining, and more are all available to families or groups of friends.
Recommendation: Go window shopping in downtown Ely, learn about wolves at the International Wolf Center, or kayak on Shagawa Lake, all within easy reach of the resort!
- Enjoy a road trip to Winona, Minnesota
A two-hour drive from Minneapolis to Winona is definitely worth it. Winona’s entertainment options are, by all accounts, impressive for a community of only 28,000 people. The variety and quality of outdoor activities available in this natural playground are unrivaled in the Midwest.
Winona is home to a wide variety of landscapes and landmarks, including beautiful flower-filled prairies and historic landmarks.
Recommendation: You must visit the parks and gorgeous lookouts in plenty offer countless hiking and biking opportunities. With its relaxing parks, the Winona community offers various trips and scenic walks you will surely enjoy.
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