Ideal for first-time visitors to Minnesota, this remarkable sixteen-night journey seamlessly blends vibrant cities with small-town charm. You will explore all that Minnesota has to offer, from the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul to the shores of Lake Superior, and from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness to the Amish Community in the South. Whatever your interests may be, this itinerary is sure to be the perfect fit for you.
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Depart the UK on your chosen scheduled flight to Minneapolis. Upon arrival, collect your rental car and make your way to the Canopy by Hilton Hotel in Minneapolis Mill District, where you will spend the first three nights of your adventure.
Canopy by Hilton, Minneapolis Mill DistrictThe next two days allow you to explore the vibrant Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul at your leisure. Both cities are rich in cultural experiences, featuring a diverse array of world-class museums, art galleries, and live performance venues. In addition to their thriving arts scene, Minneapolis and St. Paul are known for their distinct culinary offerings, where innovative dining options and local flavours converge to create a unique gastronomic experience.
Canopy by Hilton, Minneapolis Mill DistrictToday you will hit the road and head to Northeast Minnesota and the city of Bemidji, your base for the next two nights. En route, we recommend a stop in Alexandria, a city rich in history and culture. Here, you can visit one of its many museums, such as the Legacy of the Lakes Museum or the Runestone Museum, each offering unique insights into the region’s heritage. Literature enthusiasts may also wish to visit Sauk Centre, home to renowned novelist Sinclair Lewis, where you can explore his boyhood residence. Upon your arrival in Bemidji, keep an eye out for Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox, the towering icons are a great photo opportunity. The evening is yours to enjoy and explore at your leisure.
Today we have given you a full day to explore the magnificent Itasca State Park. Spanning over 32,000 acres, the park is most famous for being the site of the headwaters of the Mississippi River, where the iconic river begins its 2,340-mile journey to the Gulf of Mexico. This historically significant landmark attracts visitors from across the world, offering the unique experience of walking across the river at its narrow and shallow point. The park offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, boating, and bird-watching, with popular trails such as Wilderness Drive and Aiton Heights Fire Tower offering scenic views.
The next stop on this remarkable journey is Northwest Minnesota, as you travel across the state to International Falls, where you will stay for the next two nights. While the drive only takes approximately two hours, we suggest taking a scenic detour through Grand Rapids to explore this beautiful and culturally rich region of Minnesota. An excellent opportunity to experience more of the area’s natural beauty and local attractions before continuing on to International Falls. International Falls is a key gateway to outdoor recreation and natural beauty. Known as the “Icebox of the Nation” for its notably cold winters, the city also serves as a primary access point to Voyageurs National Park.
AmericInn by Wyndham International FallsWe’d suggest a hearty breakfast, as you’ll be spending the day exploring the awe-inspiring Voyageurs National Park. This breathtaking landscape, where water covers more than one-third of its 218,000 acres, is primarily accessible by boat during much of the year, or by snowmobile in the winter. You’ll have the opportunity to discover the park’s interior through various watercraft options, navigating its four expansive lakes, the Ash River, 26 smaller interior lakes, secluded bays, hundreds of islands, and over 650 miles of scenic shoreline. With a wide range of activities available, today promises to be one of adventure and exploration in one of Minnesota’s most spectacular natural settings.
AmericInn by Wyndham International FallsYour next destination is Ely, a picturesque town often referred to as the gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and the Superior National Forest. Ely is a haven for adventurers and nature enthusiasts, offering exceptional opportunities for canoeing, hiking, and wildlife observation amidst its stunning lakes and forests. You will be staying here for the next three nights, allowing ample time to explore and fully immerse yourself in this remarkable region of Minnesota. Superior National Forest covers more than three million acres and is celebrated for its unspoiled wilderness, diverse ecosystems, and wide range of recreational activities. The forest’s extensive network of lakes, rivers, and woodlands serves as a haven for wildlife, including moose, wolves, and bald eagles.
Grand Ely Lodge Resort, ElyToday promises another day of discovery, as you have a full day to explore one of the most remote and scenic destinations in the United States: the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). Accessible primarily by canoe, this vast wilderness stretches 150 miles along the U.S.-Canada border, covering nearly one million acres and featuring over 1,100 lakes and 1,500 miles of canoe routes. Drawing more than 150,000 visitors annually, the BWCAW offers a truly immersive wilderness experience. As Minnesota’s first designated Dark Sky Sanctuary, it is also an exceptional location for stargazing and viewing the northern lights.
Grand Ely Lodge Resort, ElyThis morning begins with a decision on which route to take to your next destination, Duluth. While there are several scenic options, we recommend the route that follows the shores of Lake Superior for a more picturesque journey. On arrival, you’ll check into your hotel for a further two nights. Duluth, the birthplace of Bob Dylan, is a major shipping hub where revitalised industrial buildings now host a thriving food and beverage scene. This picturesque city, situated on the shores of Lake Superior, offers year-round excitement and a wide array of activities for visitors. Canal Park, a vibrant waterfront district, is a must-see, featuring the renowned Aerial Lift Bridge. For outdoor enthusiasts, Duluth boasts extensive recreational opportunities. The Lakewalk, a scenic trail along the lake, is perfect for walking and biking, while the nearby North Shore Scenic Drive provides stunning views of Lake Superior and access to state parks, including Gooseberry Falls and Split Rock Lighthouse.
Radisson Hotel Harborview, DuluthDeparting from northeastern Minnesota, today you will travel south to the lively town of Wabasha, situated along the Mississippi River. Along the way, we suggest a brief stop in Red Wing, where you can explore the remarkable Red Wing Shoe Museum, which highlights the city’s rich footwear legacy, and the Pottery Museum, renowned for its exceptional ceramic collections. Wabasha offers plenty to see and do, while also serving as an ideal base for exploring the surrounding region of southern Minnesota. During your two night stay in Wabasha, in addition to discovering the town’s rich history, we recommend exploring the local area and visiting nearby towns and cities such as Rochester and Harmony. Rochester is a dynamic city, internationally known as the home of the Mayo Clinic, a world-leading medical and research institution. In contrast, Harmony is a charming, small town celebrated for its Amish community and picturesque countryside. It is also home to Niagara Cave, one of the largest caves in the Midwest, featuring underground waterfalls and impressive limestone formations.
AmericInn by Wyndham, WabashaToday you will head back north as you reach your final stop on this remarkable journey, Bloomington. En route, we highly recommend planning stops in both Blue Earth and Austin both with hidden gems to discover. Blue Earth is home to the Jolly Green Giant Museum, while Austin is home to the SPAM Museum, yes that’s right SPAM! After visiting both destinations, you will arrive in Bloomington later in the evening, with ample time to explore the area and perhaps enjoy a meal.
Hyatt Regency BloomingtonYour final full day is dedicated to the impressive Mall of America, offering an opportunity for some retail therapy. We have allocated an entire day for you to explore this unique shopping and entertainment complex, trust us you’ll need the full day! This expansive mall features over 500 stores, showcasing a diverse range of retail options, including well-known brands and distinctive boutiques. In addition to shopping, visitors can enjoy attractions such as Nickelodeon Universe, an indoor theme park with exhilarating rides, and the SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium. The mall also presents a variety of dining choices, ranging from casual eateries to upscale restaurants.
Hyatt Regency BloomingtonThere’s time for some last minute shopping or sightseeing this morning before you return your rental car and check in for your flight to the UK.
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| Superior Deluxe | Among the finest the world has to offer, hotels in this category are exclusive, lavish and indulgent. Needless to say, you will enjoy the highest service levels, superb accommodation and outstanding facilities and public areas. |
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| Deluxe | This will be an outstanding hotel, offering many of the features of Superior Deluxe, though on a scale which will be a little less grand. |
| Moderate Deluxe | This will be a Deluxe standard property, although some of the accommodation and public areas may offer a less pronounced degree of luxury. In other instances, the hotel may be a famous name with a well-established reputation. |
| Superior First Class | More often than not, this will be a superior modern hotel or an older property which is exceptionally well maintained. All offer very comfortable and well-furnished accommodation and public areas. |
| First Class | A dependable and comfortable hotel with standardised rooms. These are the ideal choice for travellers who don not require deluxe facilities or special services. |
| Moderate First Class | Essentially a First Class hotel with comfortable but sometimes simple accommodations. Public areas may be limited but generally provides all the essentials a guest requires. |
| Superior Tourist Class | |
| Tourist Class | |
| Dude Ranch | |
| Resort Ranch | |
| Working Ranch |
