Get Off The Freeway And Onto This Scenic Back Road Between Minneapolis/St. Paul And Duluth, Minnesota
By Trent Jonas|Published May 08, 2024
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Trent Jonas
Author
Trent Jonas came to Minnesota to attend college - and never left. He's a Twin Cities-based writer with a BA in English and a MFA in creative writing, a Minnesota Master Naturalist, and the proud father of two adult children. With more than a decade of freelance writing experience under his belt, Trent is often out exploring his favorite topics: Minnesota's woods, lakes, and trails. Rhubarb pie is his weakness, so discovering new diners is also a passion.
Outside the Twin Cities metro area, one of the most frequently traveled stretches of freeway – especially on summer weekends – is Interstate 35 between Minneapolis/St. Paul and Duluth. If you travel this stretch often enough, though, as pretty as it can be, you may yearn for something a with a little more scenery. If so, I recommend taking this scenic route in Minnesota on your way to Duluth. It’s like being Up North before you even reach your destination.
Distance-wise, this scenic route is about the same as it would be if you stayed on I-35 - about 64 miles - and if you drive straight through, it's only 10 minutes longer.
One of Sandstone's best features is Banning State Park, which is located on the Kettle River just outside of town. It's a great place to stretch your legs after the first part of your trip. You can hike to the ruins of mill or a small waterfall - or just enjoy the beautiful rapids and Northwoods setting.
From the Sandstone area, Hwy. 23 winds through two state forests and other north country scenery as you travel northeastward. You'll pass near the southern terminus of the Superior Hiking Trail, which crosses Hwy. 23 near Jay Cooke State Park. The Superior Hiking Trail runs from the Wisconsin border, along the Lake Superior highlands, to the Canadian border. It's the longest Minnesota section of the North Country National Scenic Trail, which traverses the Bold North, as well as several other states.
4. Veterans Evergreen Memorial Park
Veterans Evergreen Memorial Park, Wrenshall, MN 55797, USA
Skirting the southern and eastern edge of Jay Cooke SP, you'll see a small pull-off with a gorgeous view over the park's backcountry. This is Veterans Evergreen Memorial Park. Stop and enjoy the views, read the plaques, and take a moment to be grateful for the beauty we're blessed with here in Minnesota.
5. Jay Cooke State Park
Jay Cooke State Park, 780 E Hwy 210, Carlton, MN 55718, USA
Before you reach Duluth, you'll have the option to follow the St. Louis River upstream to the main part of Jay Cooke, one of the best state parks in Minnesota. If you have time, I heartily recommend heading up and taking a stroll across the famous swinging bridge and the park's famous rapids.
Before you know it, Hwy. 23 will end right back at I-35 in the city of Duluth, just southwest of downtown and Canal Park.
Of course, you can do this scenic route in Minnesota in the other direction, as well. Either way, just be sure to pack all the road trip essentials – and as always, bring plenty of snacks – before you hit the highway. I don’t think you’ll regret ditching the interstate for part of the trip.
Have you ever taken this route between Duluth and the Twin Cities? What are some of your favorite scenic short cuts? Let us know in the comments!
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