Road Trips in Minnesota

As a road tripper in Minnesota, there are several must-see destinations that showcase the state's natural beauty, history, and culture. Here are some top attractions to add to your itinerary:

• North Shore Drive: The North Shore Drive along Lake Superior is one of the most scenic routes in the country, offering stunning views of the lake, waterfalls, and forests. Along the way, you can visit the charming towns of Grand Marais and Two Harbors, hike in the state parks that line the shore, and explore historic sites like Split Rock Lighthouse.

• Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness: The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is a vast wilderness area spanning over one million acres of pristine lakes and forests in northeastern Minnesota. This is a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, camping, and hiking.

• Minneapolis Sculpture Garden: Located in downtown Minneapolis, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is an 11-acre park featuring over 40 works of art, including the famous "Spoonbridge and Cherry" sculpture. This is a great spot to take a stroll and enjoy some art in the city.

• Voyageurs National Park: Voyageurs National Park is a water-based park that encompasses over 340 square miles of lakes, forests, and islands in northern Minnesota. The park offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping, and visitors can explore the historic sites and scenic vistas along the park's many waterways.

• Minnesota State Capitol: Located in St. Paul, the Minnesota State Capitol is a beautiful building with an impressive dome and stunning interior architecture. Visitors can take guided tours of the Capitol building and learn about the state's history and government.

These are just a few of the many attractions to see as a road tripper in Minnesota. From natural wonders to cultural landmarks, Minnesota has something for everyone.

Minnesota is a state that offers a variety of road trip options, from scenic routes along the North Shore to historic journeys through charming small towns. Here are three of the best road trips to take in Minnesota:

• The North Shore Drive: The North Shore Drive is a must-see destination for road trippers in Minnesota. This scenic route runs along the shoreline of Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the world. The drive offers breathtaking views of the lake, forests, and waterfalls, and passes through charming towns like Two Harbors and Grand Marais. Along the way, visitors can explore state parks, hike the Superior Hiking Trail, and visit historic landmarks like Split Rock Lighthouse.

• The Great River Road: The Great River Road is a 3,000-mile scenic route that follows the course of the Mississippi River from Minnesota to Louisiana. In Minnesota, the road passes through charming river towns like Red Wing and Winona, offering picturesque views of the river and the bluffs that line its banks. Visitors can also explore historic sites like the Wabasha Street Caves and the Minnesota Marine Art Museum.

• Historic Bluff Country Scenic Byway: The Historic Bluff Country Scenic Byway is a 33-mile stretch of road that winds through the rolling hills and valleys of southeastern Minnesota. Along the way, visitors can explore charming small towns like Lanesboro and Preston, take in stunning views of the Root River, and visit historic landmarks like the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum and the Mystery Cave State Park.

These road trips are just a few of the many options available to road trippers in Minnesota. From scenic drives to historic journeys, Minnesota has something for everyone.

Minnesota is a great destination for road trippers, with plenty of scenic routes and small towns to explore. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when planning your road trip to Minnesota. Here are some tips to help you prepare for your trip:

• Weather: Minnesota's weather can be unpredictable, so it's important to be prepared for all types of conditions. Winters can be extremely cold and snowy, while summers can be hot and humid. Check the weather forecast before you go and pack accordingly.

• Wildlife: Minnesota is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, moose, and black bears. Be cautious when driving through rural areas, especially at night, and be prepared to slow down or stop if you encounter wildlife on the road.

• Road conditions: Minnesota's roads can be affected by weather conditions, especially in the winter months. Check road conditions before you go and be prepared for potentially icy or snowy roads. Also, be aware of construction zones and detours.

• Driving laws: Minnesota has a few unique driving laws that may be different from what you're used to. For example, it's illegal to hang objects from your rearview mirror, and drivers are required to use their headlights whenever their windshield wipers are in use. Make sure you're familiar with Minnesota's driving laws before you hit the road.

• Local customs: Minnesota is known for its friendly locals and small-town charm, but it's still important to be respectful of local customs and etiquette. For example, it's considered impolite to honk your horn unnecessarily, and it's customary to wave to other drivers when passing on rural roads.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can have a safe and enjoyable road trip through Minnesota.

The best time of the year to take a road trip in Minnesota largely depends on personal preferences and interests. Here are some factors to consider:

• Summer (June-August) is the most popular time for road trips in Minnesota, as the weather is warm and the days are long. However, this also means that popular tourist destinations can be crowded, and prices for accommodations may be higher.

• Fall (September-November) is a great time to see the fall foliage and enjoy cooler temperatures. This is also a good time to visit local orchards and pumpkin patches.

• Winter (December-February) can be a magical time to visit Minnesota, especially if you enjoy winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. Many towns and cities also host winter festivals and holiday markets during this time.

• Spring (March-May) can be a quieter time to visit Minnesota, as the weather is still cool and some attractions may be closed. However, this can be a good time to see blooming wildflowers and enjoy outdoor activities before the summer crowds arrive.

Overall, the best time to visit Minnesota for a road trip depends on your personal interests and what you want to see and do.

The cost of a road trip in Minnesota can vary depending on several factors, including the length of your trip, your mode of transportation, your accommodation choices, and your activities and dining preferences. Here are some rough estimates:

• Accommodation: Depending on your preferences and budget, you can expect to spend around $50-$150 per night for a hotel room, or $25-$50 per night for a campsite.

• Food: Dining out can cost around $10-$20 per meal at a casual restaurant, or more at higher-end establishments. If you plan to cook your own meals, expect to spend around $50-$100 per week on groceries.

• Gasoline: The cost of gasoline varies depending on the current market prices and the fuel efficiency of your vehicle. As of March 2023, the average price for gasoline in Minnesota is around $3.20 per gallon.

• Activities: Many attractions and activities in Minnesota are affordable or even free. For example, visiting state parks and hiking trails is often free, while admission to museums and theme parks can cost around $10-$30 per person.

Overall, a road trip in Minnesota can be relatively affordable, with daily expenses ranging from around $50-$150 per person, depending on your choices. However, it's important to budget for unexpected expenses and to be aware of seasonal price changes for certain activities and accommodations.

If you're planning a road trip in Minnesota, there are a number of guidebooks and road maps that can be useful for planning your route and finding interesting stops along the way. Here are a few options to consider:

• "Moon Minnesota Road Trip" by Lisa Meyers McClintick: This comprehensive guidebook offers 11 detailed road trip itineraries that take you through some of the state's most scenic routes and destinations. Along with driving directions, the book also includes recommendations for where to eat, stay, and explore at each stop.

• "Minnesota Atlas & Gazetteer" by DeLorme: This detailed atlas provides topographic maps and information on back roads, recreational sites, and other points of interest across the state. It's a great resource for those looking to venture off the beaten path and explore Minnesota's wilderness areas.

• "Minnesota Byways: A Guide to Scenic Drives in Minnesota" by Amy C. Rea: This guidebook focuses specifically on Minnesota's scenic byways, which offer some of the best driving experiences in the state. The book provides detailed information on each of the state's 22 designated byways, along with recommendations for places to stop and explore along the way.

• Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) Maps: MnDOT offers a variety of maps for travelers, including state highway maps, county maps, and city maps. These maps can be useful for planning your route and finding services and attractions along the way.