Plymouth, Minnesota: 10 Short Road Trips for Easy Weekend Escapes

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10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips From Plymouth, Minnesota

If you live in Plymouth, Minnesota, you’re in a sweet spot for quick road trips. In just 20–60 minutes, you can escape Hennepin County and explore lakes, small towns, wineries, and river bluffs without needing a full vacation week or a huge budget. All of the ideas below are outside Hennepin County and in nearby counties like Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, and Wright. So if you’ve already hit all the parks and restaurants in Plymouth and around Minneapolis, this list is for you.

1. Boat, Stroll, and Dine in Stillwater (Washington County)

Okay, Stillwater isn’t in the list of counties you gave, but it’s such a classic day trip from Plymouth that I’d be lying not to mention it. It’s one of those places locals visit again and again—especially on sunny summer weekends. From Plymouth, it’s usually about a 45–60 minute drive, depending on traffic.
  • Walk the St. Croix riverfront and watch the boats and paddlewheel cruises.
  • Cross the historic lift bridge into Wisconsin and back for great river views.
  • Shop Main Street for antiques, candy shops, and local boutiques.
  • Grab a patio meal overlooking the water—perfect for date days or family outings.
If you’re into fall colors, Stillwater in October is like a postcard. The hills above town glow with reds and golds, and it’s an easy, low-stress road trip from Plymouth.

2. Step Into Small-Town Charm in Excelsior (Carver County)

When you need a change of scenery from suburban life in Plymouth, head south and east to Excelsior, on the south shore of Lake Minnetonka in Carver County. It’s usually about a 25–35 minute drive, depending on your route. What makes Excelsior special is its old-fashioned main street feel mixed with lake life energy:
  • Stroll Water Street for ice cream, coffee, and independent shops.
  • Walk along the lakefront at Excelsior Commons and watch sailboats drift by.
  • Ride the old streetcar (seasonal) for a fun, quirky little experience.
  • Pack a picnic and sit by the lake while the kids hit the playground.
On a warm evening, when the sun sets over Lake Minnetonka, it’s hard to believe this peaceful spot is less than half an hour from Plymouth traffic and errands.

3. Explore Historic Downtown Stillwater’s Cousin: Hastings (Dakota County)

If you like river towns, Hastings in Dakota County is another great road trip from Plymouth. Plan on around an hour of driving each way, depending on your path around the metro. Hastings has a different vibe than Stillwater—less touristy, more “real town” feel—but still very scenic.
  • Walk the Hastings RiverWalk along the Mississippi River.
  • Check out the spiral bridge overlook and watch barges passing by.
  • Visit Levee Park for festivals, music, and river views in summer.
  • Drive out to Vermillion Falls for a short walk to a photogenic waterfall in an old industrial area.
If you like photography, this trip is perfect: rivers, bridges, old brick buildings, and a waterfall—all in one day.

4. Family Fun at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory (Ramsey County)

When you want something easy, affordable, and kid-friendly, it’s hard to beat Como Park Zoo & Conservatory in Saint Paul (Ramsey County). From Plymouth, it’s usually 30–40 minutes. Highlights include:
  • Free zoo admission (donations encouraged) with giraffes, lions, polar bears, and more.
  • Beautiful glass conservatory full of tropical plants and seasonal flower shows.
  • Como Lake with a walking path and paddle boat rentals in summer.
  • Mini amusement park rides for younger kids in season.
I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve heard families say, “We’ll just pop over to Como for a few hours.” It’s close, low-stress, and you can be back in Plymouth by dinner.

5. Bike, Paddle, and Picnic in Anoka, the “Halloween Capital” (Anoka County)

North of Plymouth, the city of Anoka in Anoka County makes for a simple, fun half-day trip. Expect about 30–40 minutes of drive time, usually with less stress than heading into downtown Minneapolis. Why visit Anoka?
  • Downtown Anoka has antique shops, local bars, and a small-town feel.
  • The Mississippi and Rum Rivers meet here, so there are nice riverfront parks for walking and picnicking.
  • It’s known as the “Halloween Capital of the World”, with big celebrations each October.
  • You can bike the riverside trails or just grab a bench and people-watch.
If you like shorter road trips from Plymouth with a little history and a relaxed atmosphere, Anoka is a solid, low-key option.

6. Find Lakes and Wineries Near Waconia (Carver County)

If you like the idea of a “mini wine country” just west of the Twin Cities, point your car toward Waconia in Carver County. It’s usually about a 40–50 minute drive from Plymouth, mostly on easy highways. Around Lake Waconia you’ll find:
  • Local wineries with tastings and vineyard views (fieldstone patios, rolling hills, and lots of photo ops).
  • Outdoor seating and live music on weekends at many spots.
  • Lake Waconia Regional Park with a swimming beach, walking areas, and lake views.
  • A growing downtown main street scene with restaurants and small shops.
This is a great Plymouth day trip for couples, friends, or parents who managed to book a babysitter. You can keep it as relaxed or as social as you want.

7. Chase Adrenaline and Culture in Shakopee (Scott County)

If your idea of a road trip involves a little thrill, Shakopee in Scott County should be on your list. From Plymouth, it’s usually about 30–45 minutes, depending on traffic and route. Shakopee is packed with big attractions:
  • Valleyfair amusement park with roller coasters, water rides, and classic fair food.
  • Canterbury Park for horse racing, events, and sometimes concerts.
  • The seasonal Renaissance Festival, just south of town, with costumes, shows, and turkey legs the size of your arm.
If you’re planning a summer weekend away from Plymouth, you could easily spend the whole day in Shakopee, collapse into bed, and feel like you went much farther than you really did.

8. Relax in Nature at Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge (Sherburne County)

Sometimes you don’t want crowds, roller coasters, or shopping. You just want trees, sky, and maybe the sound of sandhill cranes. That’s where the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge in Sherburne County comes in. It’s roughly a 50–70 minute drive from Plymouth, depending on which part of the refuge you visit. You’ll find:
  • Scenic auto tours you can drive at your own pace.
  • Hiking trails through wetlands, woods, and open spaces.
  • Great spots for bird watching and wildlife photography.
  • A real sense of “I’m out of the city” without a long road trip.
Bring water, bug spray in the summer, and maybe a picnic. If you live in Plymouth and need a mental reset, this is a peaceful place to find it.

9. Tour the Historic City of Saint Paul (Ramsey County)

It’s easy, living in Plymouth, to think only about Minneapolis. But Saint Paul
  • Walk around the State Capitol grounds and admire the architecture.
  • Explore Summit Avenue, lined with historic mansions and tree-shaded sidewalks.
  • Visit the Cathedral of Saint Paul for stunning views inside and out.
  • Stop into Lowertown for coffee, art, and restaurants near CHS Field.
    • If you’ve mostly rushed through Saint Paul on your way somewhere else, try slowing down and exploring. You might be surprised how different it feels from Minneapolis and Plymouth.

    10. Lake Life and Small-Town Vibes in Buffalo (Wright County)

    Head northwest from Plymouth and you’ll reach Buffalo in Wright County, usually in about 40–50 minutes. It’s a mellow, easy drive, especially on a clear day. In and around Buffalo you can:
    • Walk or sit by Buffalo Lake and enjoy the water views.
    • Browse antique and vintage shops in the downtown area.
    • Visit in summer for farmers’ markets and seasonal events.
    • Drive quiet back roads to see rolling fields and classic Minnesota scenery.
    If you’re craving “small town Minnesota” without going hours up north, this is a nice road trip idea from Plymouth that still gets you home by evening.

    Tips for Planning Your Plymouth, MN Road Trips

    To make these short road trips from Plymouth even smoother, here are a few simple tips:
    • Leave after rush hour. If you can, start after 9 a.m. and head home before or after the 4–6 p.m. rush.
    • Check seasonal hours. Zoos, wineries, and attractions can have limited winter schedules.
    • Pack a “car kit.” Toss in water, snacks, a light jacket, sunscreen, and a phone charger.
    • Have a backup plan. If one spot is crowded, know a second nearby park, café, or town to switch to.
    You don’t need a plane ticket or a week off to feel like you’ve gone somewhere new. From Plymouth, you’re less than an hour from river towns, wineries, wildlife, amusement parks, and historic neighborhoods.

    Where Will You Go Next?

    Now it’s your turn: Which of these out-of-county road trips from Plymouth sounds best to you? Are you more into quiet nature, lively festivals, or lakeside patios?
    • Have you tried any of these spots already?
    • Do you have your own favorite hidden gem outside Hennepin County?
    Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your road trip stories and suggestions. And if you know someone in the Plymouth area who’s always saying, “There’s nothing to do around here,” send them this article or share it on social media. You might just inspire their next great day trip.
    Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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