Discovering Minnesota: A 3-Day Adventure from Duluth to the Mall of America
Day 1: Pattison State Park and Duluth
Our Minnesota adventure started with a scenic drive across the Wisconsin border to Pattison State Park. This hidden gem is home to Big Manitou Falls, the highest waterfall in Wisconsin, standing at 165 feet. The park has a small entrance fee, but it’s well worth it for the stunning views. After parking, we took a short hike to the falls’ viewing areas. There’s also a trail to the river which is about 1.5 miles round trip, offering a peaceful walk through the woods. The kids had a blast searching for salamanders and frogs along the riverbank, adding a bit of nature exploration to our day.
Continuing our drive, we arrived in Duluth just in time for lunch at Grandma’s Saloon & Grill. Tip: snag a table by the window or, if the weather cooperates, dine outside to enjoy views of the iconic Aerial Lift Bridge. After lunch, we walked to the lighthouse and strolled down to the shore of Lake Superior. The kids were on the lookout for agates—pretty, colorful stones with unique banding that make for perfect souvenirs. A leisurely walk around Canal Park led us to Love Creamery, which is worth the wait to try their incredible ice cream flight. My top pick? The salted honey PB&J.
Just when we thought the day couldn’t get any better, we were treated to a surprise air show over the lake! After soaking up some more beach time, we wrapped up our day in Duluth feeling content and ready for our next adventure.
Day 2: Lake Koronis
Day two was all about relaxation and outdoor fun at Lake Koronis. We spent the day boating on the serene lake, enjoying the warm sunshine and gentle breeze. The kids loved the playground at Veterans Park, where they burned off some energy. A visit to the Bug-Bee Hive Resort was a highlight, especially when the kids discovered the giant trampoline—they could have bounced all day!
Day 3: Mall of America
Our final day was a whirlwind of excitement at the Mall of America, where we checked into the AC Hotel Bloomington. The location is unbeatable, just a 5-minute walk from the mall, making it easy to pop back for breaks if needed. The Mall of America is quite the experience! With over 500 stores, you can find pretty much anything there. We spent the entire day exploring, starting with the SEA LIFE Aquarium, where the kids marveled at the underwater tunnels and vibrant sea creatures. I had my first cereal milk ice cream at Treats, which was so good! We laughed until we cried in the Amazing Mirror Maze—bumping into mirrors is surprisingly hilarious! The Crayola Experience was a colorful feast for the eyes, and the M&M’s store had the kids mesmerized with its rainbow of candy options. One of my favorites was the Alpaca Connection, especially when we got to touch the soft alpaca products.
We ended the day with a fantastic dinner at FireLake Grill House. The food was delicious, the cocktails were top-notch, and even the kids were impressed. I highly recommend trying the Swedish Passion cocktail and the grilled strawberry salad.
This three-day trip was the perfect blend of nature, adventure, and family fun. If you’re planning your own trip to Minnesota, I’d love to help craft the perfect itinerary for you and your family. Message me to get started on your next adventure!
