7 Affordable Destinations In Minnesota For Budget Travelers
With the rising costs of groceries, housing, and basic necessities, it can be hard to budget for vacations. Minnesota is known for its charming towns, pristine lakes, vibrant nature, and friendliness. In addition, this state offers a large array of towns that fit everyone's vacation needs while still making it affordable! Some places offer hotels for 40 dollars a night, including lots of free events/activities, which makes it extremely wallet-friendly for people who still want to travel. Book your next trip to one of these gorgeous seven spots!
Hibbing
Founded in 1893 by Frank Hibbing, this city has a population of 16,000 and is known for being home to one of the largest iron ore mines in the U.S. This is an excellent spot for individuals looking to save some money since the prices of housing, food, transportation, and basic necessities are lower than the national average. Start the day off with some sightseeing at the Bob Dylan Nobel Prize Tribute and Bob Dylan’s Childhood Home to see where this American singer-songwriter grew up before he created such musical masterpieces. For people seeking to learn about the history of the town, the Hibbing Historical Society and Museum offers free admission for visitors.
Lastly, end the day at the delicious restaurant, Sammy’s Pizza and Restaurant, which opened in 1954 and features an all you can eat buffet of homemade food for $15.95. End the day curled up in your comfy bed at the Hibbing Inn and Suites which averages out to $117 a night.
Mankato
Mankato, Minnesota with a university.
This charming town attracts lots of people looking to hike and ski while still having a scenic city to attend events in. A popular free activity includes the CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour, which features 32 outdoor sculptures displayed year-round. Simply just download the map on your phone and walk around the City Center for the 2 hour long tour! For a cheap and unique experience that not many places offer, check out the Minneopa State Park Bison Drive to see some up-close bison safari style! This has 330 acres and is 7 dollars per vehicle, making it a great choice for animal lovers who are on a budget.
For food, walk over to La Bamba Mexican Taco House for a satisfying meal under $15 dollars. Due to its population of 45,000, this city provides lots of cheap hotels, including the Hotel Alexander at $127 a night, Arch + Cable at $125 a night, and The Days Inn by Wyndham Mankato at $60 a night. The Hilton Garden Inn Mankato Downtown is a great choice for tourists due to its prime location in the city, mountain view, gym, pool, and hot tub at $105 a night.
Northfield
Skinner Memorial Chapel in Carleton College, Northfield, Minnesota. Editorial credit: Ken Wolter / Shutterstock.com
This riverfront small town has a population of 21,000 and is 44 miles south of the bustling city of Minneapolis. With the rent prices being offered 35% below average, Northfield tries to focus on affordability and building a strong community. Begin with The Northfield Historical Society for $10 to learn about the bank founded in 1876, then walk over to the Perlman Teaching Museum, which offers free admissions! Hang out and enjoy the views from Riverside Park and Ames Park to see the bright green trees and the fast-flowing river. For hotels, the Country Inn and Suites by Radisson provides rooms for $72 dollars a night and even provides a pool!
Fergus Falls
New Farmers Market building at dusk in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. Editorial credit: Barbarajo / Shutterstock.com
This is ranked the 7th cheapest city in Minnesota and has a population of 14,000, which makes it a great choice for anyone looking to save some money. Fergus Falls is home to a unique landmark called The Kirkbride, which is a large stone castle designed by a 19th-century Pennsylvania physician. This castle used to be the state hospital but now stands as a historical site. To learn about the town itself, head over to the Otter Tail County Historical Society Museum, which costs $6 per person. For some sightseeing spots, walk down to Riverside Waterfowl Sanctuary, Red River Mill, and Otto The Otter (which features a massive otter) for a classic tourist photo. Stay at the Fergus Inn for $66 a night or at the Hotel 8 Fergus Falls for $79 a night!
Pipestone
Main Street in Pipestone, Minnesota on a summer afternoon.
Located in Southwest Minnesota and with a population of 4,000, this rocky town is a hiker's dream! Start the day off at the Pipestone National Monument, which includes 301 acres, 400 plant species, hiking trails, and red claystone. Before walking the trails, stop at the Pipestone National Monument Visitor Center to learn about how Indian tribes have been using these stones for over 3000 years to make sacred pipes (hence the name pipestone) and more! This park is free to attend and features lots of landmarks like the Old Stone Face and Sioux Quartzite Cliffs. Drive back into the center of town (or walk 20 minutes) and visit the Pipestone County Museum to learn about the history and culture while paying a $3 admission fee. Mingle with the locals and visiting tourists at the Stonehouse Supper Club or Pizza Ranch for a cheap meal under $20. The cheapest hotel in the area is priced at $41 a night and is called OYO Hotel Pipestone, MN.
Fairmont
Hall Lake in Fairmont, Minnesota. Editorial credit: Joseph Kreiss / Shutterstock.com
Fairmont, also called the “City Of Lakes,” is known for its beautiful chain of 5 lakes which includes Amber Lake, Hell Lake, Budd Lake, Lake Sisseton, and George Lake. This vacation spot is ideal for people looking for year-round water excursions that include ice fishing, ice hockey, fishing, swimming, boating, and so much more. In addition, Fairmont has a multitude of events throughout the year to help build a welcoming community for all. Participate in one of the fishing tournaments to earn a pile of cash, or watch the Southern Minnesota Pond Hockey Championship. After spending some time on the lake, come back to the Super 8 by Wyndham for $50 dollars a night.
Bemidji
Downtown Bemidji, Minnesota viewed from a boat on Lake Bemidji.
Bemidji is a historically charming town located in Northern Minnesota. Being surrounded by 400 lakes in a 25-mile radius, this place provides a city living in a country lifestyle. For lodging, stay at either Super 8 by Wyndham at $84 a night, Hotel Bemidji at $81 a night, or Country Inn and Suites at $103 a night for a riverfront view. Some classic tourist events include Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox Statues for a free photo, the Headwaters Science Center, which is $10 a person, or hanging out at Diamond Point Park for a lakefront sunset. The city itself is very walkable, with restaurants like Giovanni’s Pizza and Bar 209 (for meals 10-20 dollars). You can also catch an Uber out to one of the stunning lakes to swim and view the country!
Affordable Getaways in Minnesota: Start Exploring Today
Minnesota, also called the “Land of 10,000 Lakes”, is a popular spot for tourists due to its bustling cities like Minneapolis, its lakes, and the famous Mall of America, which is the largest mall in the US! People often overlook these small cities and often forget that traveling can still be cheap! Whether it's Pipestone for hiking, Bemidji for a vacation appearance, or Hibbing for its history, each town provides an affordable and fun time.
