Watch CBS News

Best Spring Break 2015 Destinations Near Minnesota For College Students

You may already know about the big-time, big-buck destinations like Daytona, South Padre Island, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Panama, described in an earlier article, "Best Spring Break Destinations For Students On A Budget." However, you may not have the wherewithal for tickets and lodging to these faraway places. So instead, check out these nearby mini-vacation destination ideas.

Schell's Arminius Beer
(credit: August Schell Brewing Company)

August Schell Brewery Tour
August Schell Brewing Co.
1860 Schell Road
New Ulm, MN 56073
(507) 354-5528
www.schellsbrewery.com

Sample six different styles of the freshest beer you will ever drink. The second oldest family-owned brewery in the United States is offering tours through the production areas and then to Schell's taproom where you can taste these award-winning beers. Those who aren't 21 can try Schell's 1919 root beer. Learn more about the 154-year history of the August Schell Brewing Company by visiting its museum and gift shop. You don't have to be 21 to go on the tour, but if you want to participate in the beer sampling, you must be 21 or older. "Our public tours only run on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in March," says Julie Busch, Tour Coordinator, "so if Spring Breakers would like a tour on a weekday, they could schedule a private group tour at least two weeks in advance. We card everyone, so remember to have a valid picture ID along if participating in the beer sampling."

Water Park of America Stay and Play
1700 American Blvd. East - Bldg B
Bloomington, MN 55425
(952) 854-8700
www.waterparkofamerica.com

Choose among several options designed especially for college students looking for an aquatic blast. Party hardy with Slumber Party Packages for up to six in a room with accommodations at the Radisson Hotel Bloomington. It includes up to six Water Park of America passes, 50 Northern Lights Arcade tokens, a large room service pizza, a free movie and shuttle service to Mall of America. Play for a day or just half-day with Express Packages for as low as $15. Check with your on-campus student union or campus store for specials.

Best Of - Lutsen
(credit: CBS)

Mountain Meltdown
Lutsen Mountains
445 Ski Hill Road
Lutsen, MN 55612
(218) 663-7281
www.lutsen.com

Dates: April 5-12, 2015

The best skiing in the vast Midwestern United States is only four hours north of the Twin Cities. Why look anywhere else when Lutsen guarantees good skiing conditions, special rates and new entertainment every night during Meltdown? Non-skiers can snowboard, ski Nordic, snowshoe or ride sleighs or dog sleds. Skiers will find an all-new Lutsen with many new runs, lifts and chalets. Everybody can party.

Bald Eagle Field Trip
National Eagle Center
50 Pembroke Ave
Wabasha, MN 55981
(651) 565-4989
www.nationaleaglecenter.org

Date: April 18, 2015

Catch countless sightings of bald eagles and their nests along the Mississippi River. While you where busy studying your winter classes, hundreds of bald eagles where migrating up the Upper Mississippi Valley to near Wabasha in search of open water. Professional naturalists are eager to share their enthusiasm for our national symbol as they make a comeback in populating Minnesota.

Related: Things To Do Locally For Spring Break

Indoor Waterpark and Indoor Theme Park
Kalahari Resort Wisconsin Dells
1305 Kalahari Dr.
Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
(877) 525-2427
www.kalahariresorts.com

Stay at the resort and choose between the Indoor Waterpark or Indoor Theme Park, or try both. The waterpark offers 125,000 square feet of water wealth where you can surf with a boogie board standing up, slide the Master Blaster and defy the challenging Screaming Hyena or the Sahara Sidewinder. Then ease up in a hot tub or the swim-up bar. The Indoor Theme Park is over 100,000 square feet with climbing walls, ropes course, laser tag, bowling, arcade games, high-definition golf simulator, go carts, mini golf and a six-story Ferris wheel.

Related: Top Spring Break Staycations In Minnesota

Robin Johnson was born in Annandale, Minn. and graduated from Richfield High School and then the University of Minnesota where he studied Political Science, Business and Industrial Relations. A writer for Examiner.com, he also consults with a variety of organizations and individuals helping them develop and grow. His work can be found at Examiner.com.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.