Here Are The 14 Absolute Best Places To Stay In Minnesota
Chris Muras
Author
As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. To compile our lists, we scour the internet to find properties with excellent ratings and reviews, desirable amenities, nearby attractions, and that something special that makes a destination worthy of traveling for.
If you haven’t been to Minnesota, there is a whole lot more going on than frozen ponds and the Mall of America. Minnesota is known for its beautiful natural areas, including breathtaking lakes, natural forests, hiking trails, and the Mississippi River. What better way to explore Minnesota than planning a family vacation or romantic weekend in some of the finest cities in the state? Here are some of the best places to stay in Minnesota from the twin cities area of Minneapolis and Saint Paul to some charming small towns in MN.
Best Places to Stay in Minnesota for Families
Minnesota is one of the most family-friendly states with charming cabin getaways, woodland lodges, waterslide hotels near the Mall of America, and beautiful homes on the lake. The only problem is deciding where to stay in Minnesota first.
- Location: Crow Wing County, MN
- Size: 4 bedrooms (sleeps 13), 4 baths
- Price: $866/night
- Amenities: Wi-Fi, chef's kitchen, heat & air conditioning, game room, grill, fire pit, kayaks, paddle boards
- Rating: 5.0 stars
This absolutely beautiful cabin on Pelican Lake will treat you right. With more lakes in the area than you can shake a stick at you'll have plenty of opportunities to land the big one, or simply hang out in your spacious backyard around the fire pit. The outdoor adventures you'll have here are only limited by your imagination. Several golf courses are in the area as well if you want to book a tee time and hit a few balls. This Pelican Lake lodge has plenty of room for a multi-family getaway or family reunion too.
- Location: Ely, MN
- Size: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths (Sleeps 10)
- Price: $235/night
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, gas fireplace, full modern kitchen, washer & dryer, barrel sauna by the lake, kayak/canoe, fire pit, patio overlooking the lake
- Ratings: 5.0 stars
This stunning 1,700-square-foot lakeside log cabin is an outdoorsy family's dream vacation! In the warmer months, enjoy boating, kayaking, fishing, and swimming right out your front door. In the winter cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing await. Then cozy up to the indoor fireplace and play games with the family. This could just be one of the best places to stay in Minnesota.
- Location: Plymouth, MN
- Size: 7 bedrooms, 6 baths (Sleeps 20)
- Price: $1,500/night
- Amenities: 500 Mbps Internet, gas fireplace, custom chef's kitchen, multiple TVs, washer & dryer, hot tub, fitness room, game room, theater, family board games, patio overlooking the lake, heated 3-car garage (room for 4), additional parking in driveway
- Ratings: 5.0 stars
If you have a large family, are looking for a multi-family getaway, or are planning a family reunion, we have the Minnesota palace for you! This 7,400+sq ft home is absolutely stunning. With gorgeous lake views, an 18+ person movie theater, bar area, game room, hot tub, and custom chef's kitchen you have the makings of a memorable family getaway.
Best Affordable Places to Stay in Minnesota
Going on a wonderful weekend getaway in Minnesota doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. There are many lovely homes, lofts, apartments, condos, and even cabins for rent for under $100 a night.
- Location: Cass County, MN
- Size: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
- Price: $78/night
- Amenities: TV & DVD player, kitchen (stove, microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker), grill, fire pit, onsite parking
- Ratings: 5.0 stars
This charming cabin retreat sits on 51 acres of beautiful forest land about seven miles from Hackensack, MN. Easy access to multiple lakes within a 10-minute drive. In fact, Leach Lake, one of the best lakes to land a huge Walleye or Muskie in Northern Minnesota is less than ten miles away from this perfect little cabin. If you love lake life, wildlife, and a campfire at the end of the day this cabin is for you... and all for only $78 a night!
- Location: Chippewa County, MN
- Size: 1 bedroom (sleeps 6), 2 baths
- Price: $102/night
- Amenities: Kitchenette, heat & air conditioning, grill, fire pit
- Rating: 4.8 stars
This fantastic Minnesota cabin was hand-built with local and reclaimed wood by the owner. It sits on the edge of the Lac Qui Parle hunting refuge and Lac Qui Parle Lake State Park. For the best walleye fishing in Western Minnesota head to Lac Qui Parle Lake which is about a mile away. The refuge is also a top-notch waterfowl hunting area. If you are looking for a hunting or fishing cabin in Southwestern Minnesota or a place to enjoy the peace and quiet of the prairie, this charming cabin fits the bill.
- Location: Minneapolis, MN
- Size: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath
- Price: $199/night
- Amenities: 500+ Mbps Internet, washer & dryer, on-street parking, gas fireplace, TV, full kitchen, porch, free use of 2 hybrid bicycles
- Ratings: 4.9 stars
This beautiful modern house near Lake Nokomis and Minnehaha Falls is an affordable gem just waiting for your next weekend or weeklong getaway. Styled with Scandinavian-inspired influences it's like taking a vacation to Norway right in the heart of Minneapolis.
Best Romantic Places to Stay in Minnesota for Couples
There are numerous vacation rentals in Minnesota to choose from when you want a romantic weekend getaway with your special someone. Award-winning hotels, cottages on the lake, high-rise condos overlooking the city, and even a log cabin nestled deep in the Northwoods. If your idea of a romantic getaway is relaxing by an outdoor fire, soaking in a jacuzzi tub, going on a local brewery tour, or treating yourselves to a luxury resort with nightly massages, Minnesota has got you covered.
- Location: South Minneapolis, MN
- Size: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath (Sleeps 4)
- Price: $254/night
- Amenities: 250Mbps Internet, gas fireplace, modern kitchen, 80-inch 8k TV, washer & dryer, large rainfall shower, meal delivery, housekeeping
- Ratings: 4.9 stars
If your idea of re-kindling romance with that special someone includes luxury living, this amazing loft-style home is perfect. A luxurious shower with rainfall shower head, cozy living room with a huge movie night 8k TV, an enchanting fireplace for snuggling up on the couch with a glass of champagne, and take-out from the many high-end restaurants within walking distance.
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- Location: Pequot Lakes, MN
- Size: 2 bedrooms (sleeps 6), 2 full baths
- Price: $500/night
- Amenities: Wi-Fi, full kitchen, fireplace, grill, fire pit, sauna, pontoon boat
- Rating: 5.0 stars
A romantic getaway in a beautifully remodeled cabin overlooking Sibley Lake is the epitome of Minnesota living. Even better when this cabin is located on Brown's Bay, a quiet spot perfect for a couples getaway. Enjoy an adventure on the pontoon boat which is included in your stay, or soak up some steam in the beautiful cedar sauna. Stairway to Heaven is an absolutely delightful home on the lake ready for you and that special someone to enjoy time together in a serene location in Central Minnesota.
- Location: Pine City, MN
- Size: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
- Price: $148/night
- Amenities: Blackout Curtains, French Press, Waterfront Views, Grill, Firepit, Hiking Trails, Wi-Fi
- Rating: 4.9 stars
Couples looking for a true getaway for two will find the secluded Wild West Tiny Hotel to be the ultimate escape and the perfect place to reconnect with one another and with nature. A luxurious combination of elegant linens and rustic touches makes this chic tiny cabin in the woods an absolute dream. Lace curtains, vintage finishes, and an opulent chandelier set the stage for romance, while warm woods and western touches add an extra dose of cozy. This small space is seemingly made for romantic getaways, and the idyllic natural setting invites couples to enjoy mimosas overlooking the private pond, indulge in s'mores and toasts by the fire, or snuggle up for a quiet day indoors.
Best Places to Stay in Duluth
Duluth, Minnesota is the ultimate destination for enjoying Lake Superior views, and the relaxing ambiance of northern Minnesota. A sunset over the largest freshwater lake in the world is a magical experience for a romantic couple’s stay. Or, spend time in the historic downtown Duluth Waterfront District while you enjoy unique shops and delightful restaurants.
- Location: Duluth, MN
- Size: 1 bedroom, 3 baths (Sleeps 4)
- Price: $463/night
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, TV, modern kitchen, washer & dryer, kayak/paddleboard, fireplace, patio, fire pit
- Ratings: 5.0 stars
This beautiful cottage sits right on Lake Superior with an outstanding deck and patio overlooking the lake. Inside is beautiful, open, clean, and filled with light. If you are looking for a romantic getaway on Lake Superior it will be hard to beat this darling property. Walking distance to Brighton Beach Park and Lester River Park for hiking, mountain biking, and other outdoor activities, as well as close proximity to downtown Duluth and amazing local restaurants for a romantic hot breakfast for two.
- Location: Duluth, MN
- Size: 3 bedrooms, 3 baths (Sleeps 8)
- Price: $853/night
- Amenities: 250+ Mbps Internet, TV, modern kitchen, washer & dryer, fireplace, swimming pool, hot tub, fitness center, spa whirlpool bathtub, game room with poker table, pool table, and ping pong table
- Ratings: 4.7 stars
If you want a unique downtown Duluth experience this is it! This loft-style 4,000 sq ft apartment has 19 windows facing the corner of First Street West and First Avenue West in the beautiful historic downtown. A quick jaunt to all the major Duluth attractions like Canal Park, Dubhlinn’s Irish Pub, Pizza Luce, the Fon-du-luth Casino, and of course right next door is the historic Flame Night Club. Get your downtown Duluth party on the right way with this luxurious loft.
- Location: Duluth, MN
- Size: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
- Price: $176/night
- Amenities: Floor-to-Ceiling Windows, Downtown/Bay Views, Fitness Area, Cable/Wi-Fi
- Ratings: 5 stars
Live out your penthouse dreams at this brick loft abode overlooking Duluth's unique railyards. At this one-of-a-kind Penthouse Loft, the floor-to-ceiling windows and modern furnishings create a space that is bright, airy, and swanky- it's the perfect basecamp to come back to after a night on the town! Enjoy the on-site gym, easy access to Spirit Mountain Ski Resort and numerous hiking and biking trails, and drink in those views! Made for smaller parties (think one or two), this is the best way to get that DT Duluth experience without the major pricetag.
Best Places to Stay in Winona
Winona, Minnesota is a charming small town in Southern Minnesota. If you have never been to Bluff Country along the Mississippi River we have a treat for you. Perhaps the closest Minnesota gets to the mountains, the bluffs around the Mississippi River are beautiful and unique rock formations formed by glacial meltwater as it carved away the soft limestone bedrock.
- Location: Winona, MN
- Size: 4 bedrooms, 5 baths (Sleeps 8)
- Price: $392/night
- Amenities: Internet, TV, modern kitchen, washer & dryer, patio with pergola and gas grill
- Ratings: 4.9 stars
What a charming farmhouse rental in Winona, Minnesota! This renovated farmhouse is in a beautiful neighborhood at the foot of the bluffs along the Mississippi River. Just a few minutes from historic downtown Winona with shops and restaurants. This farmhouse rental makes for a quiet family getaway in the lovely town of Winona.
- Location: Winona County, MN
- Size: 1 bedroom, 1 bath (Sleeps 6)
- Price: $120/night
- Amenities: Internet, TV w/ DVD player, board games, kitchen, patio with fire pit and grill
- Ratings: 4.4 stars
This charming loft-style cabin in Elba, MN just outside Winona is the perfect place to rest your weary head after exploring nearby Whitewater State Park and downtown Winona. If a hiking getaway is right up your alley you'll love Whitewater State Park with its beautiful hiking trails, trout streams, and rocky bluffs.
When looking for the best places to stay in Minnesota you really have a lot of unique options available to you. Whether you like woodsy cabins, exploring the many lakes and rivers, or having an upscale big-city experience in downtown Minneapolis or St. Paul, we hope one of these accommodations in Minnesota will inspire you to explore Minnesota.
Of course, we’ve barely scratched the surface when it comes to vacation spots in Minnesota. In fact, to go along with your next getaway, we’ve got even more unforgettable vacations in Minnesota for you to check out!
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More to Explore
Best Places to Stay in Minnesota
What are the best unique hotels in Minnesota?
There are many unique hotels throughout Minnesota from the boutique Hewing Hotel in Minneapolis to the outdoorsy Douglas Lodge in Itasca State Park or a Lutsen Mountain resort. Here is a list of a few of the best hotels in Minnesota for your next vacation:
1. Prothero's Post Resort: Angle Inlet, MN.
2. Hotel Crosby: Stillwater, MN.
3. Riverside Resort: Richmond, MN.
4. Elliot Park Hotel: Minneapolis, MN.
5. Hewing Hotel: Minneapolis, MN.
6. Endion Station Inn: Duluth, MN.
7. Carriage House Bed & Breakfast: Winona, MN.
8. Douglas Lodge: Itasca State Park, MN.
9. Grand View Lodge: Nisswa, MN.
10. The Inn at Shattuck: Faribault, MN
What are the most unique getaways in Minnesota?
Minnesota is a great place to find unique getaways and hidden gems. Whether you're looking for a nature-filled retreat, a boutique hotel, or something more low-key, there are plenty of options to choose from. For those wanting to explore Minnesota's vibrant wildlife, the beautiful North Shore is the perfect place to start. With its lush forests, serene lakes, and majestic cliffs overlooking Lake Superior, this surreal landscape is an ideal setting for anyone looking for an adventure.
For something more relaxed, Grand Marais offers charming cabins near the peaceful shores of Lake Superior where you can watch ships pass by while enjoying some fresh-ground coffee, and perhaps some live music. And no trip to Minnesota is complete without visiting the Headwaters of the Mississippi River in Itasca State Park - providing visitors with a chance to stand at its source and experience the wonder of standing on one of the most iconic rivers in America.