Minnesota–North Country Drive

Visit waterfalls, lighthouses, steep cliffs, rocky shores, wilderness hiking, canoeing, restaurants with views, Split Rock Lighthouse, and the International Wolf Center.

Duluth, MN route mapDuluth may not be everyone’s idea of a perfect vacation destination, but it’s a great starting point for this spectacular experience in Minnesota’s North Country. You can head out along the rugged Lake Superior coast on Route 61 where rocky shores,  lighthouses, waterfalls, and steep cliffs  cause you to consciously pull your eyes away from the scenery to watch the road.

At Tetaguchee State Park, after a short hike to see its Baptism River Falls, drive north on Route One to Ely, the canoer’s heaven and a silent, unspoiled retreat from the world. Just past Read more . . .

Minnesota–The Great River Road

Discover the boreal forest, Red and White pines, Paper Birch, Big-tooth Aspen, hayfields, Mississippi River, 400 lakes within a 50-mile radius, and many stores.

Lake Itasca State Park, MN route mapThe Great River Road (GRR) stars in Lake Itasca State Park, Minnesota. Driving through Minnesota on the GRR takes you past the northern boreal forest, hayfields and tree farms, running along the Mississippi River. Farther south, the Big-tooth Aspen, the Red and White pines, and Paper Birch  fade away as more and more farms make up the scenery.

Next you’ll travel through Bemidji on your way to Grand Rapids, traveling through the backcountry, crossing U.S. 2 two times. The road touches the shores of  6 lakes, crossing the Mississippi 8 times. There are a number of nice resorts that can’t be seen from the highway. Just remember, they won’t be luxurious, but minnows,  leeches, and nightcrawlers abound for those who must fish. South of Grand Read more . . .