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Best Martin Luther King Day Getaways Near Minnesota

Martin Luther King was an important and influential leader in American history. His contributions to society and mankind are honored once a year with a three-day weekend and a time to reflect on the current culture of American society. With an extra day off in January, Minnesotans often head out of town to enjoy time with family. Climb in your vehicle of choice and travel to one of these nearby destinations for a fun way to enjoy Martin Luther King Day.

Lake Superior Barn 
11251 Rudolph Road
Maple, WI 54854
(612) 296-7731
www.lakesuperiorbarn.com

Ever think about going on a weekend road trip with a bunch of your closest friends and their families? The Lake Superior Barn is the perfect place to combine a getaway with the opportunity to get to know your friends better. This magnificent barn houses up to 20 people and offers a beautiful retreat from the daily grind. Enjoy a rustic and beautiful structure located on Lake Superior and in the midst of 320 acres of wilderness and nature. The barn houses a game room, several bathrooms, showers, stone fireplace, loft and amazing architecture you have to see to believe. Make your getaway one of relaxation or activity at the Lake Superior Barn.

Skiing
(credit: Jupiter Images)

Gateway Lodge
4103 County Road B
Land O' Lakes, WI 54540
(715) 547-3321
www.gateway-lodge.com

Up in northern Wisconsin, about five hours from the Twin Cities, Land O' Lakes provides a quaint and peaceful retreat from the work week. The Gateway Lodge is situated among beautiful pines and close to the Sylvania Forest to offer a perfect location for winter hiking, cross-country skiing or just enjoying the untouched wilderness. The Lodge welcomes you with a cozy lounge area and roaring fireplace, a place of comfort and relaxation for the best getaway ever. The rooms are uniquely decorated and many contain a kitchen area so you can cook your own meals or just enjoy a meal at the restaurant downstairs.

Thunder Bay
Windy Pine Cottages
RR #2 Site 6 Comp 21
Nolalu, ON
Canada P0T 2K0
(807) 475-6947
www.windypine.com

In the mood for an amazing road trip? Just north of the Minnesota border and into Canada, the Thunder Bay area offers fantastic adventure for your long weekend. Situated on Whitefish Lake, Windy Pine Cottages provide a great place to stay and enjoy the outdoors. The cottages all come with modern amenities and include a hot tub for warming up when you come in out of the cold. Go ice fishing, hunting or just winter hiking while you're there. If ice fishing is a passion, you can even look into renting an overnight ice shanty and fishing all night long. Get out of the country this year and experience something new.

Related: The Best Scenic Drives Within 60 Miles Of The Twin Cities

2/15 Food & Drink - Recipes for Winter Drinks - Cocoa
(credit: Christine Hinrichs)

The Bayfield Inn
20 Rittenhouse Ave.
Bayfield, WI 54814
(715) 779-3363
www.bayfieldinn.com

Bayfield Wisconsin combines a downtown shopping and fun, busy area with the beauty and serenity of a remote community. Located off the shore of Lake Superior and a short boat ride to the Apostle Islands, Bayfield offers fun winter activities and amazing scenery. Winter activities include ice fishing and cross country skiing along with dog sledding and snowshoeing. Enjoy the ice caves that form on the cliffs of the lake while you go out for a quick winter walk or just sit in your in-room Jacuzzi at the Bayfield Inn. Ferry over to Madeline Island for part of your stay and enjoy the winter beaches there as well.

Michigan's Upper Peninsula
Quinn's Inn Bird Chalet
Powderhorn Rd.
Ironwood, MI 49938
(906) 248-2817
www.uptravel.com

The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is a quick jaunt north of Minnesota and has some of the most diverse natural settings you will encounter. Enjoy the lakes, cliffs, mountains or forests of this unusual area and beautiful scenery matched with outdoor adventure. Surrounded by three of the Great Lakes, the Upper Peninsula is great for fishing, hiking, boating or just enjoying the serenity of the area. Stay at Quinn's Inn and relax in a large chalet for an affordable rate. Bird watchers will love the vast species of the area and skiers can take advantage of the terrain during the season.

Related: Best Weekend Getaways In The Minnesota Area

Andrea Wodele is a freelance writer who has lived in the Twin Cities for the last 10 years. Her hobbies include exercising, driving kids around, watching Minnesota sports, and reading self-help literature. Examiner.com.

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