‘Tis the season to celebrate you! Experience the best of Northern Minnesota winter with this bucket list, featuring all things merry and bright.
Winter is one of the most beautiful seasons of the year, and in Northern Minnesota, it’s even more extraordinary! As we near the end of the year, now is the time to reflect on all the good things that happened, and celebrate you. What better way to complete a memorable year than with a trip to Odyssey Resorts? Just a short drive up the North Shore or to the Brainerd Lakes region, you’ll find a winter wonderland — with options.
Choose from our Minnesota vacation packages, with a variety of locations for your group, budget and timeline during one of the busiest and best times of the year. Find five spectacular ways to celebrate the season during your stay below!
1. Get outside for skiing or snowboarding with a view
Lutsen Mountain is famous for its unparalleled views of Lake Superior and exhilarating slopes. If you’re looking for premier Minnesota snowboarding for you and your group, look no further than Odyssey Resorts. Choose from ski-in-ski-out lodging at Caribou Highlands or stay just steps away at Mountain Inn. Stay close to shore at Lutsen Sea Villas, just a ten-minute drive from the top of the slopes— another one of the favorite ski resorts in Minnesota, and perfect for groups that include those who prefer to relax fireside with an amazing view. With trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, there’s no shortage of fun to be had this time of year in Lutsen.
2. Indulge your creative side with a class at North House Folk School
When it comes to the best vacation spots in Minnesota, Grand Marais’ East Bay Suites and Lutsen’s Caribou Highlands offer guests a unique advantage. These resorts are near the beloved North House Folk School, which hosts classes like basketry, fiber art, woodcarving, and much more. This season, tune into your creative side and treat yourself to an unforgettable learning experience! Find out about student discount opportunities here.
3. Experience Duluth’s famous Bentleyville Christmas lights
One of the most famous Christmas events in MN, Bentleyville Tour of Lights is a colorful and bright adventure with millions of lights illuminated throughout Bayfront Park in Duluth. This incredible display of Christmas lights in MN runs until late December, and with close access to waterside Beacon Pointe, it’s easy to make it part of your holiday tradition.
4. Shop for gifts locally (and at Odyssey’s gift shops)!
Make your MN Christmas, Hanukkah, and holiday traditions extra memorable with unique gifts from the North Shore or Brainerd Lakes Areas. These regions are known for stunning local arts, crafts, and hand-made items that can’t be found anywhere else. Find a thoughtful gift for everyone on your list at the local shops and galleries, and by visiting one of Odyssey’s gift shops conveniently located at several of our resorts featuring great gift ideas.
5. Spend an evening stargazing under dark wintery skies
Odyssey Resorts are located in the best places to stargaze in Minnesota. When thinking about Northern Minnesota vacation ideas that stand out, stargazing tops the list as one of the most spectacular and memorable moments to experience during your stay. You might even catch a glimpse of the northern lights. Bring a cozy blanket, cup of hot cocoa or glass of wine, and stare up at the vast, dark sky for a night of celestial magic on a clear night — even more wonderful during the holiday season.
There are countless ways to make memories in Northern Minnesota this time of year, and there’s still time to plan an unforgettable stay this season — book your top choice today to close your year with quality time for you and those you love. See you soon!
