Romantic Getaways in Minnesota

Spending time with your kids is priceless, but it's also important to spend one-on-one time with your significant other. A relaxing dinner, a walk in a quaint downtown and conversation—with the little people at home—can go a long way in recharging romance. Minnesota has plenty of romantic places worthy of some kid-free time.

Lodgings can often make or break a trip, but Stillwater has the perfect option for romance. The Rivertown Inn (306 Olive St. W., Stillwater, MN) is highly rated on TripAdvisor and offers rooms referencing to some literary greats, such as the Jane Austen Suite and the Lewis Carroll Bedchamber. In addition to literary decor, many rooms have fireplaces and large tubs; some also come with private terraces. Saint Croix Vineyards (6428 Manning Ave. N., Stillwater, MN) offers free wine tours Saturdays and Sundays April through August and Sundays September through November. The vineyard also offers wine-focused events throughout the year, such as the Spring Cheese and Chocolate Weekend in April and Holiday Cheers in December.

Although Duluth can endure extremely cold temperatures in the winter due to its location in northern Minnesota, summer is much more pleasant. Picture-perfect photos are practically guaranteed along the North Shore Scenic Drive (on Highway 61). Fans of foliage will want to plan a trip in the fall, when the route’s numerous trees are swathed in gorgeous shades of red and orange. After the drive, check out the Glensheen Mansion (3300 London Road, Duluth, MN), a historic estate that offers year-round and seasonally themed tours. The mansion sits on 12 well-kept acres, so you can take a stroll in the garden or simply catch a glimpse of Lake Superior.

St. Paul is a bustling metro and has many opportunities for romance, especially when it comes to dining. Try W.A. Frost and Company (374 Selby Ave., St. Paul, MN), an upscale American dining experience with locally sourced food and a menu that changes with the seasons. If you’re seeking fine dining in a unique setting, consider Forepaugh’s (276 S. Exchange St., St. Paul, MN), a restaurant that’s also a Victorian mansion, offering dining in various rooms and patios, including on the rooftop. Note that Forepaugh’s is closed on Mondays. If you’re looking to get away in the winter, don’t miss the St. Paul Winter Carnival, which takes place over several weeks in January and February and focuses on winter activities.

If your idea of romance is the great outdoors, Grand Marais won’t disappoint. Grand Portage State Park (9393 E. Highway 61, Grand Portage, MN) is just 10 miles northeast of Grand Marais and is home to the highest waterfall in the state, High Falls. Without kids in tow, consider hiking the two and a half miles to Middle Falls, especially in the fall when the leaves are changing color. For even more waterfalls, visit Judge C.R. Magney State Park (4051 E. Highway 61, Grand Marais, MN). There you’ll see Devil’s Kettle, a unique waterfall where the Brule River meets up with a large rock, making part of the river a waterfall while the other part seems to fall into a large pothole.

With 400 lakes in a 25-mile area, Detroit Lakes is a top summer pick for water lovers. Detroit Lake Public Beach (Front St., Detroit Lakes, MN), along the shores of Little Detroit Lake, is a TripAdvisor favorite for its in-town location. If you need even more convenient lake access, Best Western Premier: The Lodge on Lake Detroit (1200 E. Shore Drive, Detroit Lakes, MN) has lakefront rooms and a beach with plenty of lounge chairs just outside. Add a little R and R treatment during your romantic getaway; the on-site spa offers a couples massage.