In Minnesotawinter is not just a season, it’s a lifestyle. The Land of 10,000 Lakes is famous for its lakeside recreation; winter is no exception. Minnesotans are experts at enjoying lake life during the cold months. Here, winter weekends are dedicated to ice skating, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, cold dives and much more.

Each winter, new energy courses through Minnesota because people are taking advantage of this time to refocus and recharge their batteries. That first chill in the air signals that it’s time to walk snowy trails, meditate weekly in a sauna, and celebrate winter festivals celebrating the beauty of the colder months. Longer nights mean more time spent around candlelit tables and bonfires with friends and marveling at the Northern Lights during a cozy winter retreat.

There is also a greater emphasis on wellness through popular activities including sauna sessions and low-impact sports like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice skating. Of course, thrill-seekers also delight in the state’s ice climbing, skiing, and snowboarding. Local culture emphasizes winter wellness through outdoor activities, calming sauna experiences, hot tubs and quiet forest retreats that embrace the wonders of the season.

Stay at Central Minnesota Lodges

Photo by Paul Vincent/Explore Minnesota

Central Minnesota is a popular year-round getaway for Midwesterners. Known for its chain of lakes and historic family resorts, the state’s central region is a mecca for hospitality and winter recreation.

Grand View Lodge, Cragun’sAnd Madden’s on Gull Lake have hosted generations of families for winter retreats, catering to those seeking a classic resort experience. Dine hearty meals at on-site restaurants and enjoy miles of cross-country ski and snowshoe trails through snow-covered forests. Plus, book spa treatments designed to restore the body after full days of winter exploration. Newer properties like Nature Link offer more modern experiences, with barrel saunas, bonfire pits, and private cabins offering floor-to-ceiling views of Lake Clark.

Many central Minnesota resort properties coordinate trailside light events, where hundreds of candles illuminate cross-country ski trails. Wander the snowy paths of the forest for an enchanting evening bathed in the soft glow of candles.

Photo by Paul Vincent/Explore Minnesota

Venture from your hotel to explore Minnesota’s charming small towns and find little-known local restaurants. Bar Harbor Supper Club is an archetypal Northwoods dining experience with great surf and turf options for an evening in Nisswa. Close, Sherwood North is housed in a traditional rustic lodge, where a two-story stone fireplace rises to meet the vaulted ceiling. For a more relaxed experience, Main Street Beer House serves 30 local draft beers and a rotating seasonal menu, or mingle with friends and locals over craft coffee or cocktails at MN Traders Co.

Ski or snowboard on Minnesota’s North Shore

Photo by Ryan Taylor/Explore Minnesota

Northern Minnesota embrace winter with a hygge lifestyle – an atmosphere of comfort and contentment that is particularly suited to the shores of Lake Superior. Duluth And Grand Marais are winter wellness centers, where visitors can explore the outdoors by day and relax in saunas and breweries by night.

Book a stay at Pier B Resort Hotel in Duluth, which offers views of Lake Superior and plenty of winter activities. For a deeper dive into Minnesota’s northern roots, visit Nordic Cedar and Stone Sauna in Duluth or Sauna Sisu and Löyly at Grand Marais, which float on Lake Superior and provide the benefits of hot-cold therapy during a guided sauna session. Warming up in a sauna after hiking in the snowy woods or skating on a frozen lake is an invigorating and truly Minnesotan experience.

Photo courtesy of Cedar and Stone Sauna

Outdoor enthusiasts will find endless adventures in the seven state parks along the North Shore, where the waterfalls are just as breathtaking when frozen. Explore the parks on snowshoes or cross-country skis while admiring views of Lake Superior along the way. Minnesota State Parks work diligently to maintain these trails and maintain an up-to-date log of trail conditions to help you get the most out of your visit.

For those seeking thrills, check out some of the Midwest’s best downhill skiing and snowboarding at Giants Ridge in Biwabik and Spiritual Mountain in Duluth, where all skill levels can enjoy the races. Lutsen Mountainthe state’s most stylish ski destination, lies further up the North Shore. Dine at Summit Chalet at the top of the mountain or take the gondola for panoramic views of Lake Superior.

Courtesy of Lutsen Mountains/Explore Minnesota

Dining on the North Shore is an experience in itself. In the Duluth area, enjoy lake-to-table fare at Northern Waters Smokehouse And New panoramic café. Or sip locally brewed pints at Duluth’s Bent Paddle Brewing Co. And Canal Park Brewery. You’ll find the products of these award-winning breweries throughout the state, and the cozy atmosphere of their bars is ideal for relaxing after a day of skiing, snowshoeing, or hiking.

Another microbrewery to discover about 30 minutes to the northeast Château Danger Brewing in Two Ports. Continue up the coast of Lake Superior to Grand Marais Voyageur Brewery And Angry Trout Coffee.

Enjoy spa treatments and attend winter festivals in Minneapolis-St. Paul

Live a well-being experience with an urban touch Minneapolis and St. Paul. Here you’ll find some of the best spas and saunas in the area, perfect for relaxing during the colder months. Book a session on Watershed Sparelax in the Hotelthe rooftop spa, or visit the Four Seasons Minneapolis Nordic Villagewhere hot and cold therapies meet panoramic city views.

For a quieter afternoon, browse independent bookstores like the neighborhood staple Magers and Quinnromance themed Tropes and triflesand Indigenous-focused Birch bark books– all warm refuges from the winter cold. Relaxing with a delicious book from a local business and a cup of hot chocolate makes for a perfect day off from outdoor adventures while supporting the local community.

Courtesy of Meet Minneapolis

Minneapolis-St. Paul is also home to a renowned restaurant scene featuring local and seasonal ingredients. Food halls like Market at Malcolm Yards, GrazeAnd Midtown World Market are full of internationally inspired food stalls. The Indigenous Food Lab—the brainchild of Sean Sherman, the James Beard Award-winning chef behind Owamni– is a recent addition to the Midtown Global Market, where it preserves indigenous food traditions and serves grab-and-go meals to nourish you while you explore the market.

Elsewhere in the cities, local favorites like Brasa Premium Rotisserie, Himalayanthe Hewing Hotel Tullibeeand modern hostel style Alma all serve hot meals to energize you during the coldest days of winter. Each dining venue reflects the diversity of Minnesota’s cultural heritage, allowing travelers to experience the flavors of the world while staying grounded in the state’s farm-to-table philosophy.

Outdoor enthusiasts will love it Théodore Wirth Regional Parkwhich maintains miles of cross-country ski and snowshoe trails on 740 pristine acres just minutes from downtown Minneapolis. Several state parks near the Twin Cities also offer quick access to snowy landscapes, ideal for weekend getaways filled with fresh air and outdoor fun.

Photo by Paul Vincent/Explore Minnesota

Discover the Loppet lightingwhich takes place every February on the Chain of Lakes in Minneapolis. This beloved winter festival features a candlelit stroll along frozen lakes, with ice sculptures, food trucks and tours of Stirring utensils. As part of the largest Town of Loppet Lakes Winter FestivalThe event also features cross-country ski races, fat bike rides, snowshoe rides, and skijoring (a sport where dogs pull skiers).

Book Comfortable Hotels in Southern Minnesota

Photo by Paul Vincent/Explore Minnesota

Extend your winter getaway by staying at one of southern Minnesota’s historic hotels or charming bed and breakfasts. Book a night at Red Wing Hotel Saint-Jamesat Winona’s Alexandre Manoror one of LanesboroVictorian-era B&B, where old-world charm meets modern comfort.

Whether you’re looking for outdoor thrills, cozy retreats, or wellness experiences, Minnesota offers countless ways to enjoy the wonders of winter. From snowy forests to lakeside saunas to vibrant festivals, winter here is more than a season: it’s a time to connect, recharge, and savor the beauty of the cold months.

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