Are you itching to hit the open road? Luckily you don’t have to drive too far to enjoy a scenic drive and take in the sights. Minnesota offers several beautiful road trip destinations to make over a weekend – or longer. Let winding roads, shorelines, state parks, and small towns help you unwind from your daily routine this fall. We have a few of Minnesota’s best drives to enjoy.
Before you go, ensure you have an AAMCO Minnesota mechanic to help with any car care services you may need to ensure a smooth road trip. If you’re due for an oil change, brake service, or anything else, don’t let it throw a wrench in your getaway.
Take Your Car for a Drive to These Top Minnesota Road Trip Destinations
For your next vacation, consider one of these Minnesota scenic drives and Minnesota destinations. Whether you prefer shoreside drives, camping trips, or exploring small towns, there’s something for everyone here. Make a quick day trip, a weekend getaway, or take a few days vacation time to explore one of these Minnesota road trip destinations this fall.
North Shore Scenic Byway
Cruise along Lake Superior with this 145-mile-long designated “All-American Road,” which runs between Duluth and Grand Portage. Start at either end, then drive through several other shoreline towns – including Lusten, Tofte, and Grand Marias – where you can enjoy local fish and produce, shops, and art galleries. In between towns, you’ll also go through eight state parks, including Grand Portage and Tettegouche.
Tour Minnesota’s Waterfalls
Along the shoreline of Lake Superior are several beautiful waterfalls. Gooseberry Falls State Park, Silver Bay, Tettegouche State Park, and Cascade River State Park all offer places to pull off the road and find hiking trails to stunning waterfalls – including the Devil’s Kettle where a waterfall seemingly disappears into rock. You can also stay a night or two at a nearby campground or lodge to extend your trip.
Mille Lacs Scenic Byway
This 68-mile scenic byway takes you on a loop around Lake Mille Lacs. Along the way, you’ll go through two state parks and have the chance to bird watch, visit the Mille Lacs Indian Museum & Trading Post, or utilize a number of camp sites. This is the perfect drive for a quick day trip or weekend away, where you can enjoy nature, a scenic drive, and even learn a bit about the area’s history.
Minnesota’s Great River Road
If you’ve never seen where the Mississippi River begins, take a trip to the Minnesota Great River Road. Not only will you drive through wooded valleys and bluffs, but you’ll also see where the Mississippi widens before flowing down to the Gulf of Mexico. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore Itasca State Park and numerous small river towns, including Red Wing, Lake City, Wabasha, and Winona. But beware, if you want to do the whole byway, you may need a week or two to fully enjoy its 560+ miles.
Gunflint Trail Scenic Byway
From the shores of Lake Superior in Grand Marais, drive 57 miles north to Seagull Lake. You’ll drive through rolling hills and have the chance to enjoy fishing or hiking – plus you may spot deer, moose, bears, or a variety of birds. If you want to stay a night along this byway, you’ll be able to find a lakeshore campground or lodge.
Historic Bluff Country Scenic Byway
Another perfect drive for a day trip or weekend away is this 88-mile scenic byway between LaCrescent and Dexter. You’ll follow the Root River Valley through wooded hills and bluffs, along with several small towns to explore along the way. There’s also another optional loop through Fountain and Wykoff if you want to break away from Highway 16 for a while.
Schedule an AAMCO Minnesota Car Care Service Before You Go
Don’t hit the open road until you know your car’s essential systems are ready. Regular car care services help prevent surprise problems with any of your car’s systems, which becomes even more important if you’re planning a road trip. Let the expert mechanics at your local AAMCO Minnesota auto repair shop inspect your vehicle and handle any services it may need. Schedule your appointment online today!