Whether you prefer biking through scenic trails, finding your flow in a free yoga class, or sweating it out in a sauna, there are plenty of ways to relax in the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota. Aug. 15 is National Relaxation Day, and it’s the perfect excuse to center your mind and body with these restorative activities.
Check out some of our favorite spots to unwind:
Saunas and Spas
Saunas are a true staple of Minnesota’s heritage, tracing back to the state’s strong Finnish and Scandinavian roots. They invite relaxation, reflection, and a timeless link to Minnesota’s northern way of life.
Cedar + Stone Nordic Sauna in Duluth and Minneapolis offers visitors a guided sauna experience, complete with a cold plunge and herbal aromatic teas. Watershed Spa, near the Mississippi River, invites guests to enjoy a unique seven-part bathing ritual, acupuncture, hydrotherapy, and other integrative wellness treatments. For a traditional spa experience, Anda Spa inside downtown Minneapolis’ Hotel Ivy boasts a heated whirlpool, Eucalyptus steam rooms, two lounges, and complimentary snacks.
Courtesy of Anda Spa
Nature as Medicine
They say nature is the key to well-being, and Minnesota has no shortage of trails, bike paths, and beaches to help you relax.
The famed Minneapolis Chain of Lakes boasts sandy shorelines and over 10 miles of hiking and biking trails, connecting to the expansive Grand Rounds Scenic Byway. Bde Maka Ska and Lake Harriet also offer paddleboard or kayak rentals, perfect for a relaxing hour (or two) on the water.
On the Mississippi River, Fort Snelling State Park Beach is a peaceful escape with a fishing pier, designated picnic areas, and calm waters—perfect for taking a dip. Further north, check out Gooseberry Falls State Park in Two Harbors for a stunning waterfall and easy, family-friendly hikes.
Photo by Eve Schrank/Courtesy of Explore Minnesota
Flow and Fitness
For those who find calm through movement, Union Depot offers free yoga from 9-10 a.m. on Saturday mornings, and again on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings. The classes are taught by instructors from Studio 9-to-5 and are accessible to all skill levels.
In Rochester, The Amethyst Yogi is a small yoga studio with a wide-variety of drop-in classes and events—you can find upcoming sessions at their home studio or in locations across Rochester.
If you prefer a faster pace, North Loop Fitness offers day passes for visitors to use weights and gym equipment. Minneapolis Bouldering Project is a large-scale indoor bouldering gym that offers both guided classes and open climbing, while committing to foster an inclusive and fun environment. Keep an eye out for a second location coming soon to St. Paul.
Courtesy of Union Depot
Peaceful Places
Relaxation isn’t limited to structured activities or workouts. Sometimes, strolling through a quiet museum or sitting a local bookstore is the perfect way to clear your mind.
The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) has over 545,000 square feet of space for visitors to explore, and the quiet galleries invite reflection at every turn. The nearby Magers & Quinn Booksellers is an independent bookstore known for its used and rare books, thousands of new releases, and thoughtful staff. Up north, the Duluth Public Library offers views of Lake Superior with thousands of books to check out—the perfect combination for a relaxing afternoon.
Photo by Clarke Creates
