Top 5 Minnesota Car Tours: Road Trip Adventures

Minnesota, often known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” is really such an extremely cool state that offers so much, too it’s almost insane amounts of things, for those who adore open roadways and lovely landscape. Very many find Minnesota the ideal location for scenic car tours because it has breathtaking shorelines along Lake Superior, deep forests, and captivating towns, but with the amount of ground you have to cover, selecting a single route might just be quite difficult. Very many locals actually understand the challenge of deciding where to begin the trip, as it might be quite the mindbender to sort through every option and choose the tour, basically designed to meet any tastes. But, very many are unaware, so what I am gonna to do is present to any who may be reading, the five most highly suggested Minnesota car tours, each offering unique viewpoints and things to see that very many adore. With that in mind, you can very easily organize a wonderful driving excursion to fit anything someone may like by taking a look at these itineraries, so it might be ideal for you and anyone who travels with you.

1. North Shore Scenic Drive

The North Shore Scenic Drive, sometimes very beautifully referred to as Highway 61, has kind of gotten a super awesome rep and has been described as some peoples fave trip. Starting from Duluth and stretching way up to Grand Portage on the Canadian border is what this route does. Now this route can often deliver unbelievable views of Lake Superior’s rocky coastline, and it seems as though every bend uncovers some kinda beautiful scenic view. The way Lake Superior stretches for ages almost feels like the sea, it’s so super awesome. A little farther along, Split Rock Lighthouse gives visitors a very super-interesting peep into the maritime past of the area and makes for stunning photographs. Tettegouche State Park gives those that really enjoy walking trails and the natural environment opportunities to interact more intimately with Minnesota’s untamed beauty. But for you to complete this trip thoroughly, stopping in the charming seaside villages where regional artists exhibit their work and fresh fish are offered is always a fun bonus.

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The best time to visit is during the fall, when the forest is set ablaze by striking colors, giving tourists, such as you, an even more memorable visit, by the way, just in case you might’ve been wondering about when’s the best time to actually visit, just sayin’. Along the route you will often find really super quaint B&Bs and lakeside resorts, providing all kinds of lodging that let you maximize the scenic splendor of Minnesota. This specific stretch has something that very many can all like from, those that enjoy exploring the great outdoors to those searching for peaceful landscape to appreciate and soak up because this drive so often is such a favorite for tourists. People have even had to reserve their spot so this route must be fairly exciting to travel!

2. The Great River Road

The Great River Road adheres to the winding path of the Mississippi River, starting where it arises from Lake Itasca and extending over Minnesota’s entire southern boundary and I personally know just a little bit about. You might be able to get a peek at this waterway as it flows and slowly grows in strength. Historical monuments and quaint towns offer a special glimpse into Minnesota’s cultural and historical backstory along with this route, but, maybe for another article. A very well liked rest stop for folks seeking leisure and natural splendor is Frontenac State Park which is actually next to Lake Pepin, one of the Mississippi River’s naturally occurring river lakes. Actually, consider taking a time out to see the gorgeous scenery in Red Wing, maybe explore the downtown shops, or maybe have some time seeing the historic pottery places when getting close to Red Wing. Very much located right alongside the Great River Road, these little discoveries give your scenic tour a lot more nuance and intrigue.

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You can find an even larger range of things in southeastern Minnesota, such as vineyards and caverns waiting to get discovered along the way, but often times this also is what most travellers might not like to hear about, they want to experience it for themselves. For tourists, too it’s almost the same amount of travel or those wishing to extend their travel in the region and get totally sucked in Minnesota’s hospitality and scenery, locations providing locally produced wines and subterranean excursions offer chances. Really make an effort to explore the several charming smaller towns that line the Mississippi, so maybe you could engage the people living there and savor some home-style cooking so that this will for sure improve the road trip feel and connection in particular.

3. Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway

The Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway gives you a tour through the rich, untamed core of northern Minnesota and goes about 47 miles along Highway 38 from Grand Rapids up to Effie. You’re almost certain to feel immersed in tranquil splendor since this byway really brings you by the Chippewa National Forest, often with breathtaking vistas of lakes and forests. Hiking paths with abundant bird watching may also be very often be available along with a side road, so too it’s almost one of the coolest experiences. Furthermore, keep an eye out so you could notice species of animals living in that habitat as you could see some wildlife wandering around its natural habitat in case if you have enough patience to go slow through all of the woods. But in order to fully understand the culture and history of the place, I recommend a tour of the Forest History Center in Grand Rapids.

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With no doubt some consider you getting closer to nature along this tour by the sounds of rustling leaves, a sweet fragrant smell that wafts throughout every pine forest is often really magical in that particular forest and something people may remember for decades. Several little campgrounds and resorts can sometimes be found when you travel along this scenic road in the event that you would like to prolong the outdoor experience. The Edge of the Wilderness is so a fairly wonderful vacation for seeing Minnesota’s wild nature; therefore, I often suggest visiting this location if you want an intimate time for yourself away from very many large population areas.

4. Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway

The Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway provides more than simply gorgeous vistas; in that it combines folk mythology with stunning natural settings and I believe it often does a swell job. That being said, there are about several charming communities all around this loop near Brainerd, and each location enhances the route, in my estimation, so well. Make sure you keep a close watch on your schedule for opportunities to unwind on one of the several lovely beaches around the Whitefish Chain of Lakes. A lot of people might say its perfect, even for swimming! During a summertime boat ride, some of the gorgeous scenery is almost, literally, unmissable if that something some person reading this is into.

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Several believe the byway’s multiple trails are often really lovely during the fall; a lot of travelers visit the area with its eye-catching fall leaf colors. Should you decide to stay, you will almost surely discover a bunch of lodging choices, from hotels to quaint cabins, basically all really beautiful places. Families that desire for combining the thrills of the great outdoors with folk history for something quite interesting should often travel this byway so their kiddos can discover Minnesota’s cultural and historical sites along the way.

5. Lake Mille Lacs Scenic Byway

You travel along the beautiful shorelines of one of Minnesota’s biggest lakes, Mille Lacs Lake, through the Mille Lacs Scenic Byway. Traveling on this route is basically often something considered a relaxing experience as tourists go through regions abundant with gorgeous scenery and abundant in both recreational and historical relevance; that route should be awesome for the kiddos!. The Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post has displays, basically for tourists, displaying the legacy of the area’s Native American peoples which can almost always prove interesting and worth looking into. On top of just that the lake is really well-known for, you guessed it, the fact that its perfect if someone likes fishing, actually almost everybody goes fishing in that area but its the type of thing someone really has to experience for themself. All sorts of folks that love to fish could, should you find them inclined to, might find that Mille Lacs Lake can often be an incredible spot for catching smallmouth bass and walleye. Furthermore, you’ll almost discover chances for picnics, bicycling, and hiking; just really make sure your keeping safe.

Read our full review: Lake Mille Lacs Scenic Byway Minnesota Full Review and Details

Many people like seeing the area in the late spring or summer if the weather’s good so that this area in particular is almost completely amazing for camping as there’s often fairly stunning panoramas surrounding one as you make that decision, by the way. If you want anything from small-town charm to resort elegance, I often advocate a tour that way since many accommodation choices are all around the Lake Mille Lacs Scenic Byway area to do just that.

To design a very good road trip in Minnesota, really give a little something and consider the beautiful routes, sights, and cultural trips in depth, actually not literally or specifically. With its wealth of outdoor sites, rich history, and beautiful scenery, Minnesota, therefore, extends an appealing welcome for very memorable excursions with pretty much anything and anyone! Make a list of sights to see and then get going, or better yet, have that buddy who always plans the excursions design a fun checklist to see how many you have checked. In order to fully absorb the appeal of Minnesota’s unique tours, make preparations for an amazing and amazing event.