10 Great Places To Hit the Road this Winter
FOR A STUNNING ROAD TRIP AND THE UNEXPECTED
Just an hour from the Twin Cities and 30 minutes from Rochester, this diamond in the bluffs sparkles in the winter months. While Lake City is commonly known as the Birthplace of Water Skiing, we were excited to check out its cross-country skiing game on this easy weekend getaway.
HERE ARE OUR RECS FOR A TWO-NIGHT STAY:
DAY 1:
Check in to Willows on the River, a condo on Lake Pepin. You don’t even have to step outside into the cold to enjoy a world-class view, great dining, and an expansive beer and cocktail menu at neighboring Kelly’s Lake House. End the day with some cozy room time, a moonlight ski on the trails at the nearby Hok-Si-La Park or a downtown pub crawl.
DAY 2:
Grab a coffee and famous Hanisch pastry at the stylish downtown Rustic Coffeehouse, then head to Frontenac State Park for top-notch cross-country skiing. Refuel with a self-described “Best Burger West of the Mississippi” at the historic Old Bank before treasure hunting at Willow Gentile Studio & Gallery and the expansive Lakeside Antiques. Explore Wild Wings Plaza’s vast emporium of goods, gifts and treats, then shake some winter rust off your swing with their golf simulators. End the day with
some bowling and apps at Port 104.
DAY 3:
For breakfast, it’s biscuits and gravy with a side of fresh fruit at Heidi’s Huggamug on the doorstep of Ohuta Beach Park. Then enjoy a brisk, crisp stroll on Lake City’s River Walk. Leave time for one more soak in the spa at the Willows before it's
time to check out!
STAY
Willows on the River
EAT
Heidi’s Huggamug
Kelly’s Lake House
Old Bank
SHOP
Lakeside Antiques
PLAY
Hok-Si-La Park
Port 104
EVENTS
Hok Si La by Moonlight
Feb. 1, 2025 @ 5 - 7
KEEP EXPLORING
visitlakecity.org