11 Best Places to Spend Spring Break in Minnesota [2024]

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Are you looking for the best things to do and places to visit for spring break in Minnesota if you’re planning to stay local this year?

I’ve lived in Minnesota for my entire life and all but 2 of my spring breaks were spent in Minnesota growing up, so I was able to experience all of the great places that we have around my home state.

I’ve created a list of the best and some of my favorite places that I’ve spent spring break at here in Minnesota.

A view of Downtown Minneapolis from a road while driving a car.

1. Twin Cities

One of the best places to spend any time of year is in the Twin Cities since there’s so much to do year-round. Even in the middle of March during spring break, there is plenty to stay busy.

Growing up, one of my favorite things was to go to Nickelodeon Universe at the Mall of America. We were able to stay warm but still have a blast on all of the rides.

The Mall of America also has an aquarium, a movie theater, the Crayola Experience, mini golf, and tons of restaurants to eat at. It’s a full experience.

Other fun places in the Twin Cities for spring break are the Science Museum of Minnesota, the Minnesota Children’s Museum, the Minnesota Zoo, and the Great Wolf Lodge to stay at.

In college, I spent 1 of my spring breaks in Minneapolis and went shopping, saw a concert at First Avenue, and grabbed ice cream at 3 different places in one weekend. It was a nice way to save money as a college kid but still be able to get out and enjoy myself.

Myself going snowshoeing through a forest wearing a black coat during spring break in Minnesota.

2. Crosby

If you’d prefer to spend time outdoors rather than shopping (I get it, I would too!), then consider adding Crosby to your list of places to go for spring break.

There’s tons to do here, especially if you’re on break from high school or college. Firstly, I’d recommend staying at Cuyuna Cove during your visit because it’s right next to all of the best activities and the view outside the cabins into a snowy forest is just stunning.

Be sure to check out the mountain biking trails, which can be used for fat tire biking in winter or you can go hiking as long as it’s not on bike trails.

Snowmobiling is also huge in Crosby, which is one of my favorite things to do. Snowshoeing is also a great way to spend time, and if you’re staying at Cuyuna Cove, equipment is provided!

The Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge as seen from the shore with a small boat in front of it.

3. Duluth

Aside from the North Shore, Duluth is my favorite town in Minnesota because it has everything that a big city does, but has more of a small-town feel. And for spring breakers, there is so much fun to be had.

I grew up just an hour from Duluth and we spent quite a few spring breaks here as a kid. We always visited the Miller Hill Mall for some shopping and then went to Texas Roadhouse for lunch before heading to Canal Park.

You can also go skiing at Spirit Mountain, wander down along Lake Superior, and go snow tubing, also at Spirit Mountain. Just because it’s winter in Duluth doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do!

A large Root Beer sign at the Drive-In diner in Taylors Falls.

4. Taylors Falls

While I loved visiting Taylors Falls in the summer, I visited for the first time last year in winter, and it was spectacular. This small town is home to Interstate State Park and also an adorable Main Street.

I would recommend checking out the glacial potholes in Interstate State Park and then wandering downtown. Grab lunch at The Drive-In! You can’t miss it when you see the giant root beer barrel.

Wild Mountain is Taylors Falls’ ski resort, so you can also hit the slopes there! They also have a pretty amazing snow tubing hill for people who don’t want to ski!

A trolley on the streets of Stillwater that reads 'Stillwater Trolley Co.'

5. Stillwater

I’ve always really loved Stillwater and used to live just 30 minutes away, so I’ve spent tons of time there! It’s a great place to spend spring break!

The St. Croix Boom Site is a unique place to visit in winter because the waterfall at the end might still be frozen! Plus, you can learn the history of what is known as Minnesota’s Birthplace.

I love walking along the Lift Bridge Path, which crosses over into Wisconsin. One of my favorite places is the Stillwater Scenic Overlook, which looks out over the river and the town. It’s really pretty, and you can either walk the stairs from Main Street to the top or drive.

A view of Lake Superior from Artist Point seen during spring break in Minnesota.

6. Grand Marais

The North Shore is my favorite place in all of Minnesota, and Grand Marais makes a great home base for exploring. I’d recommend bringing all of your favorite outdoor gear because you can do so much here!

From skiing in Lutsen to seeing the waves crash in at Artist Point, eating at the delicious restaurants (my favorite is The Fisherman’s Daughter!), and going hiking up Oberg Mountain, there are tons of things to do.

Many of the nearby resorts rent snowshoes and cross-country skis to guests, so look into that! And be sure to check out the snowmobile trails, because this is a favorite spot for many riders around the state!

A snowmobile on a lake as someone goes ice fishing.

7. Rochester

If you want to head down to southern Minnesota, be sure to check out Rochester, which leaves plenty to do for people of all ages.

For the kids, check out the Zollman Zoo, visit the Spark Children’s Museum, Air Insanity trampoline park, and go snow tubing at Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch.

And for everyone else, go snowshoeing at Quarry Hill, try your hand at ice fishing, or go shopping at the many malls. Grab a bite to eat at the local restaurants, and end the day by soaking in a rooftop pool at The Towers at Kahler Grand Hotel.

Tyler on his snowboard on a ski run at a ski resort.

8. Lutsen

The ski season is almost done when spring break comes around, but the time off of school gives you a little extra time to hit the slopes before they close for the season.

At Lutsen Mountain on the North Shore, you can experience some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the state!

Along with skiing, you can also check out some winter hiking around Lutsen and go see frozen waterfalls, which is always one of my favorite activities.

Myself wearing a blue jacket and sitting on a gray snowmobile on a trail in the forest.

9. Roseau

If you love embracing the snow and cold, then I can’t recommend heading to Roseau enough! This is where I live, and I have loved seeing kids out and enjoying spring break here.

One of our favorite things to do as locals is go snowmobiling since we are in the home of Polaris! There are plenty of places to rent machines up here.

We also live near Lake of the Woods, so lots of people are out ice fishing on the big lake. People also love to take their sleds out on the ice too.

Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are also popular, and I go probably at least 2 times per week just to get out and enjoy the fresh air!

A person walking through the forest on snowshoes, making paths as they go.

10. Ely

Another amazing spot for outdoorsy people for a Minnesota spring break is Ely. I love Ely because all of the activities are so unique.

One of the best things is to book a dog sled ride, so you can learn about the dogs and take a ride through the forest on their sled.

I’ve also loved exploring the North American Bear Center and the International Wolf Center, which are both in Ely.

Snowmobiling, snowshoeing, sledding, and cross-country skiing are also popular in Ely, and I love how pristine and quiet the forest feels compared to other places.

Myself standing by a sign that says 'Ice Cream Makes Me Happy' at an ice cream store in Fargo on a Minnesota spring break.

11. Fargo & Moorhead

I lived in Fargo for a few years back in college and found it a really fun place to spend spring break.

We loved going shopping in downtown Fargo and also around Moorhead (across the border) and eating at the local restaurants. My favorite is Wurst Bier Hall, and we also loved Black Coffee and Waffle Bar!

For the kids, Fargo is home to the Red River Zoo, lots of parks, an indoor play gym, and a trampoline park, and visiting Scheels is always fun! There’s a Ferris wheel inside of the Scheels!

Conclusion: Minnesota Spring Break

Minnesota isn’t your typical spring break destination, but even so, you’ll find some great places to visit come March and April. I spent most of my spring breaks here growing up, and always had a blast!

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.