Find Winter Whimsy & Romance at these Minnesota B&Bs
Find Winter Whimsy & Romance at these Minnesota B&Bs
By Lisa Meyers McClintick
For a cozy romantic escape or a weekend of quiet luxury, Minnesota's bed & breakfasts and historic inns are the perfect getaway — and winter is the perfect season for the quiet charms of your B&B escape.
Whether you stay in an elegant mansion in a historic downtown, a renovated lighthouse on the North Shore or a rare eight-sided octagon home, make yourself at home at one of these intimate inns.
Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast, Two Harbors / © Aneese3 - stock.adobe.com
Winter B&Bs on the North Shore of Lake Superior
In a state with a great variety of environments to enjoy a winter B&B getaway, a lakeside room on the North Shore offers some of the best (and warmest) views of Lake Superior’s gunmetal grays and blinding blue water. Stay in Duluth to explore the city's architecturally stunning downtown and trendy lakeside neighborhoods, or stay further up the shoreline for the chance to dogsled or take a sleigh ride, ski lodge-to-lodge on the Gunflint Trail and possibly spot a wolf or a moose ducking into the deep woods.
Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast, Two Harbors
Guests double as assistant lighthouse keepers at this 1892 red-brick landmark that shines across the working harbor.
Baptism River Inn Bed & Breakfast, Silver Bay
Inland from Tettegouche State Park’s visitors center, this log home offers a prime location for outdoor lovers exploring the North Shore’s beauty.
Poplar Creek Guesthouse, Gunflint Trail
This B&B in the woods by the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness also can coordinate lodge-to-lodge or yurt-to-yurt skiing with access to hundreds of kilometers of trails.
Solglimt Bed & Breakfast, Duluth
A lakeside room at Duluth’s Solglimt Bed & Breakfast offers some of the best (and warmest) views of Superior’s gunmetal grays and blinding blue water. It sits just minutes away from Canal Park and boutique shopping, plus the city’s numerous attractions.
Lanesboro is a charming destination any time of year / Lanesboro Chamber of Commerce
Winter B&Bs in Lanesboro
Tucked into Minnesota's Bluff Country, this small town that’s big on charm bills itself as Minnesota’s B&B capital with close to a dozen choices, from gracious Victorian homes to downtown inns and country settings. Many are within walking distance of gift stores, galleries, restaurants, events at the St. Mane Theatre and skiing and winter walks on the Root River Trail.
Berwood Hill Inn
Five miles outside of Lanesboro, this four-room B&B offers the charm of a farm nestled in the quiet of the Root River Valley’s countryside. Summer visitors can also stay in a garden cottage.
Scandinavian Inn
This B&B in an 1892 Victorian home welcomes guests with breakfasts such as apple puff pancakes and Persian omelets and a choice of five rooms, including a treetop suite. Guests can bundle up to linger in its second-story gazebo.
Enjoy a country-style getaway at the Round Barn Farm B&B in Red Wing / J. Schultz
Winter B&Bs in Red Wing
Red Wing is one of Minnesota’s oldest cities and boasts a coveted location along the Mississippi River. With six B&Bs, the city draws visitors to see bald eagles, ski or hike regional trails, shop for antiques and explore its heritage through Red Wing Shoes and Red Wing Pottery.
Round Barn Farm Bed & Breakfast
Travelers can watch for the illuminated white round barn at this country home with five suites, including one with an indoor hanging swing. Breakfast includes fresh bread that guests can help bake.
Octagon House Retreat
This rare and historic eight-sided home includes five guest rooms with classic Victorian decor and antiques.
Pratt-Taber Inn
With elegant rooms inspired by the four seasons, this inn welcomes guests with wine, cheese and candlelight each evening in this 1876 Italianate home.
Lisa Meyers McClintick is a prolific travel writer for outlets including USA Today, Midwest Living, the Star Tribune and her website lisamcclintick.com. A mom of three, she especially enjoys family travel, hands-on learning vacations, local food and farms, living history and outdoor adventures.