Many people across the country seem to think that the state of Minnesota is mostly rural, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. With large cities like Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Duluth, the state also has urban areas. However, it’s nice to get away from the city and explore the state’s rural areas. If you’re up for hitting the road on an adventure, take our countryside hidden gems rural road trip in Minnesota. Along the way, you’ll stop at attractions you may not have heard of or thought about visiting before! At the end, you’ll think this is one of the best road trips in Minnesota,

We mapped out the road trip, so use this Google Maps link as your guide. Feel free to customize it by adding your own stops along the way.
Google Maps
This is a multi-day adventure, so make sure you set aside at least two or three days to complete it all.

1. Grand Portage State Park, Cook County

9393 MN-61, Grand Portage, MN 55605, USA
Tony Webster/Flickr
Our first stop along this road trip is Grand Portage State Park. If you're looking for a place that offers waterfall hikes in Minnesota, you've come to the right place. Located close to the Canadian border, this 278-acre park offers plenty of breathtaking beauty.

Take a look at this video of the Pigeon River at Grand Portage State Park by @SouthernMinnGuy:

2. Devil's Kettle, Hovland

Devil's Kettle, Hovland, MN 55606, USA
Lukasz (Luke)/Google
Head to Judge C.R. Magney State Park where you can take one of the best waterfall hikes in Minnesota. The hike to Devil's Kettle, a hidden gem waterfall, is easy enough for kids to do. This is one stop along this road trip you won't soon forget. After all, it's one of the most stunning hidden gems in Minnesota.

3. Paul Bunyan & Babe the Blue Ox Statues, Bemidji

Paul Bunyan & Babe the Blue Ox Statues, 300 Bemidji Ave N, Bemidji, MN 56601, USA
Paul Bunyan & Babe the Blue Ox Statues/Google
Head to Bemidji and you'll find the statues of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox towering outside the town's Tourist Information Center. The journey continues inside the center, where you can view Paul Bunyan memorabilia. This is one of the most whimsical Minnesota hidden gems. To learn more, head to the Visit Bemidji website.

Take a look at this video of the Paul Bunyan & Babe the Blue Ox Statues by @dakotadrone:

4. World's Largest Ball of Twine, Darwin

Cory Snider/Google

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1st Street, 1st St, Darwin, MN 55324, USA
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If you've ever wondered where the world's largest ball of twine is located, look no further than the small town of Darwin, Minnesota. Between 1950 and 1979, a man by the name of Francis A. Johnson rolled piece of twine after piece of twine into the behemoth on display in Darwin. This hidden gem attraction is nothing short of jaw-dropping!

5. Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum, Walnut Grove

Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum, 330 8th St, Walnut Grove, MN 56180, USA
Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum/Google
The Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum is dedicated entirely to "The Little House on the Prairie" author and her life. Peruse the museum and you'll see dolls, scale models, quilts, and more. Visit the Walnut Grove website for more information on location and hours of operation. While in Walnut Grove, stop by Nellie's Cafe which was inspired by Laura Ingalls Wilder's most famous work of literature.

6. Niagara Cave, Harmony

Caroleka Sumner/Google
29842 Co Hwy 30, Harmony, MN 55939, USA
Jeremiah Harbach/Google
An underground waterfall is reason enough to visit Niagara Cave in Harmony, but the limestone cave itself is an impressive natural wonder. It's one of the best hidden gems in Minnesota. I

Take a look at this video of the Niagara Cave by @LzzyAnderson:

7. National Eagle Center, Wabasha

50 Pembroke Ave, Wabasha, MN 55981, USA
Jasmine Nordstrom/Google
Whether you just want to view eagles or take a tour, there are plenty of experiences to be had at the National Eagle Center. See and learn about these majestic birds of prey in a nature center unlike any other in the state.

Are you ready to embark on this countryside hidden gems road trip in Minnesota? In the comments, let us know if you’ve been to any hidden gems along the route.

Before embarking on this or any other road trips in Minnesota, check out the Ultimate Road Trip Essentials Packing List for everything you’ll need. And don’t forget the road trip snacks!

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More to Explore

Hidden Gems In Minnesota

Melissa M. | December 08, 2023

What are some other best hidden gems in Minnesota?

I don’t know about you, but I love visiting hidden gem destinations wherever I travel to. Here are a few more of the best hidden gems in Minnesota:

  • Lake Maria State Park is one of the least-visited state parks in Minnesota. So, if you want some peace and quiet, your best bet is here.
  • Judge C.R. Magney State Park is one of the most scenic parks you can visit.
  • If you want to explore the state’s Amish country, a trip to Harmony should be at the top of your list.

Check out more of the best hidden gems in Minnesota.

What are some of the most charming hidden gem towns in Minnesota?

If you enjoy visiting small towns as much as I do, here are some of the most charming hidden gem towns in Minnesota:

  • The town of New Ulm is the place to go to experience German heritage.
  • Walnut Grove, the childhood home of Laura Ingalls Wilder, is always worth a visit.
  • Spring Grove is a charming village and an idyllic location for a getaway.

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