Take The Minnesota Donut Trail For A Delightfully Delicious Day Trip

What could be better than a donut? These treats are the perfect way not only to start your day but to finish off a great meal. Whether you prefer them as breakfast or dessert – or a midday snack! – these doughy delights are undeniably delicious. Luckily for Minnesotans, our state is home to countless spots that serve up excellent donuts. From the Twin Cities to Duluth and beyond, you don’t have to go far to find a good example. But the farther you go, the more delicious donuts you get to try! If you’re looking for the sugar rush of a lifetime, pile into your car and travel along our Minnesota donut trail:

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You can find the full route of this donut trail, including directions and the time it will take to travel, by clicking here.

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This Minnesota donut trail starts in the small city of Winona in southeastern Minnesota. Bloedow's Bakery is one of Minnesota's oldest bakeries, dating back to 1924. They're especially known for their filled donuts, which rotate throughout the week. Visit on Monday, and you'll find Bavarian cream. On Wednesday, it's apple filling. You'll also find all of your other favorites, from plain glazed to cinnamon rolls and more.

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Hanisch Bakery and Coffee Shop is another historic stop on the donut trail. The original shop opened in 1961, and it's been going strong ever since. Located in busy downtown Red Wing, it's a good place to start exploring this wonderful town. All of your favorite classic donuts can be found here. It's a small-town gem.

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Traveling up to the Twin Cities, there are many donut shops throughout the metro area. One favorite is A Baker's Wife. This old-school spot will not disappoint. They specialize in cake donuts of all kinds. Whether you like 'em covered in sugar, drizzled with icing, or dipped in chocolate, you'll find something delicious here.

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Glam Doll is another popular Minneapolis donut shop. There are two locations, one on Nicollet Avenue, and one in Northeast Minneapolis. Both are well worth visiting if you're craving donuts with a twist. There are many unique flavors on the menu, from the Oreo-topped cookies and cream to the unique maple buttercream and caramelized bacon Showgirl donut. Yum!

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Hans' Bakery is another old-school spot that dates back to 1973. Their menu is full of amazing goodies such as the famous Beehive Cake, a coffee cake filled with Bavarian cream and topped with candied almonds and powdered sugar. The cakes are great, but you cannot miss the donuts. They come in all the classic flavors and will not disappoint even the most discerning donut lover. If you're really hungry, try the famous Texas donut. It's a giant-sized donut that is great to share!

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Herman's Bakery isn't well-known outside of the Cambridge area. But the donuts at this neighborhood are absolutely delicious. Stop in for a dozen of your favorite raised donuts, each topped with your favorite icings, nuts, and sprinkles, or filled with sweet cream or jam. You can't go wrong with this little bakery. If you're extra hungry, stay for a hearty bowl of soup or a sandwich!

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The tiny town of Lindstrom is home to a special bakery that draws visitors from miles around. They serve up amazing cakes, breads, and more, but the specialty item is the Scandinavian donut. These cake donuts have an amazing texture: crunchy on the outside, soft in the middle. They're great on their own, or alongside a hot cup of coffee.

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Rush City Bakery is a small-town spot that may surprise you with its amazing offerings. Many love their cakes and cupcakes, but their donuts are also well worth stopping for. They offer both cake and raised varieties, so they'll be a crowd-pleaser no matter what your preference. You won't be able to resist eating one right away and taking more to go!

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Tobies Restaurant is a delicious restaurant and bakery that has welcomed travelers along I-35 for many decades. Definitely stop for a full breakfast if you can, but you won't be disappointed if you only have time for the bakery. The huge bakery case is loaded up with donuts, caramel rolls, and many more treats. You will soon understand why so many stop at this famous spot!

What do you think? Are there any can’t-miss donut shops that aren’t on the trail? Let us know in the comments! We’ve covered many other Minnesota bakeries, including Edelweiss Bakery in Prior Lake, World’s Best Donuts in Grand Marais, and Schmidt’s Bakery in St. James. Also, be sure to check out our Minnesota ice cream trail for another sweet journey!