There’s something special about summer in Minnesota. The warm weather brings communities together for parades, carnivals, live music, food vendors, fireworks, and hometown traditions that have been celebrated for generations. If you’re looking for fun weekend adventures, this guide highlights some of the biggest summer festivals happening throughout Central Minnesota in 2026. Whether you’re traveling with family, meeting friends, or simply looking for a reason to get out and

There’s nothing quite like packing up the car, hitting the open road, and exploring some of America’s most beautiful national parks with your family. Summer is the perfect time to visit national parks thanks to warmer weather, longer days, scenic drives, wildlife sightings, hiking trails, and endless opportunities for adventure. Whether your family loves hiking, spotting wildlife, relaxing by lakes, or simply taking in incredible views, these national parks offer something fo

June is one of the best months to explore Minnesota. The weather is warm, lakes are coming to life, patios are open, and communities across the state are celebrating summer with festivals, concerts, art fairs, food events, and family-friendly activities. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway, a fun day trip, or a reason to explore a new Minnesota town, here are some of the best events happening throughout Minnesota this June. Grand Old Day – St. Paul June 7, 2026 One o

If you're looking for a fun Minnesota day trip filled with delicious food, scenic views, local shopping, and lakeside relaxation, add Crosby and Ironton to your list. Located in the heart of Minnesota's Cuyuna Lakes region, these neighboring towns offer the perfect mix of outdoor adventure and small-town charm. Whether you're planning a summer road trip, a weekend getaway, or just looking for somewhere new to explore, here's how we spent the perfect day in Crosby and Ironton.

There’s just something about Minnesota strawberry season that feels like summer officially begins. 🍓☀️ From walking through endless berry fields with a bucket in hand to eating fresh strawberries still warm from the sun, strawberry picking is one of our favorite summer traditions in the Midwest. Whether you’re looking for a fun family outing, a cute date idea, or simply want the freshest strawberries possible, Minnesota has some amazing pick-your-own farms worth visiting. He

If Theodore Roosevelt National Park isn’t already on your travel bucket list…it should be. 🤍 Located in western North Dakota, this underrated national park is filled with colorful badlands, incredible wildlife, scenic drives, hiking trails, and some of the most peaceful landscapes we’ve explored in the Midwest. It honestly feels like stepping into another world. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a road trip through the Dakotas, or pairing it with a visit to Medora,

If you’re looking for the perfect day trip in Minnesota filled with flowers, peaceful walking paths, scenic drives, and beautiful photo spots… you need to add the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum to your list. We recently spent the day exploring the arboretum and honestly—it exceeded our expectations. The tulips were absolutely stunning during our visit, but there’s so much more to see beyond just the spring blooms. From themed gardens and wooded trails to scenic o

If you’re looking for the ultimate luxury mountain getaway in Wyoming, let this be your sign to book a stay at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole. We recently stayed here during our trip to Jackson Hole and it truly felt like one of the most magical hotel experiences we’ve had. Between the breathtaking mountain views, luxury accommodations, exceptional service, incredible dining, and cozy atmosphere, it’s the kind of place that makes you never want to leave. Nest

If you’re planning a trip to Wyoming, make sure you spend some time exploring Jackson Hole. 🤍 Nestled near Grand Teton National Park, Jackson is one of those mountain towns that instantly makes you fall in love. Between the western charm, incredible restaurants, cozy mountain vibes, breathtaking scenery, and endless things to do, it’s easy to see why so many people keep coming back. We spent a day and a half exploring downtown Jackson and honestly…we could’ve stayed so much

If Grand Teton National Park has been on your bucket list, let this be your sign to finally go. 🤍 With towering mountain peaks, scenic overlooks, wildlife around nearly every corner, and some of the most breathtaking sunrise and sunset views in the country, this park completely lives up to the hype. We spent the day exploring some of the most iconic spots in Grand Teton National Park and honestly… every stop felt more beautiful than the last. If you only have one day in the

If you’re planning a trip through the Black Hills, make sure you leave time to explore Deadwood — because this little Wild West town completely surprised us. At first glance, it might seem like just another small tourist town, but once you get there, you quickly realize Deadwood has its own energy. Historic streets, old western saloons, casinos, mountain views, live reenactments, and some surprisingly good food make this one of the most fun stops in South Dakota. Whether you’

If you’re looking for a Midwest road trip that combines quirky roadside stops, jaw-dropping landscapes, wildlife, scenic drives, and iconic landmarks, this South Dakota road trip is one you absolutely need to add to your list. From the famous Corn Palace to the dramatic views inside Badlands National Park, the endless billboards leading to Wall Drug, and the unforgettable beauty of the Black Hills — this route is packed with iconic stops that somehow all feel completely diffe

If you’re planning Mother’s Day and want something that actually feels special, the answer is simple: take her somewhere she wouldn’t normally go. Whether that’s a beautiful brunch, a cozy dinner, or a restaurant with a view, here are some of the best places in Minnesota to take Mom for Mother’s Day 👇 🥂 Beautiful Brunch Spots She’ll Love Start the day slow with a brunch that feels a little elevated. Photo 📸 https://www.deanarch.com/colita-1 In Minneapolis + St. Paul, thes

Looking for something fun to do in Minnesota this weekend? Whether you’re in the mood for a slow small-town day, a scenic drive, or a little adventure, there are so many good options right now—especially as everything starts to feel like spring again. Here are some of the best things to do this weekend across Minnesota 👇 🏞️ Take a Scenic Day Trip to Red Wing Just about an hour from the Twin Cities, Red Wing is perfect for a mix of views, food, and cute downtown energy. Top

If you’re looking for a charming small-town escape in Minnesota, Pequot Lakes is one of those places that just feels like a getaway. Think cozy coffee shops, a cute walkable downtown, beautiful lakeside views, and just enough to do without feeling rushed. Whether you’re passing through or planning a slow weekend up north, here’s exactly how to spend the perfect half-day in Pequot Lakes—plus a few ideas if you want to turn it into a full day. ☀️ Start Your Morning with Coffee

Every spring, one special corner of Minneapolis transforms into something truly magical—and in 2026, a cherished tradition is making a heartfelt comeback. A Legacy in Bloom For years, the Tulip House near Lake of the Isles became a must-see spring destination, drawing locals and visitors alike to admire more than 15,000 vibrant tulips blanketing the yard. The stunning display was the passion project of homeowner and gardener Lisa Ann Stortz, whose dedication turned her home i

If you love discovering unique, off-the-beaten-path spots, this one is going to blow your mind. On a recent visit to Lakeville, Minnesota, we stopped at The Farmer’s Cellar—and from the outside, it looks like your typical gas station stop. Nothing out of the ordinary… or so we thought. But what we found inside? One of the coolest hidden gems in Minnesota. The Secret Behind the Soda Display 👀 Here’s where things get interesting. Tucked inside the store, behind a completely no

The perfect mom getaway when you need to relax, recharge, and feel like YOU again. If you’re anything like me, sometimes you just need a full reset—no responsibilities, no rushing, just peace, quiet, and a little pampering. Whether you’re planning a Mother’s Day treat, a girls’ day, or a solo escape, a spa day is one of the best ways to recharge. Minnesota has some seriously amazing hidden gems when it comes to relaxation, and these are a few of the best spa day spots for the

If you’re looking for the perfect Minnesota road trip, this 3-day itinerary takes you through some of the best spots in the state—from charming small towns to lake life and the iconic North Shore. This route is ideal if you want a mix of relaxing lake days, cute downtowns, great food, and scenic views—without feeling rushed. 🗺️ Overview of This Minnesota Road Trip Route: St. Cloud → Alexandria → Brainerd / Nisswa → Duluth Total Time: 3 days Best For: couples, girls trips, or

If you’re looking for the best hidden gem restaurants in Central Minnesota, you’re in the right place. While there are plenty of well-known spots, some of the best meals you’ll have are tucked away in small towns, off-the-beaten-path locations, or places locals don’t always share. Whether you’re planning a day trip, weekend getaway, or just looking for somewhere new to eat, these hidden gems are absolutely worth adding to your list. ☕ 1. Local Coffee Shops with a Cozy Vibe ~