7-Day Minnesota Itinerary

The Ultimate Minnesota Family Vacation: Lakes, Outdoor Adventures & Kid-Friendly Fun

Theme: A mix of outdoor adventures, Great Lakes beauty, and cultural experiences across Minnesota.

Best Time to Visit: Summer (June-August) for lake activities or Fall (September-October) for colorful foliage.

Day 1: Arrive in Minneapolis & Explore

Fly into Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP).

Top Things to Do in Minneapolis:

Walk or Bike Along the Chain of Lakes – Beautiful trails and scenic lake views.

Visit the Minneapolis Institute of Art – Home to a vast collection of artwork.

See the Iconic Stone Arch Bridge – A perfect spot for photos of the Mississippi River.

Dinner at Matt's Bar or The Nook – Try the famous Juicy Lucy burger.

Overnight in Minneapolis.

Day 2: Twin Cities & Mall of America

Explore More of Minneapolis & St. Paul.

Top Things to Do:

Tour the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul.

Visit Como Park Zoo & Conservatory.

Check Out the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Museum (If You're a Hockey Fan!).

Spend the Afternoon at Mall of America – The largest mall in the U.S.

Overnight in Minneapolis.

Day 3: Drive to Duluth & Lake Superior Scenic Byway

Drive from Minneapolis to Duluth (2.5 hours).

Top Things to Do in Duluth:

Visit Canal Park & Watch Ships Enter the Harbor.

Walk Along Lakewalk for Stunning Lake Superior Views.

Tour the Historic Glensheen Mansion.

Try Local Beer at Bent Paddle Brewing Co.

Overnight in Duluth.

Day 4: North Shore Scenic Drive & Gooseberry Falls

Drive from Duluth Along the North Shore of Lake Superior.

Top Stops Along the North Shore Scenic Drive:

Gooseberry Falls State Park – Stunning waterfalls & short hikes.

Split Rock Lighthouse – One of the most picturesque lighthouses in the Midwest.

Hike at Tettegouche State Park – Incredible cliffs & overlooks.

Optional: Stop in Lutsen for Alpine Slides & Gondola Rides.

Overnight in Grand Marais – A Beautiful Harbor Town.

Day 5: Grand Marais & Boundary Waters Canoe Area

Explore Grand Marais & Nearby Wilderness.

Top Things to Do in Grand Marais:

Visit Sivertson Gallery for Local Art.

Walk the Artists' Point Trail.

Try the Famous Pie at The World's Best Donuts.

Drive to Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (1 hour).

Top Things to Do in the Boundary Waters:

Go Canoeing or Kayaking on the Pristine Lakes.

Hike Along the Superior Hiking Trail.

Spot Wildlife Like Moose, Bald Eagles, & Loons.

Overnight in Ely or a Cabin Near the Boundary Waters.

Day 6: Voyageurs National Park – A Water Wonderland

Drive from Ely to Voyageurs National Park (2.5 hours).

Top Things to Do in Voyageurs National Park:

Take a Boat or Kayak Tour on Rainy Lake.

Go Stargazing – Voyageurs is an Official Dark Sky Park!

Hike the Echo Bay Trail.

Overnight in International Falls.

Day 7: Return to Minneapolis & Depart

Drive from International Falls to Minneapolis (5 hours).

Optional Stops Along the Way:

Visit Itasca State Park – Walk Across the Headwaters of the Mississippi River.

Explore the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway – A fun Midwest road trip stop.

Fly out of Minneapolis (MSP).

Total Drive Time:

Approx. 20-24 hours of driving across Minnesota.