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Minnesota Scenic Byways

Minnesota's designated byways meander through a wide variety of landscapes: the lake-splashed north woods, tumbling waterfalls, grand bluffs towering above winding rivers, ribbons of prairie, city parks, and rolling hills and pastures. Several of these drives are also designated as National Scenic Byways.

In addition to their scenery, the routes were selected for their cultural, historic, natural and recreational qualities. These byways lead to inviting towns, historic sites, state parks, bike trails and walking paths. Make a scenic byway part of your next Minnesota road trip.

Featured Scenic Byways

  • Apple Blossom Scenic Byway

    This rolling farmland and blufftop route travels high above the Mississippi River, offering dazzling views of the river valley below.
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  • Avenue of Pines Scenic Byway

    The Avenue of Pines Scenic Byway cuts through the Chippewa National Forest, features low-rolling hills with pine trees and is popular for fishing.
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  • Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway

    Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway was once used by voyageurs and loggers through the Chippewa National Forest, with rolling hills, bogs and lakes.
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  • Glacial Ridge Trail Scenic Byway

    Lakes are among hills and ridges along the Glacial Ridge Trail Scenic Byway, as well as Sibley, Monson Lake and Glacial Lakes state parks.
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  • Grand Rounds Scenic Byway

    Grand Rounds Scenic Byway is an urban loop that circles the Minneapolis chain of lakes, Mississippi River, Minnehaha Creek and city sites.
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  • Great River Road Scenic Byway

    The Great River Road is longest scenic byway in Minnesota, following the Mississippi River from the headwaters, to the Twin Cities and bluff country.
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  • Gunflint Trail Scenic Byway

    The Gunflint Trail Scenic Byway begins at Lake Superior and heads inland through the rolling hills of Superior National Forest.
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  • Historic Bluff Country Scenic Byway

    The Historic Bluff Country Scenic Byway follows the Root River Valley through woodsy hills and dramatic bluffs.
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  • King of Trails Scenic Byway

    King of Trails hugs Minnesota’s western border and was originally an Indian trail. It’s dotted with small towns, state parks, prairie and wildlife.
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  • Lady Slipper Scenic Byway

    The Lady Slipper Scenic byway runs through the Chippewa National Forest in Northwest Minnesota and is named in honor of the state flower.
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  • Lake Country Scenic Byway

    The headwaters of the Mississippi River in Itasca State Park are a Minnesota Mecca.
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  • Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway

    The Minnesota River Valley scenic byway follows the river. Learn about Dakota Indian and German heritage. Enjoy state parks, small towns and wildlife.
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  • North Shore Scenic Byway

    Enjoy breathtaking scenery of Lake Superior along the North Shore Scenic Drive, including Split Rock Lighthouse, waterfalls, hiking, and state parks.
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  • Otter Trail Scenic Byway

    This serene drive in pastoral Otter Tail county visits the forests and lakes of Maplewood State Park and Glendalough State Park, a scenic overlook at Inspiration Peak, and the 1889 Phelps Mill and millpond.
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  • Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway

    The Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway is named for the legendary lumberjack. This resort area is rich in outdoor fun, golf, wildlife unique shopping and art.
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  • Shooting Star Scenic Byway

    The Shooting Star Scenic Byway is named for the prairie flower that blooms here among little towns and quiet farm country.
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  • Skyline Parkway Scenic Byway

    The Skyline Parkway Scenic Byway follows roads along the high ridge in Duluth overlooking Lake Superior.
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  • St. Croix Scenic Byway

    The St. Croix Scenic Byway rambles along the alternately wild and pastoral St. Croix River, a National Scenic Riverway through quaint historic river towns.
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  • Superior National Forest Scenic Byway

    The Superior National Forest drive takes travelers on a relaxing wooded drive from the North Shore to the communities of the Iron Range.
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  • Veterans Evergreen Memorial Scenic Byway

    Veterans Evergreen Memorial Scenic Byway is he scenic route to Duluth. The Veterans Memorial Overlook has a great view of the St. Louis River Valley.
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  • Waters of the Dancing Sky Scenic Byway

    Waters of the Dancing Sky scenic byway is Minnesota's northernmost scenic drive from Voyageurs National Park along the Canadian border.
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WATCH VIDEO

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Favorite scenic byways by motorcycle