Get Up & Go — Hottest Minnesota Destinations in 2018

Winter doesn’t have to be cold and brutal. Not when you take your team to one of the hottest destinations around in 2018. So, gather up the group and explore these Minnesota places that shine as bright as the sun, even if it is January.

Center of Attention

The Twin Cities and surrounding communities are vibrant, richly diverse, and jam-packed with fascinating sites, exciting year-round activities, delightful cultural festivals, eclectic dining, and world-famous shopping.

Located just minutes from downtown Minneapolis, the cities of Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, and Maple Grove partner to form Minneapolis Northwest Tourism. Visitors quickly learn how residents revel in the wintery weather here with an 800-foot outdoor skating loop, one of the top single-track trails in the state for winter fat biking, horse-drawn sleigh rides, cross-country skiing, tubing and so much more.

On the west side of the metro, you’ll want to Discover St. Louis Park, an area with big city amenities and small-town charm. Featuring seven modern hotel properties, proximity to the hip West End area with its chic restaurants and shops, and free parking everywhere, how could you go wrong?

The good folks at Bloomington CVB extend a warm welcome to the bold north where exciting events like the City of Lakes Loppet Ski Festival, the International Ski Jumping Competition, and the Ice Harvest Festival celebrate the best of the winter season. Bloomington’s world-renowned Mall of America offers ample opportunity for some thrilling indoor activities as well.

Perfectly positioned just ten minutes north of the metro, the Roseville Visitors Association invites you to enjoy one of the city’s most popular attractions, the Oval, one of the largest outdoor skating facilities in North America. Roseville’s eleven hotels, amazing selection of restaurants, shopping, and entertainment facilities are centrally located and easy to get to as well.

The cities of Anoka, Blaine, Coon Rapids, Fridley, Ham Lake, Lino Lakes, Mounds View, New Brighton, and Shoreview comprise the Twin Cities Gateway, with access to all the best the metro has to offer. Dozens of premiere event facilities here open their doors to visitors from around the globe, while community events, a variety of restaurants, hotels, and indoor/outdoor activities keep them coming back year after year.

St. Cloud Area CVB appeals to visitors from all across the country with the city’s natural attractions, sporting events, arts and entertainment, and outdoor activities. The state-of-the-art River’s Edge Convention Center draws in the big crowds, while smaller, local venues are ideal for more intimate gatherings.

Finally, you’re team with want to Visit Lakeville, where nature meets the Twin Cities. Snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, downhill skiing, and ice fishing allows guests to enjoy some of the prettiest Minnesota River valley scenery, while local shopping, attractions and events showcase the city’s professional appeal.

Southern Charm

Visitors to southern Minnesota will delight in the area’s fascinating history, natural beauty, and warm, welcoming hospitality by some of the state’s friendliest people. But don’t be fooled by the small-town charm here. These communities boast many of the most state-of-art facilities and attractions in the country.

Known as the “Land Between the Lakes,” the city of Albert Lea resides on the shores of Fountain Lake, Pickerel Lake, Albert Lea Lake, Goose Lake, School Lake, and Lake Chapeau. With so many lakes, it’s little wonder folks are drawn here year-round for the many activities and stunning scenery that graces the area.

The hidden gem of south central Minnesota, Owatonna is heralded for its world-renowned architecture, historic downtown, and unique attractions. Home to major companies like Federated Insurance, Viracon, Jostens, and Wenger Corporation, it has a thriving business community and facilities that cater to commerce.

Visit Mankato and discover why so many winter enthusiasts are making their way here. Cross-country and downhill skiing, hockey, ice skating, sledding and tubing, snowbiking, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing are just a few of the activities that draw visitors here.

The Nature of the East

Head east and you’ll find some of the prettiest river towns to grace the state. Minnesota was born in these communities when riverboats and barges brought trade and settlers to the area in the mid-1800s. With quaint charm and beautifully preserved architecture, these towns are the jewels of southeastern Minnesota.

Discover Stillwater, long considered the birthplace of Minnesota with its scenic bluffs, historic lift bridge, and year-round appeal. From culinary classes to trolley tours, paddleboat river excursions to skiing, fifty restaurants to dozens of enchanting venues, Stillwater has it all.

Amazing adventures abound in Red Wing, whether your team is downhill or cross-country skiing, visiting the famed Pottery Shop or Red Wing Shoe Store, or shopping at any of the one-of-kind retailers in town. An array of lodging is available from the historic St. James Hotel to the dynamic Treasure Island Resort + Casino.   

Explore the West

West of the metro lies the heart of Minnesota, home to crystal clear lakes, verdant woods, parks, trails, and main streets that many have called home, including aviator Charles Lindbergh and novelist Sinclair Lewis. 

Take the team to the Willmar Lakes Area and you’ll find more than 100 lakes, arts and entertainment, historical sites, skiing, spas, wineries, and breweries. Relax and unwind after a long day at a variety of hotels, resorts or bed + breakfasts. After a few days, they may just decide to stay.

Known as “Minnesota’s Home Town,” your group will experience a welcoming and accommodating community when they Explore Hutchinson. Featuring ten meeting venues, comfortable lodging, more than thirty restaurants serving a range of cuisines, and history, the arts, and entertainment, your gang will almost certainly agree, there’s no place like this home.