Winter in Minnesota is full of snowy adventures, cozy comforts, great food, and memorable family experiences. Whether you’re planning a winter family getaway or a seasonal sports trip, Minneapolis and St. Paul offer endless cold-weather fun—especially when paired with a relaxing stay at Valley View, located in Hastings, Minnesota.
Valley View sits just 25–30 minutes southeast of downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul, making it an ideal home base for exploring the Twin Cities while enjoying a quieter, more spacious retreat outside the metro.
Winter Activities Near Minneapolis & St. Paul
Inspired by Minnesota Parent’s Twin Cities Winter Activities Guide, here are some of the best winter activities for families and groups visiting the area.
Outdoor Fun
- Ice skating at neighborhood rinks and scenic city parks throughout Minneapolis and St. Paul
- Sledding and snow tubing at local hills across the Twin Cities metro
- Winter walks and frozen waterfall views at Minnehaha Falls, one of Minneapolis’ most iconic winter sights
Indoor & All-Weather Options
- Family-friendly museums and interactive learning centers in both Minneapolis and St. Paul
- Indoor arcades, mini golf, and entertainment complexes—perfect for cold or snowy days
- Great backup options when Minnesota weather doesn’t cooperate
Twin Cities Comfort Food & Family-Friendly Dining
After a day in the cold, warm up with some of the Twin Cities’ most loved comfort-food spots, all within an easy drive from Hastings:
- Hell’s Kitchen – Hearty comfort food in downtown Minneapolis
- Wise Acre Eatery – Cozy, farm-to-table meals with a family-friendly vibe
- George and the Dragon –A classic neighborhood pub with warm, filling dishes
- Red Cow – Casual burgers and elevated comfort favorites
- Hen House Eatery – Popular for breakfast and brunch on winter mornings
- Red Rabbit – Italian comfort food and wood-fired pizza
These restaurants are great options for families, couples, and groups looking to relax and refuel after a day of winter fun.
Winter Festivals & Seasonal Events in Minneapolis and St. Paul
The Twin Cities fully embrace winter with festivals and events that make the season special:
- Saint Paul Winter Carnival – Ice sculptures, parades, and classic winter traditions
- City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival – Skiing, fat biking, snowshoeing, and winter races
- Minnesota Ice Festival – Ice mazes and immersive winter attractions
These events add extra excitement to any winter visit to Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Stay Warm & Relax at Valley View in Hastings, Minnesota
After exploring the Twin Cities, come home to comfort at Valley View, a spacious winter retreat located in Hastings, MN, just a short drive from Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Why Guests Love Valley View:
- Indoor heated pool and hot tub
- Arcade and game room for all ages
- Large kitchen and open living areas
- Ideal for families, sports teams, and group stays
- Quiet setting with easy access to the Twin Cities
- Ideal for families, sports teams, and group stays
Plan Your Twin Cities Winter Getaway
From outdoor winter adventures and festive seasonal events to cozy dining and a relaxing place to stay, the Minneapolis–St. Paul area offers a winter experience that’s anything but boring. With its convenient location in Hastings, Minnesota, Valley View gives you the perfect balance of Twin Cities access and cozy comfort.
Book your stay at Valley View and make it your home base for your next Twin Cities winter getaway!