Best Places For A Fall Getaway Near Minnesota
Summer may be over, but that doesn't mean we can't still take a vacation. Take advantage of the beautiful scenery before winter moves in and makes it unpleasant to go outside. Aside from the numerous areas of hiking and biking paths, fishing holes and hunting haunts, there are places for a more relaxing and pampered getaway during the fall. Pack your kids in the car or head out alone on a road trip to one of these fantastic destinations.
Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark
350 Bell St.
Dubuque, IA 52001
(866) 690-4006
www.grandharborresort.com
South of Minnesota and along the Mississippi River lies a quaint little river town named Dubuque. Enjoy a stay at the waterpark and the resort, which faces the river. Explore the town to find a wealth of history and beauty. The Port of Dubuque offers paddleboat rides and excursions if the weather brings a calm day to the river. However, if the weather doesn't hold up, the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium is open for business. Travel 20 miles out of town to glimpse the Dyersville Field of Dreams, the site of the 1980s movie that made Iowa famous.
(credit: Northland's NewsCenter)
Barker's Island Inn
300 Marina Drive
Superior, WI 54880
(715) 392-7152
www.barkersislandinn.com
Just across the state line from Duluth, Minnesota is the equally lovely town of Superior, Wisconsin. The Barker's Island Inn boasts a great location on the waterfront and the best room rates in the North. Spend time on Lake Superior boating, fishing or just enjoying the beach. Walk along the Osaugie Trail, a five-mile paved path along the lake with an amazing view. Superior also has a ton of quaint and cozy places to grab a bite with the locals and a laid-back atmosphere that lends itself to a relaxing weekend.
Arbuckle Lodge
4325 23rd. Ave. S.
Fargo, ND 58104
(701) 235-4699
www.fargo.arbucklelodge.com
Right across the state line at Moorhead, Minnesota is Fargo, North Dakota. Fargo may sound like a small town, but it often feels like a larger city full of activity and culture. Stay at the Arbuckle Lodge where you can enjoy an extended-stay room or a whirlpool suite, depending on what type of getaway you are after. While in town, visit one of the many art museums or the much-loved children's museum if the kids are along for the trip. Outdoor activities include many parks and nature areas and bike rentals are available for touring the city on two wheels. Visit the Fargo-Moorhead Visitor's Center and take a picture with the wood-chipper from the movie "Fargo."
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Woody's Rainy Lake Resort
3481 Main St.
Ranier, MN 56668
(866) 410-5001
www.fairlyreliable.com
Head up north, way up north, almost to Canada for a fun and relaxing fall getaway. International Falls, Minnesota is located on the Rainy River, across the way from the Canadian side. Enjoy some of the best fishing and fall foliage in the world in a small town that is known for its record low temperatures and early snowfalls. Woody's Resort offers rental condos with all of the amenities one would need and Woody is available for guided fishing tours or tips on hunting spots. Snowmobiling, ATV riding and hiking are also popular activities in this beautiful corner of the world. International Falls is also a high traffic hub for birds traveling south for the winter; over 300 species of birds have been spotted during the fall season.
Dakotah Lodge
3200 W. Russell St.
Sioux Falls, SD 57107
(605) 332-2000
www.dakotahlodge.com
A jaunt across western state lines brings a Minnesotan to the Mount Rushmore State of South Dakota. Sioux Falls lies just beyond the border and makes a great fall getaway. The Dakotah Lodge is a beautiful and affordable hotel with a location perfect for seeing all of the great sites of Sioux Falls. The best attraction in Sioux Falls is the beautiful Falls Park where the namesake of the city lies. The falls are an amazing and picturesque site surrounded by a recreational greenway and miles of outdoor trails. Tour the historical mill or just enjoy the fall season on the Midwestern plains.
Related: Best Scenic Highways In Minnesota
Andrea Wodele is a freelance writer who has lived in the Twin Cities for eight years. She loves covering all things Minnesota and her work can be found on Examiner.com.
