Summer is all but officially here, and with it comes a plethora of fantastic activities. From boating to camping to lounging on the beach, we Minnesotans have no shortage of fun at our fingertips. But sometimes, we want to enjoy something that requires just a little less work. That's when you book a stay at one of the state's lakeside resorts. There are many to choose from, but there's one island resort in particular that you'll want to add to your summer bucket list.
Ludlow's Island Resort is located on Ludlow Island in Lake Vermillion. It has been a popular spot on the lake for decades.
Eventually, you'll want to rest. Luckily, the resort has nearly two dozen cabins with up to five rooms. One of the most impressive, the Dreamcatcher, is a four-story treehouse with amazing views!
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
Given all the lodging options in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, choosing one can be quite a challenge. This list of the best hotels in Minnesota, from the most unique stays to unforgettable resorts, will help narrow the selection when you are looking for the top lodging in the North Star State.
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Best Unique Hotels to Stay in Minnesota
There are many one-of-a-kind lodging options in Minnesota. Some are unique because of their architecture or the structure that houses them, others because of their history, and a few offer experiences, unlike other local hotels.
The charming Covington Inn is quite possibly the most singular stay in Minnesota. This inn is a retired river towboat that’s been updated, lovingly restored, and converted into a small inn. More of a bed and breakfast than a hotel perhaps, the Covington Inn doesn’t have your typical front desk or lobby bar, but for unique stays in Minnesota, this inn has to make any list. You’ll enjoy the comfortable rooms, and you simply can’t beat the stunning views of downtown St. Paul and the Mississippi River. Visit the Covington Inn Bed & Breakfast website to find vacation packages.
A stay in the beautiful and historic Naniboujou Lodge, with its stunning Lake Superior setting, offers a unique experience you won’t soon forget. Most stays require a minimum of two nights and include breakfast and dinner in Naniboujou Lodge's stunning dining room. Unplug in a north woods setting with no TVs, Wi-Fi, and little cell service, but plenty of with sweeping lake views. Visit the Naniboujou Lodge & Restaurant website to book your getaway.
The charming Celeste of St. Paul is at the corner of Cedar and Exchange in downtown St. Paul. The hotel is housed in a historic beaux arts building that has served as a convent, as well as a school of music and art. Today, it’s a quirky boutique hotel that leans hard into its storied past.
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Best Hotel Pools in Minnesota
Clearly, many of the top accommodations in Minnesota have pools. This pair, however - one the epitome of refinement and the other all about family fun - has elevated the hotel pool concept with stunning views and top-shelf amenities.
The Four Seasons Minneapolis could just as easily be included in the luxury hotel setting, however, its indoor and outdoor pools, with their skyline views, are some of the most stunning in the state. Combine that with all the amenities and luxe accommodations of the Four Seasons, such as a spa offering massages and other services, and a Gavin Kaysen-helmed restaurant, and you just can’t do any better for an adult, urban getaway in the North Star State.
Your family won't believe the views when you walk into this Edgewater Hotel and Waterpark. No, it’s not the Four Seasons, but rather, it’s its own fantastic thing. Combining sweeping lake views across lake superior with a waterpark setting, the Edgewater is a fantastic place for a family getaway. You’ll find outdoor and indoor pools, hot tubs, waterslides, and everything you’ll need for a weekend - or more - of fun.
Best Luxury Hotels in Minnesota
Whether you’re looking for modern elegance or classic style and service, these luxury hotels can compete with any in the country. This duo exudes service and luxury while exemplifying the aesthetics of their respective cities.
The ultra-luxe Hotel Ivy, a part of the Marriott "Luxury Collection," is easily one of the top hotels in Minnesota and is home to the best spa in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Whether you’re visiting this five-star hotel to indulge in massages or other dreamy spa services, or to sweeten your dreams in one of the most luxurious suites Minneapolis has to offer, you will not be disappointed with your stay at Hotel Ivy.
Perhaps the last of the Grand Dame hotels in Minnesota, The Saint Paul Hotel offers the type of classic, luxury hotel experience you would only expect to find in New York, Boston, or another large eastern city. Service is king at The Saint Paul, and you’ll find it throughout the hotel, from the front desk staff to the beloved Saint Paul Grill restaurant.
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Best Boutique Hotels in Minnesota
When it comes to lodging, big is not always better, and some of the state’s finest hotels are smaller properties that lean more toward creating an experience for their guests than welcoming as many as possible. This threesome represents some of the best boutique hotels in Minnesota.
The Hewing Hotel is an ultra-chic boutique hotel in downtown Minneapolis. Consistently ranked as one of the best hotels in Minnesota, the Hewing Hotel is a perfect spot for an urban getaway. With its close proximity to the Mississippi River, Target Field, and the North Loop, it’s in a prime location to explore some of the best things Minneapolis has to offer.
Stillwater's Lora was the first among the historic city’s recent spate of boutique hotels, and it holds its own against the newcomers. Lora is a thoroughly modern hotel tucked against the town’s limestone bluffs in one of historic Stillwater’s most historic structures. Lora is an ideal place to set up basecamp for exploring the charming St. Croix River town and all it has to offer.
The historic St. James Hotel is a gorgeous hotel in Red Wing that first opened in 1875. It’s easily one of the nicest hotels in Minnesota, and quite possibly the finest hotel in the state outside of the Twin Cities. It’s also conveniently located about an hour from either the Twin Cities or Rochester. Red Wing, itself, is a historic Mississippi River town in Minnesota’s gorgeous Bluff Country and makes an excellent destination for a day trip, particularly around the holidays.
Best Resorts in Minnesota
With its many sparkling lakes, wide rivers, and large swaths of forest, Minnesota is home to many unbelievable resorts. These two historic properties have been favorites in the North Star State for decades and set the standard to which other Minnesota resorts aspire.
Grand View Lodge is a family-friendly year-round resort that Minnesotans have been flocking to for generations. Its sprawling setting on Gull Lake, along with its multiple nearby golf courses, attracts lovers of all manner of outdoor activities, from ice fishing to biking and sand-castle building. Several equipment rental outposts mean you won’t have to lug your own gear. On the other hand, several dining options, as well as a spa offering massages and other services, also make the resort a perfect place for those who simply want to kick back and relax.
The venerable Lutsen Resort is the grandaddy of North Shore resorts, and it’s been entertaining guests for decades with its beautifully rugged slice of Lake Superior shoreline. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast who wants to establish a basecamp for hiking, biking, kayaking, or skiing - downhill and cross-country - or you just want to curl up in front of a roaring fire with a cocktail and watch the waves pound against the rocks, family-friendly Lutsen is the place to be. This is one of the best resorts in Minnesota for outdoor enthusiasts. Visit the Lutsen Lodge website for additional information and updates about its re-opening.
Clearly, a list of a dozen can't include all the best hotels in Minnesota. In addition to these 12, there are many more top hotels. Have you stayed at any of these luxury hotels in Minnesota? Are there other places to stay you would have included?
If you want to enjoy the wilds of Minnesota, check out some of our favorite cabins in Minnesota, too.
