Most Scenic Road Trips in Minneapolis, United States
1. Mississippi River Bluffs Scenic Byway
A picturesque drive along the Mississippi River offering breathtaking views of bluffs, valleys, and wildlife.
- Natural Beauty: Showcases the unique geology of the area with towering bluffs
- Wildlife Spotting: Offers opportunities to see eagles, deer, and other wildlife
- Historical Sites: Passes by historical sites like Fort Snelling and Mendota Mdewakanton Dakota tribal lands
2. North Shore Scenic Drive
A stunning journey along Lake Superior featuring breathtaking vistas, waterfalls, and charming towns.
- Lake Superior Views: Provides spectacular views of the world's largest freshwater lake
- Waterfalls: Boasts numerous waterfalls like Gooseberry and High Falls
- Small Town Charm: Visits quaint towns like Grand Marais with unique shops, galleries, and restaurants
3. St. Croix River Scenic Byway
A scenic route following the St. Croix River with stunning views of rolling hills, valleys, and historic sites.
- Historic Sites: Passes by historic sites like Stillwater's Lift Bridge and Taylors Falls
- Picturesque Villages: Features charming villages such as Hudson, Wisconsin, and Osceola, Wisconsin
- Outdoor Recreation: Provides opportunities for hiking, fishing, and boating along the St. Croix River
4. Glenwood Road to Gooseberry Falls State Park
A picturesque drive through the North Shore's scenic forests leading to stunning Gooseberry Falls.
- Scenic Forests: Travels through a beautiful forest filled with towering pine trees
- Waterfalls: Ends at the stunning Gooseberry Falls within Gooseberry State Park
- Wildlife Spotting: Offers opportunities to spot moose, bears, and other wildlife in the forest
5. Bear Head Lake State Park Loop
A scenic drive through a remote wilderness area with beautiful lakes and abundant wildlife.
- Wilderness Experience: Offers a unique wilderness experience away from the city
- Abundant Wildlife: Provides opportunities to spot moose, loons, and other wildlife
- Beautiful Lakes: Passes by numerous beautiful lakes perfect for fishing and boating
6. Lake Wobegon Trail
A scenic biking or driving route along the historic Lake Wobegon corridor featuring rolling farmland and quaint towns.
- Historic Landmarks: Passes by historic sites like the Church of St. Olaf in New Ulm
- Picturesque Villages: Visits charming villages such as Hutchinson, Paynesville, and Collegeville
- Rolling Farmland: Travels through beautiful rolling farmlands with scenic overlooks
7. Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge Loop
A scenic drive through a wildlife refuge offering opportunities to spot a variety of birds and other wildlife.
- Wildlife Spotting: Provides excellent opportunities to see waterfowl, eagles, and other migratory birds
- Natural Beauty: Showcases the beauty of Minnesota's wetlands, grasslands, and forests
- Peaceful Retreat: Offers a peaceful retreat from city life with opportunities for hiking and photography
8. Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park Loop
A scenic drive featuring stunning views of Lake Vermilion and the historic Soudan Underground Mine.
- Historic Sites: Visits the historic Soudan Underground Mine, once the deepest mine in North America
- Lake Vermilion: Offers stunning views of Lake Vermilion and its many islands
- Scenic Overlooks: Provides numerous scenic overlooks perfect for enjoying the views
9. Mille Lacs Kathio State Park Loop
A scenic drive through a beautiful state park offering opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy fishing.
- Wildlife Spotting: Provides opportunities to see white-tailed deer, beavers, and other wildlife
- Fishing Opportunities: Offers excellent fishing for walleye, bass, and other fish species
- Scenic Views: Features stunning views of Mille Lacs Lake and the surrounding landscape
10. Itasca State Park Loop
A scenic drive through Itasca State Park with opportunities to explore the headwaters of the Mississippi River.
- Historic Sites: Visits the historic Jacob Brower Cabin and the Douglas Lodge
- Natural Beauty: Showcases the beauty of Minnesota's forests, wetlands, and lakes
- Mississippi River Headwaters: Allows visitors to walk on the headwaters of the Mississippi River
11. Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge Auto Tour Route
A scenic drive through a wildlife refuge offering opportunities to spot a variety of birds and other wildlife.
- Wildlife Spotting: Provides excellent opportunities to see waterfowl, eagles, and other migratory birds
- Natural Beauty: Showcases the beauty of Minnesota's wetlands, grasslands, and forests
- Peaceful Retreat: Offers a peaceful retreat from city life with opportunities for hiking and photography
12. Voyageurs National Park Loop
A scenic drive through Voyageurs National Park offering stunning views of lakes, forests, and wildlife.
- Wildlife Spotting: Provides opportunities to see moose, bears, wolves, and other wildlife
- Lake Views: Offers breathtaking views of Kabetogama Lake, Rainy Lake, and Namakan Lake
- Scenic Overlooks: Provides numerous scenic overlooks perfect for enjoying the views
13. Tettegouche State Park Loop
A scenic drive through Tettegouche State Park offering stunning views of Lake Superior and waterfalls.
- Waterfalls: Boasts beautiful waterfalls like Shovel Point Falls and High Falls
- Lake Superior Views: Provides breathtaking views of Lake Superior and its rugged shoreline
- Scenic Overlooks: Features numerous scenic overlooks perfect for enjoying the views
14. Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway
A scenic drive through Northern Minnesota featuring beautiful lakes, forests, and historic sites.
- Historic Sites: Passes by numerous historic sites like Itasca State Park and the Paul Bunyan Statue
- Lake Views: Offers stunning views of lakes such as Mille Lacs Lake, Leech Lake, and Cass Lake
- Scenic Overlooks: Provides numerous scenic overlooks perfect for enjoying the views
15. Prairie Lakes Scenic Byway
A scenic drive through Southern Minnesota featuring beautiful lakes, prairies, and charming towns.
- Prairies: Travels through stunning prairies filled with wildflowers and grasses
- Lake Views: Offers beautiful views of numerous lakes such as Big Stone, Green, and Lake Shetek
- Charming Towns: Visits charming towns like Madison, Marietta, and Milroy