Best Day Trips From Minneapolis To Take This Summer
The largest city in Minnesota, Minneapolis makes for an excellent base from which to explore the Midwest. From here, day-trippers have easy access to no end of charming small towns, numerous natural wonders, as well as many important cultural and historical sites, all just a short drive away.
Summer is an ideal time to embark on these adventures, with warm weather opening up a world of fun outdoor activities to participate in. From scenic hikes to gentle downtown strolls and from boating to swimming on lakes, big and small, the areas surrounding Minneapolis provide a wealth of opportunities to explore and unwind. Find out more about this selection of the best day trips from Minneapolis to take this summer.
Stillwater
Located just 30 miles east of Minneapolis on the banks of the St. Croix River, the charming small town of Stillwater makes for an ideal summer day trip. Known as the birthplace of Minnesota for having been the site of the 1849 convention that formalized the state’s foundation, Stillwater’s Historic Main Street is often cited as one of the prettiest downtowns in the United States. Start your day trip here and check out the Stillwater Lift Bridge, built in 1931 to connect the town with Wisconsin across the river. Pleasant parks line the river, providing scenic views and picnic spots overlooking the St. Croix River.
Other downtown attractions to look out for on a summer stroll include the historic Lowell Inn, built in 1927 and still a fixture on the town’s dining and accommodations scene, and the picturesque Historic Courthouse, built in the 1870s and open for tours. For a truly unique summer experience, hop aboard one of the Stillwater River Boats for a scenic cruise.
Taylors Falls
Drive an hour northeast of Minneapolis, and intrepid day trippers will find themselves at Taylors Falls, another charming small town on the banks of the St. Croix River. The star attraction here is Interstate State Park, a lovely green space on the edge of town overlooking the river. Notable features here include unique glacial potholes, hiking trails, and scenic overlooks of the river and the surrounding cliffs. This stunning scenery is also a big draw for photographers, rock climbers, and sightseers wanting to enjoy a scenic boat tour.
Other fun things to do during a Taylors Falls day trip include visiting Franconia Sculpture Park, a quirky open-air museum featuring large-scale sculptures and installations by contemporary artists. It also hosts summer events, workshops, and performances.
Red Wing
Red Wing’s location 55 miles southeast of Minneapolis along the Mississippi River makes it an ideal and easy summer day trip. Most visitors who do make the journey do so for the stunning scenery, which is especially pleasant around Barn Bluff, a prominent landmark offering hiking trails with panoramic views of the Mississippi River and the town below. Summer is also an ideal time to explore nearby Frontenac State Park, also known for its dramatic bluffs overlooking Lake Pepin, its hiking trails, and its birdwatching opportunities.
Downtown, the historic Sheldon Theatre is a must-visit for culture buffs and regularly hosts concerts and plays. Take a pleasant walk through Civic Center Park to the Goodhue County Historical Society Museum for fascinating exhibits on the region's past.
Afton
A little closer to Minneapolis (it’s an easy 30-minute drive east along the I-94), Afton’s village-like ambiance is certainly enhanced by its scenic setting on the St. Croix River. A big draw here is Afton State Park, which is a few miles to the south of town. In addition to camping, it’s a popular spot for hiking and biking, as well as for its access to fun on the river, which includes swimming at the beach, kayaking, and boating. Cabins are also available for those wanting to extend their stay.
In-town attractions worth checking out include the historic Afton House Inn, dating back to 1867 and now a charming B&B, and the Afton Historical Museum, which traces the history of the town (one of the oldest in the state) and its people. A great last stop is the Afton Alps Winery, which offers tastings of locally produced wines in a beautiful vineyard setting.
Hudson
Ready to venture over the border for a fun Wisconsin day trip? Then head to Hudson, just 28 miles east of Minneapolis across the St. Croix River, which is a popular place to visit for its historic downtown and scenic riverfront. A summer walking tour along the town’s picturesque Main Street is a must. After checking out the numerous shopping and dining opportunities, head over to scenic Lakefront Park for a stroll or a picnic (better still, both). Time it right, and you may also catch a concert or other community event here.
Be sure to also visit the historic Octagon House Museum. This unusual eight-sided stucco home was built in 1855 and now serves as a museum offering a fascinating glimpse into the town's past through displays and its collection of Victorian-era artifacts. A summer hike around Willow River State Park is another good idea. In addition to its wonderful waterfall, there are ample opportunities for fishing and kayaking fun, too.
Excelsior
Excelsior, located just a 30-minute drive southwest of Minneapolis on the shores of Lake Minnetonka, is a charming lakeside town that’s perfect for a summer day trip. The town's historic downtown area is a delight to explore with its boutique shops and antique stores, while Excelsior Commons, a beautiful park along the lake, is great for swimming and boating. Traveling with kids? There’s a great beach and playground here, along with picnic tables, so bring lunch.
A highlight of a summer day trip to Excelsior is to hop aboard the historic Steamboat Minnehaha. Built-in 1926, this vintage vessel offers excellent scenic cruises on Lake Minnetonka and is especially fun if combined with events like the Excelsior Art on the Lake festival and even the Fourth of July celebrations, both of which are returning for the summer of 2025.
The Final Word
For those planning on exploring Minnesota and the Midwest, Minneapolis serves as an excellent base for a fun day trip or two. From historic towns to scenic natural landscapes overlooking major rivers and lakes, each of these fun day trips provides a unique blend of attractions, ensuring there’s something for everyone who’s along for the ride. So fill that gas tank up, dust off the picnic hamper, and hit the road to enjoy some of these summer day trips from Minneapolis.
