Home to the bustling twin cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, as well as a bunch of iconic northern lakes, Minnesota is packed with exciting things to do and beautiful places to visit.
There are also a bunch of small towns and cities in the rest of the state that are stunningly gorgeous, and in my opinion, highly underrated. For some reason, these towns often go unnoticed by travelers.
In fact, the state is nicknamed the ‘Land of 10,000 Lakes’, for a reason. Wherever you choose to visit, you’ll be near some of the country’s most beautiful natural lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and ponds. Along with Minnesota’s tall mountains and glaciers, this is what makes this state such a perfect destination for adventurous outdoor lovers.
When it comes to finding the right place to stay, you can’t go wrong with a B&B. Bed and breakfasts are usually family owned and provide affordable accommodation with some delicious home-cooked grub. Staying in a B&B allows you to feel the authenticity of the place, as well as feel some homely comforts that you don’t feel in a hotel.
For a cozy winter-wonderland escape or a river rafting adventure, you’ll find B&Bs and historic inns across every part of this state. In historic towns and the major cities, B&Bs offer authentic antique interiors with an old-soul charm. However, the best bed and breakfasts in Minnesota are in the mountains or lakes that resemble traditional lake cabins and chalets.
So, if that all sounds exciting to you, read on to see my list of the top ten bed and breakfasts across this exciting state, from Victorian manors in Minneapolis to countryside inns by the lakes. Let’s go!
In a Hurry? Here’s Where to Stay in Minnesota for One Night
Spacious Suite with Bathtub in Historic Inn
Located between Minnesota’s famous twin cities, this historic B&B offers homey accommodation with a friendly atmosphere. Guests can enjoy two living rooms, a games room, and coffee and tea facilities.
- Mall of America
- Downtown St Paul.
- Downtown Minneapolis
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Staying in a Bed and Breakfast in Minnesota
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Staying in a bed and breakfast in Minnesota is a bit like staying in a boutique hotel, yet with a more personalized vibe and lower price tag. You’ll enjoy a private room but will share common spaces such as a dining room and outdoor living areas.
Nestled along the Canadian border, it’s no surprise that the locals are incredibly friendly and welcoming. With that, you can expect your hosts and innkeepers to welcome you with open arms, ensuring you are well taken care of. If you’re taking a road trip through Minnesota, they will be more than welcome to give you hints and tips for places to visit.
Each inn offers its own unique experience, depending on its location. For example, lakeside inns often include on-site canoes, fishing equipment, and boats for guests to use. On the other hand, your hosts in a Victorian city manor will be happy to offer advice about local historical treasures.
Cabin B&Bs in Minnesota might include access to snowmobiling, hiking, and cycling activities. Other B&Bs are solely dedicated to romance and luxury, offering spa-like retreats for couples. No matter what you come for, I guarantee you’ll want to extend your trip to Minnesota.
What to Look For in a Bed and Breakfast in Minnesota
As mentioned, there’s a different type of B&B for every kind of traveler here. Inns designed for outdoor adventure are usually in remote locations and often have beautiful views. The best bed and breakfasts in Minnesota for lovers might include private bungalow suites with Jacuzzis and offer spa and massage facilities. B&Bs for backpackers across the USA may have a social atmosphere where you can meet some new travel buddies.
Most bed and breakfasts offer a home-cooked breakfast each morning, served out on the porch or indoors, depending on the weather. Because Minnesota is a cold northern state, fireplaces and central heating are standard amenities. During the festive season, Christmas lights and decorations are set up to bring an abundance of joy into each B&B.
You’ll find the most extensive range of Minnesota B&Bs on Airbnb and Booking.com. VRBO has a small selection too, but you will need to make sure you filter your search to include ‘breakfast’ if you’re wanting a decent B&B, as many inns don’t offer a home-cooked breakfast. If this all sounds like too much work for you, don’t worry, because I’ve selected the BEST bed and breakfasts in Minnesota below.
Spacious Suite with Bathtub in Historic Inn
- > $$
- > 2 Guests
- > Bright and spacious interiors with garden
- > Between Minneapolis and St. Paul
Cozy Cape Cod Style B&B with Hot Tub
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Homey interiors with kitchen access
- > Just off the Victory Memorial Parkway in Minneapolis
Queen Room in Historic B&B with Manicured Gardens
- > $$
- > 2 Guests
- > Antique interiors, relief ceilings, and a large garden
- > On a historic estate in Minneapolis
Contemporary Boutique B&B with Yurt
- > $$
- > 6 Guests
- > Common yurt living area with bar and bistro
- > In Grand Rapids, near restaurants
Deluxe Suite with Private Fireplace on Historic Farm
- > $$$$
- > 2 Guests
- > Jacuzzi and three-course gourmet breakfast
- > Near downtown Red Wing, no neighbors
Family-Friendly Suite at Historic Inn with Porch
- > $
- > 5 Guests
- > Attic suite with two beds
- > In Peterson in the historic Bluff Country
Spacious Family Room in Schoolhouse B&B
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Traditional school with library, gym, and playground
- > In a remote area in Middle River
The Top 10 Bed and Breakfasts in Minnesota
Right! Let’s get to it: whether you’re planning a business trip to the twin cities or looking for the best spot for an adventurous family holiday in Minnesota, here is my pick of the top B&Bs across the state.
Overall Best Value B&B in Minnesota – Spacious Suite in Historic Inn
Airbnb really has produced the goods with this historic building built in 1898. The bedroom in question is the original master suite and boasts a queen bed, ensuite bathroom with clawfoot tub, and neighborhood views.
Guests can enjoy full access to shared spaces, including two lounges, the games room, and a kitchenette. A buffet-style breakfast is served daily, with the option of upgrading to a full meal prepared by the on-site chef.
As one of the best bed and breakfasts in Minnesota for its location and value, this spot is located just outside downtown St Paul, with easy access to Minneapolis.
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Best Budget B&B in Minnesota – Cozy Cape Cod Style B&B
Come as a guest and leave as family. This affordable bed and breakfast is where to stay in Minneapolis for a central location. It offers a friendly atmosphere with hotel-like amenities. Made to feel like a home away from home, this B&B includes reading material, a dedicated workspace, and full access to the home’s kitchen.
Enjoy a drink in the Jacuzzi surrounded by snow before heading inside to cozy up by the fire with a book in the shared living room. If you’re visiting in summer, you might prefer to use the BBQ facilities, outdoor furniture, and hammocks.
Budget Tip: Dorms in Minnesota start from $10USD per bed. They’re the cheapest accommodation in the city. Search for hostels in the area!
Best Bed and Breakfast for Couples – Queen Room in Historic B&B
Treat yourself and your significant other to a relaxing getaway on this beautiful historic estate in the heart of Minneapolis. Not only is this spot so stunning that it will have you snapping photos but it’s also incredibly affordable for what it offers.
Aside from the antique furniture, original artwork, and hand-painted ceilings, this spot offers many shared spaces and modern amenities, including a Jacuzzi and washer/dryer facilities. There’s not a doubt in my mind this exquisite home is one of the best bed and breakfasts in Minnesota for lovers. If you fancy taking a date night out, Minneapolis has some exquisite steak houses serving up delicious meals.
Best B&B for a Group of Friends – Contemporary Boutique B&B
Escape up north to the secluded Grand Rapids region, where the snowfall is heavy, and the vibes are good. This boutique B&B offers a three-bedroom suite with quality bedding, a private bathroom, and a small private kitchenette and living area.
Bring your best mates along for an outdoorsy adventure, with tons of trails and activities nearby. There’s also an on-site bistro and bar where you can enjoy a local meal and craft beer with your friends. You’ll even have access to the shared yurt structure, which houses a cozy lounge with a fireplace.
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View on Osprey View on REIOver-the-Top Luxury B&B in Minnesota – Deluxe Suite on Historic Farm
Embrace the historical style and regal comfort of this newly renovated historic B&B near Red Wing. Pictures don’t do it justice, and the whole property is beautifully furnished with a classic blend of contemporary and antique interiors.
Each suite overlooks beautiful garden views and includes a private bathroom with a Jacuzzi and a coffee machine. An American or gluten-free breakfast is served each morning on the terrace or in the dining room, which guests can make use of at any time of the day.
Best Bed and Breakfast for Families – Historic Inn with Porch
With year-round outdoor activities, you’ll find some of the best bed and breakfasts in Minnesota for a family vacation in Peterson, Minnesota. This historic home includes a family-friendly attic suite, which houses two bedrooms and one bathroom. Perfect for five guests, it’s a super affordable option and is ideal for young families.
You’ll have a free run of the entire home, from the kitchen to the dining rooms, sunroom, and covered porch. Families can use the high chair, pack n’ play travel crib, and board games to entertain young kids. There’s even a fully fenced-in garden, great for young children to explore safely.
Best B&B in Minnesota for Backpackers – Schoolhouse B&B
Not only is this one of the most affordable spots on the list, but it’s also the most unique. The perfect combination for a backpacker – am I right? The entire space is quite literally a converted school, with classrooms turned into suites.
You’ll find classic school-style furniture, chairs, bedside tables, and even original blackboards throughout this space that sleeps four guests.
Not only can you make use of the school playground, but there’s also a cozy lounge and kitchen where guests can cook, eat and even watch movies on a large screen projector. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even ask to spend some time in the library after dark – a childhood dream! Bathrooms are shared, and there are washer/dryer facilities on site.
B&B in Minnesota with the Best Views – Lakeside B&B
With more lakes than any other US state, views aren’t hard to come by here. As one of the best bed and breakfasts in Minnesota for its views, this spot overlooks Leech Lake and the stunning lush gardens that surround it.
Midwest countryside charm oozes from every corner of this luxurious B&B, which is overflowing with natural light and fresh air. Calm neutral tones and crisp white linens give the space a luxurious feel. Enjoy the views from your private suite, or head to the dock and deck to gaze out across the lake.
Best B&B for Hosting Small Events – 7 Bed Fitzgerald Manor
If you’re after the perfect spot to host an intimate event, this manor house near Lake Superior will exceed all expectations. The manor has seven private suites, each with a private bathroom. Five of the rooms even have a gas fireplace and Jacuzzi bathtub.
Feel free to make use of the gourmet kitchen, which is large enough to cook up a feast for a group of 20. You’ll then be able to enjoy the living room, dining room, great room, and sunroom, as well as a library stacked with games. The hosts live on the manor’s third floor and will prepare your group a delicious hot breakfast each morning.
Best B&B for the Adventurous Traveler – B&B with Brewery on River
A genuine respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, this is easily one of the best bed and breakfasts in Minnesota for outdoor lovers. In fact, this B&B also advertises itself as super LGBTQ+ friendly. A gourmet five-course breakfast is included in your stay, which will give you tons of energy for a day of adventuring.
A unique feature of this B&B is the on-site brewery in the yard, which serves up a delicious craft beer to guests of legal age. Located just a few blocks from downtown Wabasha, you’ll be surrounded by outdoor activities from fishing to cycling. There’s even a small ski hill five minutes away!
Don’t Forget Your Minnesota Travel Insurance
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Bed and Breakfasts in Minnesota
With the perfect balance between vibrant city life and natural beauty, Minnesota has something to offer every type of traveler at any time of the year. Whether you’re keen to explore the historic old town attractions of Minneapolis, the twin cities, or embark on a hiking adventure around one of the thousands of lakes in the state, you’ll be blown away by what Minnesota has to offer.
And with that, I hope you’re ready to pack your bags for one of the best bed and breakfasts in Minnesota. There is no shortage of smiling faces, beautiful places, and exciting adventures here, and spending some time in a locally-run B&B is the best way to experience the friendly local charm of the state.
Don’t forget to sort yourself and your family out with a good travel insurance package. With so many exciting outdoor adventures to be had, it’s better to be safe than sorry and prepare for the worst.
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