From bridal showers to book clubs, new neighbors to high school besties, planning a getaway with your girlfriends is always a good idea. So gather a girlfriend (or two or four) and plan a grown-up (or not so grown-up) getaway in the Twin Cities.

Say ‘Bon Voyage’ and Set Sail on a Cruise

Hop aboard and admire the views along the Mississippi River with a kick-back Padelford Riverboat cruise. Departing from St. Paul’s Harriet Island, cruise choices include a narrated sightseeing tour, happy hour margaritas and taco bar, bacon appetizers and local craft beers, lunch cruises, dinners that include river sunsets, and a chance to go through the lock and dam system.
Insider Tip: Themed cruises are also available, ranging from Mardi Gras to Las Vegas, 1920s to 1980s!

Plan a Prince Pilgrimage

Prince fans make pilgrimages to the star’s Paisley Park home and studios in Chanhassen to pay tribute to a musician who pioneered a new sound in the 1980s with electro funk rock and a touch of falsetto. Guides take groups through Prince’s spacious recording and production studios where they can see concert and movie wardrobes and props, admire his extensive music awards, hear doves cooing not far from his ashes, and learn more about the man who hit global fame but kept his hometown.
Insider Tip: Stop for selfies with Minneapolis’ Prince murals and his golden star on the walls of famed First Avenue where the innovative musician led what became the Minneapolis sound.

Shop Till You Drop

Hit the Twin Cities’ hippest shopping areas, like St. Paul’s Grand Avenue, Minneapolis’ Uptown and North Loop, Maple Grove and Edina with their upscale and cutting-edge styles. With dozens of stores, the Edina’s high-end Galleria could easily entertain girlfriends for hours. Looking for something a little more retro? Vintage shops in the area feature classic designs, not only for clothes, but furniture and home goods, too. If retro is your preferred style, you’ll definitely want to stop by Sideshow Vintage and MidModMen in St. Paul. Want
Insider Tip: Prefer everything under one mega-roof? Stay at Bloomington’s funky Radisson Blu or elegant JW Marriott hotels attached to Mall of America and its more than 520 stores.

Time Travel

Anyone who geeks out over “Game of Thrones” and time-traveling historical fantasies can find kindred spirits at the Renaissance Festival, one of the largest ones in the country and now in its 47th year. Usually from August to October, the event draws more than 300,000 spectators, bringing together lavish costumes, musicians, bawdy comedians, food and crafts, and eclectic entertainers. Enjoy watching performers juggle with fire, walk tightropes and portray characters from bodacious wenches and ethereal fairies to jocular jousters and pirates.
Insider Tip: If you or your friends plan on traveling with your canine friends, never fear — the festival welcomes dogs! Simply fill out the registration form online beforehand, along with dated vaccination records.

Segway Through the Cities

Gently whir through Minneapolis on Segways for a guided insider’s tour of the North Loop, Target Field, First Avenue and the Theater District, or try the newer St. Paul Magical History Tours. St. Paul highlights include the homes of James J. Hill and F. Scott Fitzgerald, the Cathedral of St. Paul, Grand Avenue, and Prohibition gangster hideouts.
Insider Tip: The approximately three-hour tours include a training session, refreshments and a helmet, all for $90.

Take a Gamble

Mystic Lake in Prior Lake draws anyone craving pampering, the thrill of gambling and the chance to catch a concert with world-renowned entertainers. Minnesota’s largest casino includes a hotel with 586 newly renovated rooms, plus The Meadows championship golf course, a spa, pool, and restaurants that include a buffet, steakhouse, and noodle bar.
Insider Tip: Canterbury Park offers horse racing, table games and poker in nearby Shakopee.

Be a Kid Again

Feel the wind in your hair racing along the new multilevel sky karting at Mall of America’s Smaaash (think arcade on steroids) or try out the trippy virtual-reality experiences. Climb into Maple Grove’s WhirlyBall bumper cars and grab a scoop to throw whiffle balls to a backboard in this mashup of lacrosse and basketball.
Insider Tip: Keep it old school with arcade favorites like Skee-Ball and Pac-Man at Dave & Buster’s in Maple Grove and Edina.

Root for the Home Team

Enjoy stellar views of the Minneapolis skyline while catching one of the Minnesota Twins Major League Baseball games. Or, if you’re visiting during football season, check out a Minnesota Vikings game at U.S. Bank Stadium, which will host the 2018 Super Bowl. Prefer something a little cooler? The Minnesota Wild hockey team hits the ice at St. Paul’s Xcel Energy Center in October.
Insider Tip: U.S. Bank Stadium offers more than just sports. If your group is more interested in the biggest names in entertainment, keep an eye on the always-updated roster for must-see concerts and more!