What to Do for Spring Break in Minnesota: Top 11 Attractions

When people think of what to do for spring break, they usually don’t think of Minnesota.

The colder temperatures (even into spring!) can turn people away. But, you can find some pretty awesome things to do in Minnesota, if you look!

I’ve compiled a list of some great ideas of ways to spend your spring break in Minnesota.

What to Do for Spring Break in Minnesota

Here are the top 11 attractions to help you plan your spring break trip in Minnesota.

1. Have a Shopping Day at the Mall of America

The Mall of America is always a great place for families to visit and spend the day in the Twin Cities.

There are 4 floors with over 500 stores to shop in. You’ll find everything from fashion to technology to toys and more.

There are also 2 food courts and over 50 restaurants to choose from for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Unique restaurants like Rainforest Cafe and Dick’s Last Resort are always a hit.

For dessert, you’ll find delicious places like Dough Dough (edible cookie dough!), Nestlé Toll House Café, and a plethora of ice cream shops.

Both adults and kiddos will have a blast at Nickelodeon Universe, the Mall of America’s own indoor amusement park.

There are 7 acres of rides, games, and experiences like ziplining. Kids also have the opportunity to meet the Nickelodeon characters.

SEALIFE is another huge hit at the MOA. Visit with hundreds of underwater animals such as sharks, fish, rays, and more.

At the Crayola Experience, kids can enjoy 20 hand-on activities like naming their own crayons.

Other fun experiences at the mall include FlyOver America, The LEGO Store, The Escape Game, and Moose Mountain Adventure Golf.

On the top level of the Mall of America, you’ll find its own movie theater as well as Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy. Here you can see some of America’s top comedians live on stage.

2. Explore Cuyuna’s Trail Systems

Although the Twin Cities are a popular destination for tourists, there’s so much more to explore out of the cities, such as Cuyuna.

In the summer, the small towns of Crosby and Cuyuna becomes Minnesota’s mountain biking heaven.

In the winter, those same mountain bike trails become trails for fat tire biking.

There are trails for beginner, intermediate, and advanced fat tire bikers. The trails are groomed and all vary in distance and difficulty.

If you don’t have your own bike, don’t worry. Cykel offers rentals! $40 will get you a 4 hour riding period and $65 will get you a full day.

If mountain biking isn’t your thing, you can also snowshoe or cross-country ski. There are groomed trails that are fit for beginners to advanced riders.

You can find more information on fat tire biking, snowshoe, and cross-country ski trails here.

When looking for somewhere to stay in Cuyuna, look no further than Cuyuna Cove.

In the summer, you can “glamp” in tents, and in the winter, stay warm in an adorable, boutique cabin.

The cabins are just minutes from the trails, making for easy adventuring each day!

If you’re up for an adventure and enjoy getting outdoors, Cuyuna is the perfect place to spend your spring break in Minnesota this year.

3. Attend a St. Patrick’s Day Celebration

Spring break tends to fall around St. Patrick’s Day every year, and you can celebrate the holiday right here in Minnesota!

There are festivities held all over the state that you can visit and participate in. St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated on March 17th each year, which is typically around spring break.

Parades are a great way to get out and celebrate, and they’re free! Here are a few planned for 2022.

There are a few around the Twin Cities, like the Minneapolis 54th Annual St. Patricks Day Parade, which will be held starting at 6:00 pm in Columbia Heights.

St. Paul also will be hosting a parade near Mears Park, beginning at noon. They also will have a post-parade celebration with food, drinks, and live music.

In Moorhead, you can attend the Celtic Festival on March 19th, 2022. There will be a variety of activities to check out.

Crosslake will be holding a parade, a 5k race, and other celebrations.

You can also find 5K races to run in different cities. To name a few, Moorhead, Warroad, Crosslake, Marshall, Excelsior, and Maple Lake all have races in 2022.

These races also typically encourage participants to dress up in their green attire, to avoid getting pinched, of course!

4. Catch a Twins Game at Target Field

If you’re a sports fan, then stopping by Target Field and watching the Minnesota Twins play a game will be just for you!

The Twins regular season typically starts at the beginning of April each spring. They play multiple games in the Twin Cities, so you’re likely to catch one during your spring break.

They also have select spring training games in March. These vary more on dates and locations.

While at the game, favorite snacks include helmet nachos (yes, they come in a helmet!) and a footlong hot dog.

Target Field is located right in downtown Minneapolis. Making it the perfect location to catch the game and then do some exploring of the Twin Cities.

Within walking distance, you’ll find delicious restaurants like Pizza Lucé and Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse.

5. Book a Vacation Rental and Have a Staycation

Staying in can be just as great as going out, here in Minnesota. Consider gathering the family together and booking a vacation rental this spring break.

Both Airbnb and Vrbo have some great options for beautiful rentals, all around Minnesota. Here are a few great options.

Rental Home Options

This beautiful cabin-like home in Parker’s Prairie can sleep up to 10 people, making it a great home for families and friends.

It’s located on Lake Irene and has a beautiful backyard area. There’s a firepit for making s’mores and enjoying stories.

It’s just about half an hour from Alexandria, which has great places to explore.

This beautifully decorated home, not too far from the Twin Cities, sleeps 6 people.

Although this is situated in the city, it has a feel that you’re in the country. With a front yard to play in, everyone will get to enjoy the outdoors.

Heading up North a bit more, check out this adorable home, located in Grand Marais, on the shores of Lake Superior.

You’ll be just minutes from Lutsen Ski Resort, hiking trails, and restaurants.

What to do on a Staycation

When asking yourself what to do for spring break this year in Minnesota, you really don’t have to do anything extravagant. Most of this can be free!

Book a “staycation” and enjoy your few days off by relaxing with the family. The houses listed above (and many more on Airbnb or Vrbo) have beautiful living rooms with places to kickback.

Bring some board or card games along and play a few rounds with the family.

Or, rent your favorite movie, make some popcorn, and enjoy!

Many vacation rentals are located near areas with things to do. Research where you’ll be staying and create a fun itinerary full of local activities.

In Minnesota, it’s easy to bring outdoor items like snowshoes and cross country skis with you. You can do these sports in so many places, making them great staycation activities.

Find somewhere special for dinner and either go out or order in!

There’s a lot to do for spring break in Minnesota every year, and some of it is right in your own backyard!

6. Rock Climb at Vertical Endeavors

Rock climbing is something that many people will never even attempt because, well, let’s face it: it looks scary!

But at Vertical Endeavors, climbers can try their hand at the sport in a safe and comfortable place!

With locations in Bloomington, Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Duluth, this outing could be the perfect new hobby for your family to try this spring break.

Visitors can get a full day pass to enjoy climbing walls reaching 58 feet for $22. The gear rental package will cost $13.

7. Go on a Self-Made Brewery Tour

For an “adult-only” spring break adventure, start in one city and create your own brewery tour around Minnesota.

Use Google Maps or Roadtrippers to add all of your choices and hit the road!

You’ll find breweries scattered all over, in every city. Here are a few great options to help you get started on making your own list.

Bent Paddle Brewing in Duluth makes all of its beer with water from Lake Superior. What could possibly be more Minnesota than that?

A relatively new brewery in Grand Rapids called Rapids Brewing serves a variety of beers and locally sourced foods.

Also near Rapids Brewing, you’ll find Klockow Brewing Company and Unwined (for those wine lovers!).

In Stillwater, you’ll find Lift Bridge Brewing. Like the name, nearby you can see Stillwater’s operating lift bridge. Try their unique beers like Short Stack and Mango Blonde.

Lastly, Pryes Brewing Company in Minneapolis offers seasonal on-tap beers. Be sure to visit each season to try a new flavor!

This list is very short and doesn’t include many of the other great breweries in Minnesota! Do some research and find some of your own hidden gems.

If you’re more into wine rather than beers, you might also want to go on a winery tour.

8. Enjoy the Last Few Weeks of Ski Season

One of Minnesota’s best outdoor family activities during the winter is skiing. The ski season typically runs into mid-April but depends on the conditions.

When deciding what to do for spring break in Minnesota, spend some time outside on the ski hills.

You’ll find ski resorts all over the state, but here are a few of the best.

Giant’s Ridge in Biwabik has 35 runs spread across 165 acres of skiable ground. The high-speed lift allows you to get in tons of runs each day!

There are 2 terrain parks, as well as unique trails that lead you through the woods.

In Hastings, just about 40 minutes from Minneapolis, you’ll find Afton Alps. This is an Epic Pass resort.

Afton Alps is located right in the St. Croix River Valley and has 50 awesome runs.

Lastly, Buena Vista Ski Area in Bemidji offers 16 downhill runs. The longest of them all is 2,000 feet!

All 3 of these resorts and most others within Minnesota have daily rentals for skis and snowboards. Lift ticket prices vary for each by day.

If downhill skiing isn’t your thing, you may also want to check out cross-country skiing. This can be done on trails all around the state, some even in state parks.

If cross-country skiing on groomed trails in state parks or state forests, you will need to purchase a Great Minnesota Ski Pass.

9. Learn About Maple Syrup Tapping

Tapping for maple syrup is a big part of Minnesota’s winters. Typically, the sap flows best in March and April. But, sometimes can start as early as January!

There are a few maple syrup festivals around the state that visitors are able to attend.

At the Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center in Lanesboro, your family is able to be a part of the entire process.

You’ll learn how the equipment works all the way to the sap boil-off.

After the event, enjoy homemade maple syrup and pancakes! Learn more about 2022’s event here.

The College of Saint Benedict and Saint Johns is also holding a maple syrup festival in 2022.

Here you’ll learn about the process, watch a demonstration, and enjoy hot maple syrup sundaes afterward! Learn more here.

10. Visit With Wolves and Bears in Ely

Up North in Ely, you’ll find two great centers where visitors can get to know black bears and wolves. This is perfect for a family outing.

At the North American Bear Center, you can meet (from a distance!) 4 black bears. Each of them would have been unable to survive in the wild.

It’s a non-profit organization that works to teach visitors true facts about bears and debunk myths.

Because bears do hibernate in the winter, be sure to check the hours before planning your visit over spring break.

The cost to visit is $14 for adults and $9 for children.

Also in Ely, the International Wolf Center is home to 4 wolves, 3 of which you’re able to see explore and socialize.

The wolf center’s mission is to advance the survival of wolf populations by educating people of their importance in the wild.

In spring, the wolf center is open on the weekends. The cost of admission is $15 for adults and $9 for children.

11. Go For a Dog Sledding Adventure

Dog sledding is a unique experience that you can only have in places with snow. What could be better than flying through the snow with a pack of adorable pups?

In Minnesota, there are several places to go, such as Duluth, Ely, and near Grand Marais.

Spring break time is a beautiful time for dog sledding, as the weather is typically warmer.

In Ely, Chilly Dogs Sled Dog Trips offers half-day trips with their pack of mostly retired Alaskan huskies. You’ll get to meet the dogs and learn about how the sleds work.

They have two different trips available. One is aimed towards the more physically fit person, and the other is for all ages and fitness levels.

Positive Energy Outdoors is found in Duluth. Start your tour with a tour of the kennel and meet-and-greet with the dogs.

Then, set out on an adventure on the dog sled. You also have the option to add on a sleigh ride! There are a few different options to choose from.

Points Unknown is found in Hovland, just about 40 minutes north of Grand Marais.

On your tour, you’ll learn about the dogs and their sleds before you head out on your adventure. You can choose between a 1.5 hour, 3 hours, or full-day experience.

Each company has its own prices, times, and availability.

Top Minnesota Spring Break Destinations

There are a lot of beautiful places in Minnesota, but sometimes it can be hard to choose somewhere to visit, based on the season.

Especially in the winter and spring months, as things to do seem more limited.

Below, I’ve gathered for you a list of the absolute best destinations in Minnesota to visit for spring break.

Duluth and the North Shore

Of all the places and things to do for spring break in Minnesota, Duluth may be the best.

With ample activities for outdoors lovers and those who prefer to be out of the cold, there’s bound to be something for the entire family!

Spring Break in Duluth for Everyone

When visiting Duluth, one of the top free things to do is explore the North Shore.

Minnesota’s North Shore stretches from Duluth to Grand Portage and hugs Lake Superior’s shoreline the entire way.

Visitors can enjoy 8 beautiful state parks and see the uniqueness of the shore in the winter.

Pay a visit to either Gooseberry Falls or Tettegouche State Park. Spring break is the perfect time to visit as the waterfalls in these parks are at their peak!

Betty’s Pies and The Rustic Inn Cafe, both in Two Harbors, are must-stops for dessert lovers. You’ll find delicious pie at both. (Which has the better slice?!)

Back in Duluth, head to Spirit Mountain to enjoy some end-of-season skiing or snowboarding.

For those non-skiers, they also have a fantastic snow tubing area!

Able to splurge a bit on your spring break trip this year? Consider booking a dog sled tour with Positive Energy Outdoors!

Their season runs into early April and will definitely give you a unique experience to enjoy the last of the winter’s snow.

If being outside isn’t really your thing, especially in those colder months, a trip to Canal Park may be perfect for you.

While you’ll still step outside to walk from store to store, you’ll get to explore the local shops in Duluth.

Grab lunch or dinner at one of the many restaurants in Canal Park and finish it off with a stop at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory .

Or, grab a coffee at Duluth Coffee Company.

While you’re enjoying lunch, gaze out at the iconic Aerial Lift Bridge on Lake Superior and watch as the ships pass by.

Spring Break in Duluth With Kids

Duluth is also a great place to bring your family for the kids’ break before they head back to school.

If you’re looking for a fun place to stay, book a stay at the Edgewater Hotel and Waterpark.

Kids will have fun in the waterslides, playground, and arcade.

If you’re staying elsewhere, you can still visit the Edge and just plan a day at the waterpark. The price is $20 per person Sunday through Thursday and $25 per person on Fridays and Saturdays.

The Great Lakes Aquarium is home to a huge variety of marine animals including fish, rays, otters, and more.

Besides learning about the animals, visitors can also engage in the great exhibits that are offered.

The Duluth Children’s Museum is another great place to bring your kiddos to learn and get some energy out.

For only $5 per person, the youngsters will be able to enjoy a variety of exhibits within the museum.

The Lake Superior Zoo makes for a great place to get children outside in the colder months.

With so many animals to see and learn about, your kids will be fully entertained!

Duluth also has other museums for visitors to check out and explore.

Minneapolis

Minneapolis is one of the top Minnesota spring break destinations for adults and kids alike. With so many different activities, there surely is something to suit everyone.

Spring Break in Minneapolis for Everyone

For those who love the outdoors and enjoy free activities, visiting Minnehaha Falls in the spring is truly a highlight.

Depending on exactly when you visit and the weather at the time, you may find a beautiful frozen waterfall, or a flowing falls.

Whenever you do visit, you won’t be disappointed by this iconic natural beauty, located right in the Twin Cities.

Sports lovers may enjoy catching a Twins game at Target Field. The MLB season typically starts in late March or early April.

For a unique experience, check out the Orfield Labs Quiet Chamber. This chamber was once called the Quietest Place on Earth.

This eerie room features an anechoic chamber. When in the chamber, there are no echoes and it is so quiet that you can hear the sounds inside your body.

Attend a show at First Avenue, where you can see some of your favorite artists perform.

At WhirlyBall Twin Cities, guests can enjoy fun games like WhirlyBall, laser tag, and do escape rooms. What is WhirlyBall? A cross between lacrosse, basketball, and hockey.

Speaking of games for the family, how about a trampoline park? At SkyZone, you can jump, climb, “fly”, and more.

Spring Break in Minneapolis With Kids

For the kiddos in your life, a trip to the Minnesota Zoo can’t be beaten. There are tons of animals for kids to learn about and admire.

A visit will give children the opportunity to feel like they are traveling all over the world! They’ll see animals from places like China, Asia, Africa, and more.

The zoo is open every day from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm. Adult tickets cost $19.95 while children cost $13.95.

Along the same lines as the zoo, animal lovers will truly enjoy SEALIFE at the Mall of America.

You’ll have the opportunity to walk in a 300-foot underwater tunnel and check out Minnesota’s only sawfish. Tickets to visit SEALIFE start at $21.99 per person.

While you’re touring the Mall of America and SEALIFE, make a stop into Nickelodeon Universe.

While there are many kid-friendly rides, there are also some great ones for the older kids as well! You can even ride a log chute and play a game of mini-golf.

Allow your littles to get some energy out at the Great Wolf Lodge in Bloomington, rated as the best indoor waterpark in Minnesota!

The waterpark is open most days from 10:00 am until 8:00 pm and has a playground, lazy river, waterslides, and so much more to enjoy.

There are also a variety of museums to check out in the Twin Cities.

Stillwater

When looking for what to do for spring break in Minnesota, look no further than Stillwater.

This unique Minnesota town has a whole lot of charm and a variety of activities for the whole family.

Spring Break in Stillwater for Everyone

One of the coolest things to do in Stillwater is book a hot air balloon ride with Stillwater Balloons.

While this is a bit spendy, it’s a unique experience that can’t be done everywhere.

Book a flight and watch either the sunset or sunrise with your sweetheart this spring break in Stillwater.

Stillwater is located just 30 minutes from Afton Alps ski resort. Spend a day on the slopes and get some great exercise in!

Stillwater is known as one of the most romantic cities in Minnesota.

When visiting on your spring break this year, enjoy dinner out at one of the many nice restaurants.

Brick & Bourbon is a craft bar and eatery serving a huge variety of different foods as well as signature cocktails, beers, and more.

For a fun dining experience, The Lumberjack Axe Throwing Bar. Enjoy delicious food and drinks and then head outside for axe throwing. Other games can be found inside the bar.

Stillwater is also known for its fantastic antiquing. You’ll find antique and vintage stores all over town.

Places such as Black Letter Books, Midtown Antiques, and Reclaiming Beauty are great places to find unique treasures to take home.

End your stay in Stillwater with a stop into Sara’s Tipsy Pies. Each pie is homemade with a hand-rolled crust and local alcohol in the filling. But don’t worry, all ages can enjoy these pies!

Spring Break in Stillwater With Kids

Kari’s Create and Paint Studio is a paint-your-own pottery and canvas studio. Each month, they have different artist-instructed classes to take.

You also are able to walk into the studio and choose your own canvas or pottery to paint. After you’ve completed it, you get to take it home!

Your kiddos will love making a stop into MN Nice Cream or Hannah’s Homemade Heavens Bakery. Both offer delicious sweet treats for everyone to enjoy.

When is Spring Break in Minnesota?

March and April are considered the most popular months for spring break, and Minnesota is no different.

Spring break in Minnesota typically falls around mid to late March, though it may vary by school and year. Some schools may start their break earlier or later.

Colleges and Universities in Minnesota tend to have a bit longer spring break than high schools, but again, each school varies.

You can usually find each specific school’s schedule on their website.

If you aren’t planning around a school schedule and want to avoid some of the crowds around the spring break holiday, consider planning your trip in mid to late April.

By this point, most kids will be back in school and colleges will have begun classes again.

What Happens in Spring in Minnesota?

Spring break in Minnesota looks a little different than in other parts of the world.

Because of the colder temperatures, you won’t find visitors or locals lounging on the beaches. Instead, they’ll be embracing the chilly weather and enjoying the outdoors!

Around the spring break holiday, Minnesota begins the transition from winter to summer.

Snow begins to melt and the sun starts to show itself.

The ice starts to melt off of the lakes, but there will be floating ice for a while yet.

There is still the possibility for snowstorms in spring, but it’s less likely. You’re more likely to see thunderstorms, but just every once in a while.

What is Minnesota’s Average Spring Temperature?

In March, the temperatures usually fall between 20 and 30 degrees. They may get higher than this later in the month.

They typically don’t fall much below 20 degrees, but Minnesota is pretty unpredictable, so do be prepared for those temperatures as well.

As the months transition from March to April, the air warms up and you may see temperatures closer to 50 degrees! (What a treat after a long winter season!)

What is the Coolest Thing in Minnesota?

There are so many amazing things about Minnesota that are worth paying a visit to.

As for the coolest thing in Minnesota, the North Shore definitely takes the cake.

If you only have a few days to visit, consider spending much of your time exploring the beauty that Minnesota’s North Shore has to offer.

Visit 8 beautiful state parks, go for a hike, downhill ski in the winter, marvel at the largest freshwater lake in the world, and experience Minnesota’s incredible nature.

If you have a bit more time to spend, take in more of Minnesota’s 10,000+ lakes. They’re definitely some of the coolest places to be in the state.

Conclusion: What to do for Spring Break in Minnesota

Minnesota isn’t your typical spring break destination, but even so, you’ll find some great places to visit come March and April.

Whether you’re a Minnesota resident or you’re looking to visit, I hope that this list gave you some great ideas as to what to do for spring break in Minnesota this year.