3 Day Summer Vacation in Inver Grove Heights

3 DAY SUMMER VACATION IN
INVER GROVE HEIGHTS

Explore

Inver Grove Heights

Ready for a memorable summer vacation? Plan your vacation to Inver Grove Heights! Take the hassle out of planning with our suggested 3-day itinerary below.

DAY ONE

  • DAY 1 - Check -In

    Check into one of our four convenient and cozy hotels. Just off Upper 55th, you'll find Holiday Inn Express, AmericInn, and Microtel Inn & Suites, all within walking distance of restaurants, PerpleBunny's Axe House, AMC Grove 16 Movie Theatre, and right across from Gertens. For another option, Coratel Inn & Suites is situated near the Nowhere Entertainment and Open Window Theatre.

  • DAY 1 - Axe Throwing & Pizza

    Delight in a sumptuous dinner at the newly opened Pizza Pub, where you can savor mouthwatering vintage-style pizzas, specialty pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, wraps, and salads. With a patio area available for outdoor dining, it's the ideal spot to enjoy your meal. Afterwards, channel your inner lumberjack at PerpleBunny's Axe House, where you can experience the thrill of axe throwing in a fun and safe environment. It's the perfect recipe for a memorable night out!

  • DAY 1 - Movie & Relax

    Check into one of our four convenient and cozy hotels. Just off Upper 55th, you'll find Holiday Inn Express, AmericInn, and Microtel Inn & Suites, all within walking distance of restaurants, PerpleBunny's Axe House, AMC Grove 16 Movie Theatre, and right across from Gertens. For another option, Coratel Inn & Suites is situated near the Nowhere Entertainment and Open Window Theatre.

DAY TWO

  • DAY 2 - Explore Trails

    Start your day with breakfast at your hotel, then embark on a trail adventure! Here are some perfect places to explore and experience the beauty of nature. The Rock Island Swing Bridge offers stunning views of the Mississippi River, opportunities for wildlife sightings, a chance to learn about its history, and serves as a trailhead for the Mississippi Regional Trail. Another option is Vista Pines Park, where you can enjoy their play area, mountain bike skills course, basketball court, and a trail loop connecting to nearby trails.

  • DAY 2 - Bingo & Bowling

    Once you've explored the trails, make your way to Drkula's 32 Bowl/Drac's Pub for Bingo every Saturday at noon. With a fantastic food and drink selection, you won't leave hungry! After Bingo, why not enjoy a game or two of bowling on one of their 32 lanes?

  • DAY 2 - Dinner on the Patio

    Two fantastic patios to consider are B-52 Burgers & Brew and Inver Grove Brewing. Both places offer mouthwatering food, refreshing drinks to quench your thirst, and an inviting atmosphere. At B-52, you'll find plenty of TVs for catching all the sports action, while Inver Grove Brewing boasts a selection of games and occasional live music for your enjoyment.

DAY
THREE

  • DAY 3 - Brunch

    Inver Grove Heights offers fantastic brunch options. We highly recommend Jersey's Bar & Grill, where you can indulge in traditional omelets, hearty skillets, and classic entrees. Don't miss out on their beautiful outdoor dining area and purse BINGO every first Saturday of the month at 1:30 pm. Another great choice is Cahill Diner, known for its 50's atmosphere and music. They shine with their delicious breakfast menu and mouthwatering burgers and shakes.

  • DAY 3 - Shopping

    We recommend saving your last day for a delightful shopping spree where you can bring home some plants or flowers! A must-visit spot in Inver Grove Heights is Gertens, renowned as Minnesota's Destination Garden Center, offering the largest variety of annuals, perennials, houseplants, tree shrubs, and evergreens. Additionally, explore other shopping destinations in Inver Grove Heights, including Liz's TiendaI Vaquera for western-style apparel and accessories, and Nerdin Out for comics, action figures, games, and more.

  • DAY 3 - Head Home

    We trust this itinerary provides a diverse range of experiences, dining options, and places to create lasting memories with your family this summer. To discover more ideas and stay updated on all things Inver Grove Heights, subscribe to our newsletter.

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3 Day Spring Break Trip to Inver Grove Heights

3 DAY SPRING BREAK TRIP TO
INVER GROVE HEIGHTS

SPRING BREAK

in Inver Grove Heights

Planning a spring break trip to Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, can offer a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. While Inver Grove Heights itself is a suburb of the Twin Cities, you can easily explore the surrounding areas for a well-rounded experience. Here’s a suggested itinerary:

DAY ONE:

Friday

  • DAY 1 -MORNING
    Check-In

    Settle into your accommodations, grab a cup of complimentary coffee get ready for a fun day on the trails! Check out the main lobby brochure rack for the Inver Grove Heights visitor guide or any additional things you might want to try while in the area.

Hotels

  • DAY 1 - AFTERNOON
    Lunch & Biking Adventure

    Before hitting the trails, stop at Mississippi Pub for lunch. It is the perfect spot for great food, a spectacular view of the Mississippi River, and a minute's drive to the Rock Island Swing Bridge. The bridge is a historic landmark that allows you to walk out on the pier and stand above the Mississippi. The Rock Island Swing Bridge is also a trailhead to the Mississippi River Greenway Trail that allows you to bike to St. Paul. Once the trail is complete, riders can cycle from Hastings all the way to St. Paul, spanning 27 miles.
Trail Map

  • DAY 1 - EVENING
    Rest, Dinner & Mini Golf

    After a fun afternoon of biking, head back to the hotel for some rest. Then, choose a place for dinner depending on what you're craving. Check out our 'Eat & Drink' page for all of the great options in Inver Grove Heights. After dinner, stop at Nowhere Entertainment for mini-golf, arcade games, and if you're in the mood, an escape room.
Eat & Drink

DAY TWO:

SATURDAY!

Inver Grove Heights is known for its proximity to the Twin Cities. Spend Day 2 exploring the nearby attractions. Here are just a few ideas!

  • DAY 2 - MORNING
    Commemorative Air Force Museum

    Located in South Saint Paul, the Commemorative Air Force Museum is known for being Minnesota's premier WWII museum. See rare airplanes, artifacts, and learn new things in a fun way. Living History Flight Experiences can be purchased in our gift shop for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to actually fly in one of our rare airplanes.

  • DAY 2 - AFTERNOON
    Como Zoo & Conservatory

    This family-friendly FREE attraction is always a great stop. Take a stroll throughout the zoo and see tigers, wolves, monkeys, polar bears, and more. In addition to the animals, check out the beautiful Japanese garden, Marjorie Conservatory, and make a stop at Como Town for the carousel.

  • DAY 2 - EVENING
    Twin City Model Railroad Museum

    All Aboard!!! If you love trains, the Twin City Model Railroad Museum should be on your bucket list for your spring break trip. It is a great museum for families with interactive displays and a 30’ x 50’ world-class O-scale model train layout of the Twin City area.
Nerby Attractions

day
THREE:

Sunday

  • DAY 3 - MORNING
    Breakfast

    Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Cahill Diner. From the colorful vintage decor to the 1950s tunes, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. The menu features diner favorites made from scratch with fresh ingredients, like apple fritter French toast, omelets and biscuits and gravy. If you’re in the mood for lunch fare, try the half-pound Angus burger with fries and a malt.
Menu

  • DAY 3 - AFTERNOON
    Nerdin Out & A Sweet Treat

    Nerdin Out in Inver Grove Heights is a fun shop with action figures, vintage-new comics, collectibles, toys, and video games. It is a great shopping stop to find a unique souvenir from your spring break adventures. A spring break trip isn't complete without grabbing a sweet treat. Stop at E&S Sweet Treats for their delicious boba, and next door is La Dulceria Piñatas y Mas. They are a candy shop that offers traditional candies and Korean treats.
Places to Shop

  • DAY 3 - EVENING
    Lunch & Head Home

    Don Papi Chula started as a food truck, and after opening their restaurant under a year ago, they became a popular taco shop in Inver Grove Heights. Their tacos and mangonada will surely make you want to come back to Inver Grove Heights!
Menu

Travel Guide: Weekday Winter Trip to Inver Grove Heights

TRAVEL GUIDE: WEEKDAY WINTER
TRIP TO INVER GROVE HEIGHTS

WINTER

weekday GETAWAY

to Inver Grove Heights

If you’re in town for work or pleasure, there are plenty of activities to fit the timeline you have. Below are daily ideas for places to eat, things to experience, and places to shop!

DAY ONE:

tuesday

  • EAT:
    OVERBOARD'S BAR & GRILL

    Happy Hour starts at 2 p.m. at Overboard Bar & Grill. Stop by for a good drink, delicious food, and a view of the Mississippi River. If there is no or little snow, don’t forget to grab a photo by the big blue chair!

  • EXPERIENCE:
    NOWHERE ENTERTAINMENT

    Nowhere Entertainment has a little something for everyone. Choose from 13 holes of mini golf, tons of arcade games, or try out one of their escape rooms. Can’t decide? Try them all.

  • SHOP:
    NERDIN OUT

    “We’re brining nerdy back!” While in Inver Grove Heights, one of the most unique shopping places is Nerdin Out. Browse their selection of vintage-new action figures, comics, video games, cards, board games, and more. In addition to shopping, they have monthly events that include swaps, game nights, and artsy projects.

DAY TWO:

WEDNESDAY!

  • EAT:
    MALLARDS RESTAURANT & LOUNGE

    Mallards Restaurant and Lounge is one of the best places in the Twin Cities to get a lobster roll. The melted butter on a chilled lobster on a warm New England-style bun will make your mouth water. If seafood isn’t your thing, a local favorite is the chicken littles. You just must try it to find out why it’s an IGH favorite.

  • EXPERIENCE:
    DRKULA'S 32 BOWL & PUB

    Wednesdays are the perfect day to visit Drkual’s 32 Bowl! Come in a little before 6:30 to grab a spot and a card for bingo. If you're not in the mood, no worries; they have pool, darts, and 32 lanes for bowling.

  • SHOP:
    MALL OF AMERICA

    Just 15 minutes outside of Inver Grove Heights is Mall of America! If you haven’t had the opportunity to go to MOA, it is one of the coolest places to visit in Minnesota. With over 500 stores for shopping, dining, attractions, and a theme park, it will surely lead to a day of fun.

day
THREE:

Thursday

  • EAT:
    IPHO2 BY SAIGON

    Locally owned since 1997, iPho 2 by Saigon has been serving authentic Vietnamese food. Enjoy a delicious bowl of pho and get a bubble tea!

  • EXPERIENCE:
    PERPLEBUNNY AXE HOUSE

    PerpleBunny Axe House is a fun place to spend an hour or two throwing axes, knives, or shovels. Learn from the axe master, and then try some games. Book online or call to reserve your time.

  • SHOP:
    GERTENS

    A trip to Inver Grove Heights wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Gertens. Stroll through Minnesota’s largest selection of plants, and you’re bound to find something. Capture the smells and check out their gift shop section with seasonal décor, treats, and more.

The Ultimate Guide for a Valentine’s Trip- for Couples

The Ultimate Guide for a
Valentine’s Trip - for Couples

ADVENTUROUS

affordable + memorable

weekend getaway!

If you haven’t planned how you’re going to treat your loved one for Valentine’s Day, here is what to do. Spoil them with a weekend getaway to Inver Grove Heights.

THURSDAY:

check in, romantic dinner+ axe throwing

STAY:

Inver Grove Heights has four comfortable affordable hotels perfect for a weekend getaway. Two hotels offer pools and hot tubs. All offer great customer service and a variety of room choices.

Holiday Inn Express
5653 Bishop Avenue, Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota 55076
AmericInn Hotel & Suites by Wyndham
5861 Blaine Avenue East, Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota 55076
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham
5681 Bishop Avenue, Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota 55076
Coratel Inn & Suites
5492 S Robert Trail, Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077

DINNER:

Looking for a fancy dinner? Maybe steak or lobster. Visit Mallards, Outback Steak House or LW’s Bierstube in Inver Grove Heights.
DINING DIRECTORY

  • MALLARD'S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE

    Mallards is a family owned and operated restaurant offering award winning seafood and Cajun fare. Enjoy craft cocktails, hand cut breaded to order walleye bites, and seasoned wings served with house prepared sauces. Check out the Uber-popular chicken hot sandwich, fish tacos, and the signature lobster roll for entrees. Room for dessert? The key lime pie is the way to go.

  • LW'S BIERSTUBE STEAKHOUSE & GRILL

    The Bierstube Steakhouse & Grill prides itself on our unique menu & casual dining. We offer the best reuben sandwich you will ever taste. Made with our famous garlic crusted pumpernickel bread. Our menu consists of American & German cuisine. We also offer a fantastic weekend breakfast menu & daily specials.

AXE
THROWING:

Come check out PerpleBunny’s Axe House, where you can throw knives, hatchets, big axes, and shovels. An axe master will guide you through sticking your first bullseye and then enjoy having some fun and playing games!

FRIDAY:

SHOPPING TRIP
& BOWLING

  • GERTEN'S GARDEN CENTER

    Visit Minnesota’s destination garden center. Instead of worrying buying them flowers that will die in a week, take them plant shopping!

  • MALL OF AMERICA

    Just 15 minutes from Inver Grove Heights, visit the largest mall in the U.S. and one of the top tourist destinations in the county. From shopping, Nickelodeon theme park, entertainment and food there is something for everyone at Mall of America!

  • DRKULA'S 32 BOWL & PUB

    If you’re looking for some exciting bowl, good food, drinks and a fun atmosphere then you have found the right place. Drkual’s is a must visit location when visiting Inver Grove Heights.

SATURDAY:

1. Brunch

2. Rock Island Swing Bridge

3. Cupid's Revenge Haunted House

  • BRUNCH

    Inver Grove Heights has so many great places for brunch. One of our favorite’s is Mississippi Pub along the Mississippi River.

  • ROCK ISLAND SWING BRIDGE

    Within walking distance or a short drive over from Mississippi Pub is historic Rock Island Swing Bridge. You can get a great view from Mississippi Pub or take the short walk along the bridge.

  • CUPIDS REVENGE AT NOWHERE ENTERTAINMENT

    Skip the roses and chocolates and come to Nowhere Haunted House for Cupid’s Revenge. It’s a bloody new twist on the Valentines holiday full of thrills, frightful scares, and ear shattering screams that will make your blood curdle! In addition, Nowhere Entertainment has mini golf, arcade and escape rooms!

SUNday

grab COFFEE &
head home

Rise and shine with a delicious breakfast before heading out. Thank you for visiting our town on the Mississippi River. We hope you visit again!

Foodie Weekend in Inver Grove Heights

FOODIE WEEKEND IN
INVER GROVE HEIGHTS

EAT

drink & enjoy
the weekend

in Inver Grove Heights

Explore the variety of types of food and hidden gems that will make your mouth water. See all of the other wonderful food options in Inver Grove Heights

DINING DIRECTORY

DAY ONE:

friday

  • DAY 1 - MORNING
    CAHILL'S DINER

    Kick off your weekend with a retro-inspired breakfast or brunch at Cahill Diner. From the colorful vintage decor to the 1950s tunes, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. The menu features diner favorites made from scratch with fresh ingredients, like apple fritter French toast, omelets and biscuits and gravy. If you’re in the mood for lunch fare, try the half-pound Angus burger with fries and a malt.

  • DAY 1 - AFTERNOON
    J'S FISH & CHICKEN

    J’s Fish & Chicken is a staple place to try in Inver Grove Heights. Locally owned and operated since 2012. They serve up delicious chicken tenders, chicken wings, catfish, fried fish, shrimp, and salads if you’re in the mood for something lighter.

  • DAY 1 - EVENING
    INVER GROVE BREWING

    Time to hit up the brewery in IGH! Inver Grove Brewing is a community favorite. With craft beer, cocktails, wine, and a full kitchen, they have something for everyone. Grab a table, a game, and good food and drinks in a great atmosphere. 

DAY TWO:

SATURDAY!

  • DAY 2 - MORNING
    CARIBOU COFFEE

    Wake up and head over to Caribou Coffee on Blaine Avenue. It is just a kiddy corner from three hotels in Inver Grove Heights and a three-minute drive to Gertens. A strong coffee and a breakfast sandwich are the perfect combo to start off the day. 

  • DAY 2 - AFTERNOON
    IWA SUSHI

    Iwa Sushi is known for their great food and Maki Lunch special! Get two rolls from their list of twenty options and miso soup for just $11.95. From a spicy salmon roll to the classic California roll, there is something delicious on the menu. 

  • DAY 2 - EVENING
    JERSEY'S BAR & GRILL

    Jersey’s Bar & Grill is a Saturday evening hot spot in Inver Grove Heights! They are a great place to get apps, drinks, and dinner. They are known for Jersey Juicy’s. As stated on their menu, they take a little longer, but the wait is worth taking a bite into a molten center of cheese. Come for the food and stay for the live music every Saturday.

day
THREE:

Sunday

  • DAY 3 - MORNING
    OYEVIDA LIFESTYLE CAFÉ

    Enjoy a morning cup of Peace Coffee at Oyevida Lifestyle Café. If you’re looking for a regular cup of joe or a turmeric spice chi, Oyevida has so many unique beverage options. Their mission aligns with Aveda’s mission of ethical and sustainable business practices. Which include all the products they use to prepare dishes that are environmentally friendly, healthy, and delicious. 

  • DAY 3 - AFTERNOON
    A&W

    The A&W in Inver Grove Heights is a newer restaurant with a nostalgic look that has a nice patio and great dining room, and Thursdays during the warmer months offer a Thursday Classic Car Show. Stop by for a classic burger, chicken tenders, and, of course, root beer or root beer float.

  • DAY 3 - EVENING
    LOS PORTALES BAR & GRILL

    Looking for traditional Mexican food? Come check out Los Portales Bar & Grill. Their menu offers street food, fajitas, burritos, enchiladas, seafood options, and so much more. Los Portales is also known for its unique cocktail menu.