10 Scenic Drives in Minnesota That You Shouldn't Miss

May 17, 2022 Brandee Mangan

The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul have the famous Mall of America and Walker Art Institute. Bluff Country to the south has water sports and cross country skiing. The Prairielands abound with lake recreations.
Restaurants in Minnesota

1. Garvin Heights City Park

Winona, MN
Excellent
78%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 271 reviews

Garvin Heights City Park

A scenic overlook where visitors can see from Lake Pepin to Mount Trempealeau.

Reviewed By fgut13 - Salt Lake City, United States

If you're in Winona, take a quick drive up to the Garvin Heights City Park. It offers such gorgeous views of Winona. The parking lot and trail is paved, making it great for families and everyone!

2. Wilderness Drive

Lake Itasca, MN
Excellent
82%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 61 reviews

Wilderness Drive

A narrow one-way road that twists and turns through a couple of thousand acres of pine trees at Itasca State Park.

Reviewed By jodinies - Pequot Lakes, United States

We timed this Itasca trip perfect with the early Fall colors September 2020. Wilderness Drive was amazing with the canopy of trees over the road we were immersed in color. Our previous visits had not taken us to Douglas Lodge- the stonework staircase & multiple wood bridges was a surprise treat this trip!

3. Minnesota's North Shore Scenic Drive

Duluth, MN +1 800-429-9297 http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/byways/byways/11185
Excellent
84%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,952 reviews

Minnesota's North Shore Scenic Drive

Reviewed By Rwhite1129 - Kenosha, United States

First of all let me say that driving this road is a must when visiting Duluth. I spent the entire day driving this path and pulling off to see waterfalls and hike various trails. The lakefront views and small towns along the way have so much charm to offer. Plan your trip beforehand- GPS is great to navigate along the way. Some waterfalls along the way are off the beaten path and require more time and strenous hiking to get to. Today my husband and I hiked the following- Gooseberry Falls (Gooseberry Falls State Park), Illgen Falls, Caribou Falls, Cross River Falls (right off 61), Hidden Falls, and Cascade Falls (Cascade River State Park). The views are amazing and some of the trails were a little icy but it was so beautiful.

4. Grand Rounds Scenic Byway

400 S 4th St, Minneapolis, MN 55415-1411 +1 612-661-4800 http://www.minneapolisparks.org/parks__destinations/trails__parkways/grand_rounds_scenic_byway_system/
Excellent
77%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 150 reviews

Grand Rounds Scenic Byway

40+ Miles Of Bike Trails Throughout The City

Reviewed By Blairian - Tucson, United States

Loved our trip around the Grand rounds. Rode with our bike group one Sunday in September. Reasonably well marked, but be sure to check the map at each of the gazebo like structures or run a map app on your phone. Beautiful ride.

5. Homestead Mills

221 N River St, Cook, MN 55723-9503 +1 218-666-5233 http://www.homesteadmills.com/
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 5 reviews

Homestead Mills

Reviewed By 383rebeccaj

Found this little place and what a find! Friendly people who stopped their work to give us a tour! The owner, 79 years old told us the history of the mill. Can't wait to try all of our mixes!

6. U.S. Highway 61

Winona, MN +1 651-565-4989 http://www.nationaleaglecenter.org/#_=_
Excellent
64%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 73 reviews

U.S. Highway 61

Considered one of the most scenic drives in America.

Reviewed By mherzberg - Winona, United States

I have been up and down this highway from as far south as Mississippi to my hometown of Winona, and all the way to Duluth, Minnesota.

7. Skyline Parkway

Duluth, MN http://www.superiortrails.com/duluth-skyline.html
Excellent
59%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 238 reviews

Skyline Parkway

Reviewed By Don055 - Green Bay, United States

Everytime we pass through, we take a half an hour to make this quick drive. Its amazing, whether fall colors, 4th of July fireworks, or just a beautiful summer day, or storm incoming.

8. Apple Blossom Drive

The begining of a 17-mile scenic drive past orchards.

9. Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway

MN +1 800-429-9297
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

10. Historic Bluff Country Scenic Byway

MN +1 800-429-9297 http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/byways/byways/2240
Excellent
0%
Good
100%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 2 reviews

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