12 Best Honeymoon Destinations in Minnesota

Looking for the best honeymoon destinations in Minnesota? No matter where you are in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, there’s a romantic spot to enjoy a memorable getaway with your significant other.

Urbanites unable to part with creature comforts can stick to the twin cities for a decadent meal in a moody restaurant, a soak in a hot tub at a luxurious resort, or listening to live music at any of the region’s famous watering holes.

Couples looking to get away from the crowd can escape to several far-flung destinations that promise a more intimate date, from the rustic lodges of Lake Shore to the quaint cabins of Ely and the honeymoon resorts of Lake Superior. 

Here are the best honeymoon destinations in Minnesota selected according to both reviews and popularity. 

Best Honeymoon Destinations in Minnesota

1. Bluefin Bay Resort

Address: 7192 West Highway 61, Tofte, MN

Experience the best of Minnesota’s North Shore at Bluefin Bay,  one of the best Minnesota honeymoon resorts on Lake Superior. When close to the quiet waters of Lake Superior, honeymoons are just more memorable.

When you walk in, you’ll get the impression that the resort was designed specifically for newlyweds. In-suite fireplaces, jacuzzi tubs, and spectacular vistas of the world’s biggest freshwater lake are just a few of the amenities available.

Once you’ve had your fill of cuddling indoors, enjoy the year-round playground that is the Lutsen-Tofte area, situated against the background of the Sawtooth Mountains and surrounded by the Superior National Forest.

Pillow-top mattresses, jacuzzis, and spectacular views of the Sawtooth Mountains and Lake Superior are available in one or two-bedroom guest rooms and suites.

For more space and lavish amenities, book a ground-level or second-story studio condominium which features a fully equipped kitchen, living and dining areas, flat-screen TVs, wood-burning fireplaces, and balconies or walkout decks.

Hotel amenities include a signature outdoor heated pool and hot tub overlooking the lake, an indoor pool and whirlpool, two saunas, and a beautiful moonlit lake walk excellent for wandering around with your spouse.

See Related: 13 Best Cabin Rentals on Lake Superior

2. St. James Hotel

Address: 406 Main St, Red Wing, MN 55066

The St. James Hotel was erected in 1875 at Red Wing, which was once the world’s biggest wheat trading market. The 19th-century charm of this romantic getaway in Minnesota is still beautifully preserved while offering the modern amenities of today, making it one of the most romantic destinations in Minnesota. 

Inside, the hotel features renowned shops and dining establishments, but if these do not suffice, you’ll find plenty of options within walking distance in the Downtown Main Street District.

The 67 lovely guestrooms of the St. James Hotel feature Victorian antique design while still being peppered with several modern amenities.

Guests may pick from a variety of room sizes, ranging from Standard Queen to Deluxe Double Full, each having its own shape, size, and design. Couples will particularly enjoy any of the hotel’s whirlpool rooms which feature heated whirlpool tubs.

Worn out from exploring the area? Book a treatment at the Refined Skin Medi-Spa, which provides a vast selection of soothing spa services and medical treatments, or schedule a date at one of the hotel’s famous restaurants.

Scarlet Kitchen & Bar is the only spot in Red Wing where customers can savor a wide range of sophisticated, New Age American food while admiring the Mississippi River‘s spectacular vistas.

The Port, on the other hand, offers one of Red Wing’s greatest dining experiences, with an award-winning chef serving seasonal delicacies weekly.

3. Lost Lake Lodge

Address: 7965 Lost Lake Rd, Brainerd Lakes Area, Nisswa, MN 56468

Lost Lake Lodge has been providing visitors with outstanding meals and serene tranquility on 80 acres of forests, lakes, and wildlife for over 70 years.

Enjoy your honeymoon on the 9,000-acre Gull Lake Chain and Lost Lake, which are both located in a serene, forested environment. It’s an oasis for couples who value seclusion, natural sights, and the best in food and wine.

This hidden gem is conveniently located near all of Nisswa’s attractions including Brainerd International Raceway, downtown Nisswa Shopping, and Gull Lake.

The lodge’s cabins feature wood-burning fireplaces, luxurious mattresses and linens, and air conditioning while being surrounded by trees and bodies of water. Guests are provided with towels, bedding, amenities, and firewood.

Outdoor games such as volleyball, ping-pong, basketball, tetherball, and bicycles are available as complementary facilities. Rentals are offered for fishing boats, power boats, pontoons, and paddleboards. The lodge also offers two private hiking trails that surround the on-side Indian Burial Grounds and Lost Lake.

The lodge’s on-site restaurant uses only the best and freshest products to suit all palates. Everything in the kitchen, from the bread and sauces, is cooked from scratch every day. 

A four-course dinner includes everything from freshly baked bread to delectable entrees that will appeal to the most discerning gourmands.

See Related: Best Things to Do in Willmar, Minnesota

4. The Foshay

Address: 821 S Marquette Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55402

At The Foshay, one of the best hotels in Minneapolis, you can spend your honeymoon in style. The Foshay, like other W hotels, focuses on elegant, contemporary accommodations.  This hotel, however, is unique: it is situated in the Foshay Tower which was erected in 1929 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The hotel is renowned for its design that blends both old and modern.

The Foshay offers stunning 360-degree views of the city from the 30th-floor Observation Deck, as well as exceptional gastronomy from its hotel restaurants.

It also boasts close proximity to the city’s most recognized attractions, including US Bank Stadium, Target Field, Minneapolis Convention Center, and the Orchestra Hall. The hotel’s guest rooms include vibrant color schemes and high-end amenities such as media libraries, flat-screen TVs, and Bliss bath products.

The Living Room Bar features a one-of-a-kind décor, handmade drinks, and rhythms from Minneapolis’ top DJs. While sipping a drink, interact with the locals!

Manny’s Steakhouse, one of America’s top 10 steakhouses, offers award-winning dining for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch. From the hotel’s 27th level, relax at Prohibition Bar, which serves creative drinks and has magnificent views of downtown Minneapolis.

Like what you are hearing? Check out these best things to do in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

5. Hyatt Centric Downtown Minneapolis

Address: 208 S 7th St, Minneapolis, MN 55402

Hyatt Centric Downtown Minneapolis, formerly known as the Grand Hotel Minneapolis, is a terrific destination to spend a romantic getaway if you’re a couple that can’t get enough of city life. The prestigious hotel, with its 140 well-furnished rooms, is an upscale accommodation in the center of the downtown business sector.

The Life Time Athletic Club, the hotel’s most popular feature, is adjacent to the hotel and offers visitors access to an indoor lap pool, a jogging track, an aerobics studio, and various athletic courts. This AAA Four-Diamond hotel has been awarded one of the “500 Best Hotels in the World” by Travel & Leisure.

Hyatt Centric Downtown Minneapolis with a muted color palette and lots of modern art, the Grand Hotel’s 140 rooms and suites offer a classy ambiance. Sleigh-style or four-poster beds are among the traditional wood furniture in several of the rooms.

Each room includes a work desk complete with an ergonomic chair, while most feature beautiful leather armchairs with footstools. Flat-screen TVs, iPod docking, and honor bars are also commonplace.

Rare Steak & Sushi provides its eponymous steaks and sushi, as well as an extensive wine selection and more casual dishes like sandwiches and burgers. For a nightcap, head to the SIX15 Room, which has a broad range of house wines, draft beers, and pizzas.

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6. Birch Forest Lodge

Address: 4442 Birch Forest Rd, Orr, MN 55771

Being surrounded by nature conjures up feelings of romance like nothing else. The Birch Forest Lodge has a lot to offer if you’re seeking a lakeside retreat. This top-notch lodge, located on the picturesque Pelican Lake in Western Minnesota, provides an idyllic retreat for love birds. 

The resort has 12 cottages ranging in size from one to two bedrooms, all situated along 1000 feet of beautiful lakeshore. The majority of these cottages have just been remodeled and are in excellent condition. The layout, proximity to the lake, and history of each cabin are all unique.

The wooden cabins have a comfortable, lodge-like feel to them, as you’d expect in Northern Minnesota. Some of the cabins have a contemporary design with a dishwasher, while others have a more traditional design. Guests staying in any of the cottages have free access to kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards to use on the lake.

The lodge is a paradise for the active with its wonderful swimming beach with volleyball, a huge playground, a lodge gaming room, paddle boats, canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and spectacular sunsets. Pelican Lake also has excellent fishing. Rent a pontoon or a boat and watch the beautiful sunsets above the water! 

See Related: Top Cheap Honeymoon Ideas for Couples

7. Grand Ely Lodge

Address: 400 N Pioneer Rd, Ely, MN 55731

At the Grand Ely Lodge, couples can forget the stress of daily life and immerse themselves in the serenity of nature. This tranquil destination among the mountains and lakes on Canada’s border is a popular honeymoon vacation in Minnesota. The ambiance and amenities are sure to incite romance and focus your attention back on your loved one.

The Grand Ely Lodge takes pride in being a year-round destination. The gorgeous colors of the surrounding foliage will greet you when you book during the fall. To obtain the greatest views, hike among its trails! 

The Grand Ely Lodge has a lot of activities in store to make your honeymoon more memorable. Visit during the winter and rent a snowmobile or go cross-country skiing, dog sledding, snowshoeing, ice fishing, and even hiking. 

Couples can enjoy golf and birdwatching in the spring. When summer arrives, there’s a variety of water activities to enjoy including boating, fishing, and kayaking.

Couples have a variety of accommodations to choose from, including extra-large two-room suites, a family-friendly one-room suite complete with bunk beds, roomy single king, two queen, and whirlpool rooms.

Amenities include flat-screen TVs, mini-refrigerators, coffee makers, microwaves, hairdryers, and complimentary wi-fi. Guests get access to an indoor pool, whirlpool, and sauna.

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8. Water Street Inn

Address: 101 Water St S, Stillwater, MN 55082

The beautiful Water Street Inn in downtown Stillwater, Minnesota will undoubtedly provide you and your loved one with a fanciful view of the past while still providing modern comforts and amenities.

As Stillwater’s only waterfront hotel, the accommodation offers the best access to the area’s water activities. This all-suite condominium hotel has all of the conveniences of home, including a fireplace, kitchen, a private beach, and breathtaking sunsets.

The suites in Wall Street Inn are all one-bedroom units featuring a King or Queen bed in the bedroom and a sleeper couch in the living room.

Each unit is individually arranged to cater to people with varying tastes and has its own patio or balcony with spectacular views of Lake Charlevoix. Activities abound, most of which honeymooners are sure to enjoy.

Cross-country skiing, swimming, boating, kayaking, fishing, snowmobiling, and other outdoor sports are all popular on Lake Charlevoix’s shoreline.

Honeymooners may book a romantic getaway package on Lake Charlevoix that includes their own private condo. Beautifully placed red roses, a romantic meal for two, and a suite draped in rose petals and swans are all included in the package.

9. The Alexander Mansion

Address: 274 E Broadway St, Winona, MN 55987

Sit in the lap of luxury in one of the most gorgeous Minnesota honeymoon destinations. The Alexander Mansion, formerly home to Winona’s nobility, has been restored to its former glory with meticulous attention to historic detail. 

While providing modern-day luxury, convenience, and amenities, the bed and breakfast house honors how it once was to live luxuriously along the Mississippi River.

Each of the five guest rooms at the Alexander Mansion Bed & Breakfast has European-quality linens, a private bath, and beautiful decor with period antiques that tell the narrative of each room’s previous owners.

The D.C. Alexander Suite, for example, features a Renaissance Revival canopied king-sized bed and has an ancient fireplace, a window seat with spectacular views of the gardens, and a historical soaking tub with a shower.

The Maude King Alexander Suite amps up the luxurious ambiance with a queen-sized antique canopied bed and a hand-carved period fireplace. Imagine sipping tea in the spacious Victorian sitting space!

Fresh, local cuisine is prepared and presented in four to five gourmet courses for breakfast. Each morning while staying at the Alexander, enjoy a delectable gourmet breakfast in the mansion’s beautiful dining room.

You and your loved one will sit down to a lavish set-up with the scent of coffee drifting through the air.

See Related: Best Things to do in Winona, Minnesota

10. Larsmont Cottages

Address: 596 Larsmont Way, Two Harbors, MN 55616

Larsmont Cottages will not disappoint if you’re seeking Minnesota experiences that seem tailor-made for a romantic getaway.  These North Shore cottages are hidden in 40 acres of private woodlands south of Two Harbors with 1,300 feet of Lake Superior oceanfront. The setup is beautifully inspired by traditional Scandinavian fishing communities.

The stunning interior design of the accommodation’s well-crafted cottages highlights the unique attributes of Lake Superior’s spectacular shoreline.

Active couples looking to break a sweat have several activities to choose from: hiking, biking, paddling, fishing, skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, and shopping are available near Larsmont Cottages. Alternatively, there are plenty of reasons to stay in your cottage! There’s a heated indoor pool, a year-round outdoor whirlpool, and a traditional, wood-fired Finnish Sauna.

The main lodge features a covered porch, a romantic wood fireplace, a full-service bar and restaurant, a library, and welcoming areas for big and small events. Choose from one to three-bedroom cottages and guest rooms with common amenities that include stunning lake views, a balcony or patio, full kitchens, free wi-fi, and a grill.

Looking to unwind after a day of outdoor activities? The Water’s Edge Massage Cottage provides numerous massages to loosen knotted muscles. Or you can just relax in the outdoor, all-season whirlpool tub or destress in an authentic Finnish sauna.

Ledge Rock Grille’s chef-inspired cuisine and amazing collection of exquisite wines and beverages draw visitors and residents alike to Larsmont!

11. Cragun’s Resort

Address: 11000 Craguns Dr, Brainerd, MN

Looking for the best couple destinations in Minnesota? All holidays feel like a romantic retreat at Cragun’s Resort on Gull Lake. This beachside resort in Brainerd offers beautiful woodlands, charming cottages, and sandy beaches.

Couples can stay in a lakeside cottage or a lakeside lodge room with a balcony overlooking Gull Lake. The indoor pool is visible from the poolside lodge rooms.

Couples will enjoy the Whirlpool Suite in particular. These suites have one king bed, a balcony with views of Gull Lake, a table & chairs, a gas fireplace, a whirlpool tub for two people, and a small kitchen with a refrigerator, coffee maker, and microwave.

Aside from the typical fishing, boating, and snowshoeing, Cragun’s Resort provides a Romantic Getaway Package to incite romance in your honeymoon vacation.

This package includes two nights in a lake-view fireplace room, breakfast, a free dinner with wine, a horse-drawn trolley ride, and a campfire with a marshmallow roast.

The resort has five restaurants that provide everything from sandwiches to pan-friend walleye and slow-roasted prime rib, lakeside dining, or golf course dinners.

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