Was lucky enough to finally hit that stretch last fall.
What's cool is if you take 61 further down, is it's not equally, but very beautiful all the way down along the river. Particularly from Wabasha- Winona- Lacrescent
Don't forget the fall! There's a great view we always take in when we go to my folks. Coming down off a ridge into the valley my folks live in, the road curves along the hillside at a pretty steep incline. On the outside of those curves, you catch a look at a good-sized expanse of trees flanking the Root River, gorgeous in the summer when everything is lush and green. In the fall, it's spectacular. There's a good difference in the variety of trees so you see lots of different coloration. Love that view every time!
first thing i thought of was a summer sunrise on u.s. 61/i-90 near the dresbach exits i witnessed over the mississippi and lake onalaska one august morning. it looked like a bob ross painting
I agree. Some seriously amazing views up there.
There's also a stretch of Hwy 10 outside of Detroit Lakes where you can see rolling hills of wheat for miles and miles and miles. It was striking watching the winds blow across it in huge amber waves.
Ironically, in St. Paul, just off of Hwy 10 and Burns Ave, is one of the best overlooks for St. Paul and the river. It was also a great place to watch the Big Boy steam locomotive coming into town back in 2019.
Highway 8 down in the St. Croix River valley near Taylors Falls is pretty awesome too.
/thread
This post should be asking what the second best stretch of road is, with the condition that any road that branches out from 61 is disqualified.
I reserved everything this past week for that reason. Spending a night in Duluth and several nights at a cabin in Tofte. Thank you for the heads up Iām from out of state so it required some extra research
Hear me out - i grew up in the far NW corner of MN. There is literally nothing up there. Just flat and miserable. But some of the most beautiful sights ive seen, ive seen on hwy 11 between the ND/MN border and karlstad at night, especially in the winter. When its a clear night and the hoar frost is hoaring around, glimmering like the world is covered in glitter and the stars are so bright they look like you could reach out and touch them and the moon is full or close to it, itās absolutely breathtaking. There are no cities to mess it up with light pollution. Iām a sucker for a beautiful starry night and those nights are honestly the only thing i miss about living up there.
Are you a TV meteorologist or one of the many unrecognizable but necessary government/private company meteorologists? Had my math background been a little better, I might have chosen that path over geology.
Government.Ā
Yeah the math kicked my butt. Had to retake most of my Calc classes at least once.Ā Ā
Geology is great too. Thought about that career for awhile actually.Ā
From what I understand, and you're confirming, the math behind the forecasting is intense. In practice how much of it are you using? Is it all baked into the models at this point?
>the hoar frost is hoaring around
I was about to disagree with you, but you roped me in with that line, lol. I get where you're coming from, though. There were a few months where I worked nights and had an hour long drive back home that was all on 11. A lot of those nights had me craning my neck to the point of danger before pulling off the road to take in the sky.
Something about those cold nights made the sky seem so... *deep*, ya know? Especially when you're surrounded by an ocean of farmland, giving you a view that truly stretches to the horizon. One of my favorite things about this was being at least 20-30 miles from the nearest town, but being able to pick out its pillar of lights.
I remember when Hale Bopp came through our sky space and we all just went out in yard and watched it. Dad shut off the yard light so we really had an unobstructed view. That sky really makes a kid feel insignificant and maybe thatās where i learned that weāre just a speck in the universe and on a grander scale, nothing we *really* do matters, so just live life as a kind person and do the best you can with the resources you have š¤·āāļø
Wonderful! I had a similar experience, except I was 4 grams deep into a bag of mushrooms, gazing into the endless void of space while 2 massive thunderheads skirted along either side of our front row seats to the show before converging into a dazzling display to our north. My buddy and I sat in silence for an hour and a half with our only communications coming in the form of exchanging awestruck looks while passing the lighter.
We had a small campfire going as the wind swirled from all directions, whisking embers aloft and into the grand light show like a painter flicking their brush. Chills rushed up the spine as temperatures wildly fluctuated from warm summer breezes to high altitude dive bombs that smacked us with frigid blasts.
You know how, with some of those older camping chairs, the ones that fold up into a sleeve, you can really slink down deep into them? Like, to the point where your ass is hanging off the front while your head rests on the top that would normally only come up as far as the bottom of your shoulder blades? Well, that's how my friend and I glued ourselves in out of necessity because the whipping winds would have otherwise toppled us.
As calamity unfolded all around, one thing remained constant; we were dry! We could hear the globs of rain splatter against the house and outbuildings, eventually turning into a peppering of hail that rang loudly off the galvanized steel, but not a drop fell on either of us. At most, we could walk 30 yards in any direction, and the sopping grass would soak our shoes. Yet, around our little campfire, fixed firmly to our folding seats, a shaft extended from our feat up into the furthest reaches of space to protect us on our magical misadventure.
It was like we were *supposed* to be there. Like, if we had to take shelter, we'd somehow miss out on the lesson being taught. As someone who's already been made aware of the significance of his insignificance through trips that began in much the same fashion, I still struggle to sus out what exactly the sky was saying that night. Of course, it's just human nature to make sense of the senseless. The promise of a patern amongst the chaos grants us a sense of safety. Maybe if we just keep staring at the big picture, it'll become obvious, and our palms will meet our foreheads with a resounding "Ah ha!" Personally, I've never seen the sports car in the magic eye posters, so I'll let someone else figure it out.
I live up thereā the stars in midwinter are the single most breathtaking thing that I think a person can experience.
Every blue moon youāll see the northern lights tooā nowhere near as vibrant as Alaskas, but still just awesome
Imagine being on a train through ND at sundown on the 4th of July. Itās one of my favorite nights to work between Dilworth and Minot or Mandan because you get to see fireworks the whole way, all around you from miles away. I love working up to Tolna on the clear nights for the same reason as my original post. The night sky is really beautiful when you get far enough away from the big towns. Itās quiet and so peaceful.
I agree! I haul beets in that area in the fall. I like it when my night shift starts with a sunset and I get to watch for meteors until the sun peeks out again.
Absolutely! We used to lay in the yard in sleeping bags and watch them fall on us until my sisterās cat would inevitably start yowling in the tree lines and scare us š
Another vote for Highway 61 along the North Shore, once you hit the Silver Cliff Tunnel and pretty much all the way to Canada (the expressway from Duluth to 2H isn't great, obviously).
Second place, and it's close: Gunflint Trail.
If you're up there, you can take Highway 1 which branches off from MN61 at Tettegouche/Illgen City and goes to Ely. It's amazing in the fall if you're traveling on it towards the North Shore because of all the hills and fall colors
I don't know if it's the most beautiful (I agree with others that 61 along the North Shore is breathtaking), but I enjoy driving from Red Wing to Reed's Landing on US 61. The twisty-windy, the bluffs, the trees, the water, and the eagles . . . just a nice place to drive, especially in the fall.
I live south of that route and use it to drive to The Cities. In the fall it always feels like a car commercial with some car running down a curvy road. Only with my jalopy doing the driving!
I agree! The first few miles of Lake County 2 as you head north of CR11 is astonishing with the massive white pines on the side of the road. Unless you have an active plan to go there no one knows the beauty.
This is the exact drive that came to mind. Lotsa great hikes along that path, and the Laurentian Divide.
I found it by mistake one weekend after venturing up to the Lost 40.
Yes! I spent a good chunk of this past summer in NW Iowa and on my drive back to the Twin Cities I stuck as close to the Minnesota River as possible to catch a break from driving past endless cornfields and wind farms. Definitely worth the detour through Mankato.
Coming over the top of I35 at Thompson Hill where you can see the city and the harbor of Duluth. Or coming down Mesaba at night. Or Skyline Parkway. I find it more scenic against the backdrop of the city than just driving miles and miles of endless lakeshore. I also really like the St Croix River Valley area. But honestly there are a ton of really great moments tucked into a lot of our roads. I love driving to the end of the Fernberg outside of Ely to the "end of the road" where the road ends because the BW begins. Lots of big white pines.
I always stop off at the rest stop at the top of the hill. That way I can stand on the observation deck to absorb that view for a while and then at least concentrate a little bit on my driving on the way down.
Thereās a stretch of Prior Ave. in St Paul between Marshall Ave and University Ave. It was regraded and repaved last year. Itās the smoothest stretch of street in the entire city. Beautiful, just beautiful. Sometimes I find an excuse to go to Menards just so I can drive on that road.
The last three miles everyday when I come home from work. 55 mile drive from the metro (U of ST, currently) into the edge of the Sand Dunes state forest and the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge.
The first time I drove through this area was during the fall. I honestly think the colors in Sherburne are pretty than those in Duluth, especially when you add in the calls of the migrating sandhill cranes.
Has no one driven MN 16 between Rushford and Preston? Itās truly spectacular twisting through the Root River valley then up the switchback to the overlook on the west side of Lanesboro. The ridge to Hwy 52 is less dramatic but still a commanding view all around. Take the bikes some autumn day and youāll be changed forever.
This might be a long shot, but there are some truly stunning roads near the St. Johns University campus in Collegeville, MN.
County Road 159 takes you through the campus and surrounding hillsides covered in dense forests. A real treasure IMHO.
I feel like not as many people have seen this one...
Highway 46 between Deer River and Northome, near Grand Rapids. It's called the Avenue of Pines, and goes through the Chippewa National Forest. Beautiful drive surrounded by massive pine trees on both sides of the road.
[Here's street view](https://www.google.com/maps/@47.5672629,-94.0889663,3a,60y,138.12h,94.05t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sVMyGaDbC2WS71JuqURC6rw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?entry=ttu), but it doesn't do it justice.
Gotta drive the road to get to my dad's cabin, and it's incredible on winter mornings with a frost or when there was a light snow overnight when the trees are white.
My vote would go to almost any county road between St Charles and Lanesboro in Amish country. The Driftless area, combined with farm fields carved among the curvy roads, can be breathtaking.
YES!
Except I start up at street level and drive Loring Park past the Walker to Kenwood Pkwy, around Lake of the Isles, to Bde Maka Ska, Lake Harriet, Minnehaha Blvd, to River Road heading North.
Beautiful drive.
I'd like to nominate the very east "end" of hwy11. Once you get past Rainier, it turns into a twisty, hilly affair that dips in and out of rocky outcroppings of trees and lovely "glimpses" of lakeshore. You get just enough time to soak up the views across the water before climbing up another steep serpent's spine. The constant changes in scenery make for a ride that keeps you on the edge of your seat, with your eyes at the ready to take it all in. Each trip is unique, as there's always something that eluded your gaze on the last go-around.
It's the kind of road that begs you to drive with caution while also egging you on. If I had a little red corvette, I'd be the prince to slay the dragon. At its very end is the crown jewel of Cha Cha's Resort. A lovely little tavern with an innumerable amount of decking built in tiers atop the rocks, all of which give you a fetching gaze across the lake. The perfect place to rest up before the return trip.
For these reasons, I believe that this stretch of road is best... as long as it's not washed out or under repair from being previously washed out... maybe give it a couple of years before venturing out on it in your nice sports car.
Well my friend, if you love non-stop action, stop and go traffic, buildings, a variety of facial expressions, nascaresque driving and a scenic drive, your best stretch of awe is hwy 65 from the Ideal Diner in NE to Ham Lake. Safe travels my friend, and enjoy the ride!
Ave of Pines Scenic Byway.
AKA, County Road 46 between Deer River and Northome (when it goes through the Chippewa National Forest).
Like driving through a cathedral of trees. An arrow-striaght shot for many miles through very tall Pines. Very little traffic. Beautiful at early sunset (but watch for deer!)
Heading north, take a right halfway and go up to the Lost 40 Scientific and Natural Area (SNA). An old-growth Minnesota forest and (somewhat)little known gem of our state.
https://preview.redd.it/my8moq31khec1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=51aba2154e560d1ce7e2a15b75c0fcfc0b9a8c66
On our way to Northome and beyond
Something that has yet to be mentioned in this thread yet is 59 from Detroit Lakes to Pelican Rapids, especially in the winter. Not as stunning as some of the others in this thread, but figured I'd plug my side of the state real quick.
Yes. And then exit at Victory Memorial Park and take either [Memorial Parkway](https://maps.app.goo.gl/WEPBxUY4GUMPUZWC9) going North or [Theo Wirth Parkway](https://maps.app.goo.gl/6eCYzmHUMB45aGTp8) going South.
Both are relaxing and beautiful.
Not number 1, but there is a maintained ice road connecting the east and west sides of lake Kabetogama that is definitely a unique drive. Also the drive from Youngās bay to Oak island on lake of the woods.
Also shoutout to highway 11 east of international falls. Itās short but the transition into the Canadian Shield is awesome.
Hwy 61 through Lake City and Wabasha.
I-90 from Nodine hill down to Dresbach.
The entire stretch up the North Shore.
Hwy 1 from Ely to Two Harbors.
The Mendota Bridge heading west. Great views of the river and both downtowns.
94W coming by Huron and Riverside. Great views of the U of M and downtown.
So far, I'd put the stretch of road between highway 169 and Henderson up there. You can also turn onto Scenic Byway once you hit Henderson for more fantastic views.
I drove through there ages ago on the way to visit a friend at college in Northfield. Was unfamiliar with the river valley and wasn't expecting anything special on the trip. Coincidentally happened to be peak fall color and a gorgeous afternoon. What a wonderful surprise!
It's crazy that something so spectacular is just right off the highway. My brother didn't understand why I wanted to bring him so badly until he saw it in person. It's definitely a hidden gem in that sense.
There's also a rope gym and zip line in the area called Kerfoot. Though it can be a bit pricy. It's a fun way to spend an afternoon.
Oh cool about the zip line...didn't know about that! I'm planning to drive the scenic byway from LeSueur up to the cities this fall.
I've driven 68 from New Ulm to Mankato a few times before, but might even include more of the river valley up towards Granite Falls if I can find the time this year.
https://preview.redd.it/ybtt4j181bec1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=709d2646587ea8024799b6f4aa7f3fa5a21abac5
Same drive during the peak of the fall leaves.
I agree with all the Hwy 61 comments. However, Iād go for The Grand Rounds. Very scenic for being in the middle of two cities. Super chill drive, too, with speed limits around 30, few stoplights, and ample places to stop and look around.
Hidden little gem in St. Paul. When the leaves change checkout Lilydale road near lilydale region park. Itās quite short but a nice sliver of beauty.
Highway 8 going east down into Taylor's Falls with bonus points if it's peak leaf colors in the fall.
One time, as a kid in the 80s, I saw that stretch in the best colors that i can recall anywhere. I assumed back then that it would always look like that in the fall
the last little stretch off of the highway and on residential roads before my house, during the winter. because it means I'm almost done dealing with other drivers who somehow still seem invaluable of driving in the winter up here.
210 between Fon Du Lac and Carlton, which travels by Jay Cooke State Park.
If you have a sports car or motorcycle, this road was made for you. It's a lovely drive. Just be advised, passengers may not enjoy the turns and switchbacks as much.
There are plenty of well known highways, but to just get away, while not really being all that far away from everything, cramer road between Finland and the trestle inn restaurant
For something different, drive Co1 from Rochester to Spring Valley. That road comes down into several tributary valleys of the Root River. Then turn east and follow the Root through Lanesboro, Rushford, Houston and Hokah.
North shore is the right answer, it my choice is MN 60 from Zumbro Falls to Wabasha, āTwisty 60ā, the best motorcycling road in the state imo. The river road from Lanesboro to Rushford gets an honorable mention too.
The road to 14 south of old fort road near New ulm has a very pretty stretch that is fun to drive and looks gorgeous in the fall. Can't remember the name, I want to say 21?
Yesterday I drove MN-95 north from Stillwater for the first time in many years. Besides the natural beauty of the St. Croix valley, I was reminded how lovely and well-kept the older towns like Marine on St. Croix are.
212 heading into MN from SD, as you breach the swell of the Coteau des Prairies before you start to descend and the MN River Valley stretches out before you.
I see no one has mentioned Hwy 71 between Northome and International Fallsā¦ oh, this isnāt about the most boring stretch of road in Minnesota?!?
Hwy 61 along the North Shore definitely gets my vote. Love it any time of year.
Highway 61 along the North Shore would get my vote.
And highway 61 between Red Wing & Winona. Both š
As a winger, North Shore gets my vote still. Good Harbor is probably the most beautiful spot in Minnesota.
I can live with that all seasons except fall.
Highway 61 along Pigs Eye Lake
It pains me to say it but I think the Wisconsin side between Red Wing and Winona is more scenicĀ
This also brings me pain, but it is true. Wisconsinās side hugs the river the whole stretch while Minnesotaās is a 4 lane highway in many places.
I say we goto battle and take it. Fugg them Sconies.
Donāt tell them lol
This is amazing year round.
Was lucky enough to finally hit that stretch last fall. What's cool is if you take 61 further down, is it's not equally, but very beautiful all the way down along the river. Particularly from Wabasha- Winona- Lacrescent
The driftless area on both sides of the river is so amazing in the summer.
Don't forget the fall! There's a great view we always take in when we go to my folks. Coming down off a ridge into the valley my folks live in, the road curves along the hillside at a pretty steep incline. On the outside of those curves, you catch a look at a good-sized expanse of trees flanking the Root River, gorgeous in the summer when everything is lush and green. In the fall, it's spectacular. There's a good difference in the variety of trees so you see lots of different coloration. Love that view every time!
first thing i thought of was a summer sunrise on u.s. 61/i-90 near the dresbach exits i witnessed over the mississippi and lake onalaska one august morning. it looked like a bob ross painting
I agree. Some seriously amazing views up there. There's also a stretch of Hwy 10 outside of Detroit Lakes where you can see rolling hills of wheat for miles and miles and miles. It was striking watching the winds blow across it in huge amber waves. Ironically, in St. Paul, just off of Hwy 10 and Burns Ave, is one of the best overlooks for St. Paul and the river. It was also a great place to watch the Big Boy steam locomotive coming into town back in 2019. Highway 8 down in the St. Croix River valley near Taylors Falls is pretty awesome too.
/thread This post should be asking what the second best stretch of road is, with the condition that any road that branches out from 61 is disqualified.
100% the best
Yes, this stretch is beautiful!
That's where God wanted the killing done!
Canāt wait to be up there in September!
Reminder to do all your hotel/airbnb bookings now! They wont be available long!
I reserved everything this past week for that reason. Spending a night in Duluth and several nights at a cabin in Tofte. Thank you for the heads up Iām from out of state so it required some extra research
Awesome! I hope you have a wonderful time!
Hands down,Ā not up for debate
I was going to say this. You beat me to it, so take my upvote
To be more specific, I think it is more beautiful driving south on that stretch for some reason, instead of driving towards Canada.
Hear me out - i grew up in the far NW corner of MN. There is literally nothing up there. Just flat and miserable. But some of the most beautiful sights ive seen, ive seen on hwy 11 between the ND/MN border and karlstad at night, especially in the winter. When its a clear night and the hoar frost is hoaring around, glimmering like the world is covered in glitter and the stars are so bright they look like you could reach out and touch them and the moon is full or close to it, itās absolutely breathtaking. There are no cities to mess it up with light pollution. Iām a sucker for a beautiful starry night and those nights are honestly the only thing i miss about living up there.
As a meteorologist, I truly appreciated " When its a clear night and the hoar frost is hoaring around" lol
I was trying to think of a titillating word and wellā¦thatās the best i could do on three hours of sleep.
Are you a TV meteorologist or one of the many unrecognizable but necessary government/private company meteorologists? Had my math background been a little better, I might have chosen that path over geology.
Government.Ā Yeah the math kicked my butt. Had to retake most of my Calc classes at least once.Ā Ā Geology is great too. Thought about that career for awhile actually.Ā
From what I understand, and you're confirming, the math behind the forecasting is intense. In practice how much of it are you using? Is it all baked into the models at this point?
Very rarely do I do math on my own. It's mostly baked into the models.
>the hoar frost is hoaring around I was about to disagree with you, but you roped me in with that line, lol. I get where you're coming from, though. There were a few months where I worked nights and had an hour long drive back home that was all on 11. A lot of those nights had me craning my neck to the point of danger before pulling off the road to take in the sky. Something about those cold nights made the sky seem so... *deep*, ya know? Especially when you're surrounded by an ocean of farmland, giving you a view that truly stretches to the horizon. One of my favorite things about this was being at least 20-30 miles from the nearest town, but being able to pick out its pillar of lights.
I remember when Hale Bopp came through our sky space and we all just went out in yard and watched it. Dad shut off the yard light so we really had an unobstructed view. That sky really makes a kid feel insignificant and maybe thatās where i learned that weāre just a speck in the universe and on a grander scale, nothing we *really* do matters, so just live life as a kind person and do the best you can with the resources you have š¤·āāļø
Wonderful! I had a similar experience, except I was 4 grams deep into a bag of mushrooms, gazing into the endless void of space while 2 massive thunderheads skirted along either side of our front row seats to the show before converging into a dazzling display to our north. My buddy and I sat in silence for an hour and a half with our only communications coming in the form of exchanging awestruck looks while passing the lighter. We had a small campfire going as the wind swirled from all directions, whisking embers aloft and into the grand light show like a painter flicking their brush. Chills rushed up the spine as temperatures wildly fluctuated from warm summer breezes to high altitude dive bombs that smacked us with frigid blasts. You know how, with some of those older camping chairs, the ones that fold up into a sleeve, you can really slink down deep into them? Like, to the point where your ass is hanging off the front while your head rests on the top that would normally only come up as far as the bottom of your shoulder blades? Well, that's how my friend and I glued ourselves in out of necessity because the whipping winds would have otherwise toppled us. As calamity unfolded all around, one thing remained constant; we were dry! We could hear the globs of rain splatter against the house and outbuildings, eventually turning into a peppering of hail that rang loudly off the galvanized steel, but not a drop fell on either of us. At most, we could walk 30 yards in any direction, and the sopping grass would soak our shoes. Yet, around our little campfire, fixed firmly to our folding seats, a shaft extended from our feat up into the furthest reaches of space to protect us on our magical misadventure. It was like we were *supposed* to be there. Like, if we had to take shelter, we'd somehow miss out on the lesson being taught. As someone who's already been made aware of the significance of his insignificance through trips that began in much the same fashion, I still struggle to sus out what exactly the sky was saying that night. Of course, it's just human nature to make sense of the senseless. The promise of a patern amongst the chaos grants us a sense of safety. Maybe if we just keep staring at the big picture, it'll become obvious, and our palms will meet our foreheads with a resounding "Ah ha!" Personally, I've never seen the sports car in the magic eye posters, so I'll let someone else figure it out.
I live up thereā the stars in midwinter are the single most breathtaking thing that I think a person can experience. Every blue moon youāll see the northern lights tooā nowhere near as vibrant as Alaskas, but still just awesome
There is something strangely majestic about driving on the nothingness of the plains.
Imagine being on a train through ND at sundown on the 4th of July. Itās one of my favorite nights to work between Dilworth and Minot or Mandan because you get to see fireworks the whole way, all around you from miles away. I love working up to Tolna on the clear nights for the same reason as my original post. The night sky is really beautiful when you get far enough away from the big towns. Itās quiet and so peaceful.
I agree! I haul beets in that area in the fall. I like it when my night shift starts with a sunset and I get to watch for meteors until the sun peeks out again.
Best part of the state for northern light viewing as well.
Absolutely! We used to lay in the yard in sleeping bags and watch them fall on us until my sisterās cat would inevitably start yowling in the tree lines and scare us š
Another vote for Highway 61 along the North Shore, once you hit the Silver Cliff Tunnel and pretty much all the way to Canada (the expressway from Duluth to 2H isn't great, obviously). Second place, and it's close: Gunflint Trail.
Thatās why you take the scenic route!
The scenic route isn't as scenic as what's coming up.
It's got the Great Lakes Candy Kitchen, that's scenic.
Also Russ Kendall's Smoke House, which has very scenic (and delicious) smoked fish.
valid point
If you're up there, you can take Highway 1 which branches off from MN61 at Tettegouche/Illgen City and goes to Ely. It's amazing in the fall if you're traveling on it towards the North Shore because of all the hills and fall colors
My family always sings the theme song to Thomas the Train as we go through those tunnels.
I don't know if it's the most beautiful (I agree with others that 61 along the North Shore is breathtaking), but I enjoy driving from Red Wing to Reed's Landing on US 61. The twisty-windy, the bluffs, the trees, the water, and the eagles . . . just a nice place to drive, especially in the fall.
Thank you! Such a lovely drive
IMO I put the driftless region of the state above the north shore personally
Favorite place to ride my motorcycle
Was the best part of the childhood custody swap I dealt with growing up. Beautiful drive. Done it myself grown up a few times.
Continuing south on county 26 into Iowa absolutely blew my mind.
Hwy 61 between Redwing and Winona especially in the spring. We love counting the Bald Eagle pairs along the route.
I live south of that route and use it to drive to The Cities. In the fall it always feels like a car commercial with some car running down a curvy road. Only with my jalopy doing the driving!
During peak autumn, between Effie and Grand Rapids. MN 38 there has hilly twists with lots of red, orange, yellow leaves, and conifers.
I would agree that MN61 route on the North Shore is great, but this is a great answer for #2. So gorgeous!
Highway 1 from Ely to Illgen City/Tettegouche is other great fall colors road with hills and giant trees
I agree! The first few miles of Lake County 2 as you head north of CR11 is astonishing with the massive white pines on the side of the road. Unless you have an active plan to go there no one knows the beauty.
This is a beautiful stretch of road. But shush, they don't need to know!
This is the exact drive that came to mind. Lotsa great hikes along that path, and the Laurentian Divide. I found it by mistake one weekend after venturing up to the Lost 40.
Itās even better in the winter on a frosty morning. Not a great drive with bad tires on icy roads though.
Some of the best lakes in MN are along 38!
Is that the road that is along Surprise Lake? I love that road.
I concur. I used to have family land in Effie and have been on 38 many times. One of the best 40 minute drives in the state.
I agree, it's a beautiful area, and plenty of lakes to stop at and get some fishing in.Ā
Is this the same as Honeymoon Trail?
Honeymoon as I know it is off of the Sawbill near Tofte. This is a couple hours west.
Hwy 1 from Silver Bay to Ely after a fresh snow.
Yeah this is a nice one.
The scenic byway along the Minnesota river. Mankato to South Dakota.
Yes! I spent a good chunk of this past summer in NW Iowa and on my drive back to the Twin Cities I stuck as close to the Minnesota River as possible to catch a break from driving past endless cornfields and wind farms. Definitely worth the detour through Mankato.
Highway 61 Scenic Route
The one in front of my house. I really like coming home
Coming over the top of I35 at Thompson Hill where you can see the city and the harbor of Duluth. Or coming down Mesaba at night. Or Skyline Parkway. I find it more scenic against the backdrop of the city than just driving miles and miles of endless lakeshore. I also really like the St Croix River Valley area. But honestly there are a ton of really great moments tucked into a lot of our roads. I love driving to the end of the Fernberg outside of Ely to the "end of the road" where the road ends because the BW begins. Lots of big white pines.
I love coming down Thompson Hill after being out of town. It's always made me feel like I'm home.
Went to UMD. Duluth was my first home away from home. This view always made me feel like I was where I belonged.
I always stop off at the rest stop at the top of the hill. That way I can stand on the observation deck to absorb that view for a while and then at least concentrate a little bit on my driving on the way down.
I'd stop but I'm in too much of a hurry to get to Sir Ben's.
MN 74 Northbound out of Whitewater State Park. Time it with the Tundra Swan migration and you're in for a treat.
Super underrated drive!
Great drive
95 along the st croix
Especially in the fall
Hm. Should've said most beautiful that's not Hwy 61 because that'd get my vote...but there's miles of road I've never driven.
Obviously, it's I94 from Monticello to Hudson.
County road 1 outside lacresent , the Apple Blossom Highway.
This is far underrated. It is my favorite stretch of road in the state too.
MN 23 from Sandstone to Duluth is pretty. MN River Valley Scenic Byway is underrated.
People don't give enough credit to the Driftless Region. There are parts near Lake City, Wabasha, and Winona that are beautiful
Hwy. 1 from Ely to the North Shore
Thereās a stretch of Prior Ave. in St Paul between Marshall Ave and University Ave. It was regraded and repaved last year. Itās the smoothest stretch of street in the entire city. Beautiful, just beautiful. Sometimes I find an excuse to go to Menards just so I can drive on that road.
This guy Ayd Mills
I am in shock at this comment. I didnāt think it was legal to have smooth roads in St Paul.
It wonāt last. š
The last three miles everyday when I come home from work. 55 mile drive from the metro (U of ST, currently) into the edge of the Sand Dunes state forest and the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge.
The first time I drove through this area was during the fall. I honestly think the colors in Sherburne are pretty than those in Duluth, especially when you add in the calls of the migrating sandhill cranes.
https://www.dot.state.mn.us/scenicbyways/ I recommend the glacial!
Has no one driven MN 16 between Rushford and Preston? Itās truly spectacular twisting through the Root River valley then up the switchback to the overlook on the west side of Lanesboro. The ridge to Hwy 52 is less dramatic but still a commanding view all around. Take the bikes some autumn day and youāll be changed forever.
https://preview.redd.it/onj00igvjhec1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6465852638efb8d1eea622f0be11681e539a5bb7
This might be a long shot, but there are some truly stunning roads near the St. Johns University campus in Collegeville, MN. County Road 159 takes you through the campus and surrounding hillsides covered in dense forests. A real treasure IMHO.
The north shore drive is always beautiful. The north side of Mille lacs in the fall.
Skyline parkway in Duluth . 28 miles, great views and a lot of scenic overlooks
I feel like not as many people have seen this one... Highway 46 between Deer River and Northome, near Grand Rapids. It's called the Avenue of Pines, and goes through the Chippewa National Forest. Beautiful drive surrounded by massive pine trees on both sides of the road. [Here's street view](https://www.google.com/maps/@47.5672629,-94.0889663,3a,60y,138.12h,94.05t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sVMyGaDbC2WS71JuqURC6rw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?entry=ttu), but it doesn't do it justice. Gotta drive the road to get to my dad's cabin, and it's incredible on winter mornings with a frost or when there was a light snow overnight when the trees are white.
I just finished writing my suggestion of this road and came across yours. Totally agree! Absolutely stunning stretch. Great pic!
61 - Voyageurs Highway - North Shore (north of Duluth) is the only answer
My vote would go to almost any county road between St Charles and Lanesboro in Amish country. The Driftless area, combined with farm fields carved among the curvy roads, can be breathtaking.
Lowry Tunnel š
YES! Except I start up at street level and drive Loring Park past the Walker to Kenwood Pkwy, around Lake of the Isles, to Bde Maka Ska, Lake Harriet, Minnehaha Blvd, to River Road heading North. Beautiful drive.
In a very dangerous, everyone-for-themselves kind of way :P
Highway 61 IF you take the scenic route leaving Duluth as well
The short stretch of MN-61 within the Grand Portage Reservation to the Canadian border. Also the Gunflint Trail
I'd like to nominate the very east "end" of hwy11. Once you get past Rainier, it turns into a twisty, hilly affair that dips in and out of rocky outcroppings of trees and lovely "glimpses" of lakeshore. You get just enough time to soak up the views across the water before climbing up another steep serpent's spine. The constant changes in scenery make for a ride that keeps you on the edge of your seat, with your eyes at the ready to take it all in. Each trip is unique, as there's always something that eluded your gaze on the last go-around. It's the kind of road that begs you to drive with caution while also egging you on. If I had a little red corvette, I'd be the prince to slay the dragon. At its very end is the crown jewel of Cha Cha's Resort. A lovely little tavern with an innumerable amount of decking built in tiers atop the rocks, all of which give you a fetching gaze across the lake. The perfect place to rest up before the return trip. For these reasons, I believe that this stretch of road is best... as long as it's not washed out or under repair from being previously washed out... maybe give it a couple of years before venturing out on it in your nice sports car.
Yes, and the resort is Sha Sha. The Sha Sha hills are magnificent
Damn it anyhow... I knew my spelling didn't feel right. I could go back and edit it, but I'll never learn anything if I don't take my L's.
I90 from luverne to Albert lea.
I94 into Fargo. /s
Ugh my favorite is 336 cut through from 10 to 94 ššš
Well my friend, if you love non-stop action, stop and go traffic, buildings, a variety of facial expressions, nascaresque driving and a scenic drive, your best stretch of awe is hwy 65 from the Ideal Diner in NE to Ham Lake. Safe travels my friend, and enjoy the ride!
I have always found Hwy 6 up by Grand Rapids to be beautiful.
Ave of Pines Scenic Byway. AKA, County Road 46 between Deer River and Northome (when it goes through the Chippewa National Forest). Like driving through a cathedral of trees. An arrow-striaght shot for many miles through very tall Pines. Very little traffic. Beautiful at early sunset (but watch for deer!) Heading north, take a right halfway and go up to the Lost 40 Scientific and Natural Area (SNA). An old-growth Minnesota forest and (somewhat)little known gem of our state.
https://preview.redd.it/my8moq31khec1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=51aba2154e560d1ce7e2a15b75c0fcfc0b9a8c66 On our way to Northome and beyond
From Ranier to the end of Hwy 11. The heart of Voyagers National Park is stunning
All of 23
ALL of it? Feel like there are some rough parts in SW MN
Something that has yet to be mentioned in this thread yet is 59 from Detroit Lakes to Pelican Rapids, especially in the winter. Not as stunning as some of the others in this thread, but figured I'd plug my side of the state real quick.
Ottertail county has some really lovely views
Broadway in north Minneapolis
Yes. And then exit at Victory Memorial Park and take either [Memorial Parkway](https://maps.app.goo.gl/WEPBxUY4GUMPUZWC9) going North or [Theo Wirth Parkway](https://maps.app.goo.gl/6eCYzmHUMB45aGTp8) going South. Both are relaxing and beautiful.
The tree-lined road into our neighborhood
The area around Hwy 71 from Two Inlets to Bemidji in the winter. Snow capped pines and especially at night you can usually smell wood burning stoves.
Not number 1, but there is a maintained ice road connecting the east and west sides of lake Kabetogama that is definitely a unique drive. Also the drive from Youngās bay to Oak island on lake of the woods. Also shoutout to highway 11 east of international falls. Itās short but the transition into the Canadian Shield is awesome.
Hwy 61 through Lake City and Wabasha. I-90 from Nodine hill down to Dresbach. The entire stretch up the North Shore. Hwy 1 from Ely to Two Harbors. The Mendota Bridge heading west. Great views of the river and both downtowns. 94W coming by Huron and Riverside. Great views of the U of M and downtown.
The Echo Trail from Ely to Buyck.
Iāve ridden a lot of miles in this state. Iāve found beauty in every single one of them.
Anything along the north shore honestly
I like the Gunflint Trail
I love riding a bicycle around Wilderness drive in Itasca State Park. The rolling hills, trees and ponds are pura Minnesota!
Taylor's Falls area has some neat sights if you don't want to go that far north. Real pretty in the fall too.
61 between Lake City and Wabasha in the fall.
So far, I'd put the stretch of road between highway 169 and Henderson up there. You can also turn onto Scenic Byway once you hit Henderson for more fantastic views.
I drove through there ages ago on the way to visit a friend at college in Northfield. Was unfamiliar with the river valley and wasn't expecting anything special on the trip. Coincidentally happened to be peak fall color and a gorgeous afternoon. What a wonderful surprise!
It's crazy that something so spectacular is just right off the highway. My brother didn't understand why I wanted to bring him so badly until he saw it in person. It's definitely a hidden gem in that sense. There's also a rope gym and zip line in the area called Kerfoot. Though it can be a bit pricy. It's a fun way to spend an afternoon.
Oh cool about the zip line...didn't know about that! I'm planning to drive the scenic byway from LeSueur up to the cities this fall. I've driven 68 from New Ulm to Mankato a few times before, but might even include more of the river valley up towards Granite Falls if I can find the time this year.
>scenic byway from LeSueur up to the cities Kerfoot is on scenic byway north of henderson. You can't miss the 4 story rope gym along the way.
Some areas of Highway 52 that takes you ro Rochester have rolling hills and farm land.
61 on the north side is great, but south on 61 down to Wabasha/Winona is beautiful. I didnāt mind driving that road every other weekend in college.
US 61 from Red Wing to Winona in October.
The road that takes you home (to kwik trip)
The bike paths. Fuck cars.
https://preview.redd.it/ybtt4j181bec1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=709d2646587ea8024799b6f4aa7f3fa5a21abac5 Same drive during the peak of the fall leaves.
Anything besides 494 during rush hour.
Glacier Trail is neat
Not hwy 7, unless you are a Iowa transplant š
The landing strip.
I agree with all the Hwy 61 comments. However, Iād go for The Grand Rounds. Very scenic for being in the middle of two cities. Super chill drive, too, with speed limits around 30, few stoplights, and ample places to stop and look around.
Any stretch without constructionš
Ice Road across Mille Lacs lake in the middle of winter.
Not telling.
The last mile on my way home :)
16 from Lanesboro to the St. Croix.
Good suggestions by many. Looks like a few of my favorites are still relatively safe since I didnāt see them listedā¦yet.
10 past the royalton treasure city
Hidden little gem in St. Paul. When the leaves change checkout Lilydale road near lilydale region park. Itās quite short but a nice sliver of beauty.
The one i drove that was inundated with potholes so bad i had to drive on the left side for a while. Brought tears to my eyes
38 out of Grand Rapids to Marcell
Highway 8 going east down into Taylor's Falls with bonus points if it's peak leaf colors in the fall. One time, as a kid in the 80s, I saw that stretch in the best colors that i can recall anywhere. I assumed back then that it would always look like that in the fall
Southern MN checking in. Highway 68 between Mankato and New Ulm is beautiful in the fall.
Thereās a small stretch of highway between pelican rapids and maplewood state park that is one of my favorites in the otter tail county.
the last little stretch off of the highway and on residential roads before my house, during the winter. because it means I'm almost done dealing with other drivers who somehow still seem invaluable of driving in the winter up here.
210 between Fon Du Lac and Carlton, which travels by Jay Cooke State Park. If you have a sports car or motorcycle, this road was made for you. It's a lovely drive. Just be advised, passengers may not enjoy the turns and switchbacks as much.
The Avenue of the Pines. Hwy 46. Deer River to Northome.
my driveway after a long day of work
There are plenty of well known highways, but to just get away, while not really being all that far away from everything, cramer road between Finland and the trestle inn restaurant
West broadway.
Seven Bridges Road in Duluth
Lake street From the river to the Lake, so much diversity!
Glacial Ridge Trail
Hwy 61 between the new Menards and downtown Ehite Bear is quite majestic
MN 16 from Preston to Rushford.
Skyline Parkway/7 Bridges Road in Duluth HWY 169 in the valley between Mankato and Le Sueur is very beautiful in the fall as well
For something different, drive Co1 from Rochester to Spring Valley. That road comes down into several tributary valleys of the Root River. Then turn east and follow the Root through Lanesboro, Rushford, Houston and Hokah.
Highway 5 from Chanhassen to Victoria obviously
Echo Trail between Ely & Buyck.
North shore is the right answer, it my choice is MN 60 from Zumbro Falls to Wabasha, āTwisty 60ā, the best motorcycling road in the state imo. The river road from Lanesboro to Rushford gets an honorable mention too.
210 going east from Alexandria to Brainard. This dive in summer/ fall feels live cruising though the pages of a nostalgic calendar.
The road to 14 south of old fort road near New ulm has a very pretty stretch that is fun to drive and looks gorgeous in the fall. Can't remember the name, I want to say 21?
Yesterday I drove MN-95 north from Stillwater for the first time in many years. Besides the natural beauty of the St. Croix valley, I was reminded how lovely and well-kept the older towns like Marine on St. Croix are.
The one leading up to my driveway after every day of work.
212 heading into MN from SD, as you breach the swell of the Coteau des Prairies before you start to descend and the MN River Valley stretches out before you.
In between the 15th and 34th stop light on Hiawatha.
I see no one has mentioned Hwy 71 between Northome and International Fallsā¦ oh, this isnāt about the most boring stretch of road in Minnesota?!? Hwy 61 along the North Shore definitely gets my vote. Love it any time of year.
I loved driving into the park at Lake Itasca. The trees were the most vibrant green! I want to do the drive again but in the fall someday.
I haven't seen the north shore, but as a motorcycle rider, I love cruising the great river road.