Day 1- Fly from the UK to Minneapolis St Paul, MN

Stay three nights in the ‘Twin Cities’, located on the Mississippi River in Minnesota. A city that blends history, arts, culture, music, culinary experiences and plenty of shopping, with a picturesque river setting for the more relaxed vibe. 

Day 2 & 3 - Explore the Twin Cities, Minneapolis - St. Paul

Music fans can tour Paisley Park - Prince's former home and recording studio. In the evening, catch some live music including First Avenue, the nightclub that Prince featured in his movie Purple Rain. 

Walk across the historic Stone Arch Bridge for a view of the of St. Anthony Falls. There are plenty of museums and historic sites, including the Walker Art Center and adjacent Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, Mill City Museum, Weisman Art Museum (Frank Gehry design) and the James J Hill House in St. Paul. 

For sporting fans, visit a classic American stadium to catch a game and soak up the infamous atmosphere. Minneapolis is home to all five major sporting competitions; American football, basketball, baseball, hockey and football/soccer. 

Visit Mall of America for some retail therapy, take a riverboat sightseeing tour, or explore the Twin Cities on a walking, cycling, segway or guided tour. No visit is complete without experiencing the diverse food scene, with influences between mid west, Scandinavian heritage and Indigenous culture. Delve your teeth into Minnesota's most iconic dish 'The Juicy Lucy' - a surprising twist on the classic Cheeseburger. For those seeking the best Indigenous culinary experience, head to the James Beard Award winning restaurant 'Owamni by the Sioux Chef'. 

Day 4 - Minneapolis to Duluth, MN, approx. 155 miles

The Birthplace of Bob Dylan - Duluth is a bustling inland sea port, with ships and boats passing the famous lift bridge. A thriving social scene with museums, art galleries, breweries and distilleries, restaurants and shopping. 

Don't miss the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Centre and Glensheen Estate. 

For incredible views over Spirit Mountain, Lake Superior, St Louis River and Duluth, head to Spirit Mountain Adventure Park to test the heights with the Spirit Express Scenic chairlift, Timber Flyer bench seat zip lining and Timber Twister Alpine Coaster. Stay for one night in Duluth. 

Day 5 - Duluth to Lutsen, MN, approx. 90 miles

Drive the North Shore Scenic Byway for stunning views of Lake Superior. Also a picturesque drive during Fall colours. En-route stop at Gooseberry Falls State Park or visit Split Rock Lighthouse. 

In the afternoon, hike the Lutsen Mountain trails, take the gondola ride for an aerial view, or head to Grand Portage State Park (60 miles) to see the impressive High Falls 120ft cascading waterfall. Overnight in Lutsen.

Day 6 - Lutsen to International Falls, MN, approx. 200 miles

Drive to Ely to visit the International Wolf Centre and/or North American Bear Centre. Take to the lakes at Boundary Waters Canoe Reservation Area for a gentle paddle through the wilderness. All motorised travel is prohibited in this protected area. Continue to International Falls and stay for 3 nights.  

Day 7 & 8 - International Falls & Voyageurs National Park, approx. 12 miles

Using International Falls as a base, spend two days exploring the Nation's only water-based national park, Voyageurs National Park. Hike the forests and paddle the lakes. Spend time under the stars at night, in Minnesota's Dark Sky Certified Park. This is also a great spot to witness the magic of The Northern Lights. 

For the more adventurous, there are unique houseboats that you can stay on within the park. Please ask us for more details. 

Day 9- International Falls to Bemidji, MN, approx. 190 miles

Drive 160 miles to Itasca State Park, home to the Mississippi River Headwaters. According to legend, those who step across the Mississippi at its source will live a long and happy life, and great riches will come to whoever finds the mythical Cities of Gold along its banks. 

Continue 30 miles to Bemidji, the first city on the Mississippi River, where you'll find a range of activities, from the more gentle hiking and golfing, to the adrenaline fuelled cycling and ATVs in the rough hilly terrain.  Stay for one night in Bemidji. 

Day 10 - Bemidji to St Cloud, MN, approx. 150 miles (or 220 miles)

As you head to St Cloud today, you have a choice of two routes - the shortest and most direct being 150 miles, getting you to St Cloud earlier and allowing more time to explore the area, or, take the longer route of 220 miles, following the iconic All American Byway 'The Great River Road' and simply enjoy the picturesque drive!

Once in St Cloud, take a stroll through the perfectly tended flowers at Munsinger Clemens Gardens. Take to on of the three public golf courses for a quick round. Cycle along the Wobegon Trail. Nature lovers head to Quarry Park and Nature Reserve, where you can walk, cycle, rock climb, swim and even high-jump from quarry rocks. Don't miss the Fall colours if travelling in the Autumn season.  Stay for one night in St Cloud. 

The Pipestone National Monument is a working quarry used by American Indians to harvest the soft red stone used to make ceremonial peace pipes. A 1-km walking trail allows a view of the quarries and in the Visitor Center, American Indians still today handcraft the pipes. Many buildings in town are made of the red quartzite stone (pipestone) and are on the list of the National Register of Historic Places. Two of the best examples are the Calumet Inn and the Pipestone County Courthouse. Don’t miss the beautiful Winnewissa Falls on the Circle Trail!

Take a short drive to Blue Mounds State Park to spot the free-roaming Bison herd. Stay for two nights in Pipestone. 

Head to Minnesota’s third largest city – Rochester. Where history meets contemporary. Join the hustle and bustle of city life, with museums, art galleries, sculpture walks, park trails, boutique shopping, historic mansions, breweries, theatre performances and more. If time allows, visit Winona. Stay for one night in Rochester. 

Day 14 - Rochester to Bloomington, MN, approx 80 miles

Don't miss this last chance to fill up your suitcase before flying home! Mall of America is just five minutes from MSP airport, and is the largest enclosed shopping and entertainment centre in the U.S. There is no sales tax on clothing or shoes in Minnesota! This isn't just a shopping centre - it also houses movie theatres, theme park rides, an aquarium, flight simulators and escape rooms. Stay for one night in Bloomington.