My husband and I will be visiting his family in Minnesota around the 4th of July. My in-laws have offered to watch our daughters if we want to get away for an overnight trip during our visit. Does anyone have a suggestion for fun places we could visit outside of the Twin Cities?

Perhaps north to Duluth? Plenty of things to do and see and if you have the time continue on up along Lake Superior towards Grand Marais. Beautiful drive and be sure to stop at Betty's Pies in Two Harbors

http://www.bettyspies.com/
PamT

If you only have overnight, I would go to Duluth and stay in Canal Park and just enjoy the waterfront and all it has to offer. If you had more time, I would definitely recommend going up the North Shore to Grand Marais. One night is just not enough time. If you are in Duluth, you can tour Glensheen, tour the museum at the ship canal and watch the ships come in or leave the harbor, tour the ore carrier Irvin and walk the Lakewalk. You could also go to either Stillwater or Red Wing which are very close to Mpls/St Paul. Both are neat river towns. You could easily do day trips to both of them while in Mpls. Whatever you decide, have a great time.

I totally agree with Cali and Pam T about Duluth(and Bettys pies, just past Two Harbors) Split Rock Lighthouse is an hour or so north east of Duluth, highway 61 goes from Duluth to Two Harbors and is a very scenic drive. There are lots of things to do right in the twin cities as well, you can try www.exploreminnesota.com for ideas also. Enjoy your time here and if you are going to be hiking in the woods buy some bug spray! Do not go to Duluth over the 4th without hotel reservations ahead of time. ziggypop

You are right to mention to get reservations in Duluth near July 4th weekend. It gets very busy. Same for much of Aug.

Love Duluth. And Stillwater. But our favorite for an overnight would be the lighthouse b&b at Two Harbors. www.lighthousebb.com. They'll likely be booked (there's only three rooms,) but it's huge fun! Keep it in mind....

I agree about Duluth for an overnight trip. It's a 2.5-hour drive from the Cities (assuming no major traffic jams), it's very scenic -- perched on Lake Superior -- and there are many good restaurants and things to do. My husband and I live in Minneapolis and have made several short trips there. You can see the lighthouse, tour an old iron-ore ship, and check out the shops.

We liked Stillwater. Plenty of places to eat, charm, antiques, modest scenery. And you can walk to Wisconsin!

I know this is a little late, but for the benefit of those that might read this later...

The Historic Bluff Country Scenic Byway in Southeast Minnesota is worth a trip. You can find some links here:

http://www.boomrnews.com/?p=1