Consider Roseau, MN for your next couple’s getaway.
There is something genuinely magical about exploring the vast, pristine Minnesota wilderness with your partner. You may not think of winter as a popular season for romantic getaway but why? Imagine kissing under falling snow at dusk or the thrill of sleeping on a frozen lake in a private cabin. Here are a few romantic adventures to help you spice it up in the cold.
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Snowmobile Ride
The roar of the engines and the speed of the machine is a great way to experience winter fun and add some excitement to your relationship. Consider riding double and get close as you hang on for the ride. Maybe the thrill of the chase is more your style, then driving your own machines. Before heading out, plan the trail ride together. Consider if you want to be alone in the snow covered woods or making stops on Lake of the Woods at the Ice Bars. Some rides are better for buddies and not for lovers. These tips will help create romance along the way.
1. Pack a Picnic
Jump off the machines, toss a quilt on the ground and have an afternoon meal. Then pull out a hidden box of chocolate dipped strawberries or truffles. You could even toast with a small glass of champagne or wine.
2. Plan a few surprises
While we highly recommend planning the trip together, feel free to throw in a few curveballs along the way. A surprise could be something as grand as a proposal or as minor as a short detour to a particularly beautiful destination where you take a selfie.
3. Get Silly
Somewhere along the ride, pause for a steaming cup of hot cocoa, cider, or coffee. Get silly and relive your childhood zeal for life and plop in the snow and build a snow angel. Give each other a kiss before slipping on the helmet and hitting the trails.
Somewhere along the ride, pause for a steaming cup of hot cocoa, cider, or coffee. Get silly and relive your childhood zeal for life and plop in the snow and build a snow angel. Give each other a kiss before slipping on the helmet and hitting the trails.
Winter Hiking, Skiing and Snowshoeing
Drive your car to a remote location and get lost in nature. Oftentimes, you and your loved one will be alone in the woods or miles from a home or nearest sign of civilization. There’s a simple solitude that makes this tranquil time seem intimate. Consider this escape a place designed just for you. Depending where you are you may or may not get cell service so bring a paper map, and relish in the total disconnect leaving you time to just be.
After a long hike, stop to take a little break. Find a safe place to build a fire, que up your song to play on your phone, snuggle up and drink cocoa from a thermos. The moment will be romantic. From pristine wilderness trails to snow covered pines the setting is easy to fall in love with. Mother nature may be on your side and drop a flurry of light snow to add to the moment.
Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. See who can spot the most woodland critters during your expedition. These woods are home to deer, owls, bald eagles, coyotes, bears as well as a plethora of birds and rodents. Remember to observe the creatures from a distance. A foot rub after a long cold day outside seems an enjoyable prize for the winner of the animal sighting contest.
Winter Camping or An Icehouse Overnight
Not hearing the sounds of a city, the distractions that come with everyday life, and the obligations can make for the perfect escape. No commitments mean you have all the time you need to reconnect. Whether you are roughing it in a winter tent or renting an icehouse on Lake of the Woods, you will find this time together a great time to create memories. Be sure to add a competition to the day with rewards for the biggest, smallest and first fish. Play cards, laugh and talk .Plan a private dinner on the lake with a fresh catch of Walleye. Then curl up next to a fire, snuggle up and watch the snow fall outdoors.
Watch the sunset or take in the night sky
As the temperature drops and a chill settles in the air the scene is set for a little winter cuddle under the stars. Start a fire or crawl under a cover and look up at the starry night sky. With no city lights, it’s the perfect place for stargazing. Make a wish on a falling star or look for Venus. In February, Venus climbs above the sunset horizon and settles into its highest reign as an “evening star”. Venus can be seen in Roseau’s southwest sky for two hours after sunset, it will twinkle in the sky like diamonds.
Snowman Building, Ice Skating, and Sledding
Renew that inner child together by sledding and/or building a snowman.
Cliche or not, these activities remain playful and uninhibited. Our favorite sledding hills are Bemis Hill and Malung Hill. Malung Community Center is an old elementary school that the local residents keep open because of its breathtaking country surroundings and the memories made there. It offers a lit ice skating rink, warming house, and a hill that sends you on a fun joy ride towards the Roseau River. It’s a local favorite and free for the public in exchange for caring for it while there. It’s open day and night for your enjoyment. It’s a romantic setting for an evening skate or a day of fun. After a day of laughter and rolling in the snow, you might find energy for other less childlike activities.
Before heading out on your couples retreat, make a pact to unplug. Make it essential to leave your smartphone and laptop tucked away during your romantic vacation. Photography and or geocaching is permitted other than that you are promising to be ALONE!
For some, romantic winter getaways evoke images of curling up by a fire and watching the snow fall outside a hotel window with a glass of red wine in hand. Others prefer escaping the city to a place that’s wide open and secluded for a slow-paced stroll in the woods. For the more daring duo’s the perfect getaway is snowmobiling across a frozen lake to an overnight cabin. The truth is, it all works because the only requirement of a fabulous couples trip is being together is a wonderful place alone.
Photo credit: Don Miller, Skate Rink