The Ultimate Minnesota Family Vacation: Lakes, Outdoor Adventures & Kid-Friendly Fun
Arrive in Minneapolis & Explore
Fly into Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP).
Top Things to Do in Minneapolis
- Walk or Bike Along the Chain of LakesBeautiful trails and scenic lake views.
- Visit the Minneapolis Institute of ArtHome to a vast collection of artwork.
- See the Iconic Stone Arch BridgeA perfect spot for photos of the Mississippi River.
- Dinner at Matt's Bar or The NookTry the famous Juicy Lucy burger.
Overnight in Minneapolis.
Twin Cities & Mall of America
Explore More of Minneapolis & St. Paul.
Top Things to Do
- Tour the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul.
- Visit Como Park Zoo & Conservatory.
- Check Out the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Museum (If You're a Hockey Fan!).
- Spend the Afternoon at Mall of AmericaThe largest mall in the U.S.
Overnight in Minneapolis.
Drive to Duluth & Lake Superior Scenic Byway
Drive from Minneapolis to Duluth (2.5 hours).
Top Things to Do in Duluth
- Visit Canal Park & Watch Ships Enter the Harbor.
- Walk Along Lakewalk for Stunning Lake Superior Views.
- Tour the Historic Glensheen Mansion.
- Try Local Beer at Bent Paddle Brewing Co.
Overnight in Duluth.
North Shore Scenic Drive & Gooseberry Falls
Drive from Duluth Along the North Shore of Lake Superior.
Top Stops Along the North Shore Scenic Drive
- Gooseberry Falls State ParkStunning waterfalls & short hikes.
- Split Rock LighthouseOne of the most picturesque lighthouses in the Midwest.
- Hike at Tettegouche State ParkIncredible cliffs & overlooks.
- Optional: Stop in Lutsen for Alpine Slides & Gondola Rides.
Overnight in Grand Marais - A Beautiful Harbor Town.
Grand Marais & Boundary Waters Canoe Area
Explore Grand Marais & Nearby Wilderness.
Top Things to Do in Grand Marais
- Visit Sivertson Gallery for Local Art.
- Walk the Artists' Point Trail.
- Try the Famous Pie at The World's Best Donuts.
Top Things to Do in the Boundary Waters
- Go Canoeing or Kayaking on the Pristine Lakes.
- Hike Along the Superior Hiking Trail.
- Spot Wildlife Like Moose, Bald Eagles, & Loons.
Drive to Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (1 hour).
Overnight in Ely or a Cabin Near the Boundary Waters.
Voyageurs National Park - A Water Wonderland
Drive from Ely to Voyageurs National Park (2.5 hours).
Top Things to Do in Voyageurs National Park
- Take a Boat or Kayak Tour on Rainy Lake.
- Go StargazingVoyageurs is an Official Dark Sky Park!
- Hike the Echo Bay Trail.
Overnight in International Falls.
Return to Minneapolis & Depart
Drive from International Falls to Minneapolis (5 hours).
Optional Stops Along the Way
- Visit Itasca State ParkWalk Across the Headwaters of the Mississippi River.
- Explore the Paul Bunyan Scenic BywayA fun Midwest road trip stop.
Fly out of Minneapolis (MSP).
Ready to plan your Minnesota trip?
Dave will build a custom itinerary and find the best options for your budget and travel style.
Tell Me About Your TripHeader photo: MichaelDPhotos, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.