15 Best Romantic (Weekend) Getaways in Minnesota

Written by Jan Meeuwesen
Updated on
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Minnesota is a fairly unfamiliar terrain to most. At the Northern tip of the United States, this state boasts some of nature’s most hidden gems, perfect for escaping to with your sweetheart.

Whether you’re a native of the Northern U.S., or just passing through, Minnesota has countless spots ideal for a romantic getaway.

Check out our 15 favorite romantic weekend getaways to rekindle the flame in Minnesota:

1. Boyd Lodge

Boyd LodgeSource: boydlodge
Boyd Lodge

This cozy cabin on the edge of both Rush and Whitefish Lakes is perfect for some time alone with your loved one.  Here, you can leave behind the crowds and the noise of daily life for a slice of serenity in the woods.

Sneak away to your own private cabin at the Boyd Lodge, where you’ll find a wood-burning fireplace, grill, an immaculate and fully equipped kitchen, cable TV, and pure comfort. No matter what time of year you decide to have your romantic rendezvous, the Boyd is sure to keep you satisfied.

Explore the five miles of nature trails surrounding the Boyd. Or if you want to get out on the water, go for a canoe or fishing boat, courtesy of the Lodge, or bask in the sun on the sandy beaches.

Website: http://boydlodge.com/

2. Lost Lake Lodge

Lost Lake LodgeSource: iloveinspired
Lost Lake Lodge

Not many hotels outside of the Caribbean islands provide all-inclusive service. However, the Lost Lake Lodge in Lake Shore, Minnesota, is not many hotels. As they say it themselves, “just bring your clothes and your favorite people – we provide the rest.”

And when they say they provide the rest, they mean they provide the very best of the rest. With luxurious accommodations and gourmet dining, you and your loved one will get all the benefits of a world-class resort while staying right on the lake.

An example of the type of cuisine that the Lost Lake serves includes Baked Brie with candied pistachios and local honey, Lobster Fried Rice which includes a full lobster tail, sea scallops, and prawns, and a Dark Chocolate Pate with fresh raspberries and sweet mint syrup.

Website: http://www.lostlake.com/

3. Kavanaugh’s Sylvan Lake Resort

Kavanaugh’s Sylvan Lake ResortSource: kavanaughs
Kavanaugh’s Sylvan Lake Resort

There is nothing quite as peaceful as a wilderness oasis in any time of the year. At Kavanaugh’s, you and your sweetheart are sure to find your bliss.

In the winter, lace on your ice skates for a romantic glide over the frozen lake with your significant other. Blaze down the astounding 240 miles of trails with cross country skiing, snow shoeing, or snowmobile paths.

In the summer, you have access to 108 holes of golf within 1.5 miles. You have both an indoor and an outdoor pool, as well as an indoor hot tub. Off the resort’s premises, you can rent bikes, paddle boards, kayaks, canoes, and more for a day of fun.

Website: http://www.kavanaughs.com/

4. St. James Hotel

St. James HotelSource: st-james-hotel
St. James Hotel

For Minnesota natives, the St. James Hotel is a wonderful excuse for a staycation. At this luxury hotel nestled between the Twin Cities and Rochester, you might never want to leave the building.

This accommodation is located in Red Wing, Minnesota, a city that National Geographic Traveler named the 23rd most historic destination in the world. This small town of 16,000 residents has been truly adored since before Minnesota even became a state. Full of 19th century buildings and 1,000 acres of preserved land in Red Wing, the 150-year old St. James fits in perfectly.

Dine at the fabulous restaurants, socialize in the intimate lounge, and unwind in the pampering spa, all at the St. James Hotel.

Website: http://www.st-james-hotel.com/

5. The Grand Hotel Minneapolis

The Grand Hotel MinneapolisSource: hipmunk
The Grand Hotel Minneapolis

Indulge with your loved one in the divinity of city life in this elegant hotel located in the heart of downtown Minneapolis. The timeless beauty is a AAA Four-Diamond hotel that Travel + Leisure named one of the “500 Best Hotels in the World.”

Surrounded by the thriving culture of Minneapolis, the Grand Hotel is your golden ticket to the City of Lakes. When you and your sweetheart stay here, you’re only steps away from the Theater District, impeccable shopping, upscale dining, and museums galore.

Swing by the Grand Hotel in Minneapolis the next time you want to have a regal romantic getaway.

Website: http://www.grandhotelminneapolis.com/

6. Birch Forest Lodge

Kayaking on the LakeSource: birchforestlodge
Kayaking on the Lake

On the beautiful Pelican Lake of Western Minnesota, the Birch Forest Lodge promises an enchanting getaway for love birds and pelicans alike.

Rent your own private cabin along this lake shore. You’ll be able to escape into intimacy while still having all the amenities and activities of a resort available to you.

And in the summer, all the great water sports are at your disposal. Take a day to lie out on the beach under the sun. Move those muscles with a game of beach volleyball, canoes, paddle boats, paddle boards, kayaks, and more. And don’t forget, the Birch Forest is famous for its excellent fishing! You might even be able to catch dinner and grill it at the lodge’s camp grounds.

Website: http://birchforestlodge.com/

7. Grand Ely Lodge

Grand Ely LodgeSource: grandelylodge
Grand Ely Lodge

Exchange the hustle and bustle of daily life with the peace and quiet of nature at the Grand Ely Lodge. This soothing environment among the wilderness and the lakes bordering Canada is sure to put your mind at ease and back on your loved one.

The Grand Ely prides itself in being a four-season resort. When you visit during the fall, you’ll experience the stunning reds, golds, and oranges of the surrounding foliage. Hike through the trails to get the best views. During “Winter Wonderland” season, the Grand Ely offers snowmobiling, cross country skiing, ice fishing, showshoeing, dogsledding, and even winter hiking (at your own risk). For the spring, couples can enjoy golf and birding. And in the summer, it’s all about the water; go fishing, boating, kayaking, and everything else you can imagine on the lake.

Website: http://www.grandelylodge.com/

8. Water Street Inn

Water Street InnSource: waterstreetinn
Water Street Inn

The charming Water Street Inn in downtown Stillwater, Minnesota will surely give you and your loved one a whimsical glimpse into the bygone era combined with the comforts and luxuries of modern times.

As Stillwater’s only waterfront hotel, you know you can’t go wrong by staying here. And in your guest room, you’ll find double whirlpool baths, fireplaces, balconies, and breathtaking river views. Nothing seals the deal of romance like serene views and luxurious amenities.

Website: http://waterstreetinn.us/

9. East Silent Resort

East Silent ResortSource: eastsilentresort
East Silent Resort

Just as the name suggests, the East Silent Resort is perfect for a relaxing getaway to calm your soul. As one guest announces, you’ll find your own “special piece of heaven” when you stay here.

Located on 40 peaceful acres of Northwoods, the East Silent provides you with the solitude and tranquility you crave. And depending on how much privacy you’re yearning for on this getaway, choose between a luxury lake home, cozy cabin, or convenient guest suite.

Get out into nature, enjoy the beauty of the water and the forest, and get that kick back into your step after a weekend at the East Silent Resort.

Website: http://eastsilentresort.com/

10. W Minneapolis – The Foshay

W Minneapolis – The FoshaySource: wminneapolishotel
W Minneapolis – The Foshay

When you’re feeling fancy and want to splurge on a weekend painting the town red with your significant other, make sure you catch the W Minneapolis, also known as The Foshay. This posh hotel features “modern luxury married to Minneapolis’ rich history.”

The lush, glamorous interiors welcome you in while the sleek touches make you stay. As you enter the lobby, deep reds and refined blacks fill your sight while neon decorations sparkle in the background. And once you get to your glorious bedroom, the modern furnishings blend with the upscale design to give you a truly regal experience.

When you visit the Foshay, you really will feel like royalty.

Website: http://www.wminneapolishotel.com/

11. Alexander Mansion Bed & Breakfast

Alexander Mansion Bed & BreakfastSource: alexandermansionbb
Alexander Mansion Bed & Breakfast

Once home to elite members of turn-of-the-century Minnesotans, the Alexander Mansion now opens its doors to the public. This Bed & Breakfast is chalk-full of Victorian charm, but don’t worry! The innkeepers have made sure to update all the amenities to suit any modern traveler.

Delight in a bountiful gourmet breakfast in the mansion’s elegant dining room each morning you stay at the Alexander. With the smell of coffee wafting through the air, you and your loved one will sit down to a fancy set-up where you will be personally waited on and served. In the first course, you can choose between scones, muffins, and other sweet breads. The second course then follows with a savory egg dish, such as quiche or frittata. And just because it’s breakfast, doesn’t mean you don’t get dessert! After the entrée, you can indulge in ice cream sundaes.  This isn’t any old B&B!

Website: https://www.alexandermansionbb.com/

12. Northern Rail Traincar Inn

Northern Rail Traincar InnSource: boomertravelpatrol
Northern Rail Traincar Inn

When you stay at the Northern Rail, you’re in for a completely unique experience. This traincar-turned-hotel offers 17 rooms made from boxcars. The main train depot has been converted into a lodge, while two rows of boxcars are connected by a platform walkway instead of a traditional hallway.

Each room features its own theme, too. You can choose between the Victorian, Oriental, Safari, Fishing, Lighthouse, and Golf rooms. And outside of your room, you can relax in nature, build a campfire, and maybe even spot a moose or a bear if you’re lucky.

Website: http://www.northernrail.net/

13. Cragun’s Resort and Hotel

Cragun’s Resort and HotelSource: craguns
Cragun’s Resort and Hotel

At Cragun’s Resort on Gull Lake, any day will feel like a romantic getaway. This central Minnesota resort showcases beachfront access, lush forests, and cozy accommodations.

Apart from the usual boating, fishing, and snowshoeing, Cragun’s also offers its guests a “Romantic Getaway” Package to turn up the heat on any vacation. With this package, you and your loved one will get two nights in a lakeview fireplace room, breakfast included, complimentary dinner with a bottle of wine, a horse drawn trolley ride, and a bonfire with a marshmallow roast. It doesn’t get more romantic than that!

Website: http://www.craguns.com/

14. Fair Hills Resort

Fair Hills ResortSource: fairhillsresort
Fair Hills Resort

In the beautifully peaceful Detroit Lakes, the Fair Hills Resort offers tranquility, relaxation, and rejuvenation. This lake destination opens its doors from May through September, providing cozy cabins, three meals daily, and a whole host of activities for you and your loved one to enjoy.

Make sure you stop by the Fair Hills Hootenanny & Smorgasbord while you’re here! This festival is made up of a boat cruise around the Detroit Lakes, a Smorgasbord dinner featuring local favorite dishes, and a musical show. 2016 just marked 52 of the Fair Hills Hootenanny, and for many, it’s the highlight of the season.

Website: http://fairhillsresort.com/

15. Archer House River Inn

Archer House River InnSource: uniquelyminnesota
Archer House River Inn

The Archer House River Inn dates all the way back to 1877 and is still going strong. Always reigning as a town landmark, the Inn now services a new legacy of hospitality.

When you stay at the Archer, you don’t even have to leave the premises to get everything you need. With both a tavern and an Indian restaurant on-site, you and your loved one can cure your hunger in a matter of steps. With two boutique stores just off the hotel lobby, you can pick up any last-minute souvenirs to remember your trip by.

Website: http://www.archerhouse.com/



15 Best Romantic (Weekend) Getaways in Minnesota:

  • Boyd Lodge
  • Lost Lake Lodge
  • Kavanaugh’s Sylvan Lake Resort
  • St. James Hotel
  • The Grand Hotel Minneapolis
  • Birch Forest Lodge
  • Grand Ely Lodge
  • Water Street Inn
  • East Silent Resort
  • W Minneapolis – The Foshay
  • Alexander Mansion Bed & Breakfast
  • Northern Rail Traincar Inn
  • Cragun’s Resort and Hotel
  • Fair Hills Resort
  • Archer House River Inn