In Minnesota we have found plenty of beautiful places. From the prairies to the shore of Superior, Minnesota has something to offer for every kind of nature lover. One place in particular however exemplifies the best of the views that people have come to expect from the land of 10,000 lakes, and better yet, you don’t even need the world’s best photography skills to capture the real beauty (although it never hurts!). It’s actually quite a large place, in fact, it’s about 57 miles long.

It’s the Gunflint Trail National Scenic Byway, otherwise known as just the Gunflint Trail, or County State-Aid Highway 12. If you have yet to drive from end to end of this beautiful road, beginning on Highway 61 in Grand Marais and ending in a loop on Gull Lake, then you are seriously missing out on a quintessential Minnesotan experience. It’s one of the most romantic places in our state. You can find all kinds of beautiful B&Bs and lodges along the road, along with some of the best canoe outfitters in the state. It’s absolutely worth taking a weekend, or an entire week, to have your own Gunflint journey.

Google Maps
The trail spans 57 miles from end to end, beginning on the beautiful North Shore and passing through a forest.
Flickr/Andy Tinkham
It connects Grand Marais on the coast to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, one of MN's prettiest and most popular destinations.
Flickr/Roy Luck

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You can find stunning views all summer along the Gunflint Trail...
Flickr/Tony Webster
But the real magic happens when all the fall colors are out in full force. There is nothing quite like this view to remind you of how amazing Minnesota truly is.
Flickr/Tony Webster
In the winter, the Gunflint Trail is just as magical, providing a real, rugged, MN ride. You can find some of the best snowmobiling and skiing up here.
Flickr/Clint McMahon
It's a gorgeous area and the craziest part about this wonderful span of MN road is...
Cook County Visitors Bureau

For some of Minnesota’s citizens, it’s just the route of their morning commute! In fact, they even have school buses that run the whole 57 miles. Every. Single. Day.

How many seasons have you experienced on the Gunflint Trail?

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