7 Great Road Trips to Take in Minnesota

In 1858, Minnesota became the 32nd state in the US. Prior to this date and the introduction of European settlers, the state was home to the Dakota (Sioux) and Ojibwa Native American tribes. The name Minnesota is derived from the Dakota word for “sky-tinted water.” The magnificent beauty of the landscape includes thousands of rivers, vast woodlands, prairies, and an abundance of lakes. In addition to the forested regions of the northeast and the rolling prairies of the southwest, Minnesota is home to many museums and restaurants. The state offers scenic roads and byways, and these seven great road trips to take in Minnesota will excite any road warrior and terrain traveler.

Apple Blossom Drive Scenic Byway

The journey begins in La Crosse and a drive along Interstate 90 north toward La Crescent. Follow Elm Street and Apple Blossom Drive to experience the panoramic views of the byway. This byway features bluff-top views above the Mississippi River, vast farmland, and apple orchards. Along the route, travelers can visit the Historic Pickwick Mill, Black Horse Bar & Grill in Winona, and Como Falls in Hokah. The Historic Pickwick Mill is a six-story stone building containing six floors of original machinery from Minnesota’s history of flour milling. The building is near beautiful Lake LaBelle, and the Mill restaurant offers views of the nearby waterfalls. Before leaving, make sure to grab a souvenir at the gift shop for a lasting memory. For hungry travelers, a trip to the Black Horse Bar & Grill will satisfy. With live entertainment every weekend, the restaurant includes a large wooden dance floor and two-level seating. Indulge in a full bar and kitchen that offers private and loft seating. Traversing the byway would not be as satisfying without a trip to Como Falls. This small park is behind the fire station and features crushed stone trails, picnic areas, charcoal grills, and plenty of open spaces. The Apple Blossom Drive Scenic Byway will delight any traveler seeking a bit of history, entertainment, and tranquility.

Avenue of Pines Scenic Byway

Mature red pines, lakes, marshes, and aspen trees are some of the natural attractions along the byway. Beginning in Grand Rapids, travel along US 2 northwest to State Highway 46 North. Avenue of the Pines is a nature lovers paradise with the Simpson Creek Recreation Area in Deer River, Lake Winnibigoshish north of Bena, and the Hill Restaurant & Lounge. The Simpson Creek Recreation Area features a 13-mile trail system, rolling hills through pines, and glacial eskers. Cycling enthusiasts will appreciate the road and biking opportunities the area provides. In addition, the recreation area has magnificent overlooks at Cut Foot Sioux Lake and cedar swamps. Lake Winnibigoshish is another site for travelers to see. Fondly called “Lake Winnie” or “Big Winnie,” it is a large reservoir that started as a natural lake that was dammed. The lake hosts an abundance of fish, including walleye and yellow perch. With plenty of shoreline, travelers can find a quiet spot to enjoy the area’s natural beauty. A road trip would not be complete without a trip to a restaurant. The Hill Restaurant & Lounge in Squaw Lake is an excellent choice. The restaurant offers burgers, salads, pasta, steak, and the famous Squaw Lake wild rice soup. The Avenue of Pines Scenic Byway is a great way to view Minnesota’s natural beauty from the comfort of your car. Do not hesitate to take this scenic byway; it will not disappoint.

Edge of the Wilderness National Scenic Byway

This 47-mile-long byway was once used by loggers moving through the Chippewa National Forest. The byway features rolling hills, bogs, and fishing lakes. Bird lovers and outdoor adventurers can enjoy the bald eagles, balsam firs, and hiking trails along the route. The journey starts in Grand Rapids, heading north on Highway 38 to Effie. Along the way, road warriors can stop at the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, Suomi Hills Recreation Area in Marcell, and Edge of the Wilderness Discovery Center. The Judy Garland Museum is a must for Wizard of Oz fans. The museum is located in Garland’s restored 1920s birthplace home. Collections include the original carriage from the movie and Garland’s collection. Stop by the museum store for a souvenir before heading out. Soumi Hills Recreation Area is another must-see stop along the route. The remote location boasts 19 miles of hiking, biking, and ski trails. Experienced mountain bikers and expert skiers will delight in the intermediate and advanced trails. The Edge of the Wilderness Discovery Center is within the Chippewa National Forest. It hosts interactive displays and exhibits in the visitor and environmental centers and a fishing and wildlife viewing pier. The outdoor amphitheater and gift shop offer visitors opportunities to learn more about the surrounding area and purchase a keepsake before their journey home. A trip down the Edge of the Wilderness National Scenic Byway is a great way to embrace the nature of the surrounding area and visit Hollywood history.

Shooting Star Scenic Byway

Designated as a "wildflower route," this byway goes through agricultural land and small towns. The 32-mile trip is along Highway 56. From Rochester, head west on US 14 to Highway 56 and follow it south until reaching the Iowa border at Highway 63. Highlights along the way are the Lake Louise State Park in Le Roy, the SPAM Museum, and the Hormel Historic Home in Austin. The Lake Louise State Park is a mix of savanna, meadows, and woodlands. The park is home to abundant wildlife and wildflowers. Visitors can enjoy hiking, canoeing, fishing, and horseback riding in the tranquil surroundings. For SPAM lovers, a trip to the SPAM Museum is a must. The 14,000-foot museum boasts nine galleries with interactive games. Admission is free; visit the website for tasty recipes. The journey is not over without a trip to the Hormel Historic Home. The Greek Revival-style home features stained-glass windows and Quesal light fixtures. Built in 1871 for George A. Hormel, the founder of Hormel Foods, Inc., the home is open year-round and offers self-guided tours. Whether you want to embrace nature or take a trip down memory lane, the Shooting Star Scenic Byway is a great way to experience history and the outdoors.

Historic Highway 75: King of Trails

Traversing 414 miles, this scenic road goes along Minnesota’s western border. The landscape is bountiful with prairies and farmlands. Highlights along the way are the Hinkley House and Herreid Military Museum in Luverne, the Pipestone County Museum in Pipestone, and Hole in the Mountain in Lake Benton. A journey to the Hinkley House brings travelers to a century-old Victorian home constructed from Sioux quartzite. The home features three floors and was the home of R. B. Hinkley. Another great stop is the Herreid Military Museum in the Rock County Courthouse Square. The museum's second floor has displays featuring the Civil War, Spanish-American War, and WWI. Journeying north along the highway leads to the Pipestone County Museum. The museum displays the area’s history with interpretive exhibits, four galleries, large murals, and Native American artifacts. Continuing north to Hole in the Mountain will not disappoint the ambitious traveler. The prairie habitat includes over 25 species of butterflies, more than 60 grasses, sedges, and rushes. The landscape is home to over 200 species of wildflowers and many native plants, including lotus milk vetch and small-leaved pussytoes. The habitat is a great outdoor activity experience, with four trails for biking, hiking, and skiing. A drive along Historic Highway 75 will please the prairie lover and the history buff.

Lady Slipper Scenic Byway

Come to this byway in late June for a spectacular display of lady slippers along the route. The expedition begins in Grand Rapids. Head west on US 2 and north on the Great River Scenic Highway. The byway travels through the Chippewa National Forest, where pine and hardwood trees are on display, and highlights along the way are the White Oak Casino, Chippewa National Forest, and Blackduck Area History and Art Center. Located in Deer River along US 2, the White Oak Casino is a great place to try your luck on one-cent and one-dollar slot machines or blackjack. Continuing the journey, travelers will be surrounded by the 1.6 million acres of the Chippewa National Forest. The forest provides views of more than 1,300 lakes, 925 miles of streams, and over 3,000 archeological and historic sites. The journey ends at the Blackduck Area History and Art Center. Admission is free, and the center features galleries by local and guest artists. The Lady Slipper Scenic Byway is a magnificent way to see the beauty of the Chippewa National Forests and Minnesota's state flower.

Skyline Parkway Scenic Byway

This byway stretches across the city of Duluth and begins at Spirit Mountain and Interstate 35 to Skyline Drive, ending at Enger Tower. Travelers will relish the scenic overlooks the drive provides, including a view of the harbor and shoreline of Lake Superior. Two attractions in the city of Duluth are the Duluth Traverse Trail and the Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory. Along the route, the town of Proctor features the Proctor Area Historical Society Museum. The Duluth Traverse Trail is a cyclist's dream route. The single-track natural surface trail goes across the entire ridgeline of Duluth. Hikers, runners, dog walkers, and snowshoers can also take advantage of all the trail offers. Continuing on the journey to the Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory will not disappoint the avian aficionado. Settled on 250 acres and open year-round, the observatory features four miles of hiking trails and views of nesting birds and other wildlife. Travelers can view bald and golden Eagles, red-tailed hawks, and large raptors. Before ending the journey, a stop at the Proctor Area Historical Society is ideal for the railroad enthusiast. The museum features railroad history, rotating exhibits, and a scale model of the DM&IR railroad. The Skyline Parkway Scenic Byway is a great way to see the city of Duluth in its grandeur while enjoying the outdoors, wildlife, and museums.

Final Thoughts

Minnesota is a state that exhibits natural beauty throughout its land. It is a haven for wildlife and recreation, from bountiful prairie lands in the west to majestic forests in the east. Driving along the state’s scenic routes is an excellent way for travelers to immerse themselves in the pristine wilderness while enjoying attractions such as Hormel Historic Home or the Judy Garland Museum. Mark your calendar to experience these seven great road trips in Minnesota.