Minnesota vacation rentals

Explore the outdoors from Minnesota vacation home rentals

They don't call Minnesota the Land of 10,000 Lakes for nothing. In fact, they're actually underselling it – the state has almost 12,000. First-timers shouldn't miss a night or two in the Twin Cities and when you've had your fill of the glitz and glam, leave your cellphone behind and head off into the wilderness to spend nights under the stars and get down to some serious wildlife watching. There are few things as pleasing as watching a graceful bald eagle sweep over the treetops, or hopping in a kayak to feel the cool breeze off the lakes.

Attractions near Minnesota vacation homes

The "Twin Cities" of Minneapolis and St Paul are the state's capitals of cool. While both are fascinating, they are distinctly different. If you book a Minnesota vacation rental in Minneapolis, you'll find the hustle and bustle similar to that of any of the big cities, while downstream Saint Paul feels older and arguably more charming. Either way, you're not going to be far from the cities' art centers, the next trendy new eatery, or a top night-life spot. If you want to party like it's 1999, visit Paisley Park, the former 65,000-square-foot home of Prince, which opened to the public after his death in 2016.

Activities near Minnesota getaway cabins

Whether you've dropped into a Minnesota vacation rental in one of the big cities or out in the countryside, it's impossible to be bored. Your days in Minneapolis can be whiled away – along with your cash – by indulging in some serious retail therapy, or catching the latest production at one of the theaters. Minnesota takes brewing and distilling seriously and if you like a drop of Grandpa's old cough medicine, a tour and tasting is never wasted time. Outside of Minneapolis' skyline, the great outdoors and all its possibilities for activities like hiking await.

Climate for your stay in Minnesota cottage rentals

Summer marks the peak season in the state. Families begin to escape the big cities by scoring Minnesota vacation rentals along the lake shores. The sunny months of June to August see the highest number of events and festivities, with everything from food festivals to outdoor concerts. Late spring and early fall sees a dip in the rental prices and with the weather still balmy, it's a great time to go while avoiding the crowds. As winter creeps in, so do the flurries of snow that carpet the state, opening up a whole new range of outdoor activities.

Hear the howl of wolves in Minnesota

Wildlife lovers are spoiled for choice in Minnesota, particularly towards the north, where packs of wolves still roam free and howl at night, meandering moose saunter along the edge of lakes and through the marshlands, while black bears amble around in the woodland. Look up past treetops to the skies and you'll likely spot any number of the 300 recorded species of birdlife, the highlight for most being sightings of majestic bald eagles and the haunting calls of the great gray owl. The lakes and waterways are brimming with catfish, bass and walleye – just remember to bring your rod.

Transportation to and around Minnesota

Fly into Brainerd, MN (BRD-Brainerd Lakes Regional), the closest airport, located 34.9 mi (56.1 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that works for your travel itinerary, you could book a flight to Bemidji, MN (BJI-Bemidji Regional), which is 55 mi (88.4 km) away.

If you're traveling by train, Staples Station, Detroit Lakes Station and St. Cloud Station are the main stations in the city. You can get around Minnesota by jumping on the metro at Royalston Station, Target Field Station or Bassett Creek Valley Station.

Regional cuisine in Minnesota

Minnesota has a unique cuisine that combines local influences with German and Scandinavian heritage. Wild rice, serviceberry, chokecherry, hazelnuts, and fresh fish are common, as well as ethnic food traditions like lefse, lutefisk, rosettes, gravlax, lingonberries, and sauerkraut. If you want to experience the culinary tradition of Minnesota, visit a restaurant, eatery, or food fair near your Minnesota vacation accommodation.