Posted in Minnesota September 04, 2021 by

10 Country Roads In Minnesota That Are Pure Bliss In The Fall

Fall is a great time to explore scenic places in Minnesota. The summer humidity is gone, but the winter chill hasn’t quite worked its way in yet. Trips to the lake are replaced with cozy evenings indoors and, if you can’t get enough of autumn, an annual trip to see the leaves. After all, there’s nothing more magical than fall foliage in Minnesota, and a leisurely car ride makes for the perfect viewing adventure. There are hundreds more country roads, but here are the ten best scenic drives in Minnesota to appreciate during fall.

During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
1. Forest Road 166
Superior National Forest, Stony River Township, MN 55731, USA
Superior National Forest/Flickr
FR 166, also known as 600 Road, is a remote trail through Superior National Forest in Cook County. You're not likely to come across a whole lot of traffic here, even if you go during peak leaf season.
2. Highway 38
Minnesota 38, MN-38, Grand Rapids, MN, USA
stpaulgirl/Flickr
Highway 38 runs from Effie in the north to Grand Rapids in the south. It's also known as the Edge of the Wilderness National Scenic Byway. The road passes by many lakes and through Chippewa National Forest. Plan lots of stops along the route to check out the cute towns and parks nearby.
3. Highway 61
U.S. Highway 61, US-61, Hastings, MN, USA
Sharon Mollerus/Flickr
Highway 61 runs the length of the entire state, but it's especially beautiful when you travel along the North Shore. Start in Duluth and follow Lake Superior towards Grand Marais. It's a classic Minnesota trip made even better in the fall.
4. Tower Road in Hovland
Hovland, Grand Marais, MN, USA
Phil/Flickr
Hovland is a tiny town in Cook County, but you'll enjoy racing down its hilly roads as you take in the fall foliage. And because it's located within Grand Portage State Forest, there's a lot of foliage to see.
5. Spring Creek Road in Northfield
Spring Creek Road, Spring Creek Rd, Northfield, MN 55057, USA
Phil/Flickr
Just outside Northfield, this incredible road is a short drive for leaf peepers who live near the Twin Cities.
6. Highway 210
Minnesota 210, MN-210, Aitkin, MN, USA
Randen Pederson/Flickr
This Minnesota highway runs east-west starting in Duluth and traveling through Brainerd and Fergus Falls before continuing into North Dakota. In the fall, it's a great way to see much of Minnesota's fall colors on a relatively short trip.
7. Highway 30
State Highway 30, State Hwy 30, Hayfield, MN, USA
Mark Evans/Flickr
This one takes you across southern Minnesota, from South Dakota's eastern border to Rushford, Minnesota. Charming small towns along the route will give you plenty to do between looking at fall foliage.
8. Gunflint Trail
Gunflint Trail, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA
MIKE HOUGE/Flickr
The Gunflint Trail is another Minnesota classic. Also known as County Road 12 or Gunflint Scenic Byway, this 55-mile road travels the edge of the Boundary Waters through sprawling forests and around pristine northern lakes. It's a must any time of year, but it's particularly beautiful in autumn.
9. County Road 77 in Crow Wing County
Crow Wing County, MN, USA
Simon Collison/Flickr
This little county road is well-traveled by those who love to visit quaint Nisswa, Minnesota. You'll see plenty of fall leaves along the way.
10. Wilderness Drive in Itasca State Park
State Park Road, State Park Rd, Greenway Township, MN, USA
Brett Whaley/Flickr
On this drive, you'll pass by several lakes. There are plenty of stops along the way for taking photos and enjoying nature. Lucky visitors get to see wildlife on this scenic drive.

Those are just ten of the most magical Minnesota country roads to drive in the fall. Which ones have you driven? Do you know of any of the best scenic drives in Minnesota that didn’t make the list? We’re always eager to hear about your favorite things to do in Minnesota, so let us know what you think by leaving a Facebook comment.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Scenic Drives In Minnesota

September 09, 2021
Sophie Boudreau

When can I see peak fall foliage in Minnesota?

While every year is slightly different, Minnesotans can typically expect to enjoy peak fall colors beginning near the end of September and continuing through mid-October. Of course, this might vary based on which region of the state you’re in and how immersed you plan to be in the falling leaves. Check out this handy fall color finder from the Department of Natural Resources for more information about how to schedule your scenic drive. 

Which hiking trails in Minnesota are best during the fall?

Luckily for folks who call Minnesota home (and those who visit), the state offers an impressive collection of outdoor adventures during the autumn months. There’s nothing quite like taking a break from your scenic drive to enjoy a fall hike in Minnesota, whether you’re a beginner or more of a serious nature enthusiast. Favorite options include Twin Lake Trail in McGregor and Ironwood Trail in Pelican Rapids, but you can check out a full listing of fall strolling spots here. 

What are the best fall day trips in Minnesota?

Embarking on a fall foliage road trip through Minnesota has plenty of perks, but you might want to extend your adventure and visit some of the state’s best autumn attractions. From pumpkin patches to annual harvest festivals, there are so many things to do here. We recommend reading our previous article for the top fall day trips in Minnesota.