Land of 10,000 Lakes

Day 1- Fly from the UK to Minneapolis St Paul, MN

Stay in the ‘Twin Cities’, located on the Mississippi River in Minnesota. A city that blends history, arts, culture, music, culinary experiences and plenty of shopping, with a picturesque river setting for the more relaxed vibe. 

Day 2 & 3 - Explore the Twin Cities, Minneapolis - St. Paul

Music fans can tour Paisley Park - Prince's former home and recording studio. In the evening, catch some live music including First Avenue, the nightclub that Prince featured in his movie Purple Rain. There are plenty of museums and historic sites, including the Walker Art Center and adjacent Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, Mill City Museum, Weisman Art Museum (Frank Gehry design) and the James J Hill House in St. Paul.

Day 4 - Minneapolis to Duluth, MN, approx. 155 miles

The Birthplace of Bob Dylan - Duluth is a bustling inland sea port, with ships and boats passing the famous lift bridge. A thriving social scene with museums, art galleries, breweries and distilleries, restaurants and shopping. For incredible views over Spirit Mountain, Lake Superior, St Louis River and Duluth, head to Spirit Mountain Adventure Park to test the heights with the Spirit Express Scenic chairlift, Timber Flyer bench seat zip lining and Timber Twister Alpine Coaster.

Day 5 - Duluth to Lutsen, MN, approx. 90 miles

Drive the North Shore Scenic Byway for stunning views of Lake Superior. Also a picturesque drive during Fall colours. En-route stop at Gooseberry Falls State Park or visit Split Rock Lighthouse. In the afternoon, hike the Lutsen Mountain trails, take the gondola ride for an aerial view, or head to Grand Portage State Park (60 miles) to see the impressive High Falls 120ft cascading waterfall.

Day 6 - Lutsen to International Falls, MN, approx. 200 miles

Drive to Ely to visit the International Wolf Centre and/or North American Bear Centre. Take to the lakes at Boundary Waters Canoe Reservation Area for a gentle paddle through the wilderness. All motorised travel is prohibited in this protected area.

Day 7 & 8 - International Falls & Voyageurs National Park, approx. 12 miles

Using International Falls as a base, spend two days exploring the Nation's only water-based national park, Voyageurs National Park. Hike the forests and paddle the lakes. Spend time under the stars at night, in Minnesota's Dark Sky Certified Park. This is also a great spot to witness the magic of The Northern Lights.

Day 9- International Falls to Bemidji, MN, approx. 190 miles

Drive 160 miles to Itasca State Park, home to the Mississippi River Headwaters. According to legend, those who step across the Mississippi at its source will live a long and happy life, and great riches will come to whoever finds the mythical Cities of Gold along its banks. Continue 30 miles to Bemidji, the first city on the Mississippi River, where you'll find a range of activities, from the more gentle hiking and golfing, to the adrenaline fuelled cycling and ATVs in the rough hilly terrain.  Stay for one night in Bemidji. 

Day 10 - Bemidji to St Cloud, MN, approx. 150 miles (or 220 miles)

As you head to St Cloud today, you have a choice of two routes - the shortest and most direct being 150 miles, getting you to St Cloud earlier and allowing more time to explore the area, or, take the longer route of 220 miles, following the iconic All American Byway 'The Great River Road' and simply enjoy the picturesque drive! Once in St Cloud, take a stroll through the perfectly tended flowers at Munsinger Clemens Gardens.

Day 11 – St Cloud to Pipestone, MN, approx 175 miles

The Pipestone National Monument is a working quarry used by American Indians to harvest the soft red stone used to make ceremonial peace pipes. A 1-km walking trail allows a view of the quarries and in the Visitor Center, American Indians still today handcraft the pipes. Don’t miss the beautiful Winnewissa Falls on the Circle Trail! 

Day 13 – Pipestone to Rochester, MN, approx 210 miles

Head to Minnesota’s third largest city – Rochester. Where history meets contemporary. Join the hustle and bustle of city life, with museums, art galleries, sculpture walks, park trails, boutique shopping, historic mansions, breweries, theatre performances and more. If time allows, visit Winona. Stay for one night in Rochester. 

Day 14 - Rochester to Bloomington, MN, approx 80 miles

Don't miss this last chance to fill up your suitcase before flying home! Mall of America is just five minutes from MSP airport, and is the largest enclosed shopping and entertainment centre in the U.S. There is no sales tax on clothing or shoes in Minnesota!