A 2-Day Winter Getaway Guide to Hinckley, Minnesota 

The cold temperatures might make you want to hibernate, but I’m here to tell you, don’t sleep on Minnesota winter vacations. 

Minnesota’s winter season is truly special. It balances cozy, restful days with adventurous days playing in the snow. Our small towns transform into winter wonderlands, giving you the perfect opportunity to create your very own Hallmark moments and memories. Minnesotans are a hearty bunch who see abundance in winter and love sharing it with visitors.  

If you’re looking for a winter escape that has it all, look no further than Hinckley, Minnesota! This is the winter getaway that you didn’t know that you needed. Hinckley is a perfect staycation for locals and an ideal spot for visitors to enjoy snow-filled days along the St. Croix River in the heart of Minnesota. In this 2-Day Itinerary, you will find the spirit of winter indoors and out, from snowshoeing and birdwatching to enjoying delicious comfort food, trying your luck at the casino, and relaxing at the spa. Plus, bonus extra day recommendations.

Day 1 – Winter Getaway – Hinckley, Minnesota 

As you drive into quaint downtown Hinckley, you will see an eye-catching red caboose in front of the Hinckley Fire Museum. The museum is where it all started. It is the location of the original 1869 train depot, which was rebuilt in 1895 after the devastating firestorm. The renovated fire museum is on the National Register of Historic Places and is open May through October. In the winter, it’s a nice spot to take pictures, stretch your legs, and walk around a small park. 

If you’re a history buff, you will enjoy Hinckley’s rich history and many historic sites. 

Breakfast ALL DAY and PIE at Whistle Stop Cafe 

305 Old Hwy 61 S, Hinckley, MN

Your must-do first stop is the appropriately named Whistle Stop Cafe. This charming small-town diner is conveniently located 1/2 mile west of I-35 on Old Highway 61. The moment you step inside, you are welcomed and feel a warm sense of community, with the buzz of locals sharing stories over their favorite scratch-cooked meal. 

You will get a kick out of the creative menu item names! 

The AM Train Wreck, loaded with potatoes, bacon, ham, mushrooms, green pepper, onion, cheese, two eggs, and toast, is delicious and highly recommended. The service was fantastic; our coffee cups were never empty, and our server was helpful with menu choices. She shared that her favorite homemade pie is coconut cream. I’ve never tried coconut cream, and I’m so glad I did! It was fresh, light, and scrumptious. We can’t wait to go back and try other flavors. If you’re visiting on the weekend, check out their Friday Night Fish Fry!

Pro Tip: I learned a little trick from my Dad: Enjoy a piece of pie before your meal!  

Get Your Snacks at Daggett’s Fresh Foods

104 1st St NE, Hinckley, MN

Family-owned Daggett’s Fresh Foods is the next stop before hitting the trails at St. Croix State Park. They have everything you crave for your adventure and late-night hotel treats. Daggett’s offers a wide variety of fresh-made options, including homemade salads, box lunches, rotisserie fried chicken, and other hot lunch items every day. They even have an on-site bakery for fresh-baked donuts and cookies! We appreciated the Midwest local choices, including Iowa Smokehouse beef sticks and Eichten’s cheese.  

Outdoor Winter Fun at St. Croix State Park 

30065 St. Croix Park Rd, Hinckley, MN

Visit a winter wonderland! Experience beautiful landscapes covered in sparkling snow, the quiet of the forest, and the tranquil sound of the St. Croix and Kettle Rivers. In the winter, it is breathtaking to see the contrast of the blue river through the snow-covered trees. The drive into the park feels like arriving at a National Park. It’s a true escape as you leave the busyness of town and make your way down the majestic tree-lined road to the Visitor Center. 

St. Croix State Park is a Minnesota gem. With over 34,000 acres, it is our largest state park, offering tons of adventures and something for everyone. It is also a National Historic Landmark. Here are some fun winter activity ideas. 

• Cross Country Skiing – 11 miles of easy groomed trails (great for beginners) through the woods and along the St. Croix River.
• Snowmobiling – 80 miles of groomed snowmobile trails connect with Chengwatana and St. Croix State Forests, as well as grant-in-aid trails.
• Snowshoeing – Snowshoe throughout the park, excluding groomed ski trails. 
• Winter Hiking – 1-mile winter hiking trail. 
• Birding & Wildlife Observation
• Visit the Park Office, pick up a self-guiding brochure, and learn about park history, wildlife, and habitats. Check out the merch too!
• Relax at the St. Croix Lodge (Visitors Center) and Interpretive Center. This beautiful log and stone building was built in 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The Interpretive Center offers educational exhibits to learn more about the park! The center has a fireplace, tables, and bathroom facilities. 
• Stop by the All Season Trail Center located 3 miles from Ski Trailhead and warm up by two fireplaces. The Trail Center also has tables and bathrooms. 

Check in, Relax, and Have Fun at Grand Casino Hinckley

777 Lady Luck Dr, Hinckley, MN

Grand Casino Hinckley is a playground of fun with multiple restaurants, entertainment, and accommodations to meet your unique needs and wants. It is convenient + with everything in one location, offering excitement and relaxation. Ignite your senses by trying your luck at the slots and enjoying live entertainment, or find contentment rejuvenating at the spa and savoring a delicious meal. The best part is that you can do it all at the casino!

Dinner at the Grille House

Feed your soul at the Grille House! Nothing is better than relaxing by the fire with a warm beverage after a brisk day of winter adventures. The Grille House has an awesome comfort vibe with a rustic ambiance, a cozy fireplace, big-screen TVs, custom cocktails, and draft house beers. We loved the natural light and laid-back atmosphere. The menu is smokehouse-inspired so we had to try the Brisket Burnt Ends and Chicken Wings. Both were very tasty! The salads were fresh with nice portions, and the chicken on the Cobb Salad was a 10/10. The Grille House also offers entrees such as Prime Rib, Walleye, Shrimp, and Buttermilk Fried Chicken. 

Play the Slots at Grand Casino Hinckley 

Jackpot! Don’t you love the sound of the coins clinking when you hit the jackpot? Grand Casino Hinckley offers Bingo, Pull Tabs, Slots, and Table Games with a variety of over 2400 games. The bright and vibrant gaming floor adds life to winter days and nights. It’s so fun to play the slots and discover new and different features, especially when it’s a winning surprise. There are over 1500 penny and two-cent slot machines! 

If you are a beginner, check out this Gaming Glossary. 

Hit the Rival House for Bowling, Games, Drinks, and Live Music

Let loose at Rival House! Rival House is a casual and lively pub with live or DJ music and games, including Pool Tables, Darts, Shuffleboard, and Skee-Ball. Plus, Bowling! Rival House has a four-lane bowling alley with a state-of-the-art HyperBowling feature that makes it more interactive. The HyperBowling adds a little extra fun! There are TVs to watch sports and plenty of seating, including high and low-top tables. Hang out and hear local Midwest musicians play covers and original songs from country classics to rock and everything in between. After a long, adventurous day, it’s a great way to cap off your night. See the Rival House Live Music Lineup HERE. 

*Rival House also offers food if you are in a bar food mood or want something quick, including cheese curds, nachos, and pizza.  

Accommodations at the Grand Casino Hinckley

Did you know that Grand Casino Hinckley offers multiple lodging options? Again, something for everyone! The huge benefit of staying in the hotel in the winter is not having to leave the building. It’s convenient to walk steps from the casino floor to the front desk, check-in, and head up the elevator to your room. Grand Casino Hinckley Hotel recently updated its 554 rooms and suites so you can choose a range of rooms from essential to a luxurious suite with upscale amenities. Take a tour HERE. 

Grand Hinckley Inn is a quaint 154-room hotel featuring a pool and library and offers shuttle service to the casino. 

Chalets are a great dog-friendly option! We chose the Chalets because we like to step away from the action and feel a little more remote. The Chalets have the same feel as camper cabins, including a kitchen with a coffee maker, refrigerator, stove, and microwave, living area, bedroom, bath, a patio with picnic table, grill, and personal parking space. They are located next to the RV Resort, with a door-to-door shuttle service back and forth to the casino. The dog rate is a one-time $45 fee. *You do need to bring your own dishes, pots, and pans. 

The Grand Casino Hinckley RV Resort offers 271 RV sites. It also features a lodge, pool, laundry facilities, and shuttle service. The lodge and pool are closed for the winter. 

Summer amenities for when you plan your return trip! Chalets and RV Resort feature a lodge, convenience store, laundry facilities, heated outdoor pool, basketball and volleyball courts, children’s play areas, pet-walking area, and handicap-accessible bathhouse. *Make sure to confirm what is available and open when booking your trip. 

Day 2 Winter Getaway Hinckley, Minnesota

Breakfast at Stories Diner

Start your second day with breakfast at Stories Diner, a full-service restaurant at Grand Casino Hinckley that offers a variety of breakfast classics and skillet originals. The diner is adorable and comfortable. Don’t miss the Banana Split Fruit Boat, which features creamy vanilla yogurt topped with crunchy granola on a split banana topped with fresh fruit. Make sure to get a caramel roll to go for the car ride home! Also, if you decide to stay another day, check out their weekly dinner specials. 

Pamper Yourself at the Grand Harmony Spa

The Grand Harmony Spa is the perfect end to your Minnesota winter getaway. It is absolutely serene and luxurious. Restore your mind, body, and spirit through one of the spa’s many treatment options, including Deep-Pressure Massages, Soothing Stone Pedicures, Sparkling Pomegranate Manicures, Detox Chocolate Wraps, Dry Brush Exfoliating Rituals, and Age-Defying Facials. 

Pro Tip: For $30, you can purchase a Day Pass that includes spa amenities for up to two hours. The amenities include the co-ed whirlpool and relaxation lounge. If you want privacy, the men’s and women’s locker rooms offer private lounges and private steam showers. The lounges also offer complimentary spa beverages and snacks. Cozy robes, slippers, and grooming products are available. I didn’t want to leave the relaxation lounge; it was so comfy, warm, and tranquil. 

You can book your services online. 

The Grand Harmony Spa also has a store for you to peruse, including spa products, clothing, and more.  

Additional Day Recommendations

Below are more winter fun ideas for additional days and trips to Hinckley, Minnesota.  

Add an extra day for snowmobiling! For more information, see the Ultimate Guide to Snowmobiling in Hinckley, Minnesota, blog post. 

Traveling with kids? Antonia Grant’s How to Spend a Winter Day in Hinckley with Kids blog post covers a full day and more. 

Experience the best of winter in Hinckley > https://hinckleymn.com/seasonal-activities/winter/

Thank you to the Hinckley Convention and Visitors Bureau team for helping us plan the perfect Minnesota winter trip. 

We had a blast, and we know you will, too!