Best Places in Minnesota to Visit in the Winter

Whether we like it or not, winter is here, but there are still amazing things to do in this wonderful state (even if it’s a frozen tundra). There are multiple places to visit in Minnesota that are not only fun but beautiful in the winter.

Duluth

I mean, you know Duluth is going to be on this list. With a plethora of tourist attractions and activities all year long, you just can’t go wrong. There’s the Bentleyville Tour of Lights. There is Christmas at the Glensheen Mansion, which includes Christmas Tours & Evening Candlelight Tours and also the Christmas City Express at Lake Superior Railroad Museum.

Minnehaha Falls

Located in Minneapolis (which has many, many other activities as well) Minnehaha Falls is a Minnesota wonder to see in the winter. After viewing the beautiful waterfall, there is also an old mill to explore and trails that lead into the woods surrounding it.

Winona

The bluffs are amazing to see in the summer, but man, in the winter they are so cool with giant icicles casting down them. In addition to this, Winona has many historic downtown buildings and parks like Garvin Heights.

Lutsen

Not only is Lutsen THE place to visit in the Fall but in the Winter too! Paigeoutdoors.com explains From skiing and snowboarding on the slopes or cross-country trails in beautiful natural settings like forests filled with fresh powder – there’s something for everyone!”

Brainerd Lakes Area

With many winter activities to beautiful winter scenery, you really can’t go wrong with Brainerd! Things to do include skiing & tubing at Mount Ski Gull, winter mountain biking, and Since 1991, the world's largest ice fishing contest happens every January in Brainerd (according to onlyinyourstate.com).

Gooseberry Falls

If there is one place to visit in the winter for beautiful scenery, it is Gooseberry Falls! With jaw-dropping waterfalls and overlooks, you really can’t go wrong with this part of the North Shore!

St. Paul

I mean, you also can’t go wrong with St. Paul. There are just so many things to do year-round, but the popular Saint Paul Winter Carnival is something you need to go to.

Red Wing

If you didn’t know Red Wing, Minnesota not only has so many activities but it is full of history. Paigeoutdoors.com says “There is plenty for everyone; whether you’re looking into history at one notable site like The Northern Light Historic District (Swedish settlement) with over 50 blocks worth of sites), nature lovers will enjoy hiking through pristine forests.”

Stillwater

Such a beautiful place to explore, and I highly recommend it. Things to do in Stillwater include checking the Ice Palace Maze, walking along the historic lift bridge, snow tubing at Green Acres Rec, and exploring downtown Stillwater.

Bemidji

Bemidji, Bemidji, Bemidji! You need to check out Bemidji, especially in the winter. I mean, not only can you get a picture with the famous Paul Bunyan & Babe the Blue Ox statues, but there are places to snowmobile, ponds turned into ice rinks, and Buena Vista Village.

This list was inspired by a blog post from paigeoutdoors.com. there are more places listed on the blog, so if curios, go check it out!