10 Best Road Trips to Take in Minnesota
Minnesota's breathtaking outdoor scenery, punctuated by innumerable lakes, sprawling woodlands, and lush prairies, offers remarkable sightseeing opportunities that tourists make the most of during a fun road trip. Boasting 22 scenic byways winding almost 3,000 miles of the state, several routes rank among the most picturesque in the Midwest. Summer provides all the reasons to grab your keys and get behind the wheel for a leisurely drive through Minnesota's scenic heartland.
From the rugged shores of Lake Superior in the northeast to the rolling hills and pastures of the southwestern prairies, these recommended routes provide breathtaking natural panoramas at every turn. Along the way, stop to sample regional cuisine, experience small-town charm, and learn about the area's history from roadside attractions and cultural landmarks. Here are some of the most exquisite road trips to take in Minnesota.
Highway 75 King Of Trails Scenic Byway
This beautiful route stretches 414 miles along Minnesota's western edge, promising an exciting experience in an often-overlooked side of the North Star State. The route forms part of Historic Highway 75, between the Gulf of Mexico and Winnipeg, and offers a variety of exciting activities. Tourists can pause along the way to take advantage of fun activities like golfing, canoeing, and shopping. Furthermore, exploring cultural attractions like galleries and theaters adds to the overall experience.
Some major highlights you might want to check out include the Pipestone National Monument, which represents an iconic route traveled by Native American tribes centuries ago. Another worthwhile stop is the quaint town of Moorhead. While discovering the locality, consider visiting Hjemkomst Center to experience an authentic Norwegian ship on display.
Lake Country Scenic Byway
The Lake Country Scenic Byway is an 88-mile route in northern Minnesota that connects the anchor towns of Waker and Detroit Lakes and passes through Park Rapids. The town straddles the headwaters of the Mississippi River, presenting a mix of exciting opportunities along the way, from hiking and golfing to bird-watching and shopping. Around halfway through the journey, you can pause to explore Itasca State Park, Minnesota's oldest state. The site provides front-seat views of the mighty Mississippi in all its majesty.
The road passes through a section of the Pine to Prairie Birding Trail and the Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge, offering birders a rare opportunity to sport extraordinary species. Additionally, visitors can stop to discover the quaint art museums in Detroit Lakes and Park Rapids.
Historic Bluff Country Scenic Byway
This picturesque route introduces tourists to the exquisite countryside scenery of southern Minnesota. The Historic Bluff Country Scenic Byway stretches 88 miles from Dexter to La Crescent, culminating with beautiful vistas of the Mississippi River. During the approximate 3-hour journey, travelers are exposed to the dramatic bluffs of the Root River Valley as seen from state Highway 16. Notable highlights range from Mystery Cave State Park, home to rare natural wonders that take you underground, to Lanesboro, an artsy town with a quaint historic district dating back to 1856.
If you have the time, tourists have the opportunity to hop on two wheels or slip into your favorite trainers for a ride or hike along the Root River State Trail. This 42-mile paved trail passes through beautiful nature areas and charming towns.
Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway
Driving along this delightful pathway is an opportunity to discover the legend of Paul Bunyan, a legendary lumberjack. Straddling north-central Minnesota through the Whitefish Chain of Lakes, the 54-mile route delivers an unforgettable road trip. Several fabulous stops at different lengths of the journey guarantee a remarkable experience. These include Breezy Point Resort, which offers easygoing golfing opportunities and picnics by the lake. The Paul Bunyan State Trail encourages hikers and bikers to explore interesting folklore and soak in panoramic vistas from Paul M. Thiede Fire Tower Park.
Meanwhile, tourists will love discovering the adorable town of Pequot Lakes and its various points of interest. The community is famed for its friendly demeanor and welcoming locals, making it an ideal stop if you are touring with family.
North Shore Scenic Drive
One of the most desired road trips to take in Minnesota, the North Shore route stretches 154 miles between Duluth and Grand Portage. The town was designated an All-American road and straddles the breathtaking Lake Superior shoreline, spoiling road trippers with dramatic limestone cliffs and awe-inspiring water views. Also, the route snakes through eight state parks, exposing you to various native wildlife, including bald eagles, wolves, and deer. Several highlights along the way compel taking stops during the 3-hour journey to explore Minnesota's famous gems.
Among these is the idyllic town of Grand Marais, home to a bustling cultural scene highlighted by the Grand Marais arts colony. Avid visitors are likely to come across three lighthouses, several historical landmarks, and two harbors, the climax of which is the Grand Portage National Monument.
Great River Road
Designated an All-American Road and National Scenic Byway, this exquisite journey promises an array of unforgettable experiences, with unprecedented vistas of various segments of the Mississippi River. The Great River Road spans 565 miles, passing through 43 communities, three tribes, and numerous unique destinations, culminating in a wholesome road trip experience. The Great River Road is especially impressive when it gets to Highway 61, introducing tourists to the broadest natural section of the Mississippi, Lake Pepin. Some towns to explore include Red Wing and Wabasha, the latter hosting the National Eagle Center.
The route cuts through several state parks with picturesque trails, inviting hiking breaks to discover a wonderful wilderness area. These include Frontenac State Park and the Great Bluffs State Park. If you appreciate scenic overlooks, try the 1.25-mile Kings Bluff Trail.
Grand Rounds Scenic Byway
Grand Rounds Scenic Byway comprises America's longest continuous stretch of public urban parkway. It loops approximately 50 miles around the heartland of one-half of the Twin Cities, passing through beautiful parks, lakes, trails, and parkways in Minneapolis. Travelers encounter some of the prettiest destinations in the region, including Lake Hiawatha, Chain of Lakes, Minnehaha Falls, and Lake Nokomis. Lake Harriet warrants a brief pause to discover its cozy beach scenery and fish at its beautiful pier.
Another worthwhile highlight is Theodore Wirth Park, which delights with a splendid wildflower garden or the stunning waterfall inside Minnehaha Regional Park. You don't have to be behind the wheel to enjoy the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway, which has 100 miles of multi-use trails perfect for biking, hiking, and walking.
Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway
Teeming with captivating history, natural beauty, and unique community character, the Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway is a mixed bag of surprises stretching 287 miles between Browns Valley and Belle Plaine. The corridor features 10 miles on either side of the Minnesota River, each segment with its own share of surprises. The eastern side of the byway, which goes from Belle Plaine to Mankato, passes through Jessenland, home to the historic St. Thomas Church. With a legacy dating back to 1870, this Byway is among the state's oldest parishes.
From Mankato, the route turns northwest through the quaint towns of New Ulm, Montevideo, and Redwood Falls. Highlights along the journey include the Harkin Store near New Ulm and the Depot Museums on Belleview and Sleep Eye.
St. Croix Scenic Byway
The St. Croix Scenic Byway was established in 1855, stretching 124 miles between Point Douglas in Minnesota and Superior in Wisconsin. While the byway was built to support troop movement in the area, the route quickly attracted commercial and civilian traffic for its spellbinding beauty, featuring unprecedented vistas of the St. Croix "Wild and Scenic" River Valley. Road trippers will enjoy rolling landscapes, ranging from rugged, rocky terrain, dramatic cliff faces, and lush woods. The route straddles three counties in Minnesota: Washington, Pine, and Chicago.
Highlights to watch out for include Afton State Park and William O'Brien State Park in Washington County. Along the Chisago County segment, tourists can stop to discover gems like Wild River State Park and Interstate State Park. Finally, Pine County offers Banning State Park and St. Croix State Park for visitors' amusement.
Apple Blossom Drive Scenic Byway
Snaking its way through undulating farmlands and apple orchards blanketing picturesque hillsides, the Apple Blossom Drive Scenic Byway presents unmatched panoramas of the Mississippi River valley below. The road follows Highway 29, passing through the towns of La Crescent, Nodine, and Dakota. It also connects to Highway 61, which features another scenic drive, the Great River Road. One of the best times to drive the route is springtime when the air is filled with flowery aromas from the blossoming apples.
Meanwhile, the fall foliage also makes for scenic trips, with stops at different roadside stands to sample freshly plucked apples, pumpkins, and cider. Roadtrippers can also stop at Great River Bluffs State Park for a laid-back picnic to enjoy the serene atmosphere and soak in the picturesque overlooks.
Final Thought
Hitting the road to explore Minnesota by car allows the freedom to meander off well-traveled paths, taking in unfiltered beauty and cultural discoveries along at every corner. The above is an excellent way to experience the true splendor of the Land of 10,000 Lakes through the lens of curated drive itineraries. From lakeshore vistas to inland forests and fields, these top road trips to take in Minnesota immerse travelers in the essence of the North Star State. Their unfolding panoramas will leave visitors with a deep appreciation for Minnesota's natural treasures and down-home hospitality at the completion of an idyllic road trip.
