Marvelous Minnesota Road Trip

Known for its exciting pro sports teams, sleek skyscrapers, trendy neighborhoods, stellar dining, craft beer scene, theater and nightlife, the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area (aka the “Twin Cities) is rich and diverse. With under one million residents, the Twin Cities offer the sophistication of larger cites without the crowds. The convergence of three rivers (the Mississippi, Minnesota, and St Croix) here adds to the beauty and activities. Visitors will revel in the abundance of walking and biking trails, parks, lakes, museums, and the wonderful riverfront amenities and activities. Shop ‘til you drop at local boutiques and partake in the largest shopping mecca in the country, Mall of America. Minneapolis is a wonderful place to start your trip before embarking on the more rural and active parts of your road trip.

Located on the shores of Lake Superior, Duluth, is an idyllic destination for travelers wanting to escape the big city and enjoy the beauty and attractions of this small town. With a population of 80,000, this northwestern Minnesota city is known for its stunning Lake Superior shoreline, museums, craft beer, historic lighthouses, numerous bike paths, and exciting attractions that will keep you engaged throughout your visit!

For those seeking the rugged and isolated "up north" beauty and fresh air, taking a road trip along Minnesota's North Shore Scenic Drive is an unforgettable experience. This 145-mile highway runs from Duluth to Grand Portage and boasts rushing waterfalls, scenic hiking trails, state parks, and breathtaking views of Lake Superior. The shoreline is known for its rocky cliffs, cobblestone beaches and picturesque rivers, but it also has a fascinating Native American history. Be sure to plan a stop at the world-renowned Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area with 150 miles of shoreline.

The charming town of Grand Rapids is a popular vacation destination for Minnesotans. The town boasts several museums (including the Judy Garland Museum), an art scene, great fishing, and proximity to outdoor recreation. It also offers nice shopping from antique stores to retail and boutique shops. Plus, the town hosts legendary rummage sales each September – an excellent chance to score some great deals while supporting residents and businesses!

On the banks of the Mississippi River in central Minnesota, this bustling small-town surrounded by forests and lakes is famous as the home of Paul Bunyan and known as “Minnesota’s Vacationland.” Drag racing is also a big draw, given its two racing tracks. It has a bustling historic downtown, shops, restaurants, golf, boating, fishing, amusement parks and more. Clearly, this small-town punches above its weight! With its hundreds of lakes and legendary resorts, Brainerd was born in the late 1870s when the new railroad crossed the Mississippi River to transport logs for the lumber mills. Today the town is a great vacation and outdoor recreation destination.

Located in the heart of Minnesota’s lake country, bustling and charming Alexandria has become a regional center for shopping, education, arts, medicine, and wellness. It is also a hotspot for tourism. This western Minnesota town – which is near the Twin Cities and Fargo, North Dakota – boasts a unique small-town culture, offering plenty of family-friendly adventures for visitors to enjoy. The warmer months offer Art in the Park in July, the Douglas County Fair in August, the Grape Stomp at Carlos Creek Winery every September, and Apple Fest in October. It is also a great place for outdoor activities such as swimming, hiking, fishing, biking, and picnicking.

St. Cloud is a vibrant city of just under 100,000 residents on the Mississippi River about an hour from Minneapolis. The towns three colleges – St. Cloud State University, St. John’s University, and College of St. Benedict – enhance St. Cloud’s cultural offerings and economy. There is a lot to see and do here, from many top-notch parks and quarries, bike trails, museums, concert and sports venues, and local hospitality. Fishing here is considered among the best in the state. Listeners of public radio might remember renowned PBS radio show host Garrison Keillor and his tales of Lake Wobegon, which is in St. Cloud. Country music fans may recognize when Trisha Yearwood put St. Cloud on the map with her song, “On a Bus to St. Cloud.” Regardless of its fame, St. Cloud is a wonderful place to end your Minnesota road trip with fun shops, restaurants, universities, and cultural attractions along with its awesome hiking, fishing, and other outdoor pursuits.