Welcome to Minnesota – The Land of 10,000 Lakes
Minnesota, often called the Land of 10,000 Lakes, is a destination where every mile brings something new to see. Traveling in your Mini-T Campervan makes exploring this beautiful state effortless and affordable. From scenic drives lined with forests and rivers to charming small towns rich in local flavor, Minnesota offers a relaxed pace and endless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Along these routes, you’ll find excellent camping options—state parks, riverside campgrounds, and lakeside pull-ins—that make every stop part of the journey. This guide highlights some of Minnesota’s most scenic drives and the ideal places to stay along the way, helping you make the most of your travels in a Mini-T Campervan.
North Shore Scenic Drive
The North Shore Scenic Drive stretches 154 miles along the rugged and breathtaking shoreline of Lake Superior, offering some of the best scenery in Minnesota. Starting in Duluth, this route winds northeast through forested cliffs, rocky beaches, and charming lake towns all the way to Grand Portage.
Begin your journey in Two Harbors, where Burlington Bay Campground provides lakeside camping with peaceful views and easy access to town. A bit farther up the shore, Split Rock Lighthouse State Park features wooded campsites with incredible vistas of the historic lighthouse and Lake Superior’s vast expanse—a must-see stop for any traveler.
Continuing toward Grand Marais, the drive becomes even more scenic. The Grand Marais Recreation Area Campground offers well-kept lakeside sites within walking distance of the harbor, downtown shops, and nearby hiking trails. Whether you’re camping in a tent, RV, or Mini-T Campervan, this route perfectly blends Minnesota’s natural beauty with convenience, comfort, and timeless shoreline charm.
Great River Road
Following the Great River Road offers a peaceful and scenic journey tracing the path of the Mississippi River through Minnesota’s southeastern countryside. This route winds through river towns rich in history, bluffs, and panoramic river views—ideal for a relaxing drive in your Mini-T Campervan.
Begin your trip in Red Wing, where Colvill Park provides a comfortable riverside campground with open green space and easy access to water recreation. Continue south to Winona, a town known for its riverfront charm and surrounding bluffs. Here, Prairie Island Campground sits right on the Mississippi River, offering large shaded sites and a quiet setting surrounded by water and wildlife.
As you head farther downriver, stop in Lake City to camp at Lake Pepin Campground, a spot that delivers classic river views and a laid-back atmosphere. With the Mississippi rolling beside you, this drive combines scenic beauty, small-town hospitality, and accessible camping at every stop—perfect for those who enjoy taking the slower, more scenic route through Minnesota.
Gunflint Trail
The Gunflint Trail is one of Minnesota’s most remote and peaceful drives, stretching from Grand Marais deep into the Superior National Forest. This route offers a true northwoods experience—dense pine forests, crystal-clear lakes, and quiet stretches of road with minimal traffic. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, and the sounds of loons and wind through the trees replace the noise of everyday life.
A great first stop is Flour Lake Campground, located near the start of the trail. Surrounded by tall pines and calm waters, it provides a comfortable base for paddling, fishing, or simply unwinding. Farther along, Poplar Lake Campground offers scenic lakeside sites and access to nearby hiking trails and canoe routes.
The Gunflint Trail rewards those who appreciate simplicity and solitude. With few distractions and plenty of nature, it’s a drive best enjoyed at an easy pace—perfect for travelers exploring Minnesota’s wilderness in a Mini-T Campervan.
Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway
The Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway offers a peaceful drive through rolling farmland, wooded riverbanks, and historic small towns. It’s a route filled with gentle scenery and easy camping options—perfect for travelers exploring southern Minnesota in a Mini-T Campervan.
Begin your trip in Belle Plaine, where the Belle Plaine City Park Campground provides a quiet setting along the river. Continue southwest to New Ulm, a community known for its history and German heritage, and stay at Flandrau State Park Campground, nestled beside the Cottonwood River. Farther along near Granite Falls, Upper Sioux Agency State Park Campground offers open prairie campsites and beautiful views of the Minnesota River.
From the North Shore Scenic Drive to the Great River Road, from the Gunflint Trail to the Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway, each Minnesota route reveals a different side of the state’s beauty. These drives pair perfectly with the comfort and efficiency of a Mini-T Campervan—where you can take your time, camp where you choose, and enjoy the quiet landscapes of the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
Happy travels and happy camping!
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