The Sweetest Road Trip in Minnesota Takes You To 5 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 chocolates in Minnesota. Read on to learn more about the sweetest road trip in Minnesota.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
Start working up an appetite now, because we're about to embark on a road trip that your sweet tooth will thank you for.
This sweet road trip will take you on a trip through southeastern Minnesota's best chocolate shops. It passes through both large cities and tiny towns, with beautiful scenery along the way, making it the perfect way to see what Minnesota has to offer. For the full road trip including directions, check it out on Google Maps here.
This road trip starts off in St. Paul, Minnesota. As the capital of the state, this city has a lot to offer for anyone who has a sweet tooth. There are plenty of bakeries and candy stores, but Just Truffles is a must-see destination. The shop's cases are lined with melt-in-your-mouth homemade truffles that make great gifts -- or treats for yourself. Not only do they taste good, but they're beautiful. Just Truffles is a treat for your eyes as well as your taste buds. You can also visit their shop online if your sweet tooth simply can't wait for an in-person visit... and we don't blame you one bit. Address: 1363 Grand Ave., St Paul, MN 55105.
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. Address: 652 Transfer Rd, St Paul, MN 55114
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, caramely 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. Address: 317 Main St. S, Stillwater, MN 55082
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. Address: 11 Judd St, Marine on St Croix, MN 55047
Last but not least, our sweet road trip concludes with a stop at Daniela's Chocolates in Forest Lake, Minnesota. This little shop is charming from the moment you lay eyes on it. And when you walk inside, it only gets better. Chocolates expertly crafted by professional chocolatiers are up for grabs -- and you'll want to grab a bunch. These creamy, flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth goodies are not to be missed! Oh, and their gelato is an incredible way to beat the heat on agreeably warm days. Address: 145 Lake St. S, Forest Lake, MN 55025
Have you been to any of these chocolate shops? Where do you go to snag some of the best homemade chocolates in Minnesota? Let us know in the comments section below.
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.
Address: 11 Judd St, Marine on St Croix, MN 55047, USA
Address: 145 Lake St S, Forest Lake, MN 55025, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
The Best Homemade Chocolates In Minnesota
June 07, 2020
Nikki Rhoades
What are the best candy shops in Minnesota?
Here in The Land of 10,000 Lakes, we’re accustomed to sweetness. Our residents have a pretty sweet disposition, but we each have a sweet tooth that could surprise you. The aptly named Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store is expertly armed to address that sweetness craving, and many refer to it as the state’s biggest and best sweet shop. If you want to take a miniature version of the road trip above, you can trek around the Mall of America to check out its chocolate shops.
Where are the best bakeries in Minnesota?
Since 1858, families have been baking up smiles together in The Gopher State. As a result, some of our state’s oldest businesses are bakeries. Just take a look at Rush City Bakery, which has served up some of the most decadent goodies in the state since 1903. You’ll find that, as time has marched on, newer businesses began offering much more than just baked goodies. Some places, like Schroeder Baking Company, have established their places of business near magnificent natural landmarks, offering visitors an especially sweet experience… it just takes a little bit of hiking!
What are the most popular foods in Minnesota?
Minnesota, as a part of the Midwest, is overflowing with comfort food. This is particularly important in the brutally cold winter months, as nothing warms a person to the core like a good, indulgent meal. We specialize in ethnic eats like Scandinavian cuisine, including lefse, a Norwegian flatbread made with potatoes. It’s one of the top foods in Minnesota worth trying! Other regional favorites include cheese curds, walleye, and tater tot hotdish. If you are an adventurous eater, we look forward to treating you to some of the very best Minnesota has to offer. Don’t be afraid to ask locals for suggestions… you’ll find that we are a friendly bunch with a love of great food!
Betsy is a Minneapolis-based writer who's lived in Minnesota for 19 years. If you know of any amazing Minnesota restaurants, nature areas, or other attractions, feel free to let her know about them at [email protected] or on Twitter @betsyrathburn.
