I was recently glancing at the pages of my Minnesota State Parks Passport and realized that I hadn't visited a couple key parks since I'd picked up the passport - and there were still others that I hadn't yet visited! So, I waited for the weekend to roll around, packed up my vehicle, and hit the road with an eye toward making as many road trip stops through Minnesota as I could. I plugged my itinerary into this handy Google map, so you can come along for the ride.

Just tap or click on the map to follow along on my journey and/or customize it for your own beginning and end points.

I've included a few off-itinerary stops that I made (noted with asterisks) to give you an idea of what you can add to the trip. The meat of this itinerary comes in at under eight hours of driving, the total time will vary with your starting and ending points - and any customizing you do to the route.

* Fort Ridgely State Park - Fairfax *

Speaking of customizing, I started from my home in the Twin Cities and, although it's not on the itinerary, I zigged down to Fort Ridgely State Park.

This is one park I had not yet visited in person, so my spontaneous weekend road trip seemed like the perfect time to do so and get my passport stamped. ​​

Fort Ridgely is a small park, but it was an awesome place to stretch my legs and learn more about the key role this site played in Minnesota history - particularly during the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862. It's also why I started this itinerary at Ashby, since the stop at this park took me a good distance west.

1. Giant Coot - Ashby

Ashby is where I decided to get off the freeway and start my northerly push, and in doing so, I was delighted to see that it had a roadside attraction: a giant coot. This inspired me to look for other quirky roadside attractions over the weekend - and I was not disappointed.

2. Chief Wenonga - Battle Lake

I didn't have long to wait, because just a few minutes up the road, I encountered the statue of Chief Wenonga in the charming community of Battle Lake.

3. Otter Statue - Ottertail

The next town up the road, Ottertail, served up a lovely, 10-foot otter sculpture.

* Y Steakhouse - Park Rapids *

By the time I reached Park Rapids, I was hungry. And when I passed ​​Y Steak House, I couldn't resist. This charming riverfront eatery had log cabin charm and supper club appeal. Food-wise, it did not disappoint! After my early-ish dinner, I drove the last 20 or so miles to my destination for the night.

4. Itasca State Park - Park Rapids

​​Itasca State Park is one that I hadn't visited for some time, but since I started collecting stamps for my state park passport, it's been on my mind.

I managed to score a room at the historic Douglas Lodge. It was my first time staying in the lodge, and I was happy I didn't have to pitch a tent after all that driving. I paid less than $100 for the room, which was clean and well-appointed.

In the morning, I did a quick highlights tour of the park, and even though it was a free parks Saturday, I was first to arrive at the Mississippi headwaters - and I had this iconic place all to myself (if you don't count the mosquitoes).

I took a quick hike through the Preachers Grove stand of old-growth pines, then hit the main visitor center to get my passport stamped.

* World's Largest Paul Bunyan Statue - Akeley *

Before continuing to the next destination, I took a detour to visit a few roadside attractions along the ​​Lake Country Scenic Byway, like the world's largest Paul Bunyan statue in Akeley. I also visited Paul Bunyan's sweetheart, Lucette, in Hackensack and the world's largest tiger muskie in Nevis.

5. La Salle Lake State Recreation Area - Solway

Then I circled back to ​​La Salle Lake State Recreation Area, which is just north of Itasca State Park, on the way to Bemidji.

I admit I was feeling pressed for time at this stop, especially given the rest of the day's plans. So, I'll need to go back and explore more to justify my passport stamp.

* Paul Bunyan and Babe The Blue Ox - Bemidji *

The state's most famous Paul Bunyan statue - the one in Bemidji, along with Babe the Blue Ox - was right on the way to the next destination. So, of course, I stopped.

6. Lake Bemidji State Park

​​Lake Bemidji State Park was the next stop on the day's itinerary. It was my first visit (that I remember), and I was excited to get out for another hike.

I chose the park's iconic Bog Walk, since I'd already strolled through the woods along Lake Itasca that morning and wanted something a little different. The hike comes in at around two miles. Parts of the trail are a little hilly, but it's well-maintained and finishes on a boardwalk through the heart of the park's bog area. It's not a long hike, but I tracked along with ​​AllTrails Plus so I could see where I was in relation to the trailhead, as rain was threatening (and I did end up enjoying a bit of a shower on the way back).

Along this easy hike, I saw all sorts of cool bog-specialist plants, including some orchids and these carnivorous pitcher plants. This easy hike was definitely a highlight, and I'd love to do it again.

* Lady Slipper Scenic Byway Interpretive Wayside - Pennington *

Speaking of orchids, if you do this road triip in June - like I did - make the optional stop at ​​the Lady Slipper Scenic Byway Interpretive Wayside.

Chances are, you'll encounter some of the state's iconic orchids, like lady's slippers. I was there too early to see the state flower, show lady's slippers, blooming. But these lovely yellow lady's slippers were a nice consolation.

* Big Fish Supper Club - Bena *

Another optional, but highly recommended, stop is ​​Big Fish Supper Club. It's the only supper club on the route that appears attached to a giant muskie. Grab dinner here, then you can stay in Grand Rapids or Deer River before continuing to the next stop in the morning. If you can get a reservation, book a ​​stay on your own island on a super clear lake near Deer River.

7. Schoolcraft State Park - Deer River

I also made my first visit to ​​Schoolcraft State Park on this road trip.

It was a surprisingly small park, but it was lovely. Here, you can hike along another stretch of the Mississippi River - kind of the theme of this trip - under mature pine and deciduous forest. There's also a boat launch, a picnic area, and a small, wooded campground. If you go in summer, be sure to bring ​​insect protection.

And, I was able to add a fifth new stamp to my Minnesota State Parks passport.

8. Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge - McGregor

Your last official stop is ​​Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge, which is always interesting, no matter what time of year you visit.

Birds are the big deal here.

Especially waterfowl. But there are plenty of flowers, plants, and other interesting animals on the refuge. I've seen foxes before, and on this visit, a black bear crashed off into the woods before I could get a picture.

* Ditch Ducks *

As you head south on Highway 65, leaving the wildlife refuge, keep your eyes on the canal on the east side of the ride after you enter the Solana State Forest. The ​​famous "Ditch Ducks" will appear. This always-evolving art installation consists of brightly-painted duck decoys floating in the drainage canal. There's no real place to stop - the shoulders are pretty narrow - so the safest bet is to enjoy them as you drive by.

I started my adventure from the western suburbs of the Metro on Friday afternoon, and I was back home before 10 p.m. on Sunday - even with all the road trip stops through Minnesota that I made. It was a lot of driving, but I had a ton of fun and am already plotting my next adventures in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Next time you're wondering where to go on a Minnesota road trip, just check out all the road trip suggestions we at OnlyInYourState have for you. You're sure to find an adventure you'll love!

Do you love road trips as much as I do? Be sure to tell us what you think are some of the best Minnesota road trips in the comments!