
The Best Day Trips From Minneapolis and St. Paul
The Best Day Trips From Minneapolis and St. Paul
By Natalia Mendez
Minnesota is a state ripe with year-round adventure for anyone with an adventurous spirit and a few hours to burn. Hike, swim, and bike under a lush canopy in state parks and other natural areas, explore local eccentricities in unique small towns, and sample each season at local breweries, restaurants and cafes.
Here are some of our favorite day trips from the Minneapolis-St. Paul area....
A pecan-studded caramel roll from Tobie's Station / Andrew Parks
BIG SPRING FALLS
SANDSTONE
Boasting more than 235,000 acres of recreation areas, waysides, and 64 state parks, Minnesota has incredible outdoor recreation opportunities. Many of which are only a short drive away.
Once hidden by a dam on the Kettle River, Big Spring Falls was revealed when the dam was removed in 1995. Now visitors can hike, canoe, and kayak the rapids and river or just take in the views of the scenic falls.
Visit Antiques America Mall on the way back, then grab a giant pastry — Tobies' caramel rolls and cinnamon buns are legendary — or proper meal on the other side of County Highway 61.

Two bicyclists soak up Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area / Micah Kvidt
CUYUNA COUNTRY STATE RECREATION AREA
CROSBY
Mountain bikers and hikers, rejoice! Crosby is home to the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area. Adventure-seekers of all experience levels can enjoy the rust-colored, iron-rich trails on foot or on two wheels. Experience breathtaking views on lakeside overlooks, spot wildlife along the trails, and cool off after a hike or bike ride in one of the mine pit lakes. Four-legged friends are welcome on-trail as long as they’re leashed.
Want to “shred the red” but don’t have a bike? Stop by Red Raven to rent a bike, grab a beer or bite, or a coffee to jumpstart a day of exploration.

The Turquoise Lake is one of many points of interest in Mystery Cave.
FORESTVILLE / MYSTERY CAVE STATE PARK
PRESTON
Mystery Cave is Minnesota’s longest known cave and offers wannabe spelunkers a chance to explore its vast expanse with guided tours. Cool, damp, and dark — although well-lit throughout, and paved for safety — it lets visitors catch a glimpse of clinging stalactites and stalagmites, mesmerizing underground pools, and a weaving labyrinth of passages.
The adjacent state park just outside the cave features 17 miles of hiking trails, trout streams for anglers, and a nearby disc golf course.

Franconia Sculpture Park
FRANCONIA SCULPTURE PARK
SHAFER
Enjoy 50 acres of free outdoor art at the Franconia Sculpture Park. Large-scale art and interactive displays make for a full day of creative exploration. Centered around uplifting artists, they have an active residency program that allows for experimentation and keeps the exhibits fresh.
If you still have energy after exploring the park, stop at Interstate State Park on the way out of town. Gaze into witchy-looking glacial potholes, look for herons on the edges of the St. Croix River, or bring your climbing gear to scale the traditional and bouldering areas of the park.
Hungry after your day trip adventure? Don’t skip crispy cheese curds, milkshakes, and juicy burgers at The Drive-In in Taylors Falls.
Hot Sam's Antiques / Credit: Andrew Parks
HOT SAM’S ANTIQUES
LAKEVILLE
Hot Sam’s keeps Minnesota weird in a good way in Lakeville. It’s part art installation, part photo park — replete with quirky backgrounds and sets for family photos and senior portraits — and part antique / oddities store. The old log cabin on-site is stuffed to the gills with, well, stuff.
It’s worth a visit just to wander around and take in the scenes. It touts itself as an “inspiration destination” and is certainly a place for creative-minded folks to get their wheels spinning.

Minnesota's Largest Candy Store is a yellow beacon off the highway in Jordan
MINNESOTA’S LARGEST CANDY STORE
JORDAN
Located a short drive from the Twin Cities, Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store has a jaw-dropping array of sweet treats and is hard to miss from the highway; it’s a huge yellow barn. From modern candy bars to classic hard candies, taffies, gummies, and novelty treats, this is the place for those with a big sweet tooth. Along with being Minnesota’s largest candy store, they also claim to be the nation’s largest puzzle store and have the largest soda selection, too.
Wander the aisles and take in the themed movie character displays, visit the only slightly terrifying animatronic candy band, or pick up some cheese curds and jerky for the drive back if you need to balance your sweets with a little savory. Just be sure to double check their hours online; Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store typically takes a winter break between December and mid-May.

Paisley Park was Prince's recording studio, residence and performance venue / Paisley Park & NPG Records
PAISLEY PARK
CHANHASSEN
It’s only a short drive from the Metro area to have access to one of the most legendary and influential musician’s estates located in humble Chanhassen. Prince’s 65,000 square-foot estate, Paisely Park, is a museum dedicated to the legacy of the prolific musician. Choose from three tiers of guided tours to explore the Purple One’s home including areas where he made recorded and produced countless hits. View relics from his career including his iconic "Purple Rain" motorcycle, concert outfits, and guitars.

Red Wing Shoes' flagship store and museum / Credit: Paul Vincent
RED WING SHOE COMPANY
RED WING
Named after the city where they were founded, the Red Wing Shoe Company’s flagship store and museum offers an abundance of options for those interested in history, high-quality footwear, or those who love a deal on boots. Visit the world’s largest boot that stands over 200-feet tall and is made out of 80 hides of leather. The museum explores the history of the inception of the now world-renowned workboots and includes art — including some made by Norman Rockwell — and vintage tools and machines used in manufacturing.
The mezzanine retail store has knowledgeable staff to help you fit your next pair of Red Wings, and the basement features an outlet store for thrifty visitors to find discount boots.

A group of friends toast their steins at Schell's / Paul Vincent
SCHELL’S BREWERY
NEW ULM
New Ulm is home to the historic Schell’s Brewery, the second-oldest family-run brewery in the country. It was founded in 1860 by German immigrant August Schell and former brewmaster Jacob Bernhardt. Since then, through Prohibition, World Wars, and the passing of time, they’ve continued to make delicious German-style beers and more.
Take a tour of the brewery and its grounds, then grab a pint in their beer hall or beer garden before or after…or both! Keep your eyes peeled and ears open for the the squacks of peackcocks that roam the grounds, and check their calendar to stay up to date on rotating and annual events like live music, food celebrations, and their annual Oktober and Bockfests.

Meet Minnesota's favorite meat at the SPAM Museum in Austin / Eileen Chao
SPAM MUSEUM
AUSTIN
Craving nostalgia or just canned pork? Either way, Austin’s SPAM Museum takes a deep dive into the country’s most iconic blue and yellow can. Explore the history of Hormel’s classic tinned meat and learn about its origin and cultural impact across the globe. Interactive galleries and games, photo opportunities, and a theater will keep you busy throughout your visit.
Admission is free. Don’t forget to grab a few rare cans of flavored SPAM you can’t find in your local grocery store, as well as a SPAM-centric cookbook for when you get home.
Can’t wait to snack on some SPAM before you leave? The town’s many local restaurants have a variety of the porky tinned product on their menus.

Stillwater's Main Street during the winter / Credit: Discover Stillwater
STILLWATER'S ANTIQUE SHOPS
There are few things more satisfying than grabbing a coffee and pastry and digging around shelves of vaguely organized old stuff. Stillwater’s antique shops are ripe with art for home decor, records, jewelry, furniture, vintage toys, and more. Sift through multi-level shops like the Stillwater Antiques Mall, Midtown Antique Mall, Park Avenue Antiques, or Staples Mill Antiques for a wide variety of well-curated blasts from the past.
No matter what you do, pace yourself to ensure you have enough time to slowly browse the countless shelves and aisles full of unique treasures. Not to mention delve into all there is to do in Stillwater.
Find more things to do in Minnesota this year.