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Central Minnesota’s Best Winter Resorts and Activities

Online Niel November 16, 2024

In Minnesotawinter is not just a season, it’s a lifestyle. The Land of 10,000 Lakes is famous for its lakeside recreation; winter is no exception. Minnesotans are experts at embracing lake life during the cold months. Here, winter weekends are for skating, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, cold diving and more.

Each winter, new energy courses through Minnesota as people take this time to reorient and rejuvenate. That first chill in the air signals it’s time for snow-covered trail rides, weekly sauna meditations, and winter festivals that celebrate the beauty of the colder months. Longer nights mean more time to spend around candlelit dinner tables and campfires with friends and to marvel at the Northern Lights during a cozy winter retreat.

There is also a greater focus on wellness through popular activities including sauna sessions and low-impact sports such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice skating. Of course, thrill seekers also enjoy ice climbing, skiing and snowboarding in the state. Local culture emphasizes winter wellness through outdoor activities, soothing sauna experiences, hot tubs, and tranquil forest retreats that embrace the wonder of the season.

Stay at cabins in Central Minnesota

A row of cabins on a snow-covered, tree-filled lot at Nature Link in Nisswa, Minnesota. — Enjoy a private winter retreat at Nature Link in Nisswa, Minnesota.

Central Minnesota it’s a popular year-round getaway for Midwesterners. Famous for its chain of lakes and historic family resorts, the central region of the state is a hot spot for hospitality and winter recreation.

Grand View Lodge, of Cragunand Madden is on Gull Lake have hosted generations of families for winter retreats, catering to those seeking a classic resort experience. Dine at the on-site restaurants and enjoy miles of cross-country skiing trails and snowshoeing through the snow-covered forests. Plus, book spa treatments designed to restore your body after days of winter exploration. Newer properties such as Nature Link offers more modern experiences with barrel saunas, fire pits, and private cabanas with floor-to-ceiling views of Lake Clark.

Many Central Minnesota resort properties coordinate piste-side lighting events, where hundreds of candles illuminate the cross-country ski trails. Glide through the snow-covered paths of the forest for an enchanting evening bathed in the soft glow of candles.

A couple relaxing in an outdoor spa at Grand View Lodge in Central Minnesota. — Rest and relax at Grand View Lodge’s spa in Central Minnesota.

Venture from your hotel to explore Minnesota’s charming small towns and find under-the-radar local restaurants. Bar Harbor Supper Club is an archetypal Northwoods dining experience with great surf and turf options for a night in Nisswa. Near, Sherwood North it’s housed in a traditional rustic cottage, where a two-story stone fireplace rises to meet the vaulted ceiling. For a more casual experience, Main Street Ale House serves 30 local beers on tap and a rotating seasonal menu, or mingle with friends and locals over craft coffee or cocktails at MN Traders Co.

Ski or Snowboard the North Shore of Minnesota

A lighthouse on a structure above Lake Superior in Duluth, Minnesota at sunrise. — Lake Superior in Duluth, Minnesota

Northern Minnesota embrace winter with a hygge lifestyle — an atmosphere of comfort and contentment that feels especially appropriate along the shores of Lake Superior. Duluth and Grand Marais are winter wellness centers where visitors can explore the outdoors by day and relax in saunas and beer halls at night.

Book a stay at Pier B Resort Hotel in Duluth, which has views of Lake Superior and ample winter activities. For a deeper dive into Minnesota’s northern roots, visit Nordic sauna with cedar and stone in Duluth or Sisu and Löyly sauna in Grand Marais, floating on Lake Superior and offering the benefits of hot-cold therapy during a guided sauna session. Warming up in a sauna after a hike through the snowy woods or skating on a frozen lake is a refreshing and truly Minnesota experience.

Cedar and stone sauna exterior on a pier at the water's edge in Duluth, Minnesota. — In Duluth, Cedar and Stone Sauna promotes lakeside wellness and relaxing steps from the Pier B Resort Hotel.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find endless adventures in seven state parks along the North Shore, where the falls are just as stunning when frozen. Explore the parks on snowshoes or cross-country skis while taking in the sights of Lake Superior along the way. Minnesota State Parks works diligently to maintain these trails and keep an up-to-date log of trail conditions to help you get the most out of your visit.

For thrill seekers, find some of the best downhill skiing and snowboarding in the Midwest at Giants Ridge in Biwabik and Spirit Mountain in Duluth, where all skill levels can enjoy the runs. Mount Lutsenthe state’s fanciest ski destination, is further up the North Shore. Dine at the Summit Chalet atop the mountain or ride the gondola to enjoy panoramic views of Lake Superior.

An adult and a child carrying skis atop Minnesota's Lutsen Mountains with Lake Superior in the background. — Admire views of Lake Superior from the top of the Lutsen Mountains

Dining on the North Shore is an experience in itself. In the Duluth area, dine on lake-to-table cuisine at Smokehaus from Northern Waters and The new Scenic cafe. Or enjoy locally brewed pints at Duluth’s Bent Paddle Brewing Co. and Canal Park Brewing Company. You’ll find these award-winning breweries all over the state, and the warm atmosphere of their bars is ideal for relaxing after a day of skiing, snowshoeing or hiking.

Another microbrewery to visit about 30 minutes north is Castle Danger Brewing in Two Ports. Continue up the Lake Superior coast for Grand Marais. Voyageur Brewing Company and Angry Trout Cafe.

Get spa treatments and attend winter festivals in the Minneapolis-St. Paule

Try a wellness experience with an urban twist Minneapolis and St. Paule. Here you’ll find some of the best spas and saunas in the region, perfect for relaxing in the colder months. Book a session at Watershed Sparelax in The Hewing Hotelthe rooftop spa or visit The Nordic Village at the Four Seasons Minneapoliswhere hot and cold therapies meet sweeping city views.

For a slower-paced afternoon, browse independent bookstores like neighborhood staples Magers and Quinnwith a romantic theme Tropes and triviaand focused on indigenous people Birch bark books— all warm retreats from the cold of winter. Relaxing with a delightful book from a local business and a cup of hot cocoa is a perfect day of rest between outdoor adventures while supporting the local community.

A chef prepares food at the Market at Malcolm Yards in Minneapolis, Minnesota. — Dine on internationally inspired cuisine at Market at Malcolm Yards.

Minneapolis-St. Paul is also home to a lauded restaurant scene that features local and seasonal ingredients. Food halls such as The Market at Malcolm Yards, Pastaand Midtown Global Market bustle with internationally inspired food stalls. The indigenous food laboratory— the creation of Sean Sherman, the James Beard Award-winning chef behind Owamni— is a new addition to Midtown Global Market, where it preserves indigenous food traditions and serves food to nourish you while you explore the market.

Elsewhere in the cities, local favorites like Brasa Premium Rotisserie, Himalayathe Hewing Hotel Tullibeeand the modern style of the inn Alma all serve hot meals to fuel you through the coldest days of winter. Each dining location reflects Minnesota’s diverse cultural heritage, allowing travelers to experience global flavors while remaining rooted in the state’s farm-to-table philosophy.

Outdoor enthusiasts will love it Theodore Wirth Regional Parkthat maintains miles of cross-country ski and snowshoe trails on 740 pristine acres just minutes from downtown Minneapolis. Several state parks near the Twin Cities it also offers quick access to snowy landscapes – ideal for weekend getaways full of fresh air and outdoor fun.

A large gathering of people standing around a lantern pyramid in the evening at the Luminary Loppet festival in Minnesota. — Celebrate the magic of winter at the Luminary Loppet festival.

Check it out Loppet lampheld every February on the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes. This beloved winter festival features a candlelit stroll along frozen lakes with ice sculptures, food trucks and visits to Utepils Brewing. As part of a larger City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festivalthe event also includes cross-country ski races, fat bike tours, snowshoeing and skijoring (a sport in which dogs pull skiers).

Book comfortable hotels in Southern Minnesota

A view of the brick exterior of the Hotel St. James four-story building on a street corner in downtown Red Wing, Minnesota. — Stay in historic splendor at the Hotel St. James in downtown Red Wing, Minnesota.

Extend your winter getaway with a stay at one of southern Minnesota’s historic hotels or charming inns. Book a night at Red Wing’s Hotel St. JamesWinona’s Alexander Mansionor one of LanesboroVictorian B&Bs where old world charm meets modern comfort.

Whether you’re looking for outdoor thrills, cozy retreats, or wellness experiences, Minnesota offers countless ways to embrace the wonders of winter. From snow-covered forests and lakeside saunas to lively festivals, winter here is more than just a season—it’s a time to connect, recharge, and savor the beauty of the cold months.

Start planning your trip with travel guides, itineraries and more at exploreminnesota.comand watch Explore Minnesota on Instagram, TikTok, nature, Facebookand YouTube.