There are so many unexpected unique places to stay in Minnesota that will make any getaway or trip complete with fun lodging to come back to after a day of exploring.
When I think of Minnesota, I think of one of America’s most cute accents — but we might not realize that Minnesota, besides the fun accent, is full of incredible nature, history, and places to stay. So if you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family trip, or a camping adventure, you need to check out these unique places to stay in Minnesota below — from stays in former jails and railroad cars to Victorian homes and farms.
This list features some of the most fun places to stay in Minnesota, whether your goal is to get out in the middle of nowhere or get involved in the hustle and bustle of cities like Saint Paul.
Roundbarn Farm: Unique Renovated Farm Stay
The Roundbarn Farm in Red Wing, Minnesota makes for one of the most romantic getaways nestled in nature and is one of the most unique places to stay in Minnesota. Get a piece of American history here and see one of the few remaining round barns left in the state — a fantastic and exciting experience for city or country people!
You’ll feel transported back into time in the period-era designed rooms, which reflect a fancy country lifestyle with vintage and antique furniture and decor. Enjoy a relaxing stay here in the charming rooms, walk the beautifully maintained grounds, and appreciate the peace of the Minnesota countryside.
The Guest House: Lake Minnetonka Quaint Group Lodging
The Guest House on Lake Minnetonka is one of the most cool places to stay in Minnesota when you need to round up the whole gang for an escape… and when I say the entire gang, I mean up to 25 people! The Guest House is excellent for hosting parties, celebrations, getaways, work retreats, and more, all while in an ideal location for enjoying Lake Minnetonka.
There are three options based on group size, including the Carriage House, the Guest House, and the whole estate! Enjoy a piece of history (this Victorian home was built in 1858!) and experience the lake life in this re-designed luxury guest house.
Two Harbours Lighthouse B&B: Unique Minnesota Stay in a Lighthouse
One thing about many unique places to stay in Minnesota is they take guests back in time — just as the Lighthouse B&B does. Located right along Lake Superior, you’ll have a view over the water and get to play lighthouse keeper for the night! Okay — not really, but you’ll still be sleeping in a lighthouse!
Two spaces are available: “The Keepers Quarters,” which can fit up to six people, and the “Skiff House,” a cottage just by the lighthouse perfect for two. Note this is a WiFi-free B&B — so plan your stay accordingly to disconnect from technology (that’s right, no work!), and reconnect with each other.
Fitger’s Inn: Historic and Luxurious Duluth Hotel
Found on the National Register for Historic Places, the Fitger’s Inn was the first Duluth, Minnesota Brewery that opened in 1857. After a 115-year run, the brewery closed in 1972 and was re-opened in 1984 as a unique hotel to serve guests.
It houses three restaurants, shopping, and an on-site brewery. It’s one of the coolest places to stay in Minnesota for history, beer, and outdoors lovers who want a charming place to unwind with a beer in hand at the end of a long day on the lake. The Fitger’s Inn offers a variety of luxury rooms and suites to fit guests’ needs, and the lake-view rooms are a pretty great treat too!
Naniboujou Lodge: Cozy Northern Minnesota Lodge with Native American Touches
The Nanibojou Lodge is located on Lake Superior in northern Minnesota – not far from the Canadian border. Undoubtedly, the Nanibojou is one of the most unique hotels in Minnesota — why? Well, it’s home to the state’s largest stone fireplace, is colorfully painted with Cree Indian art design, and doesn’t mess around when it comes to luxury dining.
The lodge offers rooms and cottages with lake views so you can stay in the perfect nest for your getaway, and the lodge also hosts an onsite restaurant that many people actually travel to eat at! So lucky you if you’re staying there! The hotel is the ideal base to escape to nature — you can even go hiking in the area and try to find the famous Devil’s Kettle.
Lora: Unique Converted Brewery Hotel in Stillwater Minnesota
Located blocks away from the riverside in Stillwater, the Lora Hotel may be one of the most unique hotels in Minnesota, from its prohibition history to its architecture. Originally established as a brewery in 1868, it’s been through a fire, and a re-establishment, before it became one of the most well-known breweries in the state in the late 1800s.
That’s just a taste of the history, though — you may have to visit to learn more. The hotel retains some original historical aspects, such as tunnels, stone walls, and vaulted ceilings. But, as we said — you’ll have to experience it for yourself! Plus, the rooms are spacious and well-designed, with modern furniture and style while embracing the building’s unique skeleton.
Lofty Lodge Treehouse: Unique Treehouse Getaway Outside the City
We’ve discussed plenty of historic hotels, inns, and lodges so far — but what about a modern home built in a tree with over 150 years of history!? Cool, right?! This Cottage Grove treehouse boasts two fireplaces, a kitchen, and an observation deck (with a telescope!), so you’ll remain comfy, well-fed, and entertained in your tree-house getaway.
It’s also a wonderful place to experience the outdoors, with a 500-acre lake just outside, perfect for fishing, walking, biking, or kayaking while also not being TOO far from Minneapolis. After a long day of exploring, you’ll love the jacuzzi built into the home. Staying in an ultra-lux cabin treehouse? Sign me up!
Kettle Falls Hotel: Remote Historic Minnesota Getaway Hotel
The Kettle Falls hotel has a slogan, “Tough place to get to, but well worth it once you get there!” Nestled in the wilderness along the USA/Canada border, it’s one of the coolest places to stay in Minnesota that’s loaded with history.
The hotel, built over 100 years ago, sits in an area rich in logging, fishing, and even liquor smuggling history and is still a popular fishing destination. The hotel even offers canoe and boat rentals for those who want to get out and enjoy a day on the water. And while we mentioned the hotel is hard to get to, they offer a boat shuttle service from the Ash Guest Center to bring you to this remote getaway.
Tipis at Upper Sioux Agency & Blue Mounds State Parks
How’s this for a unique stay: you can stay in an actual tipi right out in nature! The tipi tents at the Upper Sioux Agency and Blue Mounds State Parks are some of the coolest lodging in Minnesota, especially for those who want to spend some days in the great outdoors but don’t have a tent (or just want something different)!
A reviewer on TripAdvisor mentions bringing an inflatable mattress as there’s a wooden platform in the tipi, so although this is a very unique Minnesota stay experience, you still need to be prepared with enough gear to be comfortable. With that said, the parks are a great way to explore the beautiful outdoors, get in touch with nature, and away from all the modernity.
Stylle Hytte: Beautiful Cabin Vacation Rental in Nature
There are a lot of cool places to stay in Minnesota on this list that offer peace and quiet — but this — Stylle Hytte in Brook Park – is the real deal. With 5 acres of private wilderness and a riverfront, it’s a true escape. Plus, the space is very comfortable, including a kitchen, a bedroom and loft, Wifi, and a deck.
Some special bonuses to take advantage of are the electric-heated sauna, wood-burning fireplace, and propane grill. At the river, there are also kayaks for guests to use. So if you want the outdoors, tranquility, and modern luxuries, don’t skip out on Stylle Hytte.
The Covington Houseboat: Unique Houseboat Stay in St Paul
If you’re seeking unique places to stay in Minnesota in the city, this one is definitely it. Located in a peaceful yet central part of Saint Paul, the Covington Inn is a bed and breakfast floating on the Mississippi River — yes, it’s a 70-year-old towboat moored along the river!
Aboard the Covington Inn, guests will love the river-lifestyle-inspired design that exudes history and luxury. Enjoy breakfast on-site and wind down in the salon or in your peaceful suite! With lots to do along the riverside and being only a short walk away from downtown Saint Paul, it’s one of the most interesting hotels in Minnesota that will bring an experience unlike any other.
Aurora Staples Inn: Romantic Victorian Lodging in Stillwater
Of all the cool places to stay in Minnesota featured in this article, the Aurora Staples Inn in Stillwater may be the most charming. The large Victorian Inn boasts five rooms and suites with period decor that are intricate, colorful, and welcoming.
Each room and suite has air-conditioning and gas stove fireplaces perfect for visiting whatever time of year — although the winter sounds pretty lovely…a fireplace? Sounds romantic. Plus, the Inn keepers offer baskets you can order beforehand, including wine, champagne, soaps — whatever your heart desires to make your arrival extra special!
Jailhouse Historic Inn: Unique Minnesota Stay in an Old Jail!
The Jailihouse Historic Inn is a place where you can stay in an ACTUAL jail. This is definitely one of the most fun places to stay in Minnesota, and their slogan is “A Bed & Breakfast worth going to jail for.” How does it get more fun than that?! The Inn also offers souvenirs and delicious scones baked on-site, leaving you with memories and something delicious to take home.
Recognized as a National Historic Place, the old jailhouse opened in the mid-1800, and after over a hundred years of history as a jailhouse and historical place, it opened as a bed and breakfast in 1989. The room designs reflect the historical times, and the rooms are in what used to be prison cells and sheriffs’ quarters.
Northern Rail Traincar Inn: Stay in an Old Train Car!
Have you ever wondered — “I should try train hopping,” but then thought, “nah — too much work.” Well, regardless if you have or not, this is one way to enjoy travel and trains at one of the most unique places to stay in Minnesota: the Northern Rail Traincar Inn.
Located in the wilderness 35-minutes outside of Duluth, the Northern Rail Traincar Inn is a great place to stay, from its themed rooms to the array of outdoor activities. The 15-rooms the Inn hosts are all made from train boxcars and are connected via a long hallway. So visit here and expect a wonderful stay in your train car and the outdoors — from exploring the Northwoods to enjoying weekend summer campfires or winter walks in snowshoes offered by the Inn.
300 Clifton: Unique Historic B&B Lodging
Located near the Minneapolis Convention Center, the Clifton 300 Bed & Breakfast was built in 1906 and is also known as the Eugene J. Carpenter Mansion. Recognized as a National Historic Landmark, it’s one of the most unique places to stay in Minnesota for history lovers and the inn also offers tours for those interested in checking it out even if its full.
The mansion’s decor reflects the era it thrived, bringing guests back in time. But there’s a modern twist, as the Clifton offers WiFi and a hot tub. In addition, the bed and breakfast will make guests feel comfortable, from its spacious lounge room, charming terrace, and green gardens.
Douglas Lodge: Cozy Minnesota National Park Cabin Stay
Nestled in the Itasca State Park, you’ll find the Douglas Lodge — because while the state park is great for camping, why not be a little bougie about your park adventure? This is one of the unique hotels in Minnesota, as it’s historic architecture and furniture will welcome you to settle by the hotel’s fireplace.
The double rooms include their own shower and bathroom, while the singles use shared showers and toilets in the hallway. While over 100 years old, the Douglas Lodge has air conditioning and heating for ultimate comfort. Plus, the on-site restaurant is not to be missed!
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