Winter in Minnesota is the perfect time of year to get together with loved ones , embrace old traditions , or even start some new ones . Here are just five of the many ways to make the most of this special season .
PLAN A WINTER GETAWAY
If you ’ re looking for a cozy lodge to curl up by a fireplace or a hip boutique hotel with great cocktails , you ’ re bound to find what ’ s right for you this winter . Warm up in the rooftop hot tub at Hotel Crosby in Stillwater , sip handcrafted cocktails from the on-site distillery at Cantilever just outside Voyageurs National Park , or dine in an igloo at Hotel Landing in Wayzata . Get your hygge on at Elliot Park Hotel ’ s Scandinavian inspired rooms just minutes from the excitement at U . S . Bank Stadium in downtown Minneapolis .
If cozy resorts and roaring fires are more your style , stay at Timberlake Lodge in Grand Rapids , Ruttger ’ s Birchmont Lodge in Bemidji or warm up from a day on the snow filled trails at the Lakes Inn in Pelican Rapids .
If you seek the charm of a bed and breakfast , head to Lanesboro — Minnesota ’ s “ bed and breakfast capital ” — or explore Wabasha , which has been compared to one of pop culture ’ s favorite small towns , Stars Hollow , thanks to picturesque properties like Turning Waters Bed and Breakfast . No matter where you stay , exploring a new destination and treating yourself to a relaxing getaway will break your cabin fever .
EXPLORE A NATURE CENTER
Many of Minnesota ’ s nature centers are open year-round , offering opportunities to interact with wildlife and the winter landscape . Owls are a big draw at the Agassiz Audubon Center near Thief River Falls , which documented dozens of snowy owl sightings last year in the surrounding Red River Valley .
At the International Owl Center in southeastern Minnesota , Alice the resident great horned owl is so popular that the International Festival of Owls in early March is held in conjunction with her hatch day .
Since nature centers are often surrounded by trails , they make a great starting point for snowshoeing , cross-country skiing or snowmobiling . Options include the River Bend Nature Center in Faribault ( skiing and snowmobiling ), Maplewood Nature Center ( snowshoeing ) and Hartley Nature Center in Duluth ( skiing ).
Photo by Abdiel Nieves
• Free Wi-Fi Access
• Complimentary Hot Breakfast
• Exercise Facilities
• Indoor Saltwater Pool
• Whirlpool Spa
• Lounge
• Lobby Fireplace
• Meeting / Party Room
48153 Highway 59 Pelican Rapids , MN 56572 218.863.8000 www . lakesinndunvilla . com
BOOK YOUR ROOM TODAY !
Tammy Kinsella