The 13 Most Stunningly Scenic Drives in Minnesota

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Whether you’re a local or you’re traveling to Minnesota to see what the land of 10,000 lakes is all about, you might be interested in taking a scenic drive. Luckily, there is no shortage of amazing things to see along Minnesota’s roadways. From the comfort of your front seat, you can experience towering pine trees, the crashing waves of the mightiest of the Great Lakes, or the gentle rolling bluffs of the southeastern river valley. Grab some snacks and your favorite playlist and keep reading to learn more about 13 stunning scenic drives in the great state of Minnesota.

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While these 13 scenic drives are listed in no particular order, this might be the one that would come out on top. The North Shore of Lake Superior on Highway 61 in Minnesota is simply breathtaking.

Start in Duluth and hug the shore for 154 miles on Highway 61, the Voyageur’s Highway. Veer toward the lake on old Highway 61 for a scenic loop just north of Duluth. Stay on 61 all the way to the Canadian border at Grand Portage. Along the way, you’ll drive through eight state parks, any one of which will offer jaw-dropping picnic spots, hiking trails, and cascading rivers.

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Stop at Gooseberry Falls State Park to check out Agate Beach and look for some of Minnesota’s state gem, the Lake Superior agate. This beloved state park has a visitor’s center where you can buy snacks and souvenirs and use the restroom. Also, learn a little bit about the natural features and creatures of Minnesota’s North Shore like lynx, black bear, and Minnesota’s state bird, the common loon.

Visit Iona’s Beach 3 miles north of Two Harbors. There you can see unique pink rocks and listen as they tumble into the waves. Stop at Split Rock Lighthouse to view one of Minnesota’s most photographed and iconic landmarks. You can spend the night at abundant lodging along the way including in the postcard-perfect lakeside village of Grand Marais 110 miles northeast of Duluth.

As you near the Canadian Border, stop at Judge C.R. Magney State Park 124 miles from your starting point in Duluth. Take a short hike to see the powerful and mysterious Devil’s Kettle waterfall on the Brule River.

One last waterfall awaits at Grand Portage State Park. Take the short accessible walk to the lower falls of the Pigeon River, which marks the international border. Hike further to the high falls if you haven’t had enough gorgeous scenery.

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In central Minnesota, you can’t miss Lake Mille Lacs, the second-largest lake within Minnesota’s borders. Make this 68-mile scenic drive to take in sweeping views of the big lake as you pass through small towns such as Onamia, Isle, and Malmo. Because this scenic drive is a loop, you can start anywhere around the lake and hug the shore. Follow highways 169, 27, 18, and 47, and Shakopee Lake Road to enjoy the view.

Stop to learn about the native history of the area at the Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post in Vineland.

Hire a fishing launch and try to catch Minnesota’s state fish: the walleye. If you’re lucky, you might have your fish cleaned and fried up for a shore lunch. If not, make sure to sample some delicious walleye. Try Bayview Bar & Grill in Onamia from the car or dockside for fish and chips or a walleye dinner.

Climb the Fire Tower or take a walk through the woods at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park or stop at the swimming beach at Father Hennepin State Park.

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Gunflint Trail is iconic to Northeastern Minnesota’s arrowhead region, so named because of its arrowhead shape on a map. The “trail” is really a paved 57-mile road leading from the shore of Lake Superior in Grand Marais nearly to the Canadian Border deep in the north woods. Hop on Highway 12 to begin your scenic journey and follow it the entire drive.

Watch out for moose and black bears along the way. If you’re lucky, you might hear the call of the timber wolf at night. Because the night sky in Minnesota’s north woods is clear and dark, don’t forget to look up. You’ll be rewarded on clear nights with seemingly endless stars.

Stop along the way at one of 17 resorts on the trail. Many are family owned and visited by generations of the same travelers year after year. Get a bite to eat, grab a snack or a drink, or stay the night.

Camp at the end of the Gunflint Trail at the aptly named Trails End Campground at Saganaga Lake. Surprisingly, there are many lodging options on the Gunflint. During Minnesota’s fleeting summer months, however, you’ll want to have reservations lined up for lodging anywhere along the Gunflint Trail.

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The Great River Road is as spectacular as the mighty Mississippi River. The byway follows the river’s headwaters in north-central Minnesota all the way to Louisiana where it empties into the Gulf of Mexico. 565 miles of this mammoth 2069-mile scenic byway lie along the Mississippi River in Minnesota.

Follow the entire trail beginning at the headwaters of the Mississippi. Hop across the source of this mighty river on stepping stones in Itasca State Park in North Central Minnesota. Drive through the woods and experience Bemidji, the first city on the Mississippi.

You’ll pass three of Minnesota’s biggest lakes on this section of the drive: Lake Bemidji, Winnebegoshish, and Pokegama. Stop and drop a line or get your paddles wet by kayaking or canoeing on these clean, fresh lakes.

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As the scenic drive takes you into Central Minnesota’s lake country, find out what all the locals already know. The Brainerd area is one of the best places to experience Minnesota’s “up north” traditions. Go fishing, swimming, or lazily taking in a perfect sunset from a dock.

Continue along the river’s path through the central Minnesota city of St. Cloud and smaller communities like Little Falls. Visit the birthplace of Charles Lindberg and home to Charles A. Lindberg State Park. The river along this stretch is designated a Wild and Scenic River. Experience the Mississippi River upstream before it becomes the industrial waterway that helped build a nation.

The Great River Road follows the Mississippi as it travels through the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Take advantage of everything Minnesota’s biggest metro area has to offer. Try fine dining or casual street eats. Take in a concert at the legendary music club First Avenue. Get comfortable for the night at the historical St. Paul Hotel or the Four Seasons in Minneapolis. Then, continue on your way refreshed.

Plan for a slow drive with lots of stops as you meander the Great River Road in southern Minnesota because Spectacular vistas open up all around. Stop in Red Wing to hike Barn Bluff with a view from the top that’s worth the steps. Visit the National Eagle Center in Wabasha. Definitely make time for the little-known Minnesota Marine Art Museum. See art by the masters and rotating exhibits in this pocket-sized museum. Here, the unifying theme is “great art inspired by water”.

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Minnesota’s bluff country is like no other part of this varied state. Take this scenic 88-mile drive along the Root River through Southern Minnesota to experience Minnesota’s Driftless Region. This area of the state wasn’t covered by glaciers during the last ice age. South-Eastern Minnesota’s rolling hills and dramatic bluff-dotted landscape tell this geological story.

Leave Interstate 90 behind in Dexter. Follow Highway 16 as it meanders through lush river valleys and pastoral scenery. You’ll forget about modern life’s hustle and bustle. You’re very likely to encounter an Amish buggy or two! Stick with the scenic byway all the way to the St. Croix River town of LaCrescent.

This scenic drive will take you through several state parks like Forestville Mystery Cave State Park. Take a guided tour of 13 miles of underground caverns or learn about historical Forestville.

If you’ve got the time, stop in for provisions in Lanesboro. This charming small town popular with bikers along the Root River Trail has it all. Grab some ice cream, craft-brewed beer, lunch, and don’t forget the pie!

Stay along the way in one of the State Park Campgrounds, Lanesboro area Bed & Breakfast, or drive all the way to LaCrescent. Finally, have a glass of local wine while taking in the river views at River View Winery to toast the day.

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Citizens and visitors to Minnesota alike are spoiled for choices when it comes to water views in this land of 10,00 lakes. Even so, the 229-mile Waters of the Dancing Sky Byway is pretty special.

The Eastern end of the route lies in International Falls. The small northern town is just at the edge of the only National Park in Minnesota: the watery wonderland of Voyageurs National Park. Start your scenic drive along Highway 11 at Voyageurs. Or drive east to west and toast the end of the day with a celebratory pint at Revelation Ale Works in tiny Hallock, MN.

Either way, the Rainy River and Lake of the Woods will be your companions along this scenic byway. Both the pure, cold, rushing Rainy River and the big water of Lake of the Woods form part of the international border between Minnesota and Canada.

Explore Zippel Bay State Park on the big lake to walk miles on the beach. Stop for a very likely private picnic and scenic walk among towering pines at Franz Jevne State Park. Dip your toes into the clear water or just skip rocks across the river.

Whether you stop for the night at one of the resorts in or near Baudette or International Falls or pitch camp at one of the state parks, make sure you go outside and look up. Here in the dark, wild northern part of the state, you’ll be perfectly positioned should the “dancing sky” of the aurora borealis reveal itself.

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Hug the bank of the wild and scenic St. Croix River as it winds its way south to join the Mississippi near Hastings, MN. Or, take the 124-mile scenic journey in reverse to go back in time with the St. Croix.

Any stop along this protected riverway is bound to be worth it. Fuel up your car and yourself before the journey. Grab a bite at Lock & Dam Eatery in Hastings on the Minnesota side. Watch the pleasure boats cruise by from the patio at Muddy Waters in Prescott, WI.

Follow Highway 95 northward and leave time to stop at some of the State Parks along the way. Go hiking or cross-country skiing at Afton State Park, and explore glacial potholes along the bluffs at Interstate Park in Taylors Falls. Hike along the rushing Kettle River at Banning State Park and visit Wolf Falls.

Visit Franconia Sculpture Garden near Taylors Falls to get up close and personal with some truly unique outdoor art.

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Minnesota’s residents are among those who claim Paul Bunyan and his Blue Ox Babe as their own. Legend goes his mighty footprints are responsible for the many lakes throughout the state. Drive the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway in Central Minnesota’s lake country to see what all the fuss is about.

This is where Minnesota’s urban dwellers go on the weekend to enjoy fresh air and lake recreation. Follow Highway 371 north of Brainerd and follow signs and information from Pequot Lakes. You’ll know you’ve made it when you see the town’s water tower — which is painted to look like Paul Bunyan’s fishing bobber. This is your jumping-off point for the 54-mile loop around the Whitefish Chain of lakes, encompassing nearly 14,000 acres of water between them.

Stop at Breezy Point Resort on sandy, clear Pelican Lake to spend the night, grab a bite to eat, or rent a pontoon for a few hours.

You can toss a stone and hit a lakeside resort at almost any point on the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway, so plan to spend the night. Book in advance during the summer months. Grab a drink or gather the s’mores supplies then watch the sunset from the fire pit.

Everyone knows about the Great Continental Divide in the Rocky Mountains. Minnesota is home to the Laurentian Divide, a rise in the land around which waters drain north to Hudson Bay or south to the Great Lakes or the Mississippi.

Start your journey on the Minnesota River Valley National Scenic Byway at the Laurentian Divide near Brownsville and drive along the river for nearly 300 miles to Belle Plaine. Follow Highway 7 and then keep close to the river by following a series of county roads and highways on the route.

The Minnesota River Valley is a great place to go birding. Stop at one of the five State Parks along the route to see bald eagles and many more.

Extend your stay and stretch your legs at Fort Ridgely to learn about what remains of the old Fort high, you guessed it, on the ridge. Cool off in the swimming pond and visit the Works Progress Administration and Civilian Conservation Corp era structures within Flandreau State Park.

In New Ulm, grab a beer at the August Schell Brewing Company, the oldest brewery in Minnesota. Visit Reconciliation Park in Mankato to learn more about the complicated and often tragic history of interactions between Native Minnesotans and settlers. There you’ll find everything you need to set yourself up for the night, should you want to break up this 287-mile scenic drive.

Drive the 88-mile Lake Country Scenic Byway to experience Minnesota’s transition from prairie to hardwood to confiner forests. Drive through tranquil landscapes and unspoiled forests.

Head west from Detroit Lakes on Highway 34 towards Walker and take a spur north to Itasca State Park to visit the humble headwaters of the mighty Mississippi River. Tiptoe across on stepping stones as the river begins its journey from Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico.

There are numerous resorts where you could spend the night or get a bite along this scenic drive, including in the anchor towns of Walker, Park Rapids, and Detroit Lakes.

You’ll traverse through six state forests along your route and encounter two biking and multi-use trails if you need to stretch your legs. The Paul Bunyan State Trail and the Heartland Trail are accessible from the Lake Country Scenic Byway.

A relatively brief scenic drive, Avenue of the Pines Scenic Byway is worth your time if unspoiled scenic beauty is your thing.

Head to the North Central Minnesota town of Deer River and head north for 46 miles on Highway 46 to Northome. This drive, like the name promises, is a scenic Sunday drive (any day of the week). Travel through mature aspen and pine stands in the Chippewa National Forest.

Extend your stay by stopping at one of the many resorts on the shore of Lake Winnibigoshish, the 4th largest lake in Minnesota. Cruise by Round Lake or Island Lake further north. Experience lakes country resort hospitality by stopping by for a walleye sandwich and a beer, or hire a guide and try your hand at catching the state fish yourself.

Stay for a night on one of the lakes. This is a short scenic drive, but you probably won’t want to rush.

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The city of Duluth is often overlooked. Travelers rush to get where they’re going on Minnesota’s North Shore. Those in a hurry, however, are missing something special. Slow down and enjoy this gateway city. Travel the roughly 25-mile Skyline Parkway on the hill overlooking the city and the endless big lake. Existing sections of the parkway were consolidated and dedicated in 1929!

Start at Spirit Mountain and travel toward Enger Tower, through the University of Minnesota campus area, and local parks. Head back to the highway and on your way to the North Shore.

Take time to stop whenever a view strikes your fancy. Take in views at Thompson Hill Wayside, waterfalls, Enger Park, and Seven Bridges Road.

Make sure to pause at Hawk’s Ridge Nature Reserve before turning back toward the lakeshore. This is a one-of-a-kind place to witness bird migration in the Great Lakes Corridor.

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The Apple Blossom Drive Scenic Byway can be experienced any time of year in this picturesque region of Minnesota. Orchards full of apple trees in bloom in the spring make for a pretty idyllic picture through the windshield. However, fall offers ripe apples and fall foliage.

This quick 19-mile scenic byway on county roads between La Crescent and Highway 61 north of Great River Bluffs State Park can easily be connected to a day on the Great River Road along the Mississippi River.

Let your eyes and maybe your nose be your guide. You might just smell apple pie if you’re lucky. This area is a good place to find apple orchards where you can pick your own bag of crisp, fresh apples or pumpkins for carving or pie.

Stop to enjoy a picnic and apple pastries you’ve picked up along the way at Great River Bluffs State Park, which boasts relatively short hikes to pretty major vistas of the Mississippi River Valley from high atop a bluff.

Make a night of it in the town of La Crescent with a glass of local wine and Riverview Winery. Or, set up camp at the state park after your picnic to sleep under the stars.

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