Drive To 9 Incredible Summer Spots Throughout Minnesota On This Scenic Weekend Road Trip
By Betsy Rathburn|Published June 17, 2021
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Betsy Rathburn
Author
Betsy is a Minneapolis-based writer who's lived in Minnesota for 20 years. If you know of any amazing Minnesota restaurants, nature areas, or other attractions, feel free to let her know about them at brathburn@onlyinyourstate.com or on Twitter @betsyrathburn.
When warm weather finally hits Minnesota, it’s time to get out and enjoy all that our state has to offer! Luckily, there are many fun things to do in every region of the state. From waterfalls to lakes to hiking trails, it’s not hard to inject some fun into your summer. That’s why we made this summer weekend road trip to help you plan out some excursions. The trip centers largely on eastern Minnesota, stopping at beautiful waterfalls, scenic state parks, and plenty of other interesting attractions in between. Gas up your car, pack your swimsuit, and get ready to follow this fun Minnesota road trip! Read on below to for more details:
When warm weather finally hits Minnesota, it’s time to get out and enjoy all that our state has to offer! Luckily, there are many fun things to do in every region of the state. From waterfalls to lakes to hiking trails, it’s not hard to inject some fun into your summer. That’s why we made this summer weekend road trip to help you plan out some excursions. The trip centers largely on eastern Minnesota, stopping at beautiful waterfalls, scenic state parks, and plenty of other interesting attractions in between. Gas up your car, pack your swimsuit, and get ready to follow this fun Minnesota road trip! Read on below to for more details:
This Minnesota summer weekend road trip covers an area of southeastern Minnesota centered on the Twin Cities. The road trip spans 187 miles, visiting many scenic and nature areas along the way. We recommend that you take a weekend to fully enjoy the trip. You can view the full route here.
The road trip starts in St. Paul, Minnesota, at a little-known waterfall that is surrounded by nature. Shadow Falls Regional Park is set along the Mississippi River, with many unpaved paths through the woods within its borders. One path in particular leads to a secluded waterfall. Though the waterfall is small and thin, its setting in the woods and its fall over a rocky cliff is nothing short of spectacular. You can read more about this waterfall here.
After you've had your fill of Shadow Falls, it's time to head to a much more well-known city waterfall. Minneapolis is home to Minnehaha Falls, a 53-foot waterfall of the Minnehaha Creek. You can follow the trail to the base of the falls, or you can view it from the platform above. Either way, the view is beautiful. If you're hungry, consider stopping for lunch at Sea Salt Eatery steps away from the waterfall.
The next stop on the route is Afton State Park. This 1,600-acre state park is right on the St. Croix River in Hastings. Its location means there are many scenic things to see here, including beautiful views of the river. If you'd like to cool down, there is an excellent swimming beach on the river - complete with sand!
After your beachy afternoon, head north to Stillwater for lunch. While this city isn't a nature area in itself, it is still a beautifully scenic city full of gorgeous views of the St. Croix River. There are many things to do here, including eating, shopping, and enjoying nature. If you're ready to hang up your hat for the day, there are also many great Airbnbs and hotels to stay the night in.
Next up, head north of Stillwater to the lovely Interstate State Park in Taylors Falls. Whereas the St. Croix River views in Hastings and Stillwater consist of beaches and forests, this area is a bit more wild. Rugged cliffs line the river, and there are many excellent hikes where you can see them up close. If you have time, you could also consider taking a scenic riverboat tour of the area from the Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours company.
Just north of Interstate State Park is the lesser known Wild River State Park. Whereas Interstate is a busier location, Wild River is much more quiet. Shaded hiking trails lead through a peaceful wooded area towards the St. Croix River. If you're looking for a quiet nature oasis this summer, this is a great spot to find it.
Next up, it's time to head west. Along the way to the next destination, we recommend stopping at the little-known Sand Dunes State Forest. This secret spot is a 2,700-acre nature area in Sherburne County. It consists of hiking trails through a lovely oak savanna forest. A nearby boat ramp makes it easy to enjoy Ann Lake, where many also take in the scenery in canoes and kayaks. You'll love the perfect peace and scenic beauty of this secret spot.
After you've explored Sand Dunes State Forest, it's time to head on over to Lake Maria State Park. This is a gorgeous park filled with wetlands that host tons of wildlife, from birds to turtles, beavers to muskrats, and more. Even if you only have time for a short hike, it's well worth the visit. If you have more time, consider bringing a picnic lunch or even camping overnight.
The last spot on the map is a popular park in Waite Park, Minnesota, a suburb of St. Cloud. This park is home to several water-filled quarries, some of which have been turned into swimming holes. Adventurous visitors sometimes jump from the high cliffs into the water below. But there's also plenty of room for those who want a less adrenaline-filled experience. Bring your rafts and floaties for this relaxing stop! When you're all done, consider booking an overnight stay in St. Cloud so that you can enjoy some of the area's other amenities.
That’s it! What do you think? Would you add any other destinations to the route? Let us know in the comments! And if you enjoy following road trip routes – and are looking for more fun summer activities – consider following the Minnesota ice cream trail!
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