Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday this year, giving Minnesotans a ready-made excuse to turn a single night of romance into a full weekend away. Across the state, the celebration of love isn’t limited to Feb. 14, with many hotels, restaurants, wineries, theaters and shops rolling out romance packages, prix fixe menus and community events beyond V-Day itself.
In the middle of winter, choosing to explore a new town or revisit a favorite city is also a small but meaningful way to support Minnesota’s independent businesses, keeping main streets busy during the quietest season of the year. Here are a few destinations we recommend for a Valentine’s Day getaway.
Stillwater
Already known as Minnesota’s bachelorette-party capital, Stillwater has romantic charm in spades, with cobblestone streets and boutique-style shops to find the perfect gifts for loved ones. Couples can check into the design-forward Lora Hotel or the Water Street Inn, where Charlie’s Restaurant and Irish Pub hosts Wednesday wine dinners with four courses and pairings for $59.95 per person. Lodging offers at the Water Street Inn include a “chocolate indulgence” package and a floral package in collaboration with local florist Studio Louise Flowers. Also throughout the month, nearby St. Croix Vineyards is hosting seasonal weekend events that include a Valentine’s Day floral wreath class, mini-massages and candle-making.
Northfield
In Northfield, a Valentine’s Day weekend is perfect for couples who prefer wandering on strict itineraries. Stay at the Contented Cottage B&B or the Fairfield Inn & Suites along the Cannon River, both close to art galleries, boutiques, and coffee shops like Little Joy and Raven’s Nest. Browse romance novels at Content Bookstore before dinner at Reunion restaurant, where pub classics and cocktails like the Aphrodite’s Elixir set the mood. Stop into CakeWalk Custom Cakes & Dessert Bar, where their signature black velvet cupcakes are just one of many decadent dessert options on the menu.
Duluth
While weekends in Duluth are especially popular in summer and fall, its well worth a trip to see a winter sunrise over Lake Superior. Spend your evenings at a lakefront stay like Pier B Resort Hotel or Canal Park Lodge, or settle into one of the area’s many historic bed and breakfasts. Your days can lean adventurous or low-key: Book a Valentine’s Day helicopter tour over the harbor, relax with a sauna and cold plunge at Cedar & Stone Nordic Sauna, or spend an afternoon at the Great Lakes Aquarium or the Duluth Art Institute. For something sweet, pick up some fudge at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory or a chocolate ore boat from Hepzibah’s Sweet Shoppe.
Nisswa
There’s plenty to look forward to in Nisswa this Valentine’s Day. Visitors can base themselves at Grand View Lodge, which is offering a February-long “Love in the Northwoods” package including breakfast, a bottle of champagne and a treat from local shop the Chocolate Ox. Or choose from the area’s many other family-friendly resorts, all well suited for unwinding after days spent skiing at Mount Ski Gull or exploring nearby snowshoeing and cross-country ski trails. Downtown, the Nisswa Winter Jubilee runs Feb. 13–15 with snow sculpture and wood-splitting competitions, live music, bonfires and hot cocoa. Between events, duck into Big Axe Brewing Company for a beer or pick up sweets from the Chocolate Ox.
Red Wing
In Red Wing, the St. James Hotel’s Italianate elegance and excellent on-site dining have made this property a favorite for travelers since the late 19th century. Upstairs, dine at Scarlet Kitchen & Bar and then head to the lower level to the Port, where you can sip your beverage of choice at the antique bar salvaged from an 1860s speakeasy. The hotel’s central location lends itself to exploring the rest of Red Wing, where you can wander through galleries and boutiques, shop for handcrafted pieces at Featherstone Pottery, or learn about the city’s ceramic legacy at the Pottery Museum of Red Wing.
