Driving Trips Around the Twin Cities
Don't let your car sit idle for long. Take a driving trip around the Twin Cities! We've compiled 10 TripTik® routings you can share with friends and family to take in the local sights around Minneapolis, St. Paul and surrounding areas.
After you click on a TripTik route, you can customize the route by adding or removing stops, and save it to your TripTiks!
Summit Ave Mansions
Estimated Drive Time: 49 mins roundtrip
It doesn’t get much more local or more regal than the historic mansions along Summit Avenue. Built from 1855 through the 1920s, this 4.5 mile stretch of Summit avenue holds 373 of the original grand mansions. As you drive by, imagine what it would be like to live in one over 100 years ago…or today!
Summit Ave Mansions TripTik Route
Woodland Trails Regional Park
Estimated Drive Time: 1 hr 24 mins
On the northwest edge of the Twin Cities in Elk River, the 427-acre Woodland Trails Regional Park is considered the 'crown jewel' of the Elk River Park system and is made up of dense woods, prairies and wetlands. Located within the park, the popular Great Nothern Trail is a 4.75 mile paved regional trail that runs through the park.
Woodland Trails Park TripTik Route
Carlos Avery Wildlife Refuge
Estimated Drive Time: 1 hr 46 mins
Located just northwest of the Twin Cities, this hidden gem consists of 24,000 acres of protected wildlife with 20 actively managed pools. It is very popular for bird watching, and you can also expect to see deer, waterfowl and turkeys, amongst other wildlife, while avoiding the crowds.
Carlos Avery Wildlife Refuge TripTik Route
Grand Rounds Scenic Byway
Estimated Drive Time: 1 hr 47 mins
A linked series of park areas throughout Minneapolis makes a roughly circular path along 50 miles of roadway, passing through seven districts, including the Downtown Waterfront, the Mississippi River, Minnehaha, the Chain of Lakes, Theodore Wirth, Victory Memorial and Northeast Minneapolis. It doesn’t get much more quintessential Minnesota.
Grand Rounds Scenic Byway TripTik Route
Stillwater/Taylors Falls
Estimated Drive Time: 2 hrs 16 mins roundtrip
Some of the most picturesque spots east of the Twin Cities (and right on the border with our Wisconsin neighbor), Stillwater provides the small town charm while Taylors Falls showcases majestic falls and a glimpse at glacial potholes.
Stillwater/Taylors Falls TripTik Route
Munsinger Clemens Gardens
Estimated Drive Time: 2 hrs 16 mins
This stunning botanical experience will give your drive a destination. Located along the Mississippi River in St. Cloud, Munsinger and Clemens Gardens are a feast for the eyes featuring acres of well-manicured gardens, fountains, red brick paths, and the popular rose garden.
Munsinger/Clemens Gardens TripTik Route
Quarry Hill Park fossil hunting
Estimated Drive Time: 3 hrs
450 million years ago, Quarry Hill Park and surrounding areas in Southeastern Minnesota, were covered by an ocean inhabited by many sea-dwelling creatures. It is these ocean-dwelling creature's fossils that remain in the Platteville limestone found in the park today. Uncovered by a quarry operation during the early 20th century, commonly found fossils include: Brachiopods, Trilobites, Cephalopods and Gastropods. In addition to fossil hunting, there is also hiking and cross country skiing trails.
Fossil Hunting - Quarry Hill Park TripTik Route
Red Wing/Wabasha Area
Estimated Drive Time: 3.5 hrs roundtrip
Nestled amongst the rolling hills and picturesque bluffs of southeast Minnesota, the drive to Red Wing and Wabasha alone is a destination. Winding along the Great River Road, one of the most impressive and stunning drives in the country, you may forget you’re just a few hours from home.
Red Wing/Wabasha Area TripTik Route
Waterfalls and Hiking en route to Duluth
Estimated Drive Time: 6 hours, 3 minutes
This route to Duluth includes some hidden gems along the way and within the area itself. A perfect mix of waterfalls - from Wolf Creek Falls in Sandstone to the astounding Big/Little Manitou Falls in Superior, Wisconsin- along with superb hiking trails, this is a drive you could take several times a year and even make it a family tradition.
Waterfalls and Hiking Trails in Duluth TripTik Route
Waterfalls of Southwestern Minnesota
Estimated Drive Time: 6 hrs, 26 mins
This drive is perfect for the waterfall lover. Located all around southwest Minnesota, featuring some tongue twisters, Minneopa Falls, Minnemishinona Falls, Minnewankon Falls, and of course, Minnesota Falls. Don't forget your water shoes!
