Minnesota stretches across a vast and varied landscape - from the bluffs of the Mississippi River in Winona to the Canadian border town of International Falls - and Days Inn by Wyndham operates reliable, no-frills hotels at strategic points across the state. These properties consistently attract road-trippers, families, and business travelers who want predictable quality, free parking, and free Wi-Fi without paying mid-range hotel prices. This guide breaks down all four Minnesota Days Inn locations so you can choose the right base for your route or destination.
What It's Like Staying in Minnesota
Minnesota is a state built around long driving distances, seasonal extremes, and outdoor recreation - from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area to the Mississippi River bluffs. Most visitors arrive by car, and highway-accessible hotels with free parking are far more practical here than city-center properties. Winters are severe, with temperatures regularly dropping below -15°C in northern regions like International Falls, while summers draw crowds to lakes, state parks, and county fairs. Travelers who plan road trips across the state benefit most from staying at well-positioned branded hotels along the main corridors.
Pros:
- Extensive highway network makes driving between destinations straightforward
- Outdoor attractions - including around 10,000 lakes - are accessible from multiple base locations across the state
- Hotel rates in smaller Minnesota cities remain well below those in Minneapolis or Saint Paul
Cons:
- Public transport is nearly nonexistent outside Minneapolis, making a car essential for most itineraries
- Winter driving conditions can be hazardous, especially in the northern part of the state
- Dining and entertainment options in smaller towns like International Falls or Worthington are limited after 9 PM
Why Choose Days Inn by Wyndham Hotels in Minnesota
Days Inn by Wyndham fills a practical gap in Minnesota's hotel market: consistent, affordable lodging in smaller cities where independent hotels are unreliable and boutique options are rare. Across the four Minnesota properties, guests get free Wi-Fi, free parking, breakfast options, and private bathrooms - essentials that many budget competitors charge extra for. Rates at these properties typically run around 30% lower than comparable chain hotels in the same cities, making them a strong value for multi-night road trips or regional business travel. The trade-off is that rooms are functional rather than spacious, and amenity levels vary by location - International Falls includes a sauna and fitness center, while Austin offers a more stripped-back setup.
Pros:
- Free parking at all four locations - critical in a state where driving is the primary mode of transport
- Breakfast included or available at every property, reducing daily travel costs
- Wyndham Rewards loyalty program adds value for frequent travelers using multiple locations across the state
Cons:
- Room sizes are compact and not suited for long-stay comfort
- Amenity levels are inconsistent across locations - only some properties have pools or fitness centers
- Properties in smaller cities offer limited walkability to restaurants or attractions
Practical Booking & Area Strategy
Each Days Inn location in Minnesota serves a distinct traveler profile. Winona is the most scenically positioned, sitting along the Mississippi River bluffs near St. Mary's University and the Minnesota Equestrian Center - a natural base for exploring southeastern Minnesota. Worthington, in the southwest corner near the South Dakota border, suits travelers connecting toward Sioux Falls, roughly 93 km away. Austin, in southern Minnesota off I-90, is a logical overnight stop for east-west highway travelers crossing the state. International Falls, on the Canadian border, is the most remote location and serves as the gateway to Voyageurs National Park - book well ahead in summer, as accommodation options in this town are very limited. Peak season runs from June through August, when lake tourism and state park visits drive demand; rates in border towns and lake-adjacent cities can rise sharply during this window. Booking at least 3 weeks in advance is advisable for summer travel to International Falls or Winona.
Best Value Stays
These two properties offer strong value for budget-conscious travelers crossing southern Minnesota, with practical amenities and highway-adjacent locations that suit road trips along the I-90 corridor.
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1. Days Inn By Wyndham Austin
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Just a few rooms left at the best rate!
fromUS$ 101
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2. Days Inn By Wyndham Worthington
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Just a few rooms left at the best rate!
fromUS$ 57
Best Premium Options
These two properties offer expanded amenities and more destination-specific positioning - one along the scenic Mississippi River bluffs, the other at the edge of Voyageurs National Park on the Canadian border.
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3. Days Inn By Wyndham Winona
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Hurry – almost gone at this price!
fromUS$ 77
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4. Days Inn By Wyndham International Falls
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Rooms filling fast – secure the best rate!
fromUS$ 92
Smart Travel & Timing Advice
Minnesota's travel calendar splits sharply between summer and winter. June through August is the busiest period across the state, especially in northern Minnesota near Voyageurs National Park and the Boundary Waters - accommodation in International Falls can sell out weeks in advance during peak summer weekends. Rates at Days Inn properties in smaller cities like Worthington or Austin remain more stable year-round, making last-minute bookings more feasible in the south. Winter travel to International Falls requires advance planning for a different reason: weather-related closures and limited local services mean having a confirmed hotel matters more than in other regions. For Winona, the shoulder seasons of May and September offer the best balance of mild weather, low crowds along the Mississippi bluffs, and competitive room rates. A two-night minimum stay makes sense at most of these locations if you're using them as a base for day activities rather than a pure transit stop.
