A family getaway doesn’t have to mean hopping on a plane or planning months in advance. Minnesota is filled with incredible destinations—quiet cabin escapes, adventure‑packed resorts, charming small towns, and hidden gems that make it easy to unplug and reconnect without going far. That’s why the MN Mom Community Family Getaway Guide was created: to spotlight the best and most unique trips close to home, curated specifically for families who want memorable experiences without the overwhelm.
We searched across the state to find standout stays, kid‑friendly adventures, and destinations that offer something special. Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy winter retreat, a summer lake weekend, or a quick spontaneous getaway, this guide brings together the “best of the best” to help you plan with confidence and excitement.
Heath’s Resort • Whitefish Chain, MN
What Families Love
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17 fully equipped cabins (2–6 bedrooms) with kitchens, Wi‑Fi, Satellite TV, and outdoor grills
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Beautiful sandy beach with a safe swim area and water trampoline
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Kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, and paddleboats included
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Fishing, tubing, skiing, and pontoon/fishing boat rentals
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Play areas with swings, jungle gym, beach volleyball, and a kid’s treehouse
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Screened‑in gazebo, shuffleboard, bag toss, basketball, and board games
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Evening bonfires, sunset paddles, and plenty of space to unwind
Explore the Area
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Local, family‑owned restaurants and shops
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Mini golf, mystery maze, and executive course at Wildwedge
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Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway, Veterans Trail, and Fritz Loven Park
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Safari North Zoo, Sunset Cinema, and Nisswa’s Wednesday Turtle Races
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Scenic drives (especially stunning in fall!) and community events
Book Your Stay
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Brainerd‑Baxter • Brainerd Lakes, MN
A family getaway that doesn’t require airports, long drives, or complicated planning is a win in any season. Just a short trip from the Twin Cities, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Brainerd‑Baxter offers a fun, low‑stress escape with everything families need under one roof.
What Families Love
- Indoor waterpark with slides, splash zones, a lazy river, and warm water fun—perfect for year‑round play
- Spacious rooms with refrigerators, microwaves, and plenty of space to spread out
- On‑site dining at Three Bear Bar & Grill, plus a snack bar/deli and complimentary breakfast each morning
- Arcade, gift shop, and entertainment all inside the hotel—no driving required
- Indoor pool (open select days) and easy access to nearby attractions and shopping
Why It’s Great for Any Time of Year
Whether you’re planning a spring break, a summer getaway, a fall color trip, or a winter escape, this hotel makes it easy to relax. Kids stay busy from the moment they arrive, and parents get a chance to unwind without juggling schedules or weather worries. With everything in one place, vacation mode starts the minute you check in.
Nearby Fun
- Northland Arboretum trails
- Brainerd International Raceway
- Local restaurants, shops, and family attractions
- Quick access to the Brainerd Lakes Area for even more exploring
Book Your Stay
Campfire Bay Resort • Cushing, MN
Campfire Bay Resort is the kind of place you thought didn’t exist anymore. Here is where you make lifetime memories the old fashioned way, while still enjoying the comforts of modern clean lakeside cabins. In a world of big box stores and big name sterile resorts a place really does still exist with a personal touch and old school charm.
Book online at www.campfirebayresort.com
Cabin O’Pines Resort and Campground • Orr, MN
Cabin O’ Pines Resort & Campground on Pelican Lake is a welcoming Northern Minnesota getaway where mornings begin with wildlife and evenings end around a crackling campfire. With 11 cabin options—from cozy one‑bedroom retreats to spacious four‑bedroom lake houses—plus a unique Yurt Village and both lakefront and forest campsites, it’s easy to find the perfect fit for couples, families, or multi‑generation trips. Every stay includes a picnic table and fire ring, with cabins also offering BBQ grills for simple outdoor meals.
Families can choose classic camping, enjoy peaceful wooded sites near the playground, or make Cabin O’ Pines their summer home with 33 naturally wooded seasonal sites available from Fishing Opener through October 1. Whether you’re relaxing by the beach, exploring Pelican Lake, or gathering under the pines, it’s a place where memories come naturally. MN Mom Community members get 10% off with code: MNMom.
Book online at www.cabinopines.com
Edgewater Hotel & Waterpark • Duluth, MN
Your Complete Duluth Hotel Family Fun Vacation Destination
Located along the shores of Lake Superior in Duluth, MN, the Edgewater Hotel & Waterpark is your complete Duluth hotels vacation destination. Enjoy our indoor waterpark, arcade, outside play area, pool and hot tub, and easy access to Duluth’s Lakewalk and restaurants. Relax in a comfortable and clean room with all the amenities and views of Lake Superior. Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find it here at the funnest hotel in Duluth.
Book online Duluth MN Hotels Resort & Indoor Waterpark | Edgewater Hotel & Waterpark
Larsmont Cottages • Two Harbors MN
Few places capture the true spirit of a North Shore cabin getaway as perfectly as our luxury cottages just south of Two Harbors. Retreat to 40 acres of private land stretching along 1,300 feet of Lake Superior’s shoreline. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty surrounding you and enjoy serene winter moments with awe-inspiring views of Lake Superior and the Northwoods.
Moose Track Adventures • Ely, MN
Moose Track Adventures is a top‑rated Ely resort and Boundary Waters outfitter. They offer six lakeside cabins for a comfortable north‑woods getaway, plus access to boats, canoes, kayaks, and fish finders for cabin guests. For those wanting a true wilderness experience, their Boundary Waters and Quetico outfitting services provide high‑quality gear, route planning, and everything needed for a seamless canoe‑camping adventure. Moose Track Adventures also offers guided canoe trips and guided fishing, making it easy to explore the BWCA with expert support.