7-Day Minnesota Itinerary

A mix of outdoor adventures, Great Lakes beauty, and cultural experiences across Minnesota.

The Ultimate Minnesota Family Vacation: Lakes, Outdoor Adventures & Kid-Friendly Fun

Day1

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.

Day2

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.

Day3

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.

Day4

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.

Day5

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.

Day6

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.

Day7

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).

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Header photo: MichaelDPhotos, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.