How to spend a long weekend full of romance and nature in Minnesota

With its vast natural beauty and decidedly queer-friendly vibe, the state of Minnesota is a fabulous place to plan a long weekend filled with romance and exciting activities in picturesque settings.

Minnesota is a paradise for nature lovers. The state boasts 11,842 lakes, endless forests, and dramatic bluffs, all providing outdoor activities and romantic quality time.

And never worry: you’re never far from queer life. 

Minnesota is a welcoming state, whether you’re with your significant other or creating new memories with a friend or two. Either way, Minnesota offers all the ingredients for a relaxed, nature-oriented long weekend far removed from the crowds but also accessible to them when you want to socialize. 

The state’s easily accessible natural attractions and nature-based activities make it possible to combine outdoor fun with a sophisticated arts and culture scene — all in a welcoming environment where LGBTQ+ travelers are not just welcomed but celebrated. 

GayCities came up with a romantic itinerary of top choices for creating a multifaceted long weekend in Minnesota, with a plethora of noteworthy natural sites, cultural venues, and queer nightlife.  

Enjoy queer life in Minneapolis/St. Paul

The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul offer lots of big-city excitement — including vibrant nightlife. That means you can have cocktails at a gay bar in the evening and then explore the region’s nature-based attractions the next day. 

Queer nightclubs in downtown include The Saloon and the massive Gay 90s, while at the Eagle MPLS, you can sip your favorite beverage and order from a menu of casual fare. Then there is the more intimate Lush Lounge & Theater for a more low-key evening.

Check out the schedule for Flip Phone Events, which stages drag brunches, parties, and shows in Minneapolis and St. Paul. 

Twin Cities Pride is the nation’s third-largest free pride festival and one of the most festive ways to connect with local life. With events taking place throughout June, Pride comes to a head with a festival on the last weekend (June 29-30, 2024) and a celebratory parade (June 30, 2024). 

Explore World-Class Arts

Minneapolis is a cultural hotspot, and some attractions even incorporate the great outdoors.

The Walker Art Center is home to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, an 11-acre, open-air space with more than 40 works of art on display (open from 6 am to midnight).

Through May 19, 2024, the Walker is hosting an exhibit of the New Eagle Creek Saloon, Oakland-based artist Sadie Barnette’s creative reimagining of her father’s New Eagle Creek Saloon, the first black-owned gay bar in San Francisco. On Thursday nights, it is serving cocktails, befitting the bar’s lineage.

Public art and murals provide more opportunities to appreciate art outdoors. The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board has teamed up with the City of Minneapolis to create interactive maps and self-guided tours online.

For live theater, check out the schedule at the Guthrie Theater, which stages various works (Little Shop of Horrors is slated for June 22-August 18).

Discover nature near the city

You don’t even have to leave Minneapolis to appreciate the region’s natural beauty. And you can enjoy it by bike, with the area boasting multiple biking trails. And when you work up a hunger, check out the food and beverage attractions.

Among the most popular natural sites in the city is Minnehaha Falls, an Insta-worthy, 53-foot waterfall at the 193-acre Minnehaha Park. And don’t forget Sea Salt, a great spot for an outdoor lunch or dinner.

In St. Paul (and conveniently close to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport) is Fort Snelling State Park, where cycling, fishing, and cross-country skiing (in the winter months) are among the big draws. 

Less than 50 miles from Minneapolis, the Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park, offers still more outdoor activities.

The 1,200-acre park contains four lakes, 4 miles of hiking trails, 14 miles of mountain bike trails, and — in the winter — groomed trails for cross-country skiing. 

Chain of Lakes Regional Park

Enjoy the chill vibes of the heart of the state

Looking for something with a slower pace and a quieter, introspective vibe?

Central Minnesota is rich in natural beauty featuring opportunities for planning a romantic getaway or mini-vacation with friends. The upscale Nature Link Resort, located in the town of Nisswa, about 145 miles from Minneapolis, has stylish cabins and hotel suites that are ideal for romance, as well as amenities like a sauna, bonfire pits, and the free use of kayaks for paddling around Clark Lake, bicycles during the warmer months and snowshoes during the winter months. 

Among the region’s natural attractions is the Paul Bunyan State Trail, located near the entrance of Nature Link.

At 115 miles, it is the longest state trail in Minnesota. Its forests, lakes, and wetlands provide attractive backdrops for biking, in-line skating, mountain biking, and snowmobiling. And since the trail runs from Crow Wing State Park to Lake Bemidji State Park, it serves as a natural route for deeper explorations of central Minnesota’s natural beauty. 

Stargaze in the north, zipline in the south

There’s still more to discover when you venture further into the state. In northeastern Minnesota, for example, the Superior Hiking Trail is a 310-mile route that runs through seven state parks along Lake Superior. And it’s only a two-hour plus drive from Minneapolis.

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, meanwhile, is home to an International Dark Sky Sanctuary —recognized by the International Dark Sky Places Program — that offers excellent stargazing opportunities. 

In Southern Minnesota, you can test your skills by climbing quartzite cliffs at Blue Mounds State Park or zip lining at the Kerfoot Canopy Tour, which features 14 lines and more than a mile of routes.

You and your traveling companion can reward your hard work later with a visit to one of the region’s wineries. Cannon River Winery, located in the town of Cannon Falls, hosts tastings of local varietals and also features a “Bitchin’ Kitchen” food menu that celebrates “spirited” women by naming dishes after them.

The Lady Gaga (grilled naan topped with garlic, Italian seasoning, and creamy mozzarella cheese) and the Betty White (a grilled chicken sandwich topped with lettuce, onion, and honey mustard) are likely to be especially tempting for hungry travelers.

From urban queer nightlife to gourmet dining to rich arts & culture, all enjoyed in or near the great outdoors, Minnesota has it all.

To start planning your trip, find travel guides, itineraries, and more at exploreminnesota.com. Follow Explore Minnesota on Instagram, TikTok, Threads, Facebook, and YouTube.