Minnesota Explorer

Depart the UK on your chosen scheduled flight to Minneapolis. Upon arrival, collect your rental car and make your way to the Canopy by Hilton Hotel in Minneapolis Mill District, where you will spend the first three nights of your adventure.

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Canopy by Hilton, Minneapolis Mill District

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Canopy by Hilton, Minneapolis Mill District

The guestrooms at the Canopy by Hilton Minneapolis Mill District combine modern comfort with industrial charm, reflecting the building’s historic roots. Each room features high ceilings, exposed wood beams, and large windows, creating a spacious and airy atmosphere. Bathrooms are stylishly designed with walk-in showers and upscale bath products. Thoughtful amenities including Serta® Canopy-exclusive beds, complimentary Wi-Fi, televisions, and Nespresso coffee machines complete each room perfectly. Suites are also available offering additional living space and sweeping skyline views.

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The next two days allow you to explore the vibrant Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul at your leisure. Both cities are rich in cultural experiences, featuring a diverse array of world-class museums, art galleries, and live performance venues. In addition to their thriving arts scene, Minneapolis and St. Paul are known for their distinct culinary offerings, where innovative dining options and local flavours converge to create a unique gastronomic experience.

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Canopy by Hilton, Minneapolis Mill District

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Canopy by Hilton, Minneapolis Mill District

The guestrooms at the Canopy by Hilton Minneapolis Mill District combine modern comfort with industrial charm, reflecting the building’s historic roots. Each room features high ceilings, exposed wood beams, and large windows, creating a spacious and airy atmosphere. Bathrooms are stylishly designed with walk-in showers and upscale bath products. Thoughtful amenities including Serta® Canopy-exclusive beds, complimentary Wi-Fi, televisions, and Nespresso coffee machines complete each room perfectly. Suites are also available offering additional living space and sweeping skyline views.

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Today you will hit the road and head to Northeast Minnesota and the city of Bemidji, your base for the next two nights. En route, we recommend a stop in Alexandria, a city rich in history and culture. Here, you can visit one of its many museums, such as the Legacy of the Lakes Museum or the Runestone Museum, each offering unique insights into the region’s heritage. Literature enthusiasts may also wish to visit Sauk Centre, home to renowned novelist Sinclair Lewis, where you can explore his boyhood residence. Upon your arrival in Bemidji, keep an eye out for Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox, the towering icons are a great photo opportunity. The evening is yours to enjoy and explore at your leisure.

Today we have given you a full day to explore the magnificent Itasca State Park. Spanning over 32,000 acres, the park is most famous for being the site of the headwaters of the Mississippi River, where the iconic river begins its 2,340-mile journey to the Gulf of Mexico. This historically significant landmark attracts visitors from across the world, offering the unique experience of walking across the river at its narrow and shallow point. The park offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, boating, and bird-watching, with popular trails such as Wilderness Drive and Aiton Heights Fire Tower offering scenic views. 

The next stop on this remarkable journey is Northwest Minnesota, as you travel across the state to International Falls, where you will stay for the next two nights. While the drive only takes approximately two hours, we suggest taking a scenic detour through Grand Rapids to explore this beautiful and culturally rich region of Minnesota. An excellent opportunity to experience more of the area’s natural beauty and local attractions before continuing on to International Falls. International Falls is a key gateway to outdoor recreation and natural beauty. Known as the “Icebox of the Nation” for its notably cold winters, the city also serves as a primary access point to Voyageurs National Park. 

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AmericInn by Wyndham International Falls

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AmericInn by Wyndham International Falls

The guestrooms at AmericInn by Wyndham International Falls are thoughtfully designed to offer a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for all guests. Each room features bright, modern decor and is equipped with a plethora of amenities, including plush bedding, air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, mini-refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee makers. For those seeking more space, larger guestrooms are available, offering additional living areas and upgraded amenities including a whirlpool bathtub.

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We’d suggest a hearty breakfast, as you’ll be spending the day exploring the awe-inspiring Voyageurs National Park. This breathtaking landscape, where water covers more than one-third of its 218,000 acres, is primarily accessible by boat during much of the year, or by snowmobile in the winter. You’ll have the opportunity to discover the park’s interior through various watercraft options, navigating its four expansive lakes, the Ash River, 26 smaller interior lakes, secluded bays, hundreds of islands, and over 650 miles of scenic shoreline. With a wide range of activities available, today promises to be one of adventure and exploration in one of Minnesota’s most spectacular natural settings.

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AmericInn by Wyndham International Falls

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AmericInn by Wyndham International Falls

The guestrooms at AmericInn by Wyndham International Falls are thoughtfully designed to offer a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for all guests. Each room features bright, modern decor and is equipped with a plethora of amenities, including plush bedding, air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, mini-refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee makers. For those seeking more space, larger guestrooms are available, offering additional living areas and upgraded amenities including a whirlpool bathtub.

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Your next destination is Ely, a picturesque town often referred to as the gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and the Superior National Forest. Ely is a haven for adventurers and nature enthusiasts, offering exceptional opportunities for canoeing, hiking, and wildlife observation amidst its stunning lakes and forests. You will be staying here for the next three nights, allowing ample time to explore and fully immerse yourself in this remarkable region of Minnesota. Superior National Forest covers more than three million acres and is celebrated for its unspoiled wilderness, diverse ecosystems, and wide range of recreational activities. The forest’s extensive network of lakes, rivers, and woodlands serves as a haven for wildlife, including moose, wolves, and bald eagles.

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Grand Ely Lodge, Ely

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Grand Ely Lodge, Ely

The guestrooms and suites at the Grand Ely Lodge Resort feature a rustic design, complemented by modern amenities to ensure a comfortable stay. Each room is equipped with flat-screen televisions, complimentary Wi-Fi, mini-refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee makers, with select rooms offering expansive views of Shagawa Lake. The spacious suites provide additional living space, fireplaces, and whirlpool bathtubs, making them ideal for larger families or those seeking extra comfort and luxury.

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Today promises another day of discovery, as you have a full day to explore one of the most remote and scenic destinations in the United States: the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). Accessible primarily by canoe, this vast wilderness stretches 150 miles along the U.S.-Canada border, covering nearly one million acres and featuring over 1,100 lakes and 1,500 miles of canoe routes. Drawing more than 150,000 visitors annually, the BWCAW offers a truly immersive wilderness experience. As Minnesota’s first designated Dark Sky Sanctuary, it is also an exceptional location for stargazing and viewing the northern lights.

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Grand Ely Lodge, Ely

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Grand Ely Lodge, Ely

The guestrooms and suites at the Grand Ely Lodge Resort feature a rustic design, complemented by modern amenities to ensure a comfortable stay. Each room is equipped with flat-screen televisions, complimentary Wi-Fi, mini-refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee makers, with select rooms offering expansive views of Shagawa Lake. The spacious suites provide additional living space, fireplaces, and whirlpool bathtubs, making them ideal for larger families or those seeking extra comfort and luxury.

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This morning begins with a decision on which route to take to your next destination, Duluth. While there are several scenic options, we recommend the route that follows the shores of Lake Superior for a more picturesque journey. On arrival, you’ll check into your hotel for a further two nights. Duluth, the birthplace of Bob Dylan, is a major shipping hub where revitalised industrial buildings now host a thriving food and beverage scene. This picturesque city, situated on the shores of Lake Superior, offers year-round excitement and a wide array of activities for visitors. Canal Park, a vibrant waterfront district, is a must-see, featuring the renowned Aerial Lift Bridge. For outdoor enthusiasts, Duluth boasts extensive recreational opportunities. The Lakewalk, a scenic trail along the lake, is perfect for walking and biking, while the nearby North Shore Scenic Drive provides stunning views of Lake Superior and access to state parks, including Gooseberry Falls and Split Rock Lighthouse.

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Radisson Hotel Harborview, Duluth

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Radisson Hotel Harborview, Duluth

Each of the guestrooms and suites at the Radisson Hotel Harborview features warm decor with a soothing cream and brown colour palette. All rooms are equipped with modern amenities, including televisions, mini-refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers, air conditioning, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The suites offer additional living space and enhanced amenities, providing a more elevated experience for guests.

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Departing from northeastern Minnesota, today you will travel south to the lively town of Wabasha, situated along the Mississippi River. Along the way, we suggest a brief stop in Red Wing, where you can explore the remarkable Red Wing Shoe Museum, which highlights the city’s rich footwear legacy, and the Pottery Museum, renowned for its exceptional ceramic collections. Wabasha offers plenty to see and do, while also serving as an ideal base for exploring the surrounding region of southern Minnesota. During your two night stay in Wabasha, in addition to discovering the town’s rich history, we recommend exploring the local area and visiting nearby towns and cities such as Rochester and Harmony. Rochester is a dynamic city, internationally known as the home of the Mayo Clinic, a world-leading medical and research institution. In contrast, Harmony is a charming, small town celebrated for its Amish community and picturesque countryside. It is also home to Niagara Cave, one of the largest caves in the Midwest, featuring underground waterfalls and impressive limestone formations.

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AmericInn by Wyndham, Wabasha

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AmericInn by Wyndham, Wabasha

The guestrooms at AmericInn by Wyndham Wabasha are thoughtfully designed to offer a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for all guests. Each room features bright, modern decor and is equipped with a plethora of amenities, including plush bedding, air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, mini-refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee makers. For those seeking more space, suites are available, offering rustic decor, additional living areas and upgraded amenities.

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Today you will head back north as you reach your final stop on this remarkable journey, Bloomington. En route, we highly recommend planning stops in both Blue Earth and Austin both with hidden gems to discover. Blue Earth is home to the Jolly Green Giant Museum, while Austin is home to the SPAM Museum, yes that’s right SPAM! After visiting both destinations, you will arrive in Bloomington later in the evening, with ample time to explore the area and perhaps enjoy a meal.

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Hyatt Regency Bloomington

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Hyatt Regency Bloomington

Each of the stylish guest rooms and suites are modern in design with splashes of vibrant colour running throughout. Each room is finished with wood furnishings and contemporary artwork. Amenities in each room include a king or queen-sized bed with a pillowtop mattress and plush duvets, flat-screen televisions, a coffee maker, a mini-refrigerator, a safety deposit box and premium bath products. Suites are also available offering additional living space and upgraded amenities.

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Your final full day is dedicated to the impressive Mall of America, offering an opportunity for some retail therapy. We have allocated an entire day for you to explore this unique shopping and entertainment complex, trust us you’ll need the full day! This expansive mall features over 500 stores, showcasing a diverse range of retail options, including well-known brands and distinctive boutiques. In addition to shopping, visitors can enjoy attractions such as Nickelodeon Universe, an indoor theme park with exhilarating rides, and the SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium. The mall also presents a variety of dining choices, ranging from casual eateries to upscale restaurants.

Accommodation

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Hyatt Regency Bloomington

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Hyatt Regency Bloomington

Each of the stylish guest rooms and suites are modern in design with splashes of vibrant colour running throughout. Each room is finished with wood furnishings and contemporary artwork. Amenities in each room include a king or queen-sized bed with a pillowtop mattress and plush duvets, flat-screen televisions, a coffee maker, a mini-refrigerator, a safety deposit box and premium bath products. Suites are also available offering additional living space and upgraded amenities.

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There’s time for some last minute shopping or sightseeing this morning before you return your rental car and check in for your flight to the UK.