This Rural Road Trip Will Lead You To Some Of The Best Countryside Hidden Gems In Minnesota
By Melissa Mahoney|Published August 18, 2022
×
Melissa Mahoney
Author
I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I've worked in the entertainment industry for much of my adult life and I love photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world! Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream.
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 road trip in Minnesota. Along the way, you’ll stop at attractions you may not have heard of or thought about visiting before!
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.
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.
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.
3. Paul Bunyan & Babe the Blue Ox Statues, Bemidji
Paul Bunyan & Babe the Blue Ox Statues, 300 Bemidji Ave N, Bemidji, MN 56601, USA
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. To learn more, head to the Visit Bemidji website.
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
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.
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.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
