The Sweetest Road Trip in Minnesota Takes You to 6 Old School Chocolate Shops

Minnesota may be famous for its ten thousand lakes, but we have a few other tricks up our sleeves as well. Aside from our incredible nature, awesome people, and plentiful cultural events and attractions, the Gopher State is one of the tastiest places you'll ever visit. If you have a sweet tooth, consider taking this road trip to six old-school chocolate shops. Along the way, you'll pass through charming towns, meet fabulous people, and - most importantly - eat some of the best homemade Minnesota chocolate.

This sweet road trip crosses the Twin Cities metro, then heads up the St. Croix River valley, with beautiful scenery along the way, making it the perfect way to see what Minnesota has to offer.

1. Truffle Hill Chocolates - Excelsior

Your journey begins at one of the Twin Cities' most venerable and beloved chocolatiers, Truffle Hill Chocolates in Excelsior, which has been putting smiles on folks' faces for more than a quarter of a century. Truffles, as you may have guessed, are the shop's specialty, but you'll find all manner of other treats to satisfy your sweet tooth, as well.

2. Groveland Confections - Minnetonka

From Excelsior, head east to Minnetonka and Groveland Confections, where you'll swoon for the shop's small-batch, hand-crafted chocolates. Select some individual treats to eat on the road, and grab a sampler to share (or not) with your friends and family.

3. Droolin' Moose - Edina

Your next stop is the flagship shop for Droolin' Moose, located in Edina. This local chain with four Twin Cities locations is renowned for its chocolate confections and chocolate-covered goodies, which have whimsical names like Cocoa Dusters and Coyote Dusters.

4. Chocolat Celeste - St. Paul

Chocolat Céleste got its start in 2001, and locals have adored its hand-crafted artisan chocolates ever since. Its offerings are innovative, too, but they're almost too pretty to eat. Just check out their exquisite Happy Birthday Collection ... can you imagine a sweeter surprise? You'll find that their offerings rank among the best homemade chocolates in Minnesota.

5. Barbara Ann's Fudge Shoppe - Stillwater

Our next stop on the road trip is northeast of the Twin Cities metro area in the charming town of Stillwater. Barbara Ann's Fudge Shoppe has been around long enough to become known for one thing in particular: its delicious chocolatey, caramel turtles. But Barbara Ann's has plenty of other treats, too. Fudge, ice cream, and even hard-to-find nostalgic goodies are available at this charming stop on our old-school candy shop road trip.

6. St. Croix Chocolate Co. - Marine on St. Croix

A little further north - but still along the St. Croix River - is the tiny town of Marine on St. Croix. This charming community is perhaps most known for the Marine General Store, a historic general store where you can find gifts, food, and more. But the St. Croix Chocolate Company, in its striking white building, is also well worth a visit. Inside, you'll find inventive, delicious, and award-winning chocolates. Walk away with a box, or just try a couple on the spot. Whatever you do, you won't be sorry you visited. This charming chocolate shop makes this historical community so much sweeter.

Have you been to any of these chocolate shops? Where do you go to snag some of the best chocolates in Minnesota? Let us know! And if you don't have time to hit the road to get your chocolate fix, don't worry: You can get delicious chocolate delivered to your home from Etsy.com

Can't get enough of this sweet state? There's a great deal of indulgence awaiting you! If you're looking for even more sweet places to visit, you can't pass up an opportunity to visit the most charming small-town bakery in Minnesota.