The Ultimate Pie Shop Road Trip In Minnesota Is As Charming As It Is Sweet
By Betsy Rathburn|Published June 09, 2022
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Betsy Rathburn
Author
Betsy is a Minneapolis-based writer who's lived in Minnesota for 20 years. If you know of any amazing Minnesota restaurants, nature areas, or other attractions, feel free to let her know about them at brathburn@onlyinyourstate.com or on Twitter @betsyrathburn.
Did you know that Minnesota is home to some truly outstanding places to get pie? There are pie shops across the state that offer up delicious slices of this favorite dessert. If you’re a pie lover, they are must-visit stops! That’s why we came up with this ultimate pie shop road trip through Minnesota. Below, you’ll find six awesome spots to get pie from southern Minnesota to the North Shore. If that sounds good to you, read on below to learn more – and then start planning your trip!
This route starts in southern Minnesota and zigzags west before turning north. It covers 427 miles, visiting six pie shops along the way. It would be a great weekend adventure! Find the full route, including driving directions here.
The first pie shop on our list is in teeny-tiny Whalan, Minnesota. The Aroma Pie Shoppe is open seasonally during the warmer months. Their amazing, made-from-scratch pies draw visitors from miles around. Pop in to buy a whole pie or a slice or two of your favorite flavor. Enjoy it in the shop or take it to go. Then, spend some time exploring this small yet charming rural Minnesota community!
Next, you’ll head west into Mankato. Here, you’ll find a hole-in-the-wall roadside restaurant that serves up amazing pie and more. If you’re hungry for a meal, you’ll find great sandwiches and other simple dishes here. Be sure to top off your meal with a slice of homemade pie. There are plenty of flavors to choose from, so you’re bound to find one that appeals to you!
Head northeast from Mankato into the Twin Cities. In Minneapolis, Dave the Pie Guy is a lesser-known establishment that nonetheless is a must-visit for pie lovers. Not only does Dave the Pie Guy serve up a delicious all-day breakfast consisting of omelets, French toast, quiche, and more. But there are also many great pies on the menu, from turtle to coconut cream to brownie ganache. Add a scoop of ice cream to make your slice extra special!
If you’ve been to Braham, Minnesota, you likely know all about its claim to fame: the pie at the Park Cafe. The pie is so famous that it inspired Braham’s nickname: the Homemade Pie Capital of Minnesota. Each year, the town even holds Pie Day, a festive pie-themed event where you can taste many different flavors. Savvy travelers will plan their trip around Pie Day. But if that isn’t possible, you can still grab a great slice where it all began, at the Park Cafe!
After leaving Braham, it is time to turn north again, towards Lake Superior. Right along its shores, you’ll find one of Minnesota’s most famous pie shops. They serve up a full menu of breakfasts, burgers, and more. But you can’t leave this spot without trying a slice of pie. The pie menu is huge, with dozens of different pies available on a given day. Whether you grab a single slice or a whole pie to take with you, you won’t regret your stop at this iconic North Shore restaurant.
Our trip ends just north of Betty’s Pies, at another favorite North Shore restaurant that has also stood the test of time. Rustic Inn Cafe houses a cozy, welcoming dining room that serves up all manner of made-from-scratch goodness. When it comes time for dessert, you can’t go wrong with the strawberry rhubarb, French apple, or five-layer chocolate. But there are plenty of other great choices as well!
That concludes our pie road trip across Minnesota. Have you been to any of these Minnesota pie shops? Would you add any to the list? Let us know in the comments! And if you’re interested in other dessert trails through the state, take a peek at our Minnesota ice cream road trip!
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