The appeal of a digital detox is so prevalent that some people even have a digital detox challenge, where they try to avoid using screens for a set period of time. You don’t need to travel far to achieve this — you can have a mindful vacation in Minnesota. A change in scenery can be the secret ingredient, creating an opportunity to explore new places and try new activities instead of screentime. One of the best ways to slow down and enjoy life is to take a weekend off and get inspired in Northern Minnesota.
Disconnect from your devices and reconnect with nature through outdoor adventures at Larsmont Cottages. During the day, you’ll have the chance to enjoy guided experiences like hok skiing, cross-country skiing, and nature hikes, allowing you to practice mindfulness and unplug. In the evening, you can gaze up at the infinite night sky on your own or with one of our guides. As a bonus, this year, scientists predict the wonder of the Northern Lights will occur more frequently. Step indoors and unwind by relaxing in the pool, hot tub, or traditional wood-fired Finnish sauna.
You don’t have to sit still and meditate to practice mindfulness. In fact, you can have an active mindfulness vacation while enjoying a boost of energy at the same time. Spend your days on the mountain skiing or snowboarding while enjoying beautiful views and all that comes with a true Minnesota winter. Downhill skiing and snowboarding are engaging activities that help you stay in the moment and won't have you reaching for your phone. It’s easy to digital detox from your smartphone with heavy gloves, and the fast pace of downhill skiing at Lutsen Mountain makes it easy to forget about your phone altogether.
The hotel itself is situated on a beautiful hillside surrounded by foothills, lakes, and woods that make for easy outdoor exploration, hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, and fishing. The scenic and adventurous quality of the location makes it easy to relax fireside, and it’s dog friendly, so you can bring your best friend with you on your outdoor adventures. After an exhilarating day out in nature, relax by our fire pit or enjoy board games with friends.
In the summer months, you can try your hand at fishing with Lake Superior Charter Fishing or enjoy some of the best golfing that Minnesota has to offer. Like Larsmont Cottages, there are stargazing tours and guided hikes available so you can spend time out in nature all year long.
Caribou Highlands is also close in proximity to the North House Folk School, which offers a variety of affordable courses that will jumpstart you into a lifelong hobby. While most think of mindfulness as just meditation, it can enhance any activity, and one way to cultivate this is by focusing on learning something new. Courses like Anishinaabe-Style Bead Embroidery, Artisan Breads Immersion, and Blacksmithing: Crafting the Tools of the Trade offer a unique opportunity to learn a new practical or creative skill. Not only are these courses a great way to spend an afternoon, but they also give you skills you can take home with you and new ways to spend your free time in lieu of screen time.
For those looking for a guided mindfulness retreat, on March 15-17 at Grand Superior Lodge, Odyssey is hosting a Sauna and Sobriety Wellness Weekend event that will allow you to indulge in the ultimate relaxation experience. These events focus on building human connectedness in a substance-free space with live music, yoga, and non-alcoholic beverages. This makes for a truly refreshing weekend that will leave you feeling rejuvenated.
There’s no right way to practice mindfulness, but it does help to put yourself in a place where you are engaged in an activity and can experience everything the moment has to offer. The best way to do that is to get out of your routine and find an activity where you can be mindful, whether that’s exercising in the outdoors, learning a new hobby, or just experiencing nature’s beauty.
