I Took a Spontaneous Minnesota Road Trip (Here’s My Route)

I was recently glancing at the pages of my Minnesota State Parks Passport and realized that I hadn't visited a couple of key parks since I'd picked up the passport—and there were still others that I hadn't yet visited. This realization launched me into planning a Minnesota road trip that would eventually become one of my favorite spontaneous adventures. I waited for the weekend to roll around, packed up my vehicle, and hit the road with an eye toward making as many road trip stops through Minnesota as I could. What started as a simple quest for passport stamps turned into a perfect weekend road trip Minnesota itinerary that I think any local or visitor would love to replicate.

What To Know Before Taking This Minnesota Road Trip

Before you set out, it is important to remember that the best Minnesota adventures often come from leaving room for the unexpected. I’ve included a few off-itinerary stops that I made (noted with asterisks) to give you an idea of what you can add to your own best Minnesota road trips . The core of this Minnesota road trip itinerary clocks in at under eight hours of actual driving time, though the total time will vary depending on your starting point and how much you decide to linger at each stop.

• Lodging and Costs: I managed to score a room at the historic Douglas Lodge in Itasca State Park for less than $100. It was clean and well-appointed, and staying inside the park meant I didn't have to worry about pitching a tent after a long day of driving.
• Park Permits: If you are planning to visit multiple parks like I did, consider purchasing a year-round state park permit for $35 to save on daily entrance fees at each stop.
• Supplies and Connectivity: While you'll have cell service in the main towns, some of the wooded stretches between Solway and McGregor can be spotty. I highly recommend downloading offline maps for your hikes and keeping a physical copy of a map so you don't lose track of the route for this scenic Minnesota road trip if you lose connection.
• Packing for the Season: If you go in the summer, be sure to bring heavy-duty insect protection. The mosquitoes at Itasca and Schoolcraft State Park are legendary, especially near the riverbanks and bog areas.

A Spontaneous Minnesota Road Trip Itinerary

Speaking of customizing, I started my journey from my home in the Twin Cities and, although it wasn't on the itinerary, I zigged down to Fort Ridgely State Park in Fairfax. This is one park I had not yet visited in person, so my spontaneous weekend road trip seemed like the perfect time to do so and get my passport stamped. Fort Ridgely is a small park, but it was an awesome place to stretch my legs and learn more about the key role this site played in Minnesota history—particularly during the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862. It's also why I started this itinerary at Ashby, since the stop at this park took me a good distance west.

1. Giant Coot - Ashby

Ashby is where I decided to get off the freeway and start my northerly push, and, in doing so, I was delighted to see a roadside attraction: a giant coot. This inspired me to look for other quirky roadside attractions in Minnesota over the weekend—and I was not disappointed.

2. Chief Wenonga - Battle Lake

I didn't have long to wait, because just a few minutes up the road, I encountered the statue of Chief Wenonga in the charming community of Battle Lake. The statue stands as a tribute to the local history and adds a bit of unique character to this stretch of the drive.

3. Otter Statue - Ottertail

The next town up the road, Ottertail, served up a lovely, 10-foot otter sculpture. These quick stops are one of the best things to do on a Minnesota road trip because they give you a reason to slow down and appreciate the small-town charm that defines rural Minnesota.

* Y Steakhouse - Park Rapids. By the time I reached Park Rapids, I was hungry. And when I passed Y Steak House, I couldn't resist. This charming riverfront eatery had log-cabin charm and supper-club appeal. Food-wise, it did not disappoint! After my early-ish dinner, I drove the last 20 or so miles to my destination for the night.

4. Itasca State Park - Park Rapids

Itasca State Park is one I hadn't visited for some time, but since I started collecting stamps for my state park passport, it's been on my mind. I stayed at the Douglas Lodge, and being first to arrive at the Mississippi headwaters in the morning was a magical experience.

I had the iconic site all to myself, excluding a few hungry mosquitoes. I also managed to take a quick hike through the Preachers Grove stand of old-growth pines before hitting the main visitor center for my stamp.

* World's Largest Paul Bunyan Statue - Akeley. Before continuing on the second day, I took a detour to visit a few roadside attractions along the Lake Country Scenic Byway. This included the world's largest Paul Bunyan statue in Akeley, his sweetheart Lucette in Hackensack, and the world's largest tiger muskie in Nevis.

5. La Salle Lake State Recreation Area - Solway

Then I circled back to La Salle Lake State Recreation Area, which is just north of Itasca on the way to Bemidji. I admit I was feeling pressed for time at this stop, especially given the rest of the day's plans, but the deep, clear water of the lake is something I definitely need to return to explore more thoroughly.

6. Lake Bemidji State Park

​​Lake Bemidji State Park was the next stop on the day's itinerary. It was my first visit (that I remember), and I was excited to get out for another hike. I chose the park's iconic Bog Walk, since I'd already strolled through the woods along Lake Itasca that morning and wanted something a little different. The hike comes in at around two miles. Parts of the trail are a little hilly, but it's well-maintained and ends on a boardwalk through the heart of the park's bog. It's not a long hike, but I tracked along with ​​AllTrails Plus so I could see where I was in relation to the trailhead, as rain was threatening (and I did end up enjoying a bit of a shower on the way back). Along this easy hike, I saw all sorts of cool bog-specialist plants, including some orchids and these carnivorous pitcher plants. It was definitely a highlight, and I'd love to do it again.

7. Schoolcraft State Park - Deer River

The last stop on my official itinerary was my first visit to ​​Schoolcraft State Park in Deer River. It’s a surprisingly small but lovely park where you can hike along another stretch of the Mississippi River through mature pine and deciduous forests. There's a small wooded campground there that would be perfect for a quieter overnight stay if the larger parks are full.

Highlights From This Weekend Adventure Across Minnesota

* Lady Slipper Scenic Byway Interpretive Wayside - Pennington. If you do this trip in June like I did, you have to make the stop at the Lady Slipper Scenic Byway Interpretive Wayside. While I was too early for the showy lady's slippers, the bright yellow varieties were a lovely consolation prize.

* Big Fish Supper Club - Bena. Another stop I highly recommend is Big Fish Supper Club. It’s the only supper club I know of that is attached to a giant muskie. It’s a great place to grab dinner before finding a place to stay in Grand Rapids or Deer River for the night.

Tips For Planning Your Own Minnesota Weekend Road Trip

• Customize Your Route: While I focused on the central and northern parks, you can easily pivot this into a North Shore road trip if you have an extra day or two to spend near the lake .

• Wildlife Viewing: My final (unofficial) stop was the Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge in McGregor. Waterfowl are the big draw here, but the forest is full of life. On my visit, a black bear even crashed off into the woods before I could grab my camera.
• Keep Your Eyes Peeled: As you head south on Highway 65 leaving the refuge, watch the canal on the east side of the road in Solana State Forest for the "Ditch Ducks." This evolving art installation of painted decoys is a local favorite that always puts a smile on my face.

I started my adventure from the western suburbs of the Metro on Friday afternoon and was back home before 10 p.m. on Sunday night. Even with all the stops, it was a perfectly manageable and spontaneous way to spend a weekend in the Bold North. Whether you follow my path exactly or forge your own, I think you'll find that there is always something new to discover in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Next time you're wondering where to go on a Minnesota road trip, just check out all the road trip suggestions we at Only In Your State have for you; you're sure to find an adventure you'll love!