Exploring Minnesota: The Best Local Spring Destinations

Spring in Minnesota is gorgeous, especially as the snow melts and everything comes alive. Here are some great local spring destinations across the state for day trips or weekend getaways:

🌸 Twin Cities Area

1. Minnehaha Falls (Minneapolis)

   • The waterfall is roaring in the spring with snowmelt. Great trails, picnic spots, and Sea Salt Eatery opens around spring.

2. Como Park Zoo & Conservatory (St. Paul)

   • The conservatory is perfect on chilly spring days. The Sunken Garden’s seasonal flower show is a highlight.

3. Afton State Park (Hastings area)

   • Rolling hills, river bluffs, and budding wildflowers. Perfect for spring hikes or even camping.

4. MN Landscape Arboretum (Chaska)

   • One of the best places for spring blooms—think tulips, lilacs, and crabapple trees. Great walking trails too.

   
   

🌿 Southern Minnesota

1. Lanesboro & Root River Trail

   • This charming town shines in spring. Bike the trail, visit small shops, or kayak the Root River.

2. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park

   • Known for spring wildflowers like dwarf trout lilies. Also home to Hidden Falls—a lovely spring hike destination.

3. Red Wing & Barn Bluff

   • Hike up for sweeping views of the Mississippi. Wander downtown, check out Red Wing Shoes, and the St. James Hotel.

   
   

🌲 Northern & Central Minnesota

1. Itasca State Park

   • See the Mississippi headwaters. Still peaceful in spring, before the summer crowds roll in.

2. Duluth & North Shore (Split Rock, Gooseberry Falls)

   • Waterfalls are epic in spring. Take a weekend trip and hit up Betty’s Pies, too.

3. Brainerd Lakes Area

   • Fishing opener, spring golf, and lakeside walks. Less crowded than summer and still beautiful.

   
   

Bonus: 🌷Small Town Spring Festivals

• Stillwater – Cute shops, the St. Croix River, and paddleboat rides start up in late spring.

• New Ulm – German culture, spring beer fests, and architecture.

• Winona – Great Mississippi River views and hiking up Garvin Heights.

We hope you'll find here the best local destination for your Spring break!