The Hidden Beaches Road Trip That Will Show You Minnesota Like Never Before

With 10,000 lakes in our great state, Minnesotans have some work to do when it comes to picking new ones to visit. Where do you start? How do you choose? The task gets even more difficult when you're looking for something off the beaten track. Go too far into the woods, and you'll be muddy and mosquito-bitten in no time. So where are the best hidden beaches in Minnesota?

To help you find the best, quietest secret beaches in Minnesota, we've come up with this handy hidden beaches road trip. These six beaches are incredible. Visit them all on one road trip, and it'll be an experience you never forget.

This hidden beaches route winds through northern Minnesota. It clocks in at just over 500 miles long.

The drive itself is about 9.5 hours, so this is definitely a road trip to take over a few days. But there is plenty to do in the area besides lake hopping. Use this interactive map to look at the full route with driving directions.

1. McCarthy Beach - McCarthy Beach State Park

Despite its beach along Sturgeon Lake being ranked among the best in the country, McCarthy Beach State Park is not in the running for the most popular park in Minnesota. But it is certainly worth visiting. Tucked in among thick trees, the calm waters and soft sands of this beach make it a real treat on a summer day. The shallow water extends far into the lake, making McCarthy Beach in Minnesota a great beach for young swimmers.Address: 7622 McCarthy Beach Road, Side Lake, MN, 55781

2. Black Beach - Silver Bay

Next up, Black Beach is a well-known but seldom visited beach on Lake Superior. As far as Minnesota beaches to visit go, this one is one of the most unique. The soft black sand gives way to chilly lake water, but on a hot day, it's not a bad spot for a swim. If you still can't take the cold, Black Beach is still worth visiting for the phenomenal natural scenery.Address: Silver Bay, MN, 55614

3. Iona's Beach - Two Harbors

Next, travel just a few miles south on Highway 61 to Iona's Beach. In contrast with Silver Bay's Black Beach, this little spot is covered in millions of pink pebbles. In the silence of the secluded beach, you should be able to hear them tinkle together as the waves wash the shore. It's one of the most magical hidden beaches in Minnesota that is not to be missed.Address: 3548 MN-61, Two Harbors, MN, 55616

4. Pelican Lake Beach - Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area

The next stop on our road trip is a bit of a hike from Iona's Beach, but it's well worth it. Located in a resort country near Nisswa, Pelican Lake Beach is one of the only public beaches in the area, managed by the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area. Because most visitors to the Nisswa area stay at resorts, you'll find that this spot is truly hidden. Pop in for a long swim and a great view at one of the most secluded Minnesota beaches to visit.Address: 307 3rd Streete, Ironton, MN, 56455

5. Lake Bemidji - Lake Bemidji State Park

Next, we travel north again, this time to Lake Bemidji. Located in the expansive Lake Bemidji State Park, a visit to this beach would be a great way to cool off after a long car drive. You could even pitch a tent and stay the night - and you'll probably want to. The quiet beach has soft sand and calm waters. It's a great hidden spot for some fun in the sun and just might be one of the best secret beaches in Minnesota.Address: 3401 State Park Road NE, Bemidji, MN, 56601

6. Lake of the Woods - Zippel Bay State Park

Are you looking for something really hidden? Any beach on Lake of the Woods would probably make the cut, and the one at Zippel Bay State Park is especially one of the best although the entire park gets just over 36,000 visitors per year, making it one of Minnesota's least-visited state parks. Zippel Bay's beach is long and sandy, perfect for spreading out a towel to catch some rays. And when you're all done, take a dip into one of the northernmost lakes in the United States. Address: 3684 54th Avenue NW, Williams, MN, 56686

Did we leave off any of your favorite hidden beaches in Minnesota? Feel free to join the discussion! For another road trip that's perfect for spring, summer, and fall, check out the Ultimate Waterfalls Road Trip In Minnesota!