Fall isn’t the only time of year to take a scenic drive along some country roads in Minnesota. The state showcases its beauty all year long during every season. Since we all love to hit the road in search of the most epic views, here are some of the most beautiful scenes you will ever see in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
- Try MN 30 around Itasca State Park for a lovely, winding route. It’s certainly one of the most scenic drives in Minnesota.
Flickr/Mark Evans
- In Munger, the dirt roads can be absolutely breathtaking. Head from Duluth on Hwy 2 and hop on Munger Shaw Rd. to find a dirt road destination!
Tony Webster/Flickr
- Driving on MN 210 will absolutely give you some of the prettiest views around and it’s usually not too crowded!
laikolosse/Flickr
- Superior National Forest Road 166 is both scenic and empty for a relaxing time in nature.
Flickr/Superior National Forest
- On the way to Duluth take a detour over the Kettle River off Highway 73.
Flickr/Michael Hicks
- Just about any road to Duluth is bound to be gorgeous, just take any parallel to 35.
Flickr/JFXie
- Highway 61 along the North Shore cannot be beat for views year-round!
Flickr/Sharon Mollerus
- Or try Highway 61 below the cities near Maple Springs for phenomenal river views and colorful bluffs, any of which make for perfect road trips in Minnesota.
Flickr/Jerry Huddleston
- Everyone’s favorite northern MN driving destination is by far Gunflint Trail - and with good reason - the scenery is unforgettable!
Flickr/Tony Webster
- Driving up near Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory in Duluth will provide sweeping views of the North Shore.
JanN216/TripAdvisor
- On Veterans Memorial Drive Scenic Byway Overlook - Hwy 23 you will get amazing panoramas of the surrounding Minnesota landscape.
Jessica Brouillette/Google
- And highway 23 doesn’t just mean the overlooks. Heading downhill the views are just as killer!
Flickr/Doug Kerr
- South of the cities, explore around Owatonna for some endless views like this one. A quick trip off 35 is like going back in time!
Flickr/Nick Mealey
- Of course you can’t exclude the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway in Minneapolis which was made for driving and taking in the views!
Flickr/Tony Webster
There is amazing scenery to be had all over this beautiful state! Where are some of your favorite country roads in Minnesota? If you still want more, head to post on The 10 Best Backroads In Minnesota For A Long Scenic Drive.
Flickr/Mark Evans
Tony Webster/Flickr
laikolosse/Flickr
Flickr/Superior National Forest
Flickr/Michael Hicks
Flickr/JFXie
Flickr/Sharon Mollerus
Flickr/Jerry Huddleston
Flickr/Tony Webster
JanN216/TripAdvisor
Jessica Brouillette/Google
Flickr/Doug Kerr
Flickr/Nick Mealey
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Address: Itasca State Park, 36750 Main Park Drive, Park Rapids, MN 56470, USAAddress: Munger Shaw Road, Munger Shaw Rd, Solway Township, MN, USAAddress: Minnesota 210, MN-210, Aitkin, MN, USAAddress: Superior National Forest, 8901 Grand Ave Pl, Duluth, MN 55808, USAAddress: Kettle River, MN, USAAddress: Duluth, MN, USAAddress: Highway 61 North, Hwy 61 N, White Bear Township, MN, USAAddress: HIGHWAY US-61, St Paul, MN 55119, USAAddress: Gunflint Trail, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USAAddress: Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory, 3980 E Skyline Pkwy, Duluth, MN 55804, USAAddress: Memorial Drive Bible Fellowship, 67331 MN-23, Askov, MN 55704, USAAddress: Minnesota 23, MN-23, Duluth, MN, USAAddress: Owatonna, MN, USAAddress: Grand Rounds Scenic Byway, Minneapolis, MN 55416, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Country Roads In Minnesota May 21, 2021 Melissa M. What are the best road trips in Minnesota? Minnesota is such a massive state so there are ample opportunities to take some epic road trips. As you may know, we like putting together themed road trips from time to time, and we have some suggestions for you. Take a look at this Waterfall Road Trip on the North Shore which will lead you to several incredible falls including Temperance River Falls, The Devil’s Kettle and Upper Falls, and the Cascades at Cascade River State Park. It will be a road trip of a lifetime! If you love a good fright, follow along on our Haunted Road Trip to check out places like Riverview Hall at St. Cloud University and The Warden’s House in Stillwater, both of which have spirits that make their presence known. What are the best day trips to take in Minnesota? Day trips are always an adventure and a great way to explore another part of your own state. The small town of Lanesboro is a perfect place to escape for the day with all it has to offer. Nestled in the hills by Root River, this charming town boasts a gorgeous waterfall, the Root River trail for some hiking and biking, tubing along the river, and plenty of shops and restaurants to peruse. Sibley State Park is another lovely place to spend the day with plenty of wildlife, 18 miles of hiking trails, an observation tower, a lake, and more! Are there any scenic train rides in Minnesota? The North Shore Scenic Railroad offers train rides through some of the most gorgeous scenery around the state, running along a 28-mile historic route between Duluth and Two Harbors. Along the way, you’ll have epic views of Lake Superior, Duluth, and more. A dinner train ride is also offered along with special themed rides throughout the year.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Country Roads In Minnesota
May 21, 2021
Melissa M.
What are the best road trips in Minnesota? Minnesota is such a massive state so there are ample opportunities to take some epic road trips. As you may know, we like putting together themed road trips from time to time, and we have some suggestions for you. Take a look at this Waterfall Road Trip on the North Shore which will lead you to several incredible falls including Temperance River Falls, The Devil’s Kettle and Upper Falls, and the Cascades at Cascade River State Park. It will be a road trip of a lifetime! If you love a good fright, follow along on our Haunted Road Trip to check out places like Riverview Hall at St. Cloud University and The Warden’s House in Stillwater, both of which have spirits that make their presence known. What are the best day trips to take in Minnesota? Day trips are always an adventure and a great way to explore another part of your own state. The small town of Lanesboro is a perfect place to escape for the day with all it has to offer. Nestled in the hills by Root River, this charming town boasts a gorgeous waterfall, the Root River trail for some hiking and biking, tubing along the river, and plenty of shops and restaurants to peruse. Sibley State Park is another lovely place to spend the day with plenty of wildlife, 18 miles of hiking trails, an observation tower, a lake, and more! Are there any scenic train rides in Minnesota? The North Shore Scenic Railroad offers train rides through some of the most gorgeous scenery around the state, running along a 28-mile historic route between Duluth and Two Harbors. Along the way, you’ll have epic views of Lake Superior, Duluth, and more. A dinner train ride is also offered along with special themed rides throughout the year.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Minnesota is such a massive state so there are ample opportunities to take some epic road trips. As you may know, we like putting together themed road trips from time to time, and we have some suggestions for you. Take a look at this Waterfall Road Trip on the North Shore which will lead you to several incredible falls including Temperance River Falls, The Devil’s Kettle and Upper Falls, and the Cascades at Cascade River State Park. It will be a road trip of a lifetime! If you love a good fright, follow along on our Haunted Road Trip to check out places like Riverview Hall at St. Cloud University and The Warden’s House in Stillwater, both of which have spirits that make their presence known.
What are the best day trips to take in Minnesota?
Day trips are always an adventure and a great way to explore another part of your own state. The small town of Lanesboro is a perfect place to escape for the day with all it has to offer. Nestled in the hills by Root River, this charming town boasts a gorgeous waterfall, the Root River trail for some hiking and biking, tubing along the river, and plenty of shops and restaurants to peruse. Sibley State Park is another lovely place to spend the day with plenty of wildlife, 18 miles of hiking trails, an observation tower, a lake, and more!
Are there any scenic train rides in Minnesota?
The North Shore Scenic Railroad offers train rides through some of the most gorgeous scenery around the state, running along a 28-mile historic route between Duluth and Two Harbors. Along the way, you’ll have epic views of Lake Superior, Duluth, and more. A dinner train ride is also offered along with special themed rides throughout the year.
