Romantic Getaways in Minnesota

With spectacular natural vistas, historic sites and cosmopolitan centers, the state of Montana has long been a favorite couples’ destination. Whether your idea of romance is exploring the wild outdoors, soaking in historical atmosphere or taking in an operatic performance at a classy theater, you are sure to find romantic getaway ideas of your choice in the North Star state.

Lake Superior

Minnesota is commonly referred to as ‘the land of 10,000 Lakes’ and no wonder too since the state is home to more lakes than any other US state. If you and your significant other enjoy swimming, skiing, or the various types of boating in the midst of pristine nature, one of the most romantic places you will find here is the Lake Superior. All along the lake you have ample opportunities to enjoy the wild waters and the peace it offers; in fact you can take your pick of cozy getaways among all the secluded cabins and villas around Lake Superior in Grand Marais town. During summer, couples can be found going for fishing, canoeing and swimming in their favorite part of the lake. There are several fishing shops that offer canoes and paddles for rent so guests can explore the vast waters and surrounding scenery. Actually the most romantic places are along the shores of the lakes. All you need is to get into your lake-side cabin, or have a picnic and sit along the shores of the lake as you watch the sun set and the witness the emersion of the stars moon.

Twin Cities of Minneapolis/ St. Paul

While many places in Montana get snow bound in winter, the twin cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis have something to offer its vacationing couples all year round even during winter. Visit the Mill City Museum, located along the picturesque Mississippi River in downtown Minneapolis. The lineups at downtown theater district venues such as the historic State, Orpheum, and Pantages Theatres. Others in Minneapolis neighborhoods include Mixed Blood Theatre, Children’s Theatre Company, Pillsbury House Theatre, Ten Thousand Things Theater, and more. Choose from three dining options at the Guthrie Theater to suit your taste buds or pocketbook The Target Lounge is the place for cocktails and an extraordinary view of the Mississippi riverfront from the cantilevered bridge Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Russian Museum of Art and for the perfect finale to your sightseeing tour head to St. Paul for a romantic dinner and a performance. Find fine restaurants in the Rice Park area, including Pazzaluna, Meritage, Sakura, and the St. Paul Grill in the historic Saint Paul Hotel and after dinner stroll through Rice Park to a show at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts. If you can plan your romantic getaway between May and October, then you can treat your sweetheart to an autumn of fall colors and amazing activities. To enjoy great fall sceneries, most couples love to walk on the St. Anthony’s Fall Heritage Trail, a two mile walk with scenic views from downtown Minneapolis.

Hastings

A short drive from the heart of the metro area, Hastings is a great romantic destination whether you are out for a weekend or on a day trip. Here you can visit Montana’s oldest winery at the Alexis Bailly Vineyard, which has been in production since 1978. Together with your beloved, set about sampling the reds, whites, and dessert wines made with grapes developed at the University of Minnesota, such as Frontenac and LaCrescent, as well as French and American varieties. At this winery, you can also learn how French wine-making was adapted for Minnesota’s climate. Wines are not the only attraction in this place – you can play bocce ball on vine-covered courts, Buy artisanal cheeses and other deli specialties, and have a picnic overlooking the vineyard. If you can time your romantic vacation before the end of October, you can have great fun with your sweetheart in the apple orchards by picking from over a dozen apple varieties. Most orchards are open daily. A particular highlight of the season is The St. Croix Valley Apple Festival, which apart from apple picking also features concerts and other special events at Afton Apple Orchards, Fischer’s Croix Farm Orchard, Carpenter Nature Center, Whistling Well Farm, and McDougall's Orchard. Later in September, pumpkin picking starts. A romantic vacation at Hastings around Harvest time also means you and your beloved can indulge in apple cider and other tasty treats, hayrides, and getting turned around in a corn maze.

Eden Prairie

Lying on the north bank of the Minnesota River, Eden Prairie has several lovely lakes and water bodies, all of which make it a favorite getaway destination for couples. Eden Prairie owes its name to the founder of the first community Robert Anderson who found the beauty of the land comparable to the loveliness of Biblical garden. Even today it is one of the few cities to have more than 4500 acres of open space within metro limits. The suburban city has around 17 lakes and more than 100 ponds. Here you can enjoy the thousand plus acres of parklands as well as nearly two hundred miles of the city’s sidewalks and trails. Some of the largest recreational water bodies in Eden Prairie which are perfect for romancing are the Staring Lake, Round Lake and Riley Lake while Miller and Flying Clouds Fields are the most notable community parks. Many of the parks in Eden Prairie offer facilities for disc golf, archery, and nature walks, should you or your partner be more inclined towards outdoor recreation. Finally the town has ample lodging options in the form of cozy bed-and-breakfasts, quaint inns and luxury hotels to provide the perfect finish on your romantic vacation.

Rochester

Though known primarily for its Mayo Clinic, Rochester offers a lot to its romantic vacationers as well. Rochester is third-largest city in the state and has a thriving arts-and-culture scene together with a rich heritage of many historical buildings. There’s the Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial with the Memorial Wall and Walk of Remembrance honoring all American veterans. Also don’t miss the History Center of Olmsted County which boasts of a fascinating permanent exhibit featuring the Mayo Clinic, St. Mary’s Hospital, IBM, and the hands-on cabin from “back in the olden days”. Also take a tour of the 38-room Mayowood Mansion, affectionately referred to as the “Big House” by the Mayo family and Plummer House of the Arts. Finally lose yourselves in the romance of the past at the Heritage House—located in Rochester's 1856 town square, Central Park— which showcases the way of life over 125 years ago.