Discovering Minnesota: Waterfalls, Lakes & Family Fun

Minnesota might not be the first place that comes to mind for a family getaway, but after this trip, I can confidently say it should be. From scenic state parks and lakeside adventures to iconic attractions like the Mall of America, this trip had the perfect mix of outdoor beauty, small-town charm and big-city fun.

Day 1: Waterfalls & Lake Superior Views in Duluth

Our trip started with a scenic drive across the Wisconsin border to Pattison State Park. It is home to Big Manitou Falls, the tallest waterfall in Wisconsin at 165 feet. It’s an easy stop with short trails leading to stunning viewpoints, and the kids loved exploring the riverbank, searching for salamanders and frogs.

Boating on Lake Koronis, one of Minnesota's 11,842 lakes

After soaking in the lush forest scenery, we continued our drive to Duluth. We grabbed lunch at Grandma’s Saloon & Grill — a great spot to watch the Aerial Lift Bridge in action while enjoying a meal. If the weather’s nice, I highly recommend sitting outside.

After lunch, we walked to the lighthouse and the shores of Lake Superior. The kids were on the lookout for agates — the colorful, banded stones that make perfect souvenirs. A stroll through Canal Park led us straight to Love Creamery, where we had an ice cream flight (because choosing one flavor is impossible). The salted honey PB&J was my top pick!

Just when we thought the day couldn’t get any better, a surprise air show took place right over the lake! We wrapped up our Duluth adventure with more beach time, enjoying the cool lake breeze before heading back for the night.

Day 2: Boating & playtime at Lake Koronis

Our second day was all about relaxing by the water at Lake Koronis. We spent most of the day boating across the lake, soaking up the sunshine and enjoying the peaceful scenery. The kids burned off some energy at the Veterans Park playground. A stop at Bug-Bee Hive Resort was a highlight — especially when they found the giant water trampoline. They could have jumped all day!

Ice cream flight at Love Creamery

This was one of those perfect slow-travel days, where we just enjoyed being outdoors and spending time together.

Mall of America

Day 3: The ultimate Mall of America Experience

Our final day was all about the Mall of America, the largest shopping and entertainment complex in the US. We checked into the AC Hotel Bloomington, just a five-minute walk from the mall, which made it easy to take breaks throughout the day. With over 500 stores and countless attractions, we had no shortage of things to do. We started at SEA LIFE Aquarium, where the kids were mesmerized by the underwater tunnels filled with sharks, rays and vibrant marine life. Next, we stopped at Treats for a cereal milk ice cream, a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth. The Amazing Mirror Maze had us laughing as we bumped into endless reflections of ourselves. The Crayola Experience was a colorful, hands-on adventure for the kids. The M&M’s store was another highlight, with its towering walls of candy in every color imaginable. One of my favorite stops was the Alpaca Connection, where we got to feel the incredibly soft alpaca products.

After a full day of exploring, we ended the trip with a fantastic dinner at FireLake Grill House. The food was outstanding, and the cocktails were just as impressive. I highly recommend trying the Swedish Passion cocktail and the grilled strawberry salad. It was the perfect way to wrap up our time in Minnesota, balancing nature, adventure and family fun all in one trip.

Final Thoughts

This three-day Minnesota itinerary is the perfect mix of outdoor adventure, family-friendly attractions and great food. If you’re looking for a fun and unexpected destination, Minnesota delivers.

Hiking and Waterfall Spotting

Pack layers, even in summer. Mornings and evenings can be cool, especially near Lake Superior, so it’s best to dress in breathable layers.

Consider renting a car. Minneapolis-St. Paul is easy to navigate with public transit and ride shares. But exploring Duluth, the North Shore and Minnesota’s lake country is much easier with your own vehicle.

Plan for Mall of America. The mall is massive, and while it’s fun to wander, having a general plan for attractions and dining spots will help maximize your time. Staying at a nearby hotel makes it easy to take breaks throughout the day.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Minnesota page.