There are many fun trips that you can take all across Minnesota. In the past, we've created a burger trail, a thrift store road trip, and even a train-themed road trip. For nature lovers, we've covered waterfalls and the spectacular sights of the North Shore. But there's still so much left to discover. That's where today's road trip comes in.
We created a 275-mile road trip that will take you to some of the most scenic parts of Minnesota, no matter the season. It covers an area of Minnesota around the Twin Cities, with a focus on stops that are just south or east of the metro. Read on below to learn about this fun, beautiful road trip.
This road trip crosses a small section of Minnesota near the Twin Cities. It covers about 275 miles of the state's prettiest scenery, both natural and human-made. For the map and full directions, click here.
Minnehaha Falls is located in one of Minneapolis' most popular and historic parks. The overlooks and limestone bluffs are just part of the appeal - the real star of the show is the 53-foot cascade. In the winter, it freezes over and creates an otherworldly scene.
In Hastings, Minnesota, Vermillion Falls Park is another lovely waterfall stop. The 35-foot waterfall along the Vermillion River was once used to power a mill. Now, it is the focal point for a beautiful park with plenty of trails, picnic spaces, and scenic views. Summertime visits are common, but spring, fall, and winter also provide lovely views.
Next, head southeast to Frontenac State Park. This lovely place is known for its location on the Mississippi River. Hiking trails lead high above the river for spectacular views in every season. From the lush, green summertime scenery to the vibrant colors of fall - and beyond - this park is a knockout no matter when you visit.
The next attraction is human-made, but that doesn't make it any less attractive. The Zumbrota Covered Bridge is a historic landmark that dates back to 1869. Visitors can walk across the bridge, take pictures, and enjoy the view. In winter, the bright red bridge stands out against fresh snow. But we think you'll enjoy a visit to this historic bridge at any time of year.
It is hard to overstate the beauty of Nerstrand-Big Woods State Park. Trails lead through the woods to the aptly named Hidden Falls, a 20-foot waterfall in the middle of the forest. The park is most popular in the fall, when the woods turn all shades of red, yellow, and orange. But you'll find gorgeous views at any time of year. The park is alive with budding trees in spring, lush leaves in winter, and peaceful tranquility in the winter. Make a point to visit this park in all seasons!
Next, the route turns towards Waterville, where beautiful Sakatah Lake State Park stands as a quiet place to spend time in nature at any time of year. The lake provides plenty of recreation, including fishing and boating. Plenty of trails pass through the park, including Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail. Whether you enjoy hiking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing, you'll find opportunities to do it here.
In the lovely city of New Ulm, Flandrau State Park stands out as a nature destination that can be enjoyed at any time of year. The park sits along the Cottonwood River, which provides plenty of fishing opportunities. Campers enjoy staying overnight during the warmer months. The sand-bottomed swimming pool is another popular summertime attraction. In winter, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails make it easy to see this park's beauty when the temperature drops!
You may be surprised to see a zipline tour included on a list of scenic places in Minnesota. But this place happens to be one of the best spots to see the Minnesota River Valley. Visitors climb high and zipline over some of the prettiest areas of the valley. You'll get to go high above the trees, soar over gorges, and hike through a beautiful wooded area. If you're up for the challenge, you can do it at any time of year. Summer and fall are beautiful, but spring and winter are also fun to visit. The trees are bare, and you can see the ground from way up high!
Finally, the road trip ends at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. This 1,200-acre garden is full of beauty at every time of the year. Spring and summer bring flower gardens, fall includes beautiful changing leaves and fun autumn displays, and winter offers plenty of great events. You will love spending time at this beautiful and informative place!
What do you think? Would you add anything else to this road trip? Let us know in the comments or by filling out our nomination form! And if you'd like to see directions and follow the route, you can check out the map here.
Everyone In Minnesota Should Take This Underappreciated Scenic Drive
The Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway offers a picturesque 300-mile journey through western and central Minnesota, featuring beautiful scenery, small towns, and historical sites.
Minnesota is home to many scenic drives, from dirt roads canopied by trees to gorgeous highways overlooking lakes and rivers. And there are more than a few official scenic byways that take travelers on a journey through the most beautiful parts of the Land of 10,000 Lakes. One of the state's best - and most unappreciated - scenic drives is the Minnesota River Valley National Scenic Byway. Take a look at this beautiful Minnesota scenic byway, which is so fabulous that it's earned national status:
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The Minnesota River Valley National Scenic Byway is a gorgeous, 300-mile journey through western and central Minnesota.
Along the way, you'll pass through some of Minnesota's prettiest and most overlooked scenery, where you'll have countless opportunities to get out and enjoy the beauty up close.
Minnesota's scenic byways are pretty hard to beat, no matter which of the 22 you take! But it's no secret that some routes get a little more attention than others. The Minnesota River Valley National Scenic Byway is an overlooked scenic drive that is well worth a detour. Visit the official website to get a full list of every park, museum, and waypoint along the way so you can plan your adventure!
How many scenic byways have you checked off your bucket list? Let us know in the comments below!
This byway is a long journey, so along the way, you might need a basecamp. If a unique stay in a brewery sounds like a good time, we have just the place!
If you're looking for some year-round Minnesota road trip ideas, you're in the right place. The North Star State, with its large cities and charming small towns, abundant natural beauty, and several landmarks and sites of national significance - with plenty of room for driving between them all - has got to be one of the best states for road trips in the entire country. In fact, in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, a road trip through Minnesota is practically an annual rite of passage! So, be sure to pack all your road trip essentials - and don't forget the snacks - as you navigate through 11 of the best road trips in Minnesota.
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For a Minnesota road trip map that you can use to navigate on your smartphone, just tap the "Route" link at the beginning of any of our 11 Minnesota road trips.
Route: Grand Marais > Five Mile Rock > Kadunce River State Wayside > Naniboujou Lodge and Restaurant > Judge C.R. Magney State Park > Fontainebleau State Park > Grand Portage National Monument > Mt. Josephine Overlook > Grand Portage State Park
Distance: 43 miles
Trip Time: 1 hour driving time
Although this may be the shortest Minnesota road trip itinerary on this list, quick road trips in Minnesota can be breathtaking. This day trip along MN-61 may well be the most scenic one-day road trip in Minnesota you will find. Not only will you experience some of the most dramatic shoreline on the Great Lakes, you’ll have the opportunity to hit some lesser-traveled hiking trails, explore the shore, and delve into some of the state’s most fascinating history at places like Naniboujou Lodge and Grand Portage National Monument. This is definitely one of the weekend trips in Minnesota that should go on your bucket list!
Route: Illgen City > Illgen Falls > Ely > Bear Head Lake State Park > Scenic State Park > Lost 40 SNA > Lady Slipper Scenic Byway > Big Bog State Recreation Area > Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge > Oslo
Distance: 490 miles
Trip Time: 9.5 hours driving time
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You could complete this road trip traversing Minnesota’s longest state highway in as little as three days. However, adding another day or two to this northern Minnesota itinerary would allow you to explore a little longer in places like Big Bog State Recreation Area and Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge. As you skirt the southern edge of Red Lake, you’ll pass within about an hour of Itasca State Park, where you’ll find the headwaters of the Mississippi River. It would make an excellent add-on to one of our favorite weekend road trips in Minnesota.
Route: Iowa Minnesota South Dakota Marker > Blue Mounds State Park > Pipestone National Monument > Lac Qui Parle State Park > Kensington Runestone Park > Red River State Recreation Area > John Kurz Memorial Park > Lake Bronson State Park > Warroad
Distance: 575 miles
Trip Time: 10.5 hours driving time
This Minnesota road trip, for the most part, follows Highway 75 King of Trails Scenic Byway will take you from the corner that the Land of 10,000 Lakes shares with Iowa and South Dakota all the way to Lake of the Woods and the Canadian border. Along the way, you'll pass through towns like Luverne, Pipestone, Argyle, and Warroad, visiting fantastic state parks, national monuments, stunning natural areas, and beloved local landmarks. It's an awesome way to see one of the lesser-traveled parts of the state and the Upper Midwest at their most beautiful - the summer.
Route: Four Daughters Vineyard and Winery > Hop and Barrel Brewing > Sugar Creek Vineyard and Meadery > Karst Brewing > Trout City Brewing > Sylvan Brewing > Union Valley Vineyard and Winery
Distance: 79 miles
Trip Time: 1.75 hours driving time
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Start this road trip along the Historic Bluff Country Scenic Byway just south of Rochester in Spring Valley. Drives through this part of the state - the “driftless” area - offer some of the best road trips to be had in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. This one combines all the quaint charm and rustic beauty of the Bluff Country with visits to several local breweries and wineries along the way. It’s an ideal road trip for a weekend getaway, combined with a stay at a bed-and-breakfast in Lanesboro, Rushford, or Preston.
Route: Minnehaha Falls > Vermillion Falls > Cannon Falls > Nerstrand Big Woods State Park > Minneopa State Park > Ramsey Falls > Pipestone National Monument
Distance: 281 miles
Trip Time: 5.5 hours driving time
Spring is waterfall season, and this drive to the best waterfalls in southern Minnesota is a perfect way to spend a spring weekend. You’ll start in Minneapolis, at the iconic Minnehaha Falls, then visit several of southeastern Minnesota’s lovely cascades. From there, you’ll head west to Minneopa State Park, near Mankato. This is the perfect time for a break or an overnight stop. Since the charming town of New Ulm is directly on the route, it makes a perfect stopping point before you head to far western Minnesota to finish off the road trip.
Route: Rainy Lake Visitor's Center, Voyageurs National Park > International Falls > Franz Jevne State Park > Wheelers Point > Zippel Bay State Park
Distance: 103 miles
Trip Time: 2 hours driving time
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You can make this northern Minnesota road trip along the Rainy River and the Canadian border as long or as short as you like. There are plenty of things to do and places to explore on the drive from Voyageurs National Park on Rainy Lake to International Falls, Franz Jevne State Park - the smallest in the state - and Zippel Bay State Park on the south shore of the gargantuan Lake of the Woods. It’s a perfect way to spend a summer afternoon, weekend, or week. Bring your passport for a stretch goal of the Northwest Angle, the northernmost point in the Lower 48 United States - but you have to travel through Canada to get there by land.
Route: St. Croix State Park> Wild River State Park > Interstate State Park > William O'Brien State Park > St. Croix Boom Site State Wayside > Stillwater > Afton State Park
Distance: 118 miles
Trip Time: 2.3 hours driving time
This one or two-day itinerary tracks the St. Croix River through the St. Croix National Scenic River Way, which makes it perfect for fall road trip in Minnesota. The forested river valley explodes with fall colors, and because you can see the bluffs on the Wisconsin side, as well, you get double the foliage. Moreover, you'll visit five state parks and a national park service unit, and you can stop along the way to explore the charming historic towns of Taylors Falls, Marine on St. Croix, Stillwater, Bayport, and Afton.
Route: Grand Marais > Pincushion Mountain Overlook > Bearskin Lodge > White Pine Lodge > Magnetic Rock Trail > Poplar Haus > Gunflint Lodge
Distance: 67 miles
Trip Time: 1.75 hours driving time
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A winter trip up the Gunflint Trail is an ideal way to embrace the long cold season in the Bold North. On this short driving itinerary, you’ll drive through the Superior National Forest, skirting the Boundary Waters, while stopping for views, to cross-country ski, and to enjoy a winter hike or snowshoe. This is also the best time of year for spotting moose along the trail, so be alert as you drive the narrow, winding road. When you hit your final stop for the night, the Gunflint Lodge, be sure to keep an eye on the sky for dancing northern lights.
Route: The Uptowner Cafe > Twin City Model Railroad Museum > Blue Sun Soda Shop > Cedar Park > Lindström Bakery > Franconia Sculpture Park > Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours > The Drive In Restaurant
Distance: 59 miles
Trip Time: 1.5 hours driving time
With less than two hours of driving time and plenty of fun stops, this family-friendly road trip is a great way to spend a weekend day in the Twin Cities area. Better still, this is one of the best Minnesota road trip ideas for offering plenty of stops that adults and kids (of any age!) will both enjoy. Importantly, you'll start with breakfast and find plenty of opportunities for snacks and meals along the way - nobody needs to be hangry!
Road Trip to Minnesota Landmarks & Natural Wonders
Route: Blue Mounds State Park > Minnehaha Falls > Interstate State Park > Jay Cooke State Park > Gooseberry Falls State Park > Tettegouche State Park > Ely > Eagle Mountain > Judge C.R. Magney State Park > Grand Portage State Park
Distance: 688 miles
Trip Time: 13 hours driving time
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This road trip to many of the landmarks and natural wonders of Minnesota will take you from the Sioux quartzite upwellings of southwestern Minnesota, across southern Minnesota to the Twin Cities, then up the St. Croix River valley to Duluth. There, you can stop in Canal Park to see the iconic aerial lift bridge or take some time to explore the splendid Glensheen mansion before heading up Minnesota’s North Shore. In addition to numerous state parks and their natural beauty - including Minnesota’s highest waterfalls - along the way, you’ll pass through charming small towns, like Two Harbors, Beaver Bay, Tofte, Lutsen, and Grand Marais, where you can stop for lunch or ice cream on the shore of Lake Superior. Between Gooseberry Falls and Tettegouche, you’ll see the amazing Split Rock Lighthouse where you can explore the site’s fascinating history and hike or go biking in the park or along the paved Gitchi Gami State Trail.
This marathon of a road trip to some of Minnesota's most charming small towns could easily be broken into segments. For example, you could include Nisswa in an excursion to several small towns in the Brainerd Lakes area. Or you could do a trip along the Great River Road that would include Winona, as well as Wabasha and Red Wing. But you could also, pack the car, hit the road, and see some of the state’s most charming small towns - and some of its most amazing scenery - by following this itinerary over the course of several days.
We certainly hope you'll take us up on at least one of these Minnesota road trip ideas when you're considering your next vacation in the Bold North! What are your thoughts about the best road trips in Minnesota? We'd love to hear about them!
