They don't call Minnesota the Land of 10,000 Lakes for nothing. In fact, they're actually underselling it – the state has almost 12,000. First-timers shouldn't miss a night or two in the Twin Cities and when you've had your fill of the glitz and glam, leave your cellphone behind and head off into the wilderness to spend nights under the stars and get down to some serious wildlife watching. There are few things as pleasing as watching a graceful bald eagle sweep over the treetops, or hopping in a kayak to feel the cool breeze off the lakes.
The "Twin Cities" of Minneapolis and St Paul are the state's capitals of cool. While both are fascinating, they are distinctly different. If you book a Minnesota vacation rental in Minneapolis, you'll find the hustle and bustle similar to that of any of the big cities, while downstream Saint Paul feels older and arguably more charming. Either way, you're not going to be far from the cities' art centers, the next trendy new eatery, or a top night-life spot. If you want to party like it's 1999, visit Paisley Park, the former 65,000-square-foot home of Prince, which opened to the public after his death in 2016.
Whether you've dropped into a Minnesota vacation rental in one of the big cities or out in the countryside, it's impossible to be bored. Your days in Minneapolis can be whiled away – along with your cash – by indulging in some serious retail therapy, or catching the latest production at one of the theaters. Minnesota takes brewing and distilling seriously and if you like a drop of Grandpa's old cough medicine, a tour and tasting is never wasted time. Outside of Minneapolis' skyline, the great outdoors and all its possibilities for activities like hiking await.
Summer marks the peak season in the state. Families begin to escape the big cities by scoring Minnesota vacation rentals along the lake shores. The sunny months of June to August see the highest number of events and festivities, with everything from food festivals to outdoor concerts. Late spring and early fall sees a dip in the rental prices and with the weather still balmy, it's a great time to go while avoiding the crowds. As winter creeps in, so do the flurries of snow that carpet the state, opening up a whole new range of outdoor activities.
Wildlife lovers are spoiled for choice in Minnesota, particularly towards the north, where packs of wolves still roam free and howl at night, meandering moose saunter along the edge of lakes and through the marshlands, while black bears amble around in the woodland. Look up past treetops to the skies and you'll likely spot any number of the 300 recorded species of birdlife, the highlight for most being sightings of majestic bald eagles and the haunting calls of the great gray owl. The lakes and waterways are brimming with catfish, bass and walleye – just remember to bring your rod.
Fly into Brainerd, MN (BRD-Brainerd Lakes Regional), the closest airport, located 34.9 mi (56.1 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that works for your travel itinerary, you could book a flight to Bemidji, MN (BJI-Bemidji Regional), which is 55 mi (88.4 km) away.
If you're traveling by train, Staples Station, Detroit Lakes Station and St. Cloud Station are the main stations in the city. You can get around Minnesota by jumping on the metro at Royalston Station, Target Field Station or Bassett Creek Valley Station.
Minnesota has a unique cuisine that combines local influences with German and Scandinavian heritage. Wild rice, serviceberry, chokecherry, hazelnuts, and fresh fish are common, as well as ethnic food traditions like lefse, lutefisk, rosettes, gravlax, lingonberries, and sauerkraut. If you want to experience the culinary tradition of Minnesota, visit a restaurant, eatery, or food fair near your Minnesota vacation accommodation.
Minnesota has an array of kid-friendly attractions to explore with the kids. Vacation homes can be found near places like the Mall of America, a huge shopping complex with hundreds of stores and restaurants, a theme park, a theater, and an aquarium, and The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, a vast nature preserve with hiking trails, canoe routes, and campsites in a diverse landscape. You'll also like Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, a picturesque zoo with global wildlife, kid-friendly attractions, and botanical gardens.
Often set in secluded natural locations, log cabins offer a cozy retreat from the fast pace of life. If you're ready to switch off and take a break, have a look at these log cabins to rent in Minnesota:
While long vacations are amazing, there's something undeniably lovely about escaping for a weekend getaway. These properties in Minnesota are perfect for just that:
Studio apartments may be smaller in size, but it's tough to beat their accessible locations and modest price tags. Whether you're traveling solo or there's just the two of you, consider booking one of these cozy studio apartments in Minnesota:
Book yourself an inexpensive cabin or splash out on a premium apartment. Vrbo has no shortage of short-term rentals to suit your budget in Minnesota. Take a look at these options for some inspiration:
Whether you've been an item for a few months, a decade or forever, nothing beats a romantic weekend getaway to keep passions burning. If you're looking for somewhere dreamy to spend a couple of days with your favorite person, you'll be enamored with these escapes:
If you're planning a getaway to remember, don't go it alone; bring the whole crew along. It's always more fun to share the experience with the people you love. These vacation rentals in Minnesota are ideal for larger groups:
Whether you're organizing a vacation with friends and family, a big birthday bash or even a wedding, we'll help you find a space to fit your group. Gather your nearest and dearest and compare these large vacation rentals in Minnesota:
There's no shortage of houses with a pool in Minnesota, so slip on your swimsuit and get ready to spend your days bobbing around in the water. Here are some top-rated options to get you inspired:
Perhaps you're organizing a getaway to celebrate a special occasion, or reuniting with all the cousins you haven't seen in years. Whatever the reason, you're going to want lots of space. One of these large family vacation rentals in Minnesota might be exactly what you're after:
Toast some s'mores and enjoy a round of cards. These cabins in Minnesota are ideal bases to spend some quality family time:
For more options, use the search bar at the top of the page and adjust the filters to find the Minnesota vacation rental that's perfect for your needs.