Sometimes, a couple must escape, recharge their romance, and reconnect. There's no better place to do that than at the right relaxing hotel or resort. In Minnesota, you're lucky to visit many places for lovers to rekindle a spark, celebrate an anniversary, or simply get some R&R. Here are the favorite places to get cozy!
Widely considered the “most romantic” resort in Minnesota, Bluefin Bay does not disappoint. Bluefin Bay is nestled against a cove in the historic fishing village of Tofte and is built mere feet from the Lake Superior shoreline. Lakeview suites see nothing but blue water for miles. Add a hot tub and you may not find reason to leave your room. For those who do choose to venture out, some of the state’s best hiking and skiing is just minutes away.
The Nicollet Island Inn is a gorgeous stone structure on an island in the Mississippi River, between Downtown Minneapolis and the city’s historic St. Anthony neighborhood. Romantic suites appointed with antiques, a sumptuous, award-winning restaurant, and an easy stroll to the cobbled Main Street district make the Nicollet Island Inn an ideal urban retreat.
Couples looking for a smalltown feel close to the big city need only head over to Stillwater, Minnesota’s first city, and the century-old Water Street Inn. Rooms that overlook the St. Croix River and its bluffs, as well as an historic downtown that’s chock-full of antiques, shopping, and dining will invigorate and inspire. Why not take a romantic ride in Minnesota’s only Venetian-style gondola?
The granddaddy of grand hotels in Minnesota, the Saint Paul Hotel is synonymous with romance in the heart of the capitol city. The hotel is located directly on Irvine Park, across from the Landmark Center and the Ordway Theater, and happens to house one of the city’s best restaurants. Nightlife, museums, performance venues, and professional sports are all within unhurried strollling distance of the Saint Paul Hotel.
Willows on the River stands directly on the shoreline of Lake Pepin. The condo suites in this resort all have fireplaces and floor-to-ceiling windows with sweeping views of Pepin and the bluffs that rise above it. Couples with boats can use the resort's docks and enjoy a lazy time on the big river.
Larsmont is just south of Two Harbors on the shore of Lake Superior, but it may as well be on Nantucket. This collection of clapboard cottages and villas is strung out on long a picturesque stretch of wave-swept shoreline. Lazy strolls, lakefront dining, and bonfires with red wine, s’mores, and stars make Larsmont a perfect couple’s retreat.
When folks say “quaint” in Minnesota, they pretty much mean Lanesboro. This village in the Root River valley boasts antiquing, cozy dining, trout fishing, and cycling along one of the state’s most popular and scenic trails. The Stone Mill Hotel and Suites is centrally-located amidst it all and is all the more romantic because of its historic, restored-mill setting.
Tucked onto Duluth’s harbor, adjacent to the ship canal and historic lift bridge, the South Pier Inn is perfect for couples who appreciate the nautical. The Inn feels like its own little world, but is only a short walk from the bustle, dining, and nightlife of Canal Park. Not feeling like being in a crowded place? Then walk across the street and take a stroll on the miles-long strand of Park Point Beach.
Giant’s Ridge, one of the state’s most popular golf and ski resorts, is also a great place for couples to unplug and simply enjoy one another. Whether it’s a long hike, a paddle on a nearby lake, a couples spa treatment, or simply kicking back on the deck of your suite, you’re sure to find romance on the Iron Range. Skiing couples can enjoy the privacy of the ski-in, ski-out villas in wintertime.
