SHOP, SIGHT-SEE & SAVOR. Each year, V1 staffers look forward to the places our readers have voted as the “Best Day Trip Destination” in our annual reader poll. If these voted-on locations are new to you, here are some must-see spots and experiences. (Pictured above, Vintage Revival in Stillwater, Minn.)

Spring’s arrival brings more than just the blossoming of flowers or the return of our beloved state bird, the robin. For some of us Chippewa Vallians, it signals a new spark of adventure, where spring break travel and warming temperatures invite locals to discover new destinations – even if only for a short while. 

Naturally, we think the Chippewa Valley is the best place to be, but we look forward to the spaces and places our dear readers have voted as the “Best Day Trip Destination.” In the chance these voted-on locations are new to you, here are some must-see spots and experiences.

1) Duluth

As one of the select Minnesota born-and-raised staffers at the V1 office, it brings me great pleasure to see Duluth, Minn. remain one of the most sought-out destination travel spots amongst readers. The vast, breathtaking shores of Lake Superior on the Minnesota side hold some of my dearest memories: skipping rocks with my grandparents and making essential stops at every bakery we passed. Take it from my relatives; Positively 3rd Street Bakery (1202 E. 3rd St., Duluth) has remained a community – and employee-owned – staple since the 1980s. Its color-drenched store display and sweet or savory croissants can’t be replicated.

Positively 3rd Street Bakery (pictured above) in Duluth, Minn. is a worker owned cooperative which offers a variety of vegan baked goods including breads, bagels, granola, cookies, ice cream sandwiches and more. (Image via HappyCow)

2) Stillwater

A near replica to Eau Claire’s downtown landscapes and small shops, Stillwater, Minn. never feels too far from home, but is a perfect day trip to enjoy bike rides along the shore of the Mississippi River and hours perusing antique shops along the bustling St. Croix Scenic Byway. Stillwater features a blend of established businesses, such as its decades-old antique emporiums, and newer shops like Vintage Revival (321 S. Main St., Suite B). Isabella Ardell and Jesse Saybe, the vintage-sourcing duo and owners of the shop, each celebrate a love for history through archival designer items and modern trends. “We hope it can be a third space for locals, a place where people can connect and gather with others outside of their home or work,” the duo shared with Gem, an online second-hand retailer and blog.

“We just had our grand opening on October 4. Our store is located downtown in Stillwater, where Isabella grew up. She saw the benefit of a vintage clothing store for her community, the first of its kind,” Ardell and Saybe said of Vintage Revival in Stillwater, Minn. (Image via Vintage Revival)

3) 50 Wisconsin State Parks

There are “fifty nifty” state parks across the state of Wisconsin and one can only dream of seeing them all in one trip. Meandering through the driftless region of the state, which features steep hills, deep river valleys and rugged bluffs can transport a viewer from the flat, glaciated terrain of the state we're used to. In this vein, just an hour's drive south will get you and travel companions to Wildcat Mountain State Park (E13660 WI-33, Ontario). This state park overlooks the Kickapoo River Valley and offers a peaceful retreat for travelers. The surrounding forest emits a calming silence, broken only by the glimpse – and sounds – of the rushing river through the tree canopy.

Pictured, an overlook at Wildcat Mountain State Park (E13660 WI-33, Ontario) in the early morning. (Image via Reddit)

In need for more travel recommendations or top-ranked spots here in the Chippewa Valley? Visit the 2026 Best Of the Chippewa Valley Reader Poll to see which places, happenings and things locals believe are the “best of the best.”