While some of Minnesota’s most stunning vistas can be found at the end of hiking trails, it’s not always necessary to labor for the reward when it comes to MN views. On hot, humid days, it might comfort you to know that there are just as many epic views that you can see right from the road. These 15 are all absolutely amazing, and without a hike to get there, there’s no excuse not to see them!
- The views of Minneapolis from the Stone Arch Bridge are truly stunning, and you can even see them from the nearby parking lot!
Flickr/August Schwerdfeger
- Another amazing Minneapolis view can be found by riding the elevator up to Foshay Tower!
Flickr/David Rutledge
- Meanwhile, a drive on the Smith Ave Bridge in St. Paul will provide you with awesome cityscapes.
Flickr/Tony Andrea
- Equally, if not more, stunning are the views that can be found on the roads along the Mississippi. 61 around Red Wing and further south is particularly stunning.
Flickr/Michael Hicks
- The views of the St. Croix and town of Stillwater are beautiful from the hilly roads.
Flickr/Dave Gingrich
- And another St. Croix town, Taylors Falls also has stunning roadside views, especially when you’re crossing the bridge between MN and Wisconsin.
Flickr/Aaron Carlson
- Grand Rounds in the city offers views of the chain of lakes, and you can bike or even just park in the nearby lots.
Flickr/Tony Webster
- On the North Shore, Palisade Head is accessible with just a short drive off 61 and has miles of views.
Flickr/Justin Meissen
- Hermann Heights also provides elevated views right off the road!
Flickr/Doug Kerr
- Another popular spot, Canal Park in Duluth is just the beginning of the shore’s gorgeous views, and can be easily accessed by car.
Flickr/David Scaglione
- And further north, the harbor in Grand Marais is equally as easy to access and equally as beautiful.
Flickr/aaronHwarren
- Minnehaha Falls has viewing areas from above that are just a few steps away from the parking lot!
Flickr/m01229
- The roads in Winona around the lakes provide awesome views of the nearby bluffs.
Facebook/Kari Yearous Photography, LLC
- Miner’s Mountain at the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area is accessible via a short dirt road and has awesome lake country views.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
- The roads on Skyline in Duluth near Enger Tower provide views just as stunning as those that the tower has, and you only have to pull over and step out of the car to fully enjoy them!
Flickr/David Scaglione
How many of the 15 have you seen? Which one is your favorite?
Flickr/August Schwerdfeger
Flickr/David Rutledge
Flickr/Tony Andrea
Flickr/Michael Hicks
Flickr/Dave Gingrich
Flickr/Aaron Carlson
Flickr/Tony Webster
Flickr/Justin Meissen
Flickr/Doug Kerr
Flickr/David Scaglione
Flickr/aaronHwarren
Flickr/m01229
Facebook/Kari Yearous Photography, LLC
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
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