The Ultimate Adventure | 10 Days off the Beaten Track in Minnesota 

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Written by: Roger Fulton

Last Updated: 17 Oct 2025

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Minnesota’s appeal as a destination for thrill-seeking travellers lies in its abundant natural scenery and extensive range of outdoor adventures.

Sitting in the far American north alongside the US/Canada border, Minnesota is known as ‘The North Star State’ and boasts a wealth of scenic treasures from pristine wilderness to pine forests and hillsides and, of course, lakes and rivers.

It’s got the world’s biggest freshwater lake, Lake Superior, lapping at its doorstep and it’s also where the mighty Mississippi River begins its 2,350-mile journey through the heart of America to the sea. Every year more than 10 million outdoor enthusiasts are drawn to its one national park (Voyageurs), 64 state parks, 9 recreation areas, and 9 waysides. These parks are natural playgrounds for activities and adventures on water or on land, such as kayaking, canoeing, hiking and biking.

Naturally, you could spend months here and not see everything, but here’s the ideal 10-day itinerary to produce the perfect highlights reel of an adventure in Minnesota.

Days 1-2 | Twin Cities – Minneapolis/St. Paul

After you arrive on your direct Delta Air Lines flight from Heathrow - Delta is the only carrier to offer direct flights from London to Minneapolis - take a couple of days to explore this outdoorsy city on foot, by bike or on the water.

Minneapolis is one of the nation’s most bike-friendly cities, with trails and loops for cyclists of all levels and ages. Hire a bike and set off on The Grand Rounds Scenic Byway – a delightful stretch of biking trails winding through Minneapolis and St. Paul, along lakes and the Mississippi River, connecting more than 50 miles of off-street urban bike trails. Whether you want beautiful scenery and skyline views, historic sites and museums, or a tour of the city's trendiest neighbourhoods, it's as close to a comprehensive bike circuit as you'll find.

If on foot, take a walk along the Mississippi River trail on either the St. Paul or Minneapolis side (or be ‘bi-coastal’ and cross a bridge halfway!). You should also stroll along one of the Twin Cities’ scenic lakes and explore the striking Minnehaha Falls at Minnehaha Park, one of Minneapolis’ oldest and most popular parks.

For a very different perspective, take advantage of the many canoe and kayak rental outlets and take to the water, either on the Mississippi itself or head for one of the most popular canoeing destinations in the Twin Cities – the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes Regional Park, a 13-mile stretch of interconnected lakes. It takes about four hours to do the full circuit, as you paddle under city bridges, alongside protected wildlife refuges and near amazing cityscape views.

Tip: The best place to hire a car in Minnesota is often at the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport, as it offers numerous major rental companies like Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget, and Sixt. And it usually pays to compare prices and book online in advance to find the best deal. 

Where to stay: Minneapolis offers a range of neighbourhoods to stay in. North Loop is known for its cool vibe, and is packed with popular restaurants, craft breweries, shops, and quirkier boutique hotels, while Downtown offers easy access to major attractions, with a range of luxury high-rise hotels to more budget-friendly options. 

Day 3 | Twin Cities to Duluth 

It’s just over two hours’ drive on Interstate 35 to the northern Lake Superior port city of Duluth, your gateway to the outdoors. En route, make a stop at Jay Cooke State Park in Carlton and visit the historic 220ft suspension bridge known as the Swinging Bridge for reasons which will become clear as you start to walk across!

Duluth has plenty to offer outdoor fans. Bikers will love the Duluth Traverse - 85 miles of connected off-road bike trails - or the downhill mountain biking destination Spirit Mountain, which will test their handling skills. Hikers can explore part of the Superior Hiking Trail, a 300-mile footpath which goes right through Duluth, or, for a shorter hike - and a stunning view of the port – visit tree-shaded Enger Park and its stone-studded octagonal Enger Tower. If you’re visiting in the winter and fancy a thrill, you can go surfing at the pitted - but chilly - waves of Lake Superior.

Tip: Duluth is the birthplace of music legend Bob Dylan, and you can find nods to his life and career across the city. A highlight is the 1.8mile Bob Dylan Way, celebrating his links with Duluth.

Where to Stay: From fancy to family-friendly, and city life to lake views, Duluth’s hotels, historic inns and b&bs offer a variety of options and amenities for solo travellers, couples, families and groups.

Day 4 | Duluth to Ely

Head out on Highway 61 (yes, that Highway 61!) taking the scenic route along the North Shore Scenic Byway, whose spectacular Lake Superior scenery, including eight state parks, has earned it a national designation as an All-American Road. Suggested stop-offs along the way include Gooseberry Falls State Park where you can hike one of the many trails and view the stunning waterfalls.

Make a stop too at Split Rock State Park, to visit one of the most photographed lighthouses in America, and one of the best places in the country to watch the sun rise! Several trails connect here to the Superior Hiking Trail, often running along the lake.

Finally, head inland to the historic iron-ore mining town of Ely where a must-visit is to the town’s acclaimed wildlife centres for wolf and bear.

Tip: For a rewarding hike near Ely, the Secret/Blackstone Trail is an excellent option. This trail sits within the Superior National Forest, about 25 mins east of Ely and provides a glimpse of the natural beauty found in the region. 

Where to stay: There are a variety of unique lodging options in the Ely area. You’ll also find secluded rental cabins, peaceful campgrounds and simple motels and hotels. Try a cosy b&b, such as Raven’s Wing or relax at the 3* Grand Ely Lodge Resort.

Day 5 | Explore Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (from Ely)

Accessible primarily by canoe, this is one of America's most beautiful and remote places. It’s an area of vast wilderness that extends 150 miles along the US-Canada border, covering more than a million acres. No one lives in the Boundary Waters; once you enter it, you won't find any roads or buildings. It is, however, a paddler’s paradise, with over 1,100 lakes and 1,500 miles of canoe routes. 

If you fancy coming back for a longer stay, there are more than 2,000 designated campsites and 11 hiking trails to explore as well.

One popular day trip is to explore Sea Gull Lake, one of the largest lakes in the Boundary Waters, where on sunny days, the water takes on an almost turquoise hue that will make you feel like you’re in the Caribbean. 

Tip: First-timers can take the hassle out of planning where to explore by seeking the help of a local company like Boundary Waters Outfitters, based just 7 miles outside Ely, right on the edge of the Boundary Waters.

Days 6-7 | Ely to International Falls/Voyageurs National Park

Minnesota’s only National Park has been celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025. It is named after the French-Canadian Voyageurs who once navigated these abundant waters (water makes up more than one-third of the park's 218,000 acres) and is home to five major lakes and 26 interior lakes, offering endless opportunities for a remote backcountry adventure.

You can tackle more than 27 miles of scenic trails, where you will discover hidden waterfalls and ancient petroglyphs, but Voyageurs is best explored by water (canoes, kayaks, fishing boats); you can also rent and spend the night on a houseboat. 

Voyageurs is also a Designated Dark Sky Park, offering superb stargazing opportunities. Lie back amidst the silence and spot stars, planets, meteors, the Northern Lights (in season) and maybe even the International Space Station.

Tip: Plan ahead by booking boat trips or guided canoe tours in advance. And remember, this is the wilderness; mosquitoes and other biting insects can be a significant issue so pack serious insect repellent and even head-nets to protect yourself. For warmer lake temperatures and fewer biting insects, it’s best to visit in late summer, or during the crisp air and colourful foliage of autumn. 

Where to Stay: You can find hotels in the nearby city of International Falls, such as the Cantilever Hotel or Riverfront Hotel. But for the full immersive experience, rent a houseboat or stay at an island resort like Idlewild or the historic Kettle Falls Hotel. The only in-park, concession-operated lodging available in the park, Kettle Falls is only accessible by water.

Days 8-9 | International Falls to Bemidji/Itasca State Park

Head for Itasca State Park in Minnesota; it is Minnesota’s oldest state park. There are more than 100 lakes within Itasca State Park’s 32,000 acres but it is most notable for its access to the headwaters of the Mississippi River. For its first 650 miles, this iconic river meanders through Minnesota (the longest section than that of any other state it passes through).

As you approach the park, follow the 10-mile Wilderness Drive as it winds through forest and lakes. For sweeping views, climb the 100-foot 1920s Alton Heights fire tower.

Hike or bike some of the 30 miles of trails through lakes, bogs, and pine forest and spot the native wildlife, such as deer, beaver, porcupine, black bears and wolves. Dr Roberts and Preachers Cove are particularly popular short hikes. Also, take to the water and rent a kayak, canoe, paddleboard or pontoon on Lake Itasca.

The Mississippi River flows from Lake Itasca, through Lake Bemidji, and then continues its journey to the Gulf of Mexico. Bemidji - a 45-minute drive from Itasca - is known as the ‘first city’ on the Mississippi. It’s also, reputedly, the birthplace of legendary lumberjack Paul Bunyan, and the self-proclaimed curling capital of America.

Tip: For a truly iconic Itasca experience you can pick your way across the small creek that forms the headwaters of the Mississippi, so you’ll be able to say you actually walked across the Mississippi.

Where to Stay: There are plenty of lodging options in Itasca State Park, including the Douglas Lodge Rooms, The Headwaters Inn, the Historic East Cabin, Bear Paw Cabins and Bear Paw Guesthouse, and many more. Places to stay in Bemidji range from convenient hotels and resorts to cosy rentals and charming b&bs. 

Day 10 | Bemidji to Twin Cities 

For the final day of your 10-day itinerary, chill out at the Lake Bemidji State Park, on the north end of Lake Bemidji, for strolls under the pines, or, depending on the season, to enjoy spring flowers and autumn colours in the maple forest, or a unique bogwalk that winds into the mysterious world of a spruce-tamarack bog. Then it’s time to hit the road on the All American Byway, the Great River Road, for the 3.5-hour drive back to the Twin Cities.

Tip: If you have time back in the Twin cities, visit the Mall of America, the US’s temple to shopping, with 520 stores and 60 restaurants, plus dozens of attractions including a 13-screen cinema complex, an indoor theme park, a simulator ride that ‘soars’ over national landmarks, Minnesota’s largest aquarium, arcades, mini-golf and a whole lot more.

Plan the trip

For your guide to everything Minnesota, head to the Explore Minnesota website.

FAQs

Can I fly to Minnesota from the UK?

Yes, many airlines including British Airways, KLM and Air Canada fly to Minneapolis (MSP) from the UK, but only via connecting flights. Only Delta Air Lines offers direct flights to Minneapolis from the UK with one daily flight from London Heathrow (LHR) to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP), with a flight time of around 9hours 10mins. 

Do I need a visa or ESTA?

You don’t need a visa as the UK is part of the Visa Waiver Program. However, if your stay in the US is for 90 days or less for tourism or business, you'll need an ESTA (Electronic System for travel Authorization) for entry. This is a digital document, allowing for pre-travel authorization. You must apply for an ESTA online, and it should be obtained at least 72 hours before your trip, and you'll also need an electronic passport (e-passport).

Do I need travel insurance?

Travel insurance isn't compulsory to visit the US. But it's a really good idea to have it. The US is one of the most expensive countries for healthcare. Even minor medical emergencies can cost thousands of pounds, and serious issues tens of thousands.

Is my UK driving licence valid?

Yes, a valid UK driver's licence is generally valid for driving in the US for tourists for up to three months, though specific state regulations can vary, so always check your destination state's rules. For longer stays in Minnesota you will need to apply for a Minnesota driver's license.