Trip Ideas

If you need a personalized itinerary for your trip, simply contact us at Minnestay and we can help you out. We’re very familiar with the area and its attractions, so we can offer ideas that will suit the interests and needs of your family. If you have any unique requirements, we can take them into consideration and help ensure your trip to Minneapolis is a great one.

Science Museum of Minnesota logo.

Above the Falls Sports Tours

Welcome to Above The Falls Sports. We promote recreation in the Mississippi River Valley and share the beauty of this river and of Minneapolis with you from the unique perspective of paddling a kayak on the river. Our tours are perfect for birthdays, bachelor/ette parties, corporate events, and much more!!

Mill City Museum logo.

Afton State Park

Trails traverse remnant and restored prairies, wind down deep ravines and rise up to the grassy ridgetops and bluffs overlooking the scenic St. Croix River. The trails are perfect for hikers, horseback riders and cross-country skiers. The park offers visitors a swimming beach, backpack campsites and a visitor center with interpretive displays.

Minneapolis Institute of Art

City of Stillwater

Experience the natural beauty of the St. Croix River, bluffs, and historic architecture through tours on foot, by bike, boat, segway, or Bicycle. Try skiing, golf, spas, kayaking, art galleries, sightseeing, or discover the 100+ independently owned boutiques, antique shops, spas, restaurants, pubs, and specialty shops along historic main street.

American Swedish Institute logo.

Interstate State Park- Taylors Falls

There is so much to do at Interstate State Park,located on the beautiful St. Croix River. Visitors can climb the cliffs of the St. Croix River Dalles, canoe the flat-water, watch kayakers rush through the rapids, or relax on an excursion boat.

Bakken Museum Logo.

Itasca State Park

Established in 1891, Itasca is Minnesota’s oldest state park. Today, the park totals more than 32,000 acres and includes more than 100 lakes. Walk across the mighty Mississippi as it starts its winding journey 2,552 miles to the Gulf of Mexico.

Jeffers Petroglyphs Historic Site logo.

Jeffers Petroglyphs

Amid the prairie grasses are islands of uncovered rock, where American Indian ancestors left carvings — petroglyphs — humans, deer, elk, buffalo, turtles, thunderbirds, atlatls and arrows. They tell a story that spans more than 7,000 years.

Beach with inflatable rafts.

Bde Maka Ska Park

Amendities include Archery, beach, biking path, boat dock, fishing pier, picnic area, soccer field, softball field, volleyball court, walking path, and a well.

Hennepin History Museum logo.

Lake Harriet

Amendities include: bandstand, beach, bike path, boat dock, fountains, fishing pier, garden, picnic area, playground, walking path, water pump.

Historic Fort Snelling Logo.

Minnehaha Falls

Amendities include: Bandstand, bike path, fountains, disc golf, garden, picnic area, playground, public art, volleyball court, wading pool, walking path

Minnesota Streetcar Museum logo.

Padelford Riverboats

Narrated public excursions depart from Harriet Island in St. Paul. The historically narrated public sightseeing excursions run 1 1/2 hours.Sights along the way include: the St. Paul High Bridge, Pig’s Eye’s Cave, the Minnesota River mouth, Pike Island, and the timeless splendor of the mighty Mississippi River.

James J Hill House logo.

St. Croix Boat & Packet Co

Create lasting memories…experience the beauty of this National Parkway, the scenic St. Croix River.  All public cruise prices include a delightful lunch or dinner.   Dixieland “Jazz Me” foot tapping music is yours to enjoy on Saturday night and Sunday 1:30pm and 4:30pm cruises.

St Paul Cathedral at sunset.

SteamBoat Minnehaha

The Minnehaha provided fast and reliable transportation for the tourists and residents of Lake Minnetonka for nearly twenty years. Finally, after a complete restoration, the Minnehaha returned to passenger service in 1996 and has operated on Lake Minnetonka every season since.

Minnesota Streetcar Museum logo.

Como-Harriet Streetcar Line

The Minnesota Streetcar Museum focuses on the preservation of Minnesota’s electric railway history by acquiring, restoring, maintaining, and operating a fleet of eight historic Minnesota streetcars at the Como-Harriet Streetcar Line in Minneapolis and the Excelsior Streetcar Line in Excelsior.

Minnesota Streetcar Museum

Excelsior Streetcar Line

Welcome to the Excelsior Streetcar Line! Step back to the days when the streetcar was king – when Twin Citians went to work, to school, and to play by trolley!

Museum of Russian Art logo.

Village of Red Wing

Welcome to one of the most unique and charming places to visit along the Mississippi River. From our beautiful bluffs, abundance of outdoor activities, historic sites and world famous boots and pottery, Red Wing offers a one-of-a-kind getaway.

Museum of Russian Art logo.

Wilderness Inquiry- Mississippi River Day Canoe Trip

Wilderness Inquiry’s Mississippi River day trips paddle 24-foot cedar strip voyageur canoes through the heart of the Twin Cities Metro Area.

Gooseberry Falls

Gooseberry Falls

Nestled on the North Shore of Lake Superior, this nearly 100-year-old state park offers fantastic hiking trails and secluded camping areas. The park surrounds the mouth of the Gooseberry River and includes Upper, Middle and Lower Gooseberry Falls.

Split Rock Lighthouse logo.

Split Rock Lighthouse

After an infamous November gale wrecked 25 ships in 1905, this rugged landmark was constructed to preserve inland fleets along the North Shore of Lake Superior. With year-round activities and many adjacent state parks and trails, this is a fantastic stop to include in any northerly family getaway.