3 Weekend Getaways Near Minneapolis

Northfield, Minnesota: 44 miles south of Minneapolis You'll see lots of bikes and Birkenstocks in this two-college town on the Cannon River. St. Olaf offers great music, while Carleton has an 880-acre arboretum. A food and crafts market takes over the river walk on summer Saturdays, and a full day's worth of cute gift shops and bookstores lines Division Street. Don't miss the tiny museum about a foiled Jesse James bank raid. Pictured at left: Northfield hosts a reenactment of the Jesse James robbery. (800) 658-2548; visitingnorthfield.com

Read Midwest Living's two-day Northfield itinerary

Lanesboro, Minnesota: 126 miles southeast of Minneapolis Tiny Lanesboro (aka Bed and Breakfast Central) struck tourism gold in the 1990s with the Root River Trail. Most visitors still come for easy, scenic cycling (rentals are available). But other draws include Scenic Valley Winery, the Commonweal Theatre and the Old Village Hall, where seasonality feeds the creative menu (just be sure to make a reservation!) (800) 944-2670; lanesboro.com