9 Ideal Destinations For A 3-Day Weekend In The Northern United States
The Northern United States is a vast and diverse region stretching from the Pacific Northwest, across the Rocky Mountains, the Great Plains, the Great Lakes, and the New England states, so no matter what your idea of the perfect weekend is, there is something just for you! City-dwellers can enjoy the world-famous metropolises, nature lovers can explore breathtaking trails and paddling routes, and those who prefer the slow pace of the countryside can find the quaint tiny town of their dreams. There are countless destinations to fulfill any bucket list, but a 3-day weekend in any of these destinations will surely be unforgettable.
Glacier National Park, Montana
With its stunning snow-capped mountains, alpine meadows, and of course, glaciers, it's no wonder that Glacier National Park gets 3 million visitors a year and has been designated a UNESCO world heritage site. This mountainous park is a dream come true for outdoorsy travelers from around the world. Whether you’re hiking through a meadow of glacial lilies or soaking in the rays alongside sunbathing marmots, there is no shortage of opportunities to connect with nature. Of course, as the name suggests, one of the park's main draws is the glacier viewing. With climate change shrinking glaciers worldwide, Glacier National Park provides a unique and fleeting opportunity to see these massive ice formations before they disappear. Get out and see the icy splendor while you have the chance!
Seattle, Washington
Even if you haven’t been to Seattle, you’re probably still familiar with some of its iconic landmarks and locales featured in countless movies and TV shows. The larger-than-life Space Needle, built for the “Age of Space”-themed World Fair in 1962, remains a stunning landmark on the city skyline, and the views from the top are not to be missed! For a small-town feel within this sophisticated metropolis, head to Pike’s Place Market to find local goodies from farmers and artisans, and witness the time-honored tradition of fish-tossing in the Fish Market. If the bustle of the city and the market are too overwhelming, head to one of Seattle’s many beautiful parks to reconnect with nature. Discovery Park offers hiking and zip-lining for the more adventurous spirits, or tranquil walks and tide pool searching for folks who simply want to unwind. Either way, a pick-me-up coffee from the original Starbucks (founded in 1971) might be needed to fuel your busy weekend!
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Although a trip to Idaho may conjure up visions of walking through potato fields, this state is surprisingly rich with beautiful lakes, forests, and mountains! In particular, the state's northern panhandle, squeezed between Montana, Washington, and British Columbia, is home to many breathtaking and adventure-full locations. Coeur d’Alene, in the heart of North Idaho’s Lake Country, is a popular tourist destination and is even frequented by celebrities like Wayne Gretzky and Matthew McConaughey! Lake Coeur d’Alene has 109 miles of shoreline, providing ample opportunities to swim, sail, camp, and soak up the sun during the warm, dry summer. And the fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down in this Idaho beach town. Take an evening stroll along the 3,300-foot-long Floating Boardwalk and cap off the night with a tropical cocktail and live music at the Marina Cantina.
Kenai Peninsula, Alaska
The Northernmost state and arguably the wildest, Alaska is a classic on many people’s life lists. With 663,267 square miles of land, ranging from the tidal shoreline to glacial fields, and permafrosted wetlands, it's hard to narrow down the best place to visit. But the Kenai Peninsula is a must-see. The glaciers, mountains, and the Pacific Ocean set a stunning backdrop to explore by both land and sea. Boarding a kayak or paddleboard is an excellent way to experience one of the world’s best marine wildlife viewing sites. Paddling through the magnificent tidewater glaciers, you might be so lucky as to spot humpbacks, orcas, otters, and sea lions! After a tiring and chilly day on the water, warm up in one of the many rustic cabins or yurts for the true Alaskan experience.
Medora, North Dakota
Although it doesn’t have the showy mountains or giant lakes of its neighboring states, the unassuming city of Medora, North Dakota has its own subtle beauty. Take a drive through the unique badlands terrain of ravines, hoodoos, and all sorts of geological formations. With the Dakota Prairie Grasslands to the south and Theodore Roosevelt National Park to the north, you’ll be sure to see deer, antelope, and bison roaming across the plains. After a day on the range, stop in the quaint, historical downtown for some traditional cowboy grub, and catch the Medora Musical, an entertaining historical musical about the town. History buffs may be particularly interested to learn about how America’s “conservation president” Teddy Roosevelt was influenced by his time as a rancher in North Dakota.
Duluth, Minnesota
Located on the largest freshwater lake in the United States, and home to the largest inland harbor in the world, Duluth, Minnesota is not a destination to be missed. Witness larger-than-life cargo ships sail in and out of the port, passing under the iconic Aerial Lift Bridge. The lakeside view is best enjoyed with a side of local food and brews in Canal Park. To truly appreciate the history and importance of this shipping hub, peruse the historical exhibits, replicas, and interactive displays at the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center. And although the frigid waters of Lake Superior might only appeal to the bravest swimmers, you can also enjoy them via paddleboard, boat, or hikes along the rocky coastline. In fact, if you’re a serious hiker, you may want to try your boots on a section of the Superior Hiking Trail.
Bar Harbor, Maine
If you’re looking for the quintessential North Atlantic experience of coastal views, fresh seafood, and quaint seaside character, there’s no place like Bar Harbor, Maine. Board a majestic tall ship for an intimate two-hour guided tour on the water. Or, if you prefer to keep two feet firmly on land, set out to survey the historic New England architecture. No need to pack a lunch when you can take a foodie walking tour, sampling and learning about the delectable local cuisine. And, as the gateway to Acadia National Park, you would be remiss not to take advantage of the easy access to stunning hiking trails, epic coastal views, and unparalleled birdwatching along the Atlantic migration flyway.
New York City, New York
No list of Northern United States destinations would be complete without mentioning the world-famous New York City. Through TV shows, movies, and the cultural zeitgeist, most people are familiar with New York's classic tourist destinations: Times Square, Central Park, the Empire State Building, and Broadway to name a few. However, with a city full of creatives and dreamers, there are also many lesser-known treasures around every corner! New York is known for its cosmopolitan and vintage cool, and what era embodies this more than the 1920s? Step back in time by visiting a few historical remnants and modern odes to the flapper era. Grab a classic breakfast sandwich and root beer float at the Lexington Candy Shop (established in 1925), see the sights à la “Great Gatsby” from the Queenboro bridge, and cap the night off by sneaking down to a prohibition-themed speakeasy.
Woodstock, Vermont
If you’ve got an eye for beauty, Woodstock, Vermont is the picture-perfect getaway you’ve been dreaming of. Historical buildings, covered bridges, and quaint rural farms make this a charming weekend destination. Stroll around the Village Green, taking in the majesty of historical buildings like the Norman Williams Library, a paragon of the city’s devotion to literature and learning. Next, mosey across the very walkable city to peruse the pottery, blown glass, and other artistry of the thriving artisan community. Cross The Middle Covered Bridge, with the river and the picturesque bridge providing ample photo opportunities. If you keep walking and feel you’ve stumbled upon a pastoral scene from an 1800s farm, you have arrived at Billings Farm and Museum. Delve deep into historical farm life on the Farm Exhibits tour, and interact with the adorable farm animals!
Takeaway
From kayaking in glacial water in wild Alaska to attending an exclusive speakeasy club in New York, and everything in between, the Northern United States is brimming with options for travelers of all stripes and interests. Whether you want to check off iconic bucket-list landmarks like the Space Needle in Seattle, Washington, or be one of the few to discover hidden gems like the covered bridges in Woodstock, Vermont, your ideal 3-day weekend is waiting!
