I'm going to preface this list by saying I know these are not all of the scariest roads in Minnesota. I mean, driving down any hillside street in Duluth during the winter is a Darwinian experience. And I've been on some dirt tracks on the Superior National Forest that I'm pretty sure weren't designed for a passenger vehicle (but why did they have names then?!). So, I just thought I'd mention a couple that I was recently surprised by. And a third because, well, aliens.
The first two roads have a few things in common: They're both located in Minnesota's Bluff Country; they both extend between the bluff tops and the Mississippi River; and they both pass through small river communities. The third has aliens. If you like haunted roads in Minnesota, you will also like these thrilling streets.
1. Taylor Hill Drive - Minneiska
Minneiska - the "Heart of 'Old Man River'" - is a small river town between Winona and Wabasha. In fact, the town straddles the Winona/Wabasha county line.
Minneiska is tucked up against the bluffs along the Mississippi. The town's name comes from the Dakota-language name for the Whitewater River, which flows into the Mississippi just northwest of Minneiska.
You'll find a couple of popular roadhouses in Minneiska, including Buck's Bar and Grill, which is known for its pizza.
On the same block, you'll also find Eagle View Bar and Grill, where folks flock for the Friday fish specials.
While there's much to do at the river, not everyone in the area lives down here. In Minneiska, there are two roads folks can use to get from the river banks to the blufftop.One of them is Taylor Hill Dr., which connects Taylor Hill Rd., at the top of the bluff, to U.S. Route 61, along the river below. It is narrow, curvy, steep, and minimally maintained for a portion of its route. For these reasons, Taylor Hill Dr. is one of the more challenging drives you’ll encounter in Minnesota - day or night (and yes, that does appear to be a castle in Minneiska). That certainly makes it one of the most unique things to do in Minnesota!
2. Wabasha County 77 - Reads Landing
Reads Landing is a sleepy unincorporated community on the Mississippi River in Wabasha County.
You'll find an antique shop and jeweler, as well as a bed and breakfast in the town. It's also home to the historic Reads Landing School, which now houses the Wabasha County Historical Society and one really curvy, steep, and narrow gravel road.
Wabasha County Road 77 connects Reads Landing and U.S. Route 61 with Wabasha County Hwy. 10 at the top of the bluff. After it leaves the village, it turns to gravel and becomes steep and windy - and it's open year-round. Factor in deer and other critters that share the road, this is definitely one to take slow any time of day - but especially in the dark.
Fortunately, when you make it down the hill, you pretty much end up at Reads Landing Brewing Company - it's just across Route 61 - where you'll find awesome beer and gorgeous Mississippi River views to calm your nerves.
3. Marshall County 5 at Minnesota Hwy. 220 - Marshall County
It was at this intersection in 1979 that Marshall County Deputy Sheriff Val Johnson drove his squad car into an oncoming UFO in the wee hours of the morning. The Val Johnson Incident, as it is now known, is famous in the annals of UFO lore. And I, for one, avoid this part of Marshall County. If you're interested in the ghosts of Minnesota, this is a new place for you to read about, and maybe experience for yourself!
While we don't have mountain passes or lonely roads through dismal swamps, Minnesota's got some drives that I don't love - especially with snow on the ground. Have you driven any of these roads? Do you think these qualify as some of the scariest roads in Minnesota? Let us know in the comments about any Minnesota roads that you think should be avoided after dark. If you're planning a road trip, scary or not, check out The Ultimate Road Trip Packing List by OnlyInYourState.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!
