Food destinations within easy reach of Minneapolis. worth the train, the rental car or the early start.

Worth the trip

Stillwater (St. Croix Valley) ★ 4.4

30 minutes by car, 25 miles eastDrive via I-94 East to MN-95 North; no rail connection.

Famous for: Patio dining over the St. Croix River, Saint Croix Vineyards tastings, and brewery taprooms in the historic downtown

Stillwater on the St. Croix sits 25 miles east of Minneapolis with brick-storefront patios, Saint Croix Vineyards tastings and Main Street brewpubs by the river.

Stillwater (St. Croix Valley)

Red Wing (Mississippi River) ★ 4.2

55 minutes by car, 55 miles southeastDrive via US-61 South along the Mississippi; Amtrak Empire Builder stops daily.

Famous for: Mississippi River-view dining at the St. James Hotel's Scarlet Kitchen and Bar, scratch pies and donuts from Hanisch Bakery, and small-batch beer at Red Wing Brewery

Red Wing on the Mississippi sits 55 miles southeast of Minneapolis with Scarlet Kitchen at the St. James Hotel, Hanisch Bakery donuts and a Barn Bluff hike.

Red Wing (Mississippi River)

Hudson, Wisconsin (St. Croix River) ★ 4.1

25 minutes by car, 22 miles eastDrive via I-94 East across the St. Croix bridge; no rail.

Famous for: Pier 500 riverfront dining, San Pedro Cafe Caribbean fare, the guided Hudson Food Walk on weekends, and Knoke's Chocolates and Nuts

Hudson, Wisconsin sits 22 miles east of Minneapolis on the St. Croix with Pier 500's deck, San Pedro Cafe Caribbean plates and the weekend Hudson Food Walk.

Hudson, Wisconsin (St. Croix River)

Stockholm, Wisconsin (Lake Pepin) ★ 4.5

90 minutes by car, 90 miles southeastDrive via US-61 South to WI-35 along the Great River Road; no rail.

Famous for: Stockholm Pie and General Store, twice-voted America's best pie shop by USA Today, plus the Lake Pepin scenic drive

Stockholm, Wisconsin sits 90 miles southeast on Lake Pepin with Stockholm Pie and General Store, named America's best pie shop by USA Today two years running.

Stockholm, Wisconsin (Lake Pepin)

Wabasha (Mississippi River) ★ 4.0

100 minutes by car, 75 miles southeastDrive via US-61 South along the Great River Road; no rail.

Famous for: Slippery's Bar and Grill on the river with deck dining, Pearl of the Lake riverboat cruises, and the National Eagle Center on Main Street

Wabasha sits 75 miles southeast of Minneapolis on the Mississippi with Slippery's deck dining, Pearl of the Lake riverboat cruises and the National Eagle Center.

Wabasha (Mississippi River)

Northfield (Cannon River) ★ 4.0

55 minutes by car, 40 miles southDrive via I-35 South to MN-19 East; no rail connection.

Famous for: Hogan Brothers' Acoustic Cafe honey-cracked-wheat hoagies, Imminent Brewing taproom, and brick-storefront downtown along the Cannon River

Northfield sits 40 miles south of Minneapolis on the Cannon River with Hogan Brothers hoagies since 1991, Imminent Brewing's taproom and a brick-storefront downtown.

Northfield (Cannon River)

Food Day Trips in Minneapolis, FAQ

When is the best time to eat in Minneapolis?

Peak food season in Minneapolis is year-round.

What time do people eat in Minneapolis?

Local dining hours: lunch around 12:30, dinner from 19:30.

How does tipping work in Minneapolis?

service is typically included; small extra is welcome but not expected.

What is the one dish to try in Minneapolis?

Ask the next local you meet what they would order. Minneapolis rewards trust.

← Back to Minneapolis food guide