8 Great Road Trips to Take in Minnesota
Minnesota was made for road trips, from Lake Superior to lake-country backroads, and it’s the kind of open-road adventure Jack Kerouac made famous in his novel On the Road. Here, that thrill shows up in shoreline drives, pine-lined byways up north, and river towns along the Mississippi, with can’t-miss stops in Duluth and Grand Marais. Expect waterfall state parks off Highway 61, eagle-country stretches near Wabasha, and quick detours for a Juicy Lucy in the Twin Cities before you loop back through forests, lakes, and bluff-lined roads. These eight routes are pure Minnesota, bend after bend.
North Shore Tour
The North Shore tour runs along Minnesota State Highway 61 (MN 61) from Duluth to Grand Marais, with a mix of forests, cliffs, and Lake Superior views. It includes a major city stop in Duluth, state parks like Gooseberry Falls with camping and overlooks, and several small towns on the route. Canal Park in Duluth provides lake access and parking at the port. Small towns along the way include Castle Danger, Silver Bay, and Grand Marais. Artist's Point in Grand Marais offers lake views and trail access, with nearby downtown services.
Edge of Wilderness Byway
The name of this byway alone should get you interested. It’s a 47-mile strip that connects Grand Rapids to Effie. As you drive the edge of the wilderness, you may spot wildlife such as foxes, porcupines, white-tailed deer, and bald eagles. The Chippewa National Forest is home to black bears, timber wolves, and coyotes. The Edge of Wilderness Discovery Center offers guided tours. You’ll also see the Mississippi River, open for fishing, canoeing, and other water sports. If one night isn’t enough, camp for the night at Grand Rapids among birch, spruce, and pines.
The Great River Road
Another great road trip along the Mississippi River is the Great River Road. This massive road spans 2,557 miles, with a 575-mile portion in Minnesota. Start your trip at Itasca State Park and take a picture at the Mississippi headwaters — the spot where the Mississippi River begins. Once on the road, you’ll be treated to a scenic trip, with lots of small towns to consider stopping at, such as Hastings, Red Wing, Wabasha, Lake City, and more. Wabasha is a great stop for eagle lovers because it is home to the National Eagle Center. And if you need to fuel up along the way, why not grab some grub at the one and only Great River Roadhouse to enjoy the full experience?
Gunflint Trail National Scenic Byway
The Gunflint Trail National Scenic Byway runs along northern Minnesota near the Canadian border. Stops include Pincushion Mountain Overlook for a view of Lake Superior, George Washington Memorial Pines, a two-mile loop hike through pine forest, and Honeymoon Bluff, which overlooks the lake and forest. The route provides access to hiking trails and natural areas. Pull-offs allow for photography and short breaks. Visitors can also combine driving with walking or short hikes along these features.
Cannon River
Most people start at Fairibault Woolen Mill, founded in 1865. Take a factory tour and see over 160 years of history right before your eyes. You can even pick up some all-American-made blankets or throws, which make great souvenirs. To really get the full experience of driving along the Cannon River, you have to make a stop at Cannon Falls and experience the breathtaking view. You can also explore the Cannon River trail, the Cannon River Winery, or one of the local breweries. Cap off your trip at Red Wing, the terminus of the river, and watch it flow into the Mississippi River.
Duluth to the Twin Cities: Interstate 35
Native Minnesotans have probably made this trip before for business or for an event in the city, but this 150-mile trek can be driven simply to enjoy the road. Banning State Park is a marvel and worth a visit for any nature lover. There are also a few cool museums, such as the Hinckley Fire Museum, where you can learn about the famous Minnesota event, and the Pine Country History Museum. Consider ending the trip with a Juicy Lucy, a Minnesotan dish you can find at several places in the Twin Cities, such as Matt’s Bar and the Blue Door Pub.
Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway
No road trip in Minnesota would be complete without any mention of Paul Bunyan — a giant (literally) in Minnesota folklore. Fittingly, along the Paul Bunyan scenic Byway is Bemidji, home to a highly photographed 18-foot tall statue of Mr. Bunyan and his trusty sidekick: Babe the Blue Ox. Along this 54-mile double loop of country roads is the Paul Bunyan Exhibit Room and Learning Center — and the Paul Bunyan Trail is a hiker's delight. There are also scenic wonders that include Island Lake woods and Rush Lake’s floating island. Top it off with dinner at A-Pine Restaurant and treat yourself to a Paul Bunyan burger or any one of their tasty daily specials.
Minneapolis to Alexandria
This drive along Minnesota State Highway 55 (MN 55) connects Minneapolis to Alexandria. Notable stops include Hastings with its historic downtown and, in Alexandria, the Copper Trail Brew Co., the Runestone Museum, and the Big Ole Viking statue. The route passes through small towns and rural landscapes, providing views of farmland, rivers, and lakes along the way. There are multiple opportunities to pull over for short walks or photos, particularly near scenic river crossings. Drive time for the full route is roughly 2.5 hours to three hours, depending on traffic and stops, making it practical as a day trip or a longer, multi-stop excursion.
Freedom, Pure and Simple
For adventure seekers and travelers, few things in life beat the open road. Perhaps the excitement of an upcoming road trip is best expressed by Willie Nelson when he sings, “Seeing things that I may never see again, and I can't wait to get on the road again." There truly is no freedom like the open road, where you can change course and explore somewhere new at a moment's notice, meet someone you would have never otherwise met, or create a memory that lasts with you for a lifetime.
