Our Essential Travel Resources :
There are a lot of travel companies out there, but some are better than others. These are our favorite websites and resources to help you plan an incredible trip. For flights, we recommend using WayAway or Hopper to compare the cheapest dates to travel to your destination. Car rentals comparisons are best through Discover Cars - just make sure to bring your international driver's permit with you if you're heading somewhere international! We always use AGODA for hotels. They have an easy-to-use platform where you can compare the best rates. To keep cell phone service if you're traveling internationally, we always use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required). For fun things to do, we always recommend Viator to find the best tours in the area, otherwise Klook also does the trick, especially for tours in Asia. Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use for travel insurance. Lastly, my packing list for your international or domestic travels. Maximizing Coziness at Any Getaway
Before reading our list of our 10 best getaways in Minnesota, we have some tips for those looking to add a little bit of *coziness* to their getaway :
Minnesota's 10 Best Winter Getaways
1. Enger Lofts in Duluth (2 hrs from Twin Cities)
The first stay on our list is in one of our favorite cities, Duluth, which also just happens to be the city we got engaged at. Enger Lofts is located in the Lincoln Park district, meaning there's plenty of nearby boutiques for shopping and also many breweries to try some local beers. On the first floor of the building there is a coffee house and some stores, and occasionally they'll even have a yoga class! We loved our stay here because it was so comfortable, we were able to truly make ourselves at home in the Penthouse, and it was so quiet - this is the perfect getaway for two if you're looking for a classy or upscale getaway.
2. The Birchbox Container in Crosby (2.5 hrs from Twin Cities)
The Birchbox Container is one of the most unique getaways on our list, simply because - it was made from an actual shipping container and converted into the incredible getaway it is now! Being the only cabin on the entire property, and having its own private hot tub, this is the perfect getaway if you're looking to relax and unwind. Located right outside of the adventure capital of Crosby, this getaway sleeps 4 and is perfect for families or couples that are looking to reconnect with themselves and nature.
3. Ely Log Cabin in Ely (4 hrs from Twin Cities)
Ely Log Cabin is one of the furthest getaways on our list from the Twin Cities. Located all the way up in Ely, this is the only off grid cabin in our list - but you wouldn't know it from the inside. Based entirely on solar panels (don't worry there's a generator just in case), this cabin is extremely cozy and sits on 40 acres that you're able to explore during your stay. The Ely Cabin Collective also has a modern aurora viewing cabin as well that has a sauna, so they're definitely worth checking out if you're looking for a cozy getaway out in nature! The Ely Log Cabin sleeps 4, so it's the perfect family or couple getaway! They have an incredible amount of fun amenities included for guests too, like snowshoes, a snowman making kit, a movie projector - so you'll have plenty of things to do during your stay!
4. Nature Link's Spruce Cabins in Nisswa (2.5 hrs from Twin Cities)
Located right outside of Nisswa in the Brainerd Lakes Area, Nature Link doubles as a wedding venue and rental getaway, meaning it is absolutely stunning. They have multiple cabin types onsite, but we loved our stay at the Spruce Cabin - which has an entire wall of windows that looks out onto Clark Lake and their own private island! We saw multiple deer here and it was just a short drive to the adorable downtown Nisswa - making it a perfect getaway for the family or anyone looking to reconnect to nature! They also had snowshoes, a barrel sauna, and games for guests during their stay!
5. Cabin au Nord in Pequot Lakes (2.5 hrs from Twin Cities)
Cabin au Nord is the newest property on our list, and maybe in the entire state of Minnesota! Located right outside of Pequot Lakes, this cabin is totally secluded. It's modern yet cozy feel makes it the perfect place to spend some time doing nothing - think puzzles, games, enjoying the view of Sibley Lake, looking for wildlife, and hanging out with a bonfire. With two bedrooms, this is a perfect getaway for families, especially those with young children.
6. Hilhaus Aframe in Crosby (2.5 hrs from Twin Cities)
As the first Aframe we ever stayed at, this is one Airbnb that truly blew us away. There were so many thoughtful touches throughout the entire space that instantly made you feel right at home. Another huge plus was that the stay was only a 5 minute drive from downtown Crosby. With two bedrooms it's a great getaway for families, and we saw in their guestbook that many people have family get togethers here for the holidays, or choose to propose here! Hilhaus Aframe also has an incredible outdoor fire pit that makes it the perfect spot for some s'mores making!
7. Hotel Crosby in Stillwater (1 hr from Twin Cities)
Stillwater is one of our favorite cities to explore in Minnesota only because there is seriously so much to do in the area! From nordic saunas to hot air balloons, gondola rides to one of the best food scenes in the entire USA (seriously, as told by USA today) - there's seriously something for everyone. Hotel Crosby just happens to be in the heart of downtown Stillwater and the best part? They have an amazing rooftop hot tub, which let's just say isn't that common in Minnesota. On the first floor they also house one of the best restaurants in town - Matchsticks. Because Hotel Crosby is so central, you can literally walk anywhere you want! This is a great stay if you're looking for a romantic getaway!
8. Northwoods Aframe in Itasca (4 hrs from Twin Cities)
Did we really need two Aframes on our list? Yes, yes we did. The Northwoods Aframe is located right outside Itasca State Park, and we'll be the first to admit that this Aframe is more like a mansion. With three bedrooms, three bathrooms, an outdoor fire pit, and 2 more tiny cabins sharing the 40 acres of private land. The Northwoods Aframe encourages you to fully embrace the Northwoods and surrounding nature by relaxing and enjoying the moment. With it's proximity to the Mississippi River Headwaters, it's incredible Makers Space in the basement, the huge game closet and beautiful outdoor fire pit - there's plenty of ways to slow down and enjoy your time in this space.
9. Tofte Trails in Lutsen (3.5 hrs from Twin Cities)
Overlooking Lake Superior, Tofte Trails is located right outside the town of Lutsen on the North Shore of Minnesota. If you follow our adventures, you know that the North Shore is one of our favorite places to explore in all of Minnesota. With it's incredible beaches, amazing views, wildlife, and endless waterfalls, there's plenty of things to explore on the North Shore - and Tofte Trails is the perfect place to relax at after all your exploring. With 5 cabins onsite, some of which are pet friendly, we stayed at the Gitchi Cabin and had beautiful views of Lake Superior through the trees. These private cabins are filled with thoughtful touches, making it the coziest stay along the entire North Shore.
10. Gathered Oaks in Alexandria (2 hrs from Twin Cities)
Gathered Oaks is another one of the most unique stays in Minnesota. These private rooms have been completely converted from...Grain Bins! How cool is that?! Located just a few minutes outside of Alexandria, a summer resort town, we stayed in the Grain Bin Suite - which was a perfectly cozy, farmhouse stay with incredible sunset views. Gathered Oaks also doubles as a wedding venue, and they even have an entire Farmhouse available to rent in addition to the 8 rooms in the Grain Bins!
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We're Deborah & Tyler. After our move to Alaska, we decided to take a gap year and visited 30+ countries on a budget of $100 a day! This blog shares our best budget saving travel tips & international itineraries. 
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