Cold Winter Weekend Getaways in the USA

Last Updated on August 29, 2024 by Tori’s VA

Some destinations are just more magical in the winter. With the Christmas décor and lights glowing and all of the exhilarating activities to enjoy in the snow, you’ll have to take advantage of this season and plan some winter trips! But with busy work schedules, and lots of holidays and family time, you might only have time to jet off for a few days. So, here’s the best Winter Weekend Getaways: Cold Destinations for you to consider this winter season!

I asked these experienced travel bloggers for their favorite cold winter weekend getaways they love. this list will help you plan out your upcoming adventures! Or, if you’d prefer a warm winter getaway, check out my roundup of those instead!

_{This post may contain affiliate links for activities, destinations and products that I love, and think you will too!}

Winter Weekend Getaways in the Southeast

Nashville, TN

Most winter weekend getaways are centered around snow. But visit Nashville, TN instead for a cold and festive winter season without having to trudge through snow and slush. Nashville is easy to get to, since it’s super centrally located in the US. It has an international airport with direct flights to 107 destinations. Flights are less than 4 hours to almost every spot in the country.

Visit Nashville any time in December for the best Christmas activities in Nashville. The city is filled to the brim with festivities, so it’s perfect for every traveler, you don’t even have to like country music! But if you do, then get tickets to the Opry Country Christmas, at the famous Grand Ole Opry.

While you’re at the Opry, head next door to the Gaylord Opryland for the largest display of Christmas décor in town. The massive hotel is beautiful any time of the year, but they really go overboard for the holidays. Inside the hotel are huge atriums filled with plants, florals, restaurants, shops. There’s even a river that you can ride a boat along.

In December the atrium glows with Christmas lights, trees, and of course, Christmas music. Outside you’ll be blown away with the activities, ice rink, sled hill and other fun things to do for kids and adults.

You can choose to stay at the Gaylord, or if you’d rather be downtown, book a room at the Bobby Hotel. It’s right in the center of the action, and goes all out for the holidays. They decorate their rooftop bar to look like a winter wonderland complete with igloos, and serve holiday themed cocktails.

While you’re downtown, hunt for other holiday themed pop-up bars around the city. But be aware, most require reservations days or weeks in advance.

For the most authentic Nashville experience, book tickets to a show at the Bluebird Cafe. You’ll want to buy tickets the moment they’re released as it’s a tiny space and they sell out fast! But it will be worth it. This is the place most of the biggest stars started. It’s famous for hosting Taylor Swift back before she became a star!

Recommended by Me!

Helen, GA

One of the best winter weekend getaways in the USA, pick Helen, GA to be transported straight to Europe. This north Georgia town is designed to look like a Bavarian village, with all of the buildings built in this style. It truly is the most magical holiday vacation in the country!

You’ll feel like you walked into a fairytale, or maybe onto a movie set. But that’s because you have! The town has been the site of several movies including Lifetime’s A Taste of Christmas.

There’s many things to do in the village, but the best thing is town is the Georgia Mountain Coaster. It sits on the side of the mountain, right in the center of town. The coaster goes up to 28 miles per hour, and you control the breaks! It is so much fun, great for kids and just as fun for adults!

You’ll want to explore the trails around the city as well. Hike Mount Yonah for a 3 hour hike with beautiful views. Or choose Duke’s Creek Trail for a short hour hike down to waterfalls.

If you’re visiting during the holidays, make sure you enjoy some of the best things to do in Helen during Christmas. They hold a lighting of the village the day after Thanksgiving, many holiday markets and a holiday parade. Spend lots of time strolling the streets of town, admiring the Bavarian design and beautiful holiday décor. And of course, stop at Hofbrauhaus for a traditional German dinner to pair perfectly with the town’s aesthetic.

When looking for places to stay, I recommend booking a VRBO just outside of town. But there are many hotels in the village as well including the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Helen.

Recommended by Me!

Winter Weekend Getaways in the West

Salt Lake City, UT

Salt Lake City is a great, budget-friendly winter weekend getaways destination in the USA. Outdoor adventure lovers will have plenty to do. The region has many amazing ski resorts nearby; some of which can be accessed through the city’s transportation! 

Salt Lake City is home to a major international airport and centrally located in the US. Direct flights to Salt Lake City are available from several cities. From just about any major city in the US, you can arrive in SLC in less than 3 hours making it perfect for a quick weekend getaway. 

Salt Lake City is a winter wonderland. Winter temperatures in the city itself can get up to the high 30s and low 40s. But in the nearby mountains you can expect to see snow throughout the winter season. The biggest snowfalls typically occur in January and February. February and March are the best months for skiing nearby Cottonwood Canyon and Park City. 

While Park City, one of the most popular ski destinations in the US, is only about an hour from Salt Lake City. The Cottonwood Canyon ski resorts provide an excellent budget-friendly alternative. Also, all the Cottonwood Canyon ski resorts are accessible via public transportation from Salt Lake City. For beginner skiers, Brighton Resort is ideal. The majority of runs here are rated beginner to lower-intermediate. Both ski and snowboarding lessons are available as well. More advanced level skiers should check out Alta and Snowbird. 

For non-skiers there is still plenty of winter fun to be had. In nearby Midway, Utah you can visit an ice castle and swim in an underground hot spring. It’s located about an hour’s drive from downtown Salt Lake City. The Utah Ice Castle opens for the season once temperatures remain consistently below freezing. Please see their website for availability. The Homestead Crater is open year round and features an underground hot spring. The water temperatures stay at 90 degrees year round, making it a toasty winter time soak. 

After working up an appetite with all of those outdoor adventures, be sure to sample some of the delicious restaurants in Salt Lake City. Pizza is a great go-to after shredding powder on the mountain all day. The Pie, a Utah favorite, has a few different locations around the Salt Lake City area. They also offer delivery if you’re too tired after a long day of outdoor adventure.

For those looking to ski in Cottonwood Canyon, staying in the Sandy/Midvale area will put you in the best location. From there you can grab the ski bus up to the slopes. The Homewood Suites by Hilton on Union Ave in Midvale is located right in front of one of the bus stops for the ski bus route that takes you to both Brighton and Solitude ski resorts.

Recommended by Jackie of Bon Voyage, Jackie

Lake Tahoe, CA

Who would have thought you could spend charming, winter weekend getaways in sunny California? But if you visit Lake Tahoe between December and March, that’s exactly what you’ll find, a winter weekend getaway.

Up in Northern California on the California-Nevada border, Lake Tahoe transforms into a snow-kissed wonderland that is simply magical. In the winter, temperatures range between 18°F to 48°F, with an average anywhere in the 30s. 

With plenty of activities for everyone, it’s no surprise that Lake Tahoe is a perfect winter weekend getaway destination. You will need a car to get around, which you can easily rent a car and pick up at Reno-Tahoe International Airport. 

One of the most popular things to do in Lake Tahoe is to spend a day hitting the slopes. With an average of 400 inches of snow, it’s no wonder Tahoe is home to some of the best ski resorts in the country. Spend the day at Heavenly, Kirkwood, Palisades, or any of the others. It’s here you’ll experience some of the smoothest powder in the country. 

If skiing isn’t your thing, there are plenty of alternatives. Choose your own adventure and go snowshoeing, sledding, or sleigh riding instead. Spend the day in South Lake Tahoe and visit El Dorado Beach, where you’ll find enchanting views of the Sierra Nevadas. Or hike to Monkey Rock or Emerald Bay if you’re feeling adventurous.

Unwind from your long day by indulging in après ski culture or eating a mouthwatering bite of Chilean sea bass at Kalani’s. If you’re in the mood to test your luck, cross the Stateline into Nevada and hit the slots at the Hard Rock Casino. 

There are plenty of options regardless of which side of the Lake you stay. Marriott’s Timber Lodge is a beautiful, upscale option near Heavenly Village, while Forest Suites Resort is a budget-friendly alternative. 

Recommended by Jina of By Jina Lee

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Mammoth Lakes, CA

One of the best winter weekend getaways in California if you are looking for snowfall is Mammoth Lakes. The stunning Eastern Sierra resort town is known for its spectacular mountains, gorgeous lakes, unique hot springs and more.

Come winter the dramatic High Sierra Nevada are carpeted by snow, transforming into a magical winter wonderland.

There are tons of awesome things to do in Mammoth Lakes, with something for everyone. From skiing to snowboarding to hot springs and hiking. You can easily spend a weekend in Mammoth Lakes for a fabulous holiday in December.

December is the peak ski season at Mammoth Mountain, and Mammoth Lakes is home to some of the best ski resorts in California.

You have over 150 gorgeous trails for alpine downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, tubing, and snowboarding.

You can enjoy fishing, boat trips, hiking, or picnic lunches in any of the stunning glacial lakes around Mammoth Lakes. You’ll be surrounded by dramatic mountains offering beautiful sunrise and sunset views.

Mammoth Lakes is located along the US Route 395 corridor, a beautiful stretch of one of the famous road trip routes. From Los Angeles in the south, it takes about 5 hours. From San Francisco, located in the west, it takes about 6 to 7 hours to get to Mammoth Lakes via Highway 120 or Tioga Road. 

Innsbruck Lodge, located near the Village Gondola, is an excellent stay for its secluded and stunning location. It features apartments with kitchens, simple rooms, and an on-site hot tub and spa.

Recommended by Reshma of The Solo Globetrotter

Telluride, CO

Located in southwest Colorado, Telluride is a perfect winter weekend getaways for the outdoorsy traveler. 

Telluride is surrounded by 13,000 foot peaks and boasts many trails for hiking, skiing and snowboarding. It also has a wonderful mining history. You can spend a while exploring downtown Telluride with its Victorian-style buildings. They now house many stores and restaurants.

Fat biking is also a popular winter activity in Telluride that allows visitors to explore many of its trails. You can rent fat bikes and other winter equipment in many stores in town.

You can get to Telluride by flying into Telluride Airport (TEX) from Denver, or rent a car in Denver and take a drive to Telluride. 

Winter is a fun time in Telluride but it also sees a lot of snow. Make sure to bring proper gear and clothing, and also put chains in your tires if the forecast calls for snow.

New Sheridan Hotel is one of the best stays in Telluride situated in the city’s downtown. It’s within walking distance to most landmarks and several hiking trails in Telluride.

And when you get hungry, grab a bit at Brown Dog Pizza. It’s one of the best restaurants in Telluride that serves pizza, salads, sandwiches and other delicious comfort food. They also have a good selection of local beers.

Recommended by Daria of The Discovery Nut

Jackson Hole, Wyoming 

If you are looking for a winter wonderland with many activities for couples and families, look no further than Jackson Hole, Wyoming. You can reach Jackson Hole by flying in directly (airport code: JAC). This is the only airport in the United States that is located within a national park, Grand Teton National Park. If flying into Jackson Hole is too complicated or expensive, you can also fly into Salt Lake City and make the 4.5 hour drive to Jackson Hole. It makes for perfect winter weekend getaways.

One of the main reasons to visit Jackson Hole, Wyoming in the winter is for skiing. Most people associate skiing with Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, as this is the most popular option. JHMR is on both the Mountain Collective Pass as well as the IKON pass, reservations are required. 

In addition to JHMR, there are actually two other smaller ski areas as well. These other ski areas are Grand Targhee Resort and Snow King Mountain Resort. Grand Targhee is located a little over an hour from both Teton Village and Jackson. The base of Snow King Mountain Resort is located within Jackson itself. Snow King is small and not well-suited for beginners.

If you aren’t into skiing, there are still plenty of other things to do in Jackson Hole, Wyoming in the winter. Instead go snowmobiling, visit Grand Teton National Park, soak in hot springs, and more.

If you’re planning to ski at JHMR, you should certainly stay at Continuum which is at the base of the slopes. The restaurant right in the Continuum is delicious, but if you want something closer to downtown, don’t miss Hand Fire Pizza.

Recommended by Andrea of BeaUTAHful World

Denver, CO

When it comes to amazing mountain towns, Denver, Colorado is the perfect spot for winter weekend getaways. The Mile High City boasts beautiful scenery, interactive museums, art and culture, and plenty of tasty restaurants. It’s got nearby winter sports, and easy access from the Denver International Airport. Weather in winter is chilly with average highs in the 40s and at least a few feet of snow each year on average. 

Denver’s Capitol Building offers tours of its gold dome observation area and a fun photo opportunity on the mile high step. The city also offers the US Mint, Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and historic Union Station. The RiNo district is a dream for those that love self-guided walking tours. The immense amount of art murals gracing the buildings are quite the site to see. Sports fans will want to cheer on the Denver Nuggets. Don’t miss the free ice skating in Skyline Park!

Staying centrally located in Denver is very convenient, especially if you’d prefer to tour the area without a car. Consider the Grand Hyatt Denver or Hotel Teatro with easy access to the free downtown shuttle. The shuttle will transport you to wonderful places to eat, like Cherry Cricket for burgers. Try Denver Biscuit Company for breakfast, or Guard and Grace for something more upscale.

With all the city has to offer, it would still be a shame to visit and not venture out of the city to explore some of the mountain areas outside city limits. Skiers and snowboarders will love taking a day trip to the charming towns of Keystone or Breckenridge to hit the slopes. Rocky Mountain is also within a couple hours drive and a snowshoe hike around Bear Lake is just stunning.  For those wishing to stay closer to Denver, visiting Red Rocks Amphitheater or outdoor ice skating in Evergreen are both magical experiences. 

Recommended by Sierra of Island + Alpine

Whitefish, MT

Whitefish Montana, is a winter wonderland and great winter weekend getaways for those looking to explore Rocky Mountain and Montanan nature.

One of the best parts of whitefish is the world class skiing and access to some of the best nature in America. Whitefish Mountain (formerly called “Big Mountain”) is one of the most affordable big mountain ski areas in North America. Ticket prices have stayed reasonable with day tickets less than $100. Other services like rentals and food in line with off-resort prices as well.

For those looking to get out to nature, Glacier National Park is a perfect getaway. While much of the park is non-drivable, areas close to West Glacier are still open. Folks can visit Apgar, Lake McDonald and do hiking, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing in the park. In areas around Whitefish and the park there’s also ample opportunity to explore via snowmobiling.

Whitefish has a cute little downtown with lots of great cafes and restaurants for all budgets. Some places to try include the Wich haus a cool little sandwich shop. Or visit wild coffee company with great coffee and breakfast options, and Tupelo Grille for great Cajun options.

Whitefish is accessible by road, train, and air. The nearest airport is about 20 minutes outside of Whitefish in nearby Kalispell. More options for flights are available in Missoula, a further 2 hours south of Kalispell Airport. There’s a train station in Whitefish which connects to Seattle as well as east through Montana, North Dakota and beyond. So, book a place to stay for a few nights and create the best winter weekend getaways.

Recommended by Anwar of Beyond My Door

Leavenworth, WA

Up in northern Washington, nestled in the Cascade Mountains, you’ll find the small town of Leavenworth. 

From Seattle, it’s just about 2 hours east on Highway 2. This Bavarian Village is a great place to visit year-round. But winter is one of the best times to visit, as you can see the beautiful mountains covered in snow.

Within an hour’s drive, there are hiking trails, ski resorts, and of course, the town itself to explore that will fill an entire weekend’s worth of fun. It’s the perfect winter weekend getaways!

Bundle up before you head out for some exploring because the average temperature hovers around 20 degrees F during the winter. You will also see plenty of snow.

During the holiday season, wander the main street in Leavenworth. It is lined with lights and jam-packed with small shops selling gifts for the holidays. Stop into the shops anytime during the winter and check out some of the local goods for sale.

If you’re up for some adventure, hit the slopes right in town at the Leavenworth Ski Hill. It is perfectly suited for beginners.

Or head just 45 minutes west to Stevens Pass Ski Resort for more advanced skiers and snowboarders.

Hikers will love spending a weekend in Leavenworth, as there are plenty of hiking trails nearby that are great to do in winter.

If it’s chilly outside, head indoors to the Nutcracker Museum, which showcases over 6,000 nutcrackers from all over the world.

There are plenty of German-inspired places to grab a bite to eat. Among the most popular is München Haus, serving delicious German sausages.

And when it’s time to rest your head for the night, LOGE Leavenworth downtown is a great place to stay.

Recommended by Kassidy of The Hiking Helper

Mount Rainier National Park in WA

If you are looking for the perfect winter weekend getaway, you definitely need to check out Mount Rainier National Park. 

Mount Rainier is less than 2 hours away from busy Seattle and is the perfect place to escape the hectic city and be surrounded by the serenity of nature. 

While some of the park will be inaccessible in the winter, you can still have a ton of fun for the weekend. Head to the Paradise area for snow sledding. You can also explore some of the most popular hikes in the park with snowshoes. There are also ranger-guided snowshoe hikes that you can take. 

There won’t be any lodging or services open inside the park. You’ll need to pack a lunch or eat in the neighboring communities of Ashford or Eatonville.  Summit House Restaurant is a great restaurant at nearby Crystal Mountain that has an excellent view of Mount Rainier.  

There are many great cabins and VRBOs to stay at near Mount Rainier in the winter in the community of Ashford.  Betsy’s Cabins are our favorites and have fireplaces, hot tubs, and wifi, all within close proximity to the Paradise area.

If you are looking for more of a traditional hotel stay, you could also stay in Seattle or Olympia and make the drive to Mount Rainier. 

Recommended by Chantelle of Flannels or FlipFlops 

Moab, Utah

If you love the great outdoors and want to experience one of the best winter weekend getaways in the USA then you have to visit Moab, Utah. 

See, this tiny town is an outdoor mecca that makes for a perfect home base. From here you can explore Canyonlands and Arches National Park. 

Winter is the perfect time to visit since many of the main attractions at these parks remain open all year long. 

Plus, if you visit during the winter, you’ll avoid the intense heat and crowds of the summer. You can even save money on flights and hotel rooms since winter is considered off-season. 

And while Canyonlands Field Airport is near Moab, you’ll probably have to fly into Salt Lake City since this is the only major airport in the area. Then, rent a car upon arrival and drive about 4 hours to Moab. 

Just be sure to dress warmly since daily highs peak at around 51 F while daily lows get down to 19 F. You also won’t have to worry about rain since the area only receives an average of only three days of rain per month. 

Other than that, just enjoy seeing the La Sal Mountains covered in snow before visiting Arches National Park hot spots like Park Avenue, Delicate Arch, Devil’s Garden, and more. 

You can also head to the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands which is infinitely more accessible throughout the winter. It’s also home to some of the best hikes in Moab like Grand View Point, Aztec Butte, Mesa Arch, Upheaval Dome, etc. 

Then, when you need a break from all that hiking, head back to Moab and enjoy a well-deserved meal at The Broken Oar. Try the pork tacos at this casual but delicious American restaurant before spending the night at The Moab Resort with its refreshing outdoor pool and luxurious rooms.

Recommended by Meg of Fox in the Forest

Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

While it may be one of the most visited national parks in the United States, receiving over six million tourists every year, not many know that the Grand Canyon Park in winter is magnificent. 

Whether you wish to camp amidst snow or admire the gorgeous views of the landmarks, Grand Canyon Park is one of the best winter weekend getaways destinations in the US.

Besides fewer tourists, the excellent weather is another reason you should be here during winter. You can avoid the scorching summer, especially if you plan to hike.

You can easily cover the major attractions of the Grand Canyon over a weekend, including driving to all scenic spots along Desert View Drive.

There are plenty of amazing things to do in the Grand Canyon during the winter months, from November to early February.

Drive along to enjoy the stunning views, watch the spectacular sunsets and sunrises, and hop on the Grand Canyon Polar Express – a must-do activity for Christmas spirits during your winter holiday if you are with kids or hike the south rim. 

In winter, you can stay at one of the lodges inside the park, which is almost impossible to think of during the peak season. El Tovar Hotel, one of the best historic National Park lodges in the US, is located within the park premises and is an excellent accommodation option.

Recommended by Veronica of Wander In Arizona

Winter Weekend Getaways in the Midwest

Lake Geneva, WI

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin is a great place for a winter weekend getaway. The weather in the winter is cold and usually snowy so bundle up and prepare to have fun in the snow. The best way to reach Lake Geneva is by car. The closest airports in Milwaukee, Madison and Chicago, are all about an hour drive away.

The best things to do in and near Lake Geneva in the winter include visiting the ice castles in Wisconsin, a unique frozen attraction found in only five places in the United States. The man made ice castles are worth seeing both in the day and at night when they are lit by colored LED lights. Kids will also enjoy crawling through tunnels and going down ice slides. You’ll also enjoy downhill skiing and snowboarding as well as other winter sports such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and sledding.

Joni’s Diner, a retro 50s diner serving American home cooking, is a great place for breakfast or lunch. For dinner, head to Next Door Pub & Pizzeria, which is known for its excellent pizza made from scratch.

Grand Geneva Resort & Spa is one of the best hotels in the area and is a convenient location for visitors interested in skiing, snowboarding, sledding and ice skating.

Recommended by Matilda of The Travel Sisters

Lutsen, MN

Lutsen, Minnesota is an ideal place to experience winter in Minnesota at its best and most beautiful.  Fresh snow glistening on a sunny day on green pine trees against a backdrop of the stunning blue water of Lake Superior is a sight that you will not soon forget. Its relative proximity to the Twin Cities and easy access from the airport at Duluth, MN make this an ideal spot for a winter weekend getaway.

Lutsen is a small resort town on the shores of Lake Superior, approximately 1 hours and 45 minutes by car north of Duluth, MN. You can either fly into the Duluth airport and rent a car to drive to Lutsen, or you can make the drive up from the Twin Cities of Minneapolis/St Paul.  If you drive up from the Twin Cities, the drive will be approximately 4-5 hours to reach Lutsen.

The weather in the winter is going to be cold and snowy, an average of 10 feet of snow falls each winter.  It is a perfect spot if you are a winter sports lover! Temperatures will generally range between 20 degrees F on the warm end, and can commonly get as low as -10 degrees fahrenheit or more in January or February. Mornings can be quite cold, but temperatures often warm a little during the day.

Skiing, both cross country and downhill, is the top activity on the roster for many who visit Lutsen. The jagged, glacier carved peaks and abundance of snow from nearby Lake Superior make this some of the best skiing until you get to Colorado.  

If skiing is not your thing, you can experience the thrill of a dog sled ride. There are multiple companies in the area who can take you out for a short introduction, or a longer, full day experience. The area is also famous for the John Beargrease Sled Dog race. The race goes up the North Shore from Duluth, passing Lutsen on the way!

Check out the North House Folk School located in nearby Grand Marais, MN. It offers visitors to the area a variety of classes to educate the public on trades and crafts that are traditional to the area.  This can be a great way to experience the local culture and get out of the cold!

Cook County Minnesota is one of the best places in the lower 48 states to get a chance to see the northern lights. There are many places where there are no big cities nearby. White Sky Rock is a great place to hike if you are looking for northern lights. You have unobstructed views on all sides and there is a parking lot off of Highway 4. But there are lots of places where you might have an opportunity to see them. There’s so much to do here to fill up your winter weekend getaway.

Eagle Ridge Resort at Lutsen is a great place to stay. It is located right at the heart of the action at Lutsen resort.  They offer a variety of accommodations to fit every need (all the way up to 3 bedroom condos and accommodations with full kitchens). When it is cold in the winter, the resort’s oversized, outdoor heated hot tub is my favorite spot to be!

The Angry Trout in nearby Grand Marais, MN is a great restaurant in the area.  It is right on the water on the edge of town and features a menu of local favorites, highlighting local ingredients when possible.  

If you are looking for a spot for a romantic splurge dinner, enjoy the Bluefin Grill at the nearby Bluefin Bay Resort. It offers stunning views of the bay and memorable food. This is a solid, local favorite as a place to go for a nice dinner after a day out playing in the snow!

Recommended by Shanna of Exploring the North Shore

Chicago, IL

If you’re looking for a fun and delicious weekend getaway, Chicago in winter is the place to go. The city’s gorgeous downtown is decked out with lights, turning it into a winter wonderland. One of the most popular things to do is ice skating. You can strap on the blades in Millennium Park and Maggie Daley Park, both downtown.

If you’re visiting in December, stop by the Christkindlmarket for an authentic German holiday market. For a bird’s eye view of the city, ride the Centennial Wheel at Navy Pier. The cars are climate-controlled, which means you’ll be nice and toasty while seeing the skyline. 

Winter’s a perfect time to visit one of the city’s world-class museums. In Chicago this includes the Art Institute of Chicago, the Field Museum, and Shedd Aquarium. Located on Lake Michigan in northeastern Illinois, Chicago’s winter weather is mercurial. But you can count on it being chilly; the average highs are in the low to mid thirties.

When you need to warm up, dig into a slice of deep-dish pizza at Lou Malnati’s. Be sure to ask for the butter crust. Or, you could reserve an igloo at City Winery on the Riverwalk for a unique experience and a great view.

An intimate boutique place to stay that’s right on Michigan Avenue is Hotel Julian. You’ll have easy access to all the downtown attractions. 

Recommended by Theresa of The Local Tourist

Ely, MN

Nestled along the border of Canada and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA), Ely, Minnesota is a destination for year-round adventures. During winter, the area is home to hundreds of miles of snowmobiling trails and ice fishing. There’s also cross-country skiing and winter hiking which makes it the perfect winter weekend getaway!

Snowmobile rentals in Ely, and the nearby town of Tower, are available at Your Boat Club with easy access to the 170-mile long Taconite Trail. Breeze through the red pine forests of Bear Head Lake State Park. Drive across the many frozen lakes throughout the area. The trails on the frozen lakes are well-marked with signage and plowed regularly, making it easy to navigate!

Ely also has some of the best cross-country skiing in Minnesota. It has both classic and skate ski trails that are groomed regularly. Visit ely.org for a full list of cross-country ski trails!

Wondering how to get to Ely? Ely is 4 hours north of the Twin Cities, Minneapolis and St Paul, or 2 hours north of Duluth. To get there, fly into either MSP or Duluth (DLH) Airports and rent a vehicle.

Ely Log Cabin is a great “off-grid meets modern” rental with access to nearby snowmobile trails. For more of a hotel feel, stay at Grand Ely Lodge! It’s located a short walk from town and nestled between two lakes with an onsite bar and restaurant.

While in Ely, be sure to grab a bite at Insula Restaurant and stop in for coffee or wine (or both!) at Northern Grounds. 

In winter, the average daily temperatures in Ely include highs around 20F and lows around 5F. It’s not uncommon for temperatures to dip well below zero overnight. Be sure to wear layers, including a windproof outer layer, and base layers made of wicking materials. 

By Susan Gleissner of This Big Wild World