Whether your relationship is new or old, hardly anything nurtures the bond between lovers like taking a trip together. Taking a break from everyday life lets you focus more on each other and deepen your connection. In fact, experts recommend that couples spend 70% of their time together and arrange one or two vacations a year.
There are many romantic getaways in Minnesota where you could relax or experience adventures to fan the spark between you. We’ll tell you about all the best ones!
Twin Cities Metropolitan
1. Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel at The Depot
Minneapolis, MN
My hands-down favorite romantic getaway in all of the Twin Cities – The Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel at the Depot. We’ve stayed here many times. One of my best friends has a kid named after this place… No joke.
Book a Historic Suite – trust me – the historic suites have beautiful high ceilings and historic decor, transporting our happy couple back into luxurious antiquity.
The Renaissance at the Depot is a very popular wedding destination, and for good reason. The vibes of this place are absolutely sizzling with romance! Maybe go ice skating at the depot while you’re here!
2. The Saint Paul Hotel
The Saint Paul Hotel is located in downtown St. Paul with great access to the Excel Center, RiverCentre, Science Museum and great food on 7th Street.
The European charm of this 110+ year old hotel (renovated in 1982) will put set the stage for a great weekend of romance!
3. Hotel Landing
Wayzata, MN
Hotel Landing in Wayzata is an absolute luxury experience on the shores of Lake Minnetonka. Hotel Landing offers bed and breakfast packages, and even a “Romance on the Lake” package. Läka Spa is right onsite for some of the most amazing spa experiences in the midwest.
Fine dining options abound just a short stroll down Lake Street where you can grab a great steak at Gianni’s or seafood at Cov. Try Sushi Fix for amazing Sushi or hit the Muni for the best homemade onion rings I’ve ever tasted.
Get coffee in the morning at a cute little boutique Caribou Coffee across from the lake. Grab a small chocolate mousse cake from Woullette Bakery – maybe you’ll share it in bed later?!
4. Nicolett Island Inn
Minneapolis, MN
Want something closer to the heart of Minneapolis? Consider the Nicolett Island Inn, an ideal romantic getaway in Minnesota. It features an outdoor patio perfect for relaxing, as well as a cruise and dinner on the Mississippi River. Their high-end restaurant offers private dining, too, which you can book when you’re not exploring the city.
5. The New Victorian Mansion Bed & Breakfast
In the busy city of Minneapolis, there’s a sublime, quiet place where you can escape with your significant loved one–the New Victorian Mansion. As a bed-and-breakfast operating out of an elegant Victorian home built in 1881, it’s among the most romantic getaways in Minnesota.
Plus, it’s close to everything Minneapolis offers! The city is renowned for numerous museums, art centers, theaters, luxury restaurants, and outdoor sports, along with the famous Mall of America less than 20 minutes away in Bloomington.
Central Minnesota
6. Leech Lake Resort
Want to just lounge in a cozy lodge? The Leech Lake Resort in Walker could suit your fancy. Imagine how a hot, scrumptious meal at their bed-and-breakfasts by the lake can start off each day with an amorous mood. The property is perfect for swimming, kayaking, canoeing, biking, hiking, and skiing as well.
If you’re up for an adventure, Itasca State Park is less than an hour away. You could also check out the nearby Northern Lights Casino and several breweries, wineries, and fine restaurants.
7. Chase on the Lake
Perhaps a hotel is more your thing. In that case, what about Chase on the Lake in Walker? They pride themselves on their gorgeous lakeside views, luxurious spa, and proximity to prime shopping, museums, casinos, golf courses, restaurants, a sailing charter, and more.
However, the resort is also near trails that are ideal for hiking, biking, snowmobiling, and skiing. At the lake, you can go fishing, kayaking, or swimming, or use the indoor pool.
Southeastern Region
8. Alexander Mansion Bed and Breakfast
What do you get when you put Victorian architecture with a bed-and-breakfast? The Alexander Mansion, of course. Featured in the Best of the Midwest and Midwest Living magazines, this bed-and-breakfast is designed to be one of the most romantic getaways in Minnesota. The European visuals and bedding in each room are as stunning as they are comfortable.
For lunch and dinner, indulge in any of the nearby cafes, restaurants, wineries, and breweries. As a thriving island city, Winona is also filled with fascinating museums, art galleries, and shops.
Southwestern Region
9. Redwood Lodge
Picture one long date involving the jubilation of a zoo, the thrill of a casino, and the sophistication of museums and historical sites. The variety would be so fun! If you stay at the Redwood Lodge in Redwood Falls, you’ll be close to all those activities.
To relax, try out the lodge’s sauna and hot tub. Grab a complimentary breakfast in the mornings, too!
10. Lake Benton Resort
The city of Lake Benton strives to create a sense of community togetherness, which is also great for couples who want to strengthen their bonds. At the Lake Benton Resort, guests are kept informed of local events and encouraged to participate.
The lake itself has kayaks, pontoons, and fishing equipment available to rent. Otherwise, go swimming and beach bumming together, or hang out at the bar and grill!
Minnesota River Valley
11. Moulin Rouge House B&B
In 1886, Lisbeth Hunt of the Mankato Free Press built an exquisite Queen Anne-style house. Later, it fell into disrepair. Seeing its potential, its new owners purchased the house in 2018 and turned it into the Moulin Rouge House Bed-and-Breakfast, now a prime romantic getaway in Minnesota.
The home itself is a beautiful environment, but it’s also close to Minneopa State Park, which features fascinating local history and breathtaking views for you to savor together.
12. Rustling Elms Resort
Nothing brings some couples closer like roughing it together. At the Rustling Elms Resort of Ortonville, you can either stay in a cabin or rent a shaded camping site, complete with hookups, a picnic table, and a firepit. It’s also right next to Big Stone Lake; stretching across 26 miles, it’s considered a premier fishing spot.
Is Independence Day part of your timeline for a romantic getaway in Minnesota? All the more reason to book this resort for their annual buried treasure hunt!
Arrowhead Region
13. Cascade Lodge
Since 1927, the Cascade Lodge in Lutsen has served as a vacation spot or venue for private events. Naturally, it’s also an excellent romantic getaway in Minnesota for couples who simply want to treat themselves together.
When you’re not enjoying the cuisine and drinks at the on-site restaurant, go hiking, swimming, fishing, birding, kayaking, skiing, ATVing, or snowmobiling. If you’re not sportsy, consider the local shops or historic sites, like the Split Rock Lighthouse.
14. Arrowhead Lodge
Voyageurs National Park is one of the state’s most popular destinations for tourists, nature lovers, and anyone just looking to escape normal life for a while. That’s also why the Arrowhead Lodge ranks as a top romantic getaway in Minnesota.
Their lodge rooms, cabins, and RV sites are comfortable and private. Even better, they provide easy access to the park’s many attractions and events, including pubs, karaoke, yoga classes, massage sessions, and the beautiful Lake Kabetogama.
15. Grand Superior Lodge
Lake Superior is accessible from Duluth, so the Grand Superior Lodge has become a fantastic romantic getaway in Minnesota. Book a log cabin right by the lake, where you can participate in guided tours. From hiking to fishing to canoeing to kayaking, there’s an option for everyone.
To relax, attend a yoga class, get a massage, or spend quality time at the spa. At night, go stargazing while cuddling under a blanket.
Northwest Angle
16. River Bend Resort
With two locations in Baudette, the River Bend Resort has set itself apart as a romantic getaway in Minnesota. If you and your significant other enjoy fishing, you’ll love the opportunities to go ice fishing or reserve a boat for the lake.
There are other nearby attractions that help couples bond. Plan a movie night at The Grand Theater, a game at the Oak Harbor Golf Course, or a trip to the Lake of the Woods Museum.
17. Prothero’s Post Resort
Located in Angle Inlet, the Prothero’s Post Resort is the northernmost point in the continental U.S., but that’s not the resort’s only distinction. Its guests hail it as one of the best romantic getaways in Minnesota because of its breathtaking scenery, excellent fishing, and private boat docks.
The charming, cozy cabins are part of the appeal, too. In fact, most of the lovely architecture and furniture pieces are custom-made and handcrafted by the owners and their family!
Northern Region
18. Timberlake Lodge Hotel & Restaurant
Though small, Grand Rapids is known for its resources and attractions. Take the Timberlake Lodge Hotel & Restaurant, for example. Thanks to its large indoor pool, hot tub, and proximity to golf courses, fishing spots, bike trails, and even an art center that offers both classes and exhibitions, it’s a wonderful romantic getaway in Minnesota with no shortage of things to do.
19. Island View Lodge
Situated right on the Rainy River, International Falls has become a marvelous romantic getaway in Minnesota simply because it has the Island View Lodge. There are docks for your boat in addition to fishing equipment so that you can have private time together.
Otherwise, consider not one, but two major parks nearby–Voyageur National and Smokey Bear. There’s also a gold mine, several museums, and plenty of shopping.
Red River Valley
20. Bison Plains Lodge
With a constant focus on improvement, the Bison Plains Lodge in Moorhead seeks to become your home away from home, which makes it a great romantic getaway in Minnesota. Their rooms are equipped with microwaves and refrigerators, and you can enjoy their infrared dry sauna as well as a complimentary breakfast.
Check out the nearby museum, zoo, bowling lanes, and hockey center. There’s even an amphitheater for music lovers and the Thunder Road theme park for the young at heart!
Let These Romantic Getaways in Minnesota Take You Away!
With so many options for romantic getaways in Minnesota, you’ll have no trouble falling even more deeply in love with your partner and vice versa. Still, even when you’re not scheduling quality alone time together, Minnesota has countless other benefits to offer couples and families. Our website offers constant, helpful insight into what life in Minnesota can offer. Come have a look!
Looking for more autumnal activities? Then visit our Minnesota Fall page to find inspiration for sweater weather fun!
- About the Author
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Born in Madelia, MN, to a now 5-generation Minnesota family, Ryan’s MN roots go deep.
A painter by day, Ryan founded Life in Minnesota in 2013 with his wife Kelly to chronicle their musings on everything Minnesota. Ryan and Kelly are raising their 7 kiddos in Maple Grove, MN.
When he’s not shuttling his kids around to hockey practice, you might find him in the shop working on his leatherwork. Undoubtedly, there will be a family trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area every summer, and of course weekends at Grandpa’s cabin up north in the summer.