Five of Minnesota's Best Family-Friendly Road Trips
The open road, a cooler packed with snacks, and a back seat full of excited chatter — nothing beats a family road trip. But the fun doesn’t have to wait until you reach the final destination.
Minnesota is dotted with kid-friendly stops where little legs and imaginations can run wild. From candy stores and quirky roadside attractions to parks where kids can climb and explore, these routes turn the journey into the main event.
Cannon River
The Northfield to Faribault stretch of the Cannon River is steeped in history and family-friendly sites. To get there, start at Antlers Park in Lakeville, a scenic lakeside spot with a seasonal food stand and a playground, perfect for kids to burn off energy before hitting the road.
Head south to Dundas, a town with a quaint, railroad Western vibe nestled along the river. Take a short walk to see the ruins of the Archibald Flour Mill, which was built in 1857, and stop by Martha’s Eats and Treats for one of their beloved raspberry turnovers.
From here, it’s a quick jaunt to Northfield’s downtown. Wander the quaint streets, popping into Petalina Mercantile Co. for playful home goods, chic barware, and artist-made earrings.
Satisfy sweet cravings at Cakewalk for cupcakes and pastries or visit Content Bookstore (and its sister shop next door, Kids’Content) for books and toys.
For older kids and curious adults, the Faribault Woolen Mill tour is a must. Learn how the company’s iconic blankets are crafted during this behind-the-scenes look at one of Minnesota’s oldest manufacturers. Then get some air at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park. A well-maintained, half-mile trail will take you to a scenic waterfall that is accessible for families.
In the warmer months, make reservations in advance to visit the seasonal pizza farm at the Red Barn. Located just outside Northfield, this picturesque spot offers wood-fired pizzas in a gorgeous outdoor setting. Or wrap up the day at Keepsake Cidery. Sit outside with a toastie and a cider flight while the kids explore lawn games or visit the animals.
Duluth to Hinckley
It’s easy to speed past the stops between the Twin Cities and Duluth in the rush to get Up North or back home. But slow down, and you’ll discover plenty of family-friendly finds along the way.
Before leaving Duluth, stop at the Great Lakes Aquarium, where kids can meet otters, touch sturgeon, and learn about Lake Superior’s thrilling ecosystem. The lake-and-woods themed gift shop alone might be worth the trip.
Just outside, Playfront Park offers an obstacle-filled playground for young ninjas to burn off energy.
Heading south, Cloquet is home to the only Frank Lloyd Wright-designed gas station in the world (Lindholm Oil Company, one of several Wright landmarks in Minnesota). Snap a photo of its iconic architecture, then refuel just minutes away at Gordy’s Hi-Hat. This classic roadside stop has been known for juicy burgers, crispy fries, and milkshakes since 1960.
Sweetly Kismet is a quick detour in Carlton boasting aisles of nostalgic candies and quirky treats, plus a climbable wooden tractor and, if the timing cooperates, maybe even a bounce house or a hot-air balloon.
Nature lovers shouldn’t miss Banning State Park, an underrated gem near Sandstone. Explore kid-friendly trails with scenic rock formations, small waterfalls, and quiet spots along the Kettle River to skip rocks or enjoy a family picnic.
Continue to Moose Lake for a visit to the Depot & Fires of 1918 Museum, where kids can climb aboard a vintage train caboose and see historic firefighting equipment.
Wrap up your trip at Tobie’s in Hinckley, where legendary cinnamon rolls and fresh-baked pastries make the perfect sendoff — or fuel for the road ahead — at its diner or grab-and-go gas station.
Iron Range
Learn about the Iron Range’s unique history and culture on a road trip that explores Minnesota’s mining history — and a whole lot more. Start in Hibbing at the Hull Rust Mahoning Mine View, one of the largest open-pit iron ore mines in the world. Peer into the massive pit and marvel at the giant equipment; it’s a sight the kids won’t forget.
Next, stop at the Minnesota Discovery Center in Chisholm for a trolley ride that illuminates the life and work of the immigrant miners who called this area home beginning in the 1890s. (The Iron Man statue near its entrance is one of the Discovery Center's most popular stops.)
If you’ve got hockey fans in the group, head to the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in Eveleth, where exhibits highlight legendary players and the sport’s deep roots in Minnesota. The World's Largest Hockey Stick is also out in the open downtown.
Continue to Grand Rapids for a visit to the Forest History Center. Step back in time at this interactive site, where lumberjack interpreters demonstrate life in a 1900s logging camp and take a horse-drawn trolley through the Northwoods. Led by interpreters, these tours delve into the area's logging history and the lives of early settlers. The center operates seasonally, so be sure to check its current hours beforehand.
Nearby, the Judy Garland Museum offers a look into the childhood home of the iconic actress and “Wizard of Oz” star. The museum has gathered a remarkable array of “Oz” memorabilia and original artwork, and it was at the center of a nearly two-decade-long caper involving a missing pair of ruby slippers.
Make your way back to Hibbing for a quick stop at the Greyhound Bus Museum to learn about the origins of America’s iconic bus company. The displays include vintage buses and memorabilia, making it a fun draw for transportation-obsessed kids.
Finally, Hibbing’s iconic Sunrise Bakery carries all the Iron Range specialties, from potica (a Slovenian sweet bread with a walnut filling) to pasties (a hand-held Cornish pastry often filled with rutabaga, potatoes, onions and meat).
Lake Pepin to Kellogg
The Great River Road route that runs along the Minnesota side of Lake Pepin is packed with family-friendly stops. Start in Hastings at The Quarry Taphouse, home to the country’s first “rock range.” Pick up a bucket of stones and test your aim by tossing them at metal targets, while younger kids stay entertained with a toy excavator nearby.
Cruise along Highway 61 to Red Wing to visit Red Wing Shoes’ headquarters to snap a picture with the world’s largest boot. Just a short drive away, Colvill Park invites kids to explore its sprawling playground with features like a pirate ship, oversized musical instruments, and giant eyeglasses — all set against a scenic Mississippi River backdrop.
In Lake City, stop at the Lake Pepin Pearl Button Company inside a Victorian-era brick building. The shop brims with treasures, from vintage decor to modern gifts, and nods to the area’s button-making history. Further south in Wabasha, the National Eagle Center gives families the chance to see bald eagles up close and learn about these majestic birds through engaging exhibits and programs.
The grand finale awaits in Kellogg at the whimsical LARK Toys, a magical destination for kids and kids-at-heart. Wander through rooms full of handmade wooden toys and a museum filled with nostalgic playthings before riding the show-stopping, hand-carved carousel. The store-made fudge and Chocolate Shoppe ice cream at the in-house cafe offer a sweet end to the journey.
Lindstrom to the St. Croix River Valley
Start your family adventure at Vilhelm Moberg Park in Chisago City, a compact city park with a bright red Northern Pacific caboose that train-loving littles will want to check out. (You can’t go inside, but there’s a tiny train-themed playground next to it.)
Just a few minutes down the road, Lindstrom’s quirky charm is evidenced by its enormous water tower — a teapot. Take a requisite selfie, then pick up a build-your-own teapot model at the Chisago County Historical Society’s general store.
You’ll find all manner of fika, hygge and sisu souvenirs at the Swedish Gift Store that’s devoted to the strong Nordic and Scandinavian heritage of the area. Don’t leave without grabbing a Scandinavian doughnut from Lindstrom Bakery — named best in the state by Food and Wine in 2021, and now under new ownership that’s keeping its original recipes kicking alongside welcome additions like Swedish cardamom buns.
Next, stretch your legs at Wild River State Park, where the family can enjoy an easy hike along the St. Croix River. Pack a picnic to enjoy among the tall trees or let the kids explore the nature center’s interactive exhibits.
At Franconia Sculpture Park in Taylors Falls, wander the wide-open grounds filled with larger-than-life sculptures, and let the kids climb, touch, and interact with the art. It’s an outdoor museum like no other, trading the “don’t touch” signs for hands-on fun.
End the day at Rustic Roots Winery, a grassy, laid-back spot where adults can sip wine and grab bites from a retro Airstream outfitted with a grill. There are nonalcoholic options for kids, and live music on Sundays in the covered pergola.
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