This Natural Wonders Road Trip Will Show You Minnesota Like You’ve Never Seen It Before
By Betsy Rathburn|Updated on February 08, 2023(Originally published February 03, 2023)
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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.
In addition to its famed 10,000 (it’s really more than 15,000) lakes, there are countless natural wonders in Minnesota. So much, in fact, that it would be just about impossible to see all of them. If you have limited time, how do you choose between a waterfall and a prairie, or a state forest and a remote lake? Simply put, you don’t. The best way to see some of the most beautiful places in Minnesota is by taking some time to do it right. That’s why we created this road trip route to help you experience as much of the North Star State’s natural beauty as possible.
This road trip isn't a short one. It'll take you from the southwestern corner of Minnesota to the state's northeastern tip. At just under 700 miles, you'll definitely need a few days to cover the route and to make sure you have the time to fully experience each stop along the way.
1. Blue Mounds State Park, Luverne
Blue Mounds State Park, 1410 161st St, Luverne, MN 56156, USA
The road trip starts in the southwestern corner of Minnesota, in a little town called Luverne. Blue Mounds State Park is home to some of Minnesota's most beautiful natural wonders. Quartzite cliffs rise over the flat prairie. Bison freely roam the plains. Prickly pear cactus bloom in the spring and summer. This state park is unlike anywhere else in Minnesota, making it a definite stop on any natural wonders road trip.
Since you're traveling north anyway, you might as well stop at the Twin Cities' most famous natural wonder. Minnehaha Falls is a 53-foot waterfall right in the middle of our state's most populous city. Visitors can view the falls from above or below, making it a great place to take photos. Plus, what other major city has a waterfall within city limits?
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3. Interstate State Park, Taylors Falls
Interstate State Park, Milltown Road, Taylors Falls, MN, USA
One of Minnesota's greatest natural wonders lies along the Minnesota-Wisconsin border at Interstate Park. Straddling the St. Croix River, this park allows visitors to see the famous St. Croix River dalles up close. Explore the rocky cliffs along the river or the deep potholes that draw geologists from around the world. One of the best times to visit is in the fall, when the trees along the riverbanks are vivid red and yellow.
4. Jay Cooke State Park, Carlton
Jay Cooke State Park, Minnesota 210, Carlton, MN, USA
Located just south of Duluth, Jay Cooke is one of Minnesota's most popular state parks - and for good reason. The park is known for being along the rocky banks of the St. Louis River, but it is also a great place to view wildlife, with almost 50 different mammal species making its home there. But perhaps its most famous feature is the swinging bridge that has been crossed by thousands of people over the river since it was built in the 1930s. This gorgeous park is definitely worth the trip.
Is a trip north complete without seeing Gooseberry Falls? A Minnesota natural wonders road trip certainly isn't, and that's why it's included on this list. The gorgeous Gooseberry Falls are the main attraction of the park, but it also boasts campsites and hiking trails. Why not explore everything this beautiful park has to offer?
6. Tettegouche State Park, Silver Bay
Tettegouche State Park, Minnesota 61, Silver Bay, MN, USA
Tettegouche is one of the North Shore's most scenic destinations. Four waterfalls are found within the park, including Baptism Falls, the largest waterfall located entirely within Minnesota. Other famous destinations are the rock formations along the Lake Superior shore. Shovel Point and Palisade Head are some of Minnesota's most photographed natural wonders.
The Boundary Waters offers up some of the most pristine, unspoiled wilderness in the United States. That alone makes it worth a trip - or ten. There are over a million acres of wilderness to explore. Unplug for a few days for some canoeing and backcountry camping.
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8. Eagle Mountain, Grand Marais
Eagle Mountain Trailhead, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA
Minnesota's beauty comes mostly from its water, but no natural wonders road trip would be complete without a hike up Eagle Mountain. The modest hike is about 7 miles total and will bring you to the highest point in the state, 3,201 feet above sea level. That may not be much compared to the Rockies, but it will offer gorgeous views from the top of Minnesota.
9. Judge C.R. Magney State Park, Grand Marais
Judge C.R. Magney State Park, Minnesota 61, Grand Marais, MN, USA
Judge C.R. Magney State Park is best known for the mysterious Devil's Kettle Falls. Half of the Brule River plunges into a deep pothole. But where does it go after that? Nobody seems to know. It's a mystery worthy of a road trip.
10. Grand Portage State Park, Grand Portage
Grand Portage State Park, 9393 E MN-61, Grand Portage, MN 55605, USA
At the very northeastern tip of Minnesota, along the Canadian border, Grand Portage State Park is home to the High Falls of the Pigeon River, Minnesota's tallest waterfall. This remote park is also home to hundreds of species of animals. If you're lucky, you might see one.
Don’t think that you’re limited to visiting all these beautiful places in Minnesota during any certain time of year. In fact, some of the most amazing natural wonders in Minnesota are best viewed in fall or even winter. Although, if you embark on this road trip during colder weather, be sure to take everything you will need for safe winter travel.
This road trip covers some of Minnesota’s most beautiful natural wonders, but there are dozens of others worth seeing. Have you visited any of these places? Are there any that we missed that should be included on our itinerary?
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If you've ever wondered to yourself, "What are the natural wonders of Minnesota?", you may be surprised at how long the answer to your question may be. With thousands of lakes, vast forests and prairies, and fascinating geography and geological history, the better question may be where do I start? Well, we have some thoughts. Minnesota's state parks are a great place to begin, as they protect and highlight much of the best that the state has to offer. Then visit the state's national park units, which include a national park, two national monuments, and two riverways. Finally, simply head out and find some beautiful places or put together a bucket list.
There are many beautiful places in Minnesota. These include the tallgrass prairies of the state's western part, as well as the bluffs of the Mississippi River Valley. There are too many to name, and beauty can be pretty subjective. But we have some thoughts that you may wish to add to your own bucket list of places to visit in the land of 10,000 Lakes.
When you're putting together a Minnesota bucket list of natural wonders or beautiful places, it's easy to just follow the crowds. But you should do a little research ahead of time and figure out the kind of places you like, or better yet, just get out there and explore. Here are a few bucket list suggestions to get you started:
