20 Amazing Day Trips from the Twin Cities for Families

One of the best things about living in Minnesota is that you don’t have to travel far to find an incredible family adventure. Within just a couple of hours of Minneapolis and St. Paul, you’ll find charming river towns, scenic hiking trails, historic communities, unique museums, caves, wildlife, waterfalls, and countless opportunities to make lasting family memories.

Whether you’re planning a weekend outing, a summer road trip, or looking for something fun to do during school breaks, these family-friendly day trips offer something for every age.

Pack some snacks, fill up the gas tank, and discover one of these amazing Minnesota destinations!

1. Stillwater

Drive Time: About 35 minutes

Known as the “Birthplace of Minnesota,” Stillwater is one of the most charming river towns in the Midwest.

Families can:

• Walk across the historic lift bridge
• Shop downtown boutiques
• Enjoy riverfront parks
• Take a scenic boat cruise
• Grab ice cream along the St. Croix River
• Ride pedal bikes or rent kayaks

It’s a perfect destination for families with teens who enjoy shopping, photography, and exploring.

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2. Taylors Falls

Drive Time: About 1 hour

Taylors Falls combines breathtaking scenery with outdoor adventure.

Highlights include:

• Interstate State Park
• Glacial potholes
• Scenic hiking trails
• Canoeing
• Paddleboarding
• River boat cruises

Fall is especially beautiful when the leaves begin changing colors.

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3. Red Wing

Drive Time: About 1 hour

Located along the Mississippi River, Red Wing offers a wonderful mix of outdoor recreation and small-town charm.

Don’t miss:

• Barn Bluff hike
• Downtown shopping
• Red Wing Shoe Museum
• Riverfront parks
• Local restaurants

The Barn Bluff overlook rewards hikers with spectacular river views.

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4. Lanesboro

Drive Time: About 2 hours

Often called one of Minnesota’s prettiest small towns, Lanesboro is perfect for families who enjoy slower-paced adventures.

Activities include:

• Root River Trail biking
• Tubing
• Kayaking
• Local theaters
• Boutique shopping
• Historic downtown

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5. New Ulm

Drive Time: About 2 hours

New Ulm celebrates its German heritage with unique architecture, delicious restaurants, and family attractions.

Families enjoy:

• Hermann Monument
• Flandrau State Park
• Schell’s Brewery grounds
• Historic downtown
• Festivals throughout the year

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6. Duluth

Drive Time: About 2½ hours

While it can be a long day trip, Duluth is absolutely worth the drive.

Top attractions include:

• Canal Park
• Aerial Lift Bridge
• Great Lakes Aquarium
• Lake Superior beaches
• Enger Tower
• Glensheen Mansion

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7. Northfield

Drive Time: About 50 minutes

Northfield offers a relaxing downtown filled with history, shops, and restaurants.

Don’t miss:

• Cannon River Walk
• Historic downtown
• Local bakeries
• Family-friendly festivals

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8. Marine on St. Croix

Drive Time: About 45 minutes

This peaceful riverside community is perfect for families looking to escape the crowds.

Enjoy:

• Walking trails
• Local cafés
• River views
• Antique shops
• Quiet afternoons

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9. Wabasha

Drive Time: About 1½ hours

Home of the National Eagle Center, Wabasha is a favorite destination for wildlife lovers.

Families can:

• See live bald eagles
• Walk along the Mississippi River
• Visit local museums
• Enjoy beautiful bluff views

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10. Hastings

Drive Time: About 40 minutes

Hastings offers scenic river views, parks, and charming downtown shopping.

Highlights include:

• Vermillion Falls Park
• Mississippi River overlook
• Local ice cream shops
• Historic downtown

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11. Winona

Drive Time: About 2 hours

Nestled among dramatic river bluffs, Winona offers incredible scenery.

Top attractions:

• Sugar Loaf Bluff
• Minnesota Marine Art Museum
• River walks
• Family parks
• Hiking trails

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12. Lake City

Drive Time: About 1½ hours

Known as the birthplace of waterskiing, Lake City sits beautifully along Lake Pepin.

Families enjoy:

• Beaches
• Marina
• Paddleboarding
• Lakeside restaurants
• Fishing

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13. Excelsior

Drive Time: About 30 minutes

Located on Lake Minnetonka, Excelsior is one of the Twin Cities’ favorite lake towns.

Things to do:

• Walk Water Street
• Eat by the lake
• Visit Excelsior Commons
• Ride the streetcar museum
• Watch boats

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14. Nisswa

Drive Time: About 2½ hours

If you’re willing to drive a little farther, Nisswa offers classic Minnesota cabin country charm.

Families love:

• Shopping
• Mini golf
• Lakes
• Ice cream
• Outdoor recreation

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15. Afton

Drive Time: About 35 minutes

This scenic river town is beautiful year-round.

Activities include:

• Afton State Park
• Hiking
• River overlooks
• Boutique shopping
• Cozy cafés

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16. Frontenac State Park

Drive Time: About 1¼ hours

Nature-loving families will appreciate this beautiful bluff-top state park overlooking Lake Pepin.

Expect:

• Hiking
• Bird watching
• Wildflowers
• Stunning Mississippi River views

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17. Mankato

Drive Time: About 1½ hours

Mankato combines outdoor adventure with family-friendly attractions.

Visit:

• Minneopa State Park
• Waterfalls
• Bison herd
• Children’s Museum
• Downtown shopping

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18. St. Cloud

Drive Time: About 1¼ hours

Families can enjoy:

• Munsinger Gardens
• Quarry Park
• Mississippi River trails
• Local restaurants
• Summer festivals

Quarry Park is especially popular during warmer months.

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19. Cannon Falls

Drive Time: About 1 hour

This small town makes a relaxing day trip.

Don’t miss:

• Cannon Valley Trail
• Local wineries
• Apple orchards (seasonal)
• Downtown shops
• Family cafés

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20. Rochester

Drive Time: About 1½ hours

While famous for Mayo Clinic, Rochester also offers plenty for families.

Explore:

• Quarry Hill Nature Center
• Silver Lake
• Children’s playgrounds
• Downtown restaurants
• Shopping

Tips for Planning a Successful Family Day Trip

A little planning goes a long way toward making your adventure enjoyable.

Pack the Essentials

Bring:

• Water bottles
• Snacks
• Sunscreen
• Comfortable shoes
• Portable phone charger
• Camera
• Light jackets

Start Early

Leaving in the morning gives you more time to explore and helps you avoid traffic on popular weekends.

Let Everyone Help Choose

Have each family member pick one activity they want to do. This keeps everyone engaged and makes the trip feel special.

Support Local Businesses

Many of these communities are filled with locally owned restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, and boutiques. Shopping local helps support these wonderful Minnesota towns while making your trip even more memorable.

One of the greatest things about living in the Twin Cities is having so many incredible destinations just a short drive away. Whether your family enjoys hiking scenic bluffs, exploring charming downtowns, visiting zoos and museums, relaxing by lakes, or discovering hidden gems, Minnesota offers endless opportunities for unforgettable adventures.

The best day trips don’t have to involve expensive vacations or complicated planning. Sometimes all it takes is a full tank of gas, comfortable shoes, and a spirit of adventure to create memories your family will treasure for years to come.

So choose a destination, pack your favorite road trip snacks, turn up the music, and discover just how much beauty and fun Minnesota has waiting just beyond the Twin Cities.