Our state is - I think, anyway - one of the most beautiful in the entire country. And a large part of what makes it that way is our abundant lakes and waterways, including the grandaddy of them all: the Mighty Mississippi. This iconic river flows for more than 600 miles in Minnesota, from its headwaters at Lake Itasca through the Twin Cities and down to the Iowa border. Along its course, it passes through some of the most iconic and pristine scenery in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. One of the best ways to experience the grandeur of its mighty flow is to follow it for a while. And you can do just that on this breathtaking Mississippi River road trip in Minnesota.
If you drive this itinerary without stops, it will take you just under three hours, one way.
I think you'd enjoy it much more if you did it over the course of a weekend or two. Tap or click on the map to launch it in Google Maps and navigate as you go.
1. Hastings, Minnesota
Clearly, you can start anywhere along the Mississippi, but for the purposes of this drive, I'm going with Hastings. You're pretty much clear of the Cities and can get an up close and personal feel for the river here before you embark on your journey.
2. Red Wing, Minnesota
The short distance between Hastings and Red Wing will take you away from the river, but by the time you arrive in the latter, you'll be back in view of the Mississippi. Be sure to take some time wander around this historic and charming river town.
3. Frontenac State Park
Your next stop is a few minutes southeast of Red Wing. From Frontenac State Park, you'll get your first bluff-top views of the river on this drive. You'll also have your first glimpse of Lake Pepin, a natural widening of the Mississippi that is one of widest points along its entire course.
4. Lake City, Minnesota
The next charming town on your journey is Lake City, which fully embraces its location on the Lake Pepin shoreline. It also happens to be the birthplace of waterskiing.
5. Wabasha, Minnesota
From Lake City, you'll continue southeast, skirting the edge of Lake Pepin, until you reach the historic city of Wabasha. It is the oldest town and one of the oldest European settlement in Minnesota. There, you'll find a wonderful downtown area and the National Eagle Center. Be sure to explore this charming community.
6. John A. Latsch State Park
If you're looking for a leg stretch, this is it. Although it's one of the smallest state parks, it is entirely comprised of a bluff that towers over the Mississippi. And the park's one-mile (round trip) trail goes in only two directions: up, then down. On the climb up Mt. Charity, you'll encounter nearly 600 stairs and gain about 450 feet of elevation. But the views up and down the Mississippi River valley are a wonderful payoff.
7. Winona, Minnesota
After you catch you breath, continue on to the lovely river city of Winona. There, you'll find a vibrant community with some really excellent eateries, like the beloved Bloedow Bakery and Nosh, as well as the Minnesota Marine Art Museum and other surprising cultural resources.
8. Great River Bluffs State Park
Once you've drunk your fill of Winona, head up to Great River Bluffs State Park. There, you'll get some wonderful elevated views of the river valley after a short hike or two. The good news is that you'll do most of the climbing in your car as you drive up to the park.
9. Reno Recreational Area
The last suggested stop is one that is just kind of a bonus. Unlike the others, it's neither a state park nor a town. But it's your best opportunity to experience Minnesota's Bluff Country in one of its wildest states. The Reno Recreational Area of the Richard J. Doerer Memorial Hardwood State Forest is just north of the Iowa border, and it's just you and forest and river bluffs. And it's pretty darn amazing.
The beauty of a drive like this is that you can do it in small segments or all at once - whatever works for you! If you want to add some scenery to the trip, start (or end) at Taylors Falls by following the St. Croix River to or from its confluence with the Mississippi near Hastings. I think that drive is also quite lovely. No matter how you do it, though, you'll definitely want to get out and stretch your legs along the way, so be sure to bring an app like AllTrails Plus with you. That way, you'll have all the trail maps - which are downloadable for offline use - you'll need right at your fingertips, whether you have cell service or not.
Have you driven any part of the scenic Mississippi River road trip in Minnesota? Let us know in the comments!
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