6 Most Scenic Drives in Minnesota
Road trip enthusiasts itching to get in the car and drive will love discovering the great state of Minnesota, which ranks 12th largest in area among the 50 states. With more shoreline to explore than California, Florida, or Hawaii combined (this is, after all, the "Land of 10,000 Lakes — plus many rivers and streams), travelers should prepare for a trip filled with scenic beauty, quirky attractions, and memories to last a lifetime. From the riverside town of Hastings to the picturesque village of Red Wing, or from Brainerd to Pequot Lakes, following in the footsteps of Paul Bunyan, stunning landscapes, historic landmarks, and vibrant small towns await on any of these six most scenic drives in Minnesota.
Mississippi River Road Getaway (Hastings to Frontenac)
This scenic drive along the Mississippi River takes travelers from the small town of Hastings, about 22 miles from the state capital of Saint Paul, to the historic town of Red Wing. A must-see landmark in Hastings is the Leduc Historic Estate, a stunning example of Gothic Revival residential architecture and once home to Civil War Brigadier General William Leduc. Additional sites worth investigating include Vermillion Falls Park, the ruins of the Ardent Mills facility (built in 1853), and the stunning 35-foot eponymous waterfall that once powered a grist mill in the 19th century. Next stop is a town renowned for its contribution to footwear worldwide: Red Wing. Here, travelers can stretch their legs at the iconic Red Wing Shoe Company's flagship store and museum and see the world’s largest boot; it's 20-feet tall! The final stop on this pretty drive is about 15 minutes away. Hop back in the car and head to Frontenac State Park in Frontenac, a popular birdwatching destination. A hike along the Bluff Side Trail takes hikers to a bluff 430 feet above Lake Pepin.
Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway (Brainerd to Pequot Lakes)
Buckle up the kids for this scenic drive on the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway from Brainerd to Pequot Lakes and explore the myth, the man, and the legend known as Paul Bunyan at Paul Bunyan Land. The must-see amusement park has been attracting families with young children since the 1950s, welcoming them by name thanks to the 26-foot-tall animatronic talking lumberjack. Continue the drive with a visit to the Crosslake Historic Log Village to learn more about Minnesota’s strong ties to the logging industry and the early lives of pioneers who settled in the state. Tour a replica of a 1904 general store, a log home furnished as a logging camp, and Duffy’s Tavern. Take a pit stop in the small town of Jenkins, one of the towns on the 120-mile multi-use Paul Bunyan State Trail and play a round of mini-golf at Wildwedge Golf & RV Park and get lost in its 10,000-square-foot maze. The final stop on this fun, family-friendly day is the resort town of Pequot Lakes, whose lakes, like many in Minnesota, are rumored to be the result of Paul Bunyan’s footprints; the water tower here is painted to look like Paul Bunyan’s fishing bobber.
Gunflint Trail Scenic Byway (Grand Marais to Seagull Lake)
This scenic drive starts in the hometown of the oldest art colony in Minnesota, Grand Marais. Walk along the harbor, visit the one-of-a-kind shops downtown, and have lunch at the popular Angry Trout Cafe, then drive along the historic Gunflint Trail, which gets its name from the local discovery of flint used for making gunpowder. Stop at Pincushion Mountain and take a short hike on the extensive network of well-marked trails to enjoy the spectacular views of Lake Superior and Grand Marais. Get back on the Gunflint Trail for a short drive to Judge C.R. Magney State Park for more outdoor adventure on a section of the Superior Hiking Trail. The trail is a popular 310-mile hiking trail that winds through the Superior National Forest, one of the biggest old-growth forests in the US. The state park is best known for the Devil’s Kettle, one of several waterfalls in the park, in which half of the Brule River seems to disappear into a mysterious hole. Finish up the scenic drive at Seagull Lake with a paddle on the lake by renting a kayak from any of the local outfitters.
Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway (Grand Rapids to Effie)
Nature lovers, birders, and "The Wizard of Oz" fans will love the scenic drive along a stretch of meandering road from Grand Rapids to Effie on the beautifully named 47-mile Edge of Wilderness Scenic Byway. The route takes visitors past 36 lakes and through the Chippewa National Forest, renowned for its bald eagle population. Before hitting the road, follow the yellow brick road to the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids to tour the actor’s 1920s-restored Birthplace Home and Children’s Discovery Museum. On the way to Effie, stop to hike a portion of the Lost 40 trail in the Chippewa National Forest, where outdoor adventurers will stand in awe of the ancient red and white pine trees in the forest, some of which are almost 400 years old. The next stop on the trip is all about the birds in Scenic State Park in the town of Bigfork. Follow the fire tower trail in the park — a much sought-after area for birders. Get out the binoculars to spy a number of species of birds before finishing the trip in Effie.
North Shore Scenic Drive (Two Harbors to Grand Marais)
Two Harbors to Grand Marais is one of the most scenic drives in the state, stretching about 85 miles along the western shore of Lake Superior. Grab coffee and breakfast in the Cedar Coffee Company in Two Harbors, then visit Split Rock Lighthouse State Park and look for the state gemstone: the Lake Superior agate. The next stop is the Tettegouche State Park, where visitors can hike along the lakeside cliffs to Shovel Point to take photographs of the breathtaking views of the largest freshwater lake in the world. At the end of the drive is the artsy harbor village of Grand Marais, where visitors can watch the painters at Artist’s Point, stroll along the harbor, explore quirky shops, and grab a sweet treat at the town’s landmark, World’s Best Donuts.
Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway (Mankato to New Ulm)
Just about 80 miles southwest of Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Mankato is the starting city for this drive along the Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway to New Ulm. Pick up coffee and pastries at the Fillin’ Station Coffeehouse in Mankato to enjoy in nearby Minneopa State Park, whose name comes from the Dakota language meaning “water falling twice,” referring to the beautiful waterfalls on Minneopa Creek. Drive through the bison range to see one of the majestic animals in a herd that roams over an enclosed 330 acres. Learn about the bison range by listening to pre-recorded info on the car radio. Spend time at the free Ney Nature Center in Henderson, exploring miles of scenic hiking trails and visiting the historic farm sites, the frog pond, and the native prairie areas. Head toward New Ulm, stopping at the Harkin Store, the onetime-social hub where farmers and townspeople gathered to barter during the 1870s. Take a self-guided tour of the attached home before finishing the day in New Ulm, a historic city known for its German roots, traditional Old World architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. See the town’s landmarks, including the Hermann Monument and the Glockenspiel clock tower.
Final Thoughts
Embark on a scenic road trip through Minnesota. Whether drivers are cruising along the shoreline of Lake Superior admiring the views of rugged cliffs and waterfalls, winding through the rolling hills of the Mississippi River Valley, or cruising through a bison range, each of the eight most scenic drives in Minnesota highlights the state's stunning and diverse landscapes. Minnesota’s scenic byways make every drive an unforgettable experience.
