Lakeside Lodgings near Minneapolis-Saint Paul

Oak Ridge Hotel & Conference Center sits amid more than 100 wooded acres just outside of Minneapolis-Saint Paul. In the elegant lobby, you'll find a grand piano and a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows looking out on McKnight Lake. Despite its tucked-away feel, the hotel is only about 30 minutes from downtown Minneapolis and a scenic drive from attractions such as the Mall of America and Valleyfair amusement park.

The lake serves as the property's focal point, and there are several pine-fringed walking trails surrounding it if you're up for a hike. You can also play basketball or racquetball on one of the onsite courts. Inside, comfortable standard rooms are decorated with warm tones and equipped with free wireless Internet access and cable TV.

Chaska, Minnesota: Small-Town Charm near Twin Cities

Minnesota’s famous Twin Cities, Minneapolis and Saint Paul, boast some of the state’s top tourist attractions. In addition to the sprawling Mall of America, the area is home to the Science Museum of Minnesota and Landmark Center, which offers an array of art galleries, museums, and performance spaces.

Just southwest of Minneapolis-Saint Paul lies the much quieter village of Chaska. The quaint city is surrounded by tiny lakes, golf courses, and several family-owned wineries. In the downtown area, located near the Minnesota River, you can see buildings constructed from yellow clay bricks made right in town. At the nearby Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, you can explore more than 1,000 acres of gardens dotted with sculptures of mythical figures such as Cupid, Mercury, and Bob Newhart.