10 Easy Road Trips Near Blaine, Minnesota (All Outside Anoka County)
Looking for fun
day trips from Blaine, MN that don’t require a long drive—or a huge budget? You’re in the right place.
If you live in Blaine (Anoka County) and feel like you’ve already hit all the local parks and restaurants, it might be time to hop in the car and explore nearby counties like
Hennepin, Ramsey, Washington, Sherburne, Isanti, and Chisago.
All of these road trip ideas are:
- Outside Anoka County (so you’re truly “getting away”)
- Within about a 30–60 minute drive from Blaine
- Great for families, couples, or solo explorers
Let’s hit the road.
1. Spend a Day at Lake Harriet & Linden Hills – Minneapolis (Hennepin County)
If you want classic
Minneapolis lakes vibes, head to
Lake Harriet on the city’s southwest side. It’s about a 30–40 minute drive from Blaine, depending on traffic, but it feels like a mini vacation.
What to do:
- Walk or bike the 2.75-mile loop around the lake
- Grab ice cream or coffee in the nearby Linden Hills neighborhood
- Catch live music at the Lake Harriet Bandshell in summer
- Rent a kayak or paddleboard when the weather warms up
If you like calm water, leafy trees, and a friendly neighborhood feel, this area is an easy win. On a sunny Saturday, it honestly feels like half of Minneapolis is out walking their dogs and kids around the lake.
2. Explore the Sculpture Garden & Walker Art Center – Minneapolis (Hennepin County)
Looking for something a little artsy? The
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is one of the most iconic spots in the Twin Cities, and it’s an easy trip from Blaine.
Highlights:
- See the famous Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture up close
- Wander the outdoor garden for free (yes, free!)
- Pop into the nearby Walker Art Center for modern and contemporary art
- Grab a bite at a downtown restaurant just a short drive away
This is a great
half-day trip from Blaine. You can park, stroll the garden, take some photos, and be back home in time for dinner—or stay and enjoy Minneapolis nightlife.
3. Stroll Around Como Park & Zoo – Saint Paul (Ramsey County)
If you’re looking for a family-friendly road trip close to Blaine, it’s hard to beat
Como Park in Saint Paul, about a 25–35 minute drive.
At Como, you’ll find:
- Como Zoo – small, free (donations encouraged), and easy to walk
- Marjorie McNeely Conservatory – lush indoor gardens and seasonal flower shows
- A beautiful lake with walking paths
- Rides and attractions at Como Town in summer
Kids love the animals; adults love the gardens. And if you’re trying to keep costs down, this is one of the best
budget-friendly day trips near Blaine.
4. Discover Downtown Stillwater – Stillwater (Washington County)
If you want that classic
river town feel, head east to
Stillwater, MN, right along the St. Croix River. It’s usually about a 40–50 minute drive from Blaine, depending on the route you take.
Why people love Stillwater:
- Quaint historic downtown with shops, boutiques, and antique stores
- Plenty of restaurants and patios overlooking the St. Croix River
- Seasonal riverboat cruises
- Scenic views from the bluffs above town
Stillwater is an excellent choice for:
- Couples’ day dates
- Girls’ shopping trips
- Slow, relaxed weekend wandering
If you go in fall, the hills around town are full of color—it’s one of the best places near Blaine for autumn leaf peeping.
5. Bike or Walk the Brown’s Creek & Gateway Trails – Washington & Ramsey Counties
If you enjoy biking, walking, or rollerblading, the
Gateway State Trail and
Brown’s Creek State Trail give you miles of smooth, scenic paths.
How it works:
- The Gateway Trail runs from Saint Paul toward Stillwater
- The Brown’s Creek Trail branches off near Stillwater and leads into town
You can:
- Park at a trailhead in the Saint Paul suburbs (Ramsey County) or near Stillwater (Washington County)
- Ride a few miles or make a full day of it
- Stop in Stillwater for lunch, then head back on the trail
This makes a great
active day trip from Blaine. Toss the bikes on the rack, drive 30–45 minutes, and you have paved, low-stress trails ready to go.
6. Go Wild at the Minnesota Zoo – Apple Valley (Dakota County)
While it’s not one of the counties listed, many Blaine locals consider the
Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley a must-do regional road trip, and it’s worth mentioning if you’re building out a full weekend. It’s about a 45–60 minute drive, depending on traffic.
At the Minnesota Zoo, you’ll find:
- Large outdoor habitats for animals from around the world
- Indoor tropical and marine exhibits (great for cold or rainy days)
- Seasonal events like Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular and holiday lights
If your family loved Como Zoo and wants something bigger, this is your next step. Just be ready for a lot of walking—wear comfy shoes.
7. Follow the St. Croix up to Taylors Falls – Taylors Falls (Chisago County)
If you’re craving cliffs, rocks, and river views, drive northeast to
Taylors Falls in
Chisago County, usually about 50–60 minutes from Blaine.
Top things to do:
- Hike at Interstate State Park and check out the unique rock formations and glacial potholes
- Take a scenic boat tour on the St. Croix River
- Rent a canoe or kayak in summer for a peaceful paddle
- Walk through the small, charming town area
If you like scenic overlooks and a little light hiking, this is one of the best
road trips near Blaine for outdoor lovers. Spring and fall are especially beautiful.
8. Hit the Links at Pebble Creek or Explore the River – Becker (Sherburne County)
Head northwest from Blaine into
Sherburne County and you’ll find the town of
Becker, roughly 45 minutes away.
Ideas for your visit:
- Play a round at Pebble Creek Golf Club if you’re into golf
- Explore nearby access points to the Mississippi River for fishing or peaceful views
- Visit local cafes or drive a bit farther to explore other Sherburne County small towns
This makes a nice, low-key trip if you’d rather avoid big-city traffic and just enjoy a slower pace for the day.
9. Visit Cambridge & Local Lakes – Cambridge (Isanti County)
About 35–45 minutes north of Blaine sits
Cambridge, MN, in
Isanti County. It has that classic small-town Minnesota feel, plus easy access to lakes and countryside.
What you can do:
- Wander around the downtown area with its shops and eateries
- Check out nearby local lakes for boating, fishing, or just relaxing by the water
- Drive the backroads to enjoy rolling fields and forests
If you’re in the mood to slow down and just enjoy a quiet afternoon out of the city, Cambridge is a simple, stress-free choice.
10. Paddle, Hike, or Snowshoe at Wild River State Park – Near Center City (Chisago County)
For a more “up north” feeling without the long drive, head to
Wild River State Park along the St. Croix River in
Chisago County. From Blaine, it’s usually around an hour, give or take.
You can:
- Hike miles of wooded trails with river overlooks
- Rent canoes (in season) or bring your own to paddle the St. Croix
- Snowshoe or cross-country ski in winter
- Pack a picnic and hang out by the river
If you’re looking for a true nature escape and don’t mind a bit of driving, this is one of the best
outdoor road trips near Blaine, Minnesota.
Tips for Planning Your Blaine Road Trips
Here are a few quick tips to make these
day trips from Blaine easier and more enjoyable:
- Check drive times: Traffic around Minneapolis–Saint Paul can change quickly, especially during rush hour.
- Pack a small day bag: Water, sunscreen, light jacket, snacks—simple, but it saves you from extra stops.
- Look up hours ahead of time: Zoos, museums, and tours may have seasonal hours or special events.
- Have a backup plan: If a spot is crowded, it’s nice to have a second option nearby.
Honestly, you could turn this entire list into a “10 weekends from Blaine” challenge and try one road trip each week or month.
Share Your Favorite Road Trips Near Blaine
Now it’s your turn.
Have you taken any of these
short road trips from Blaine, MN?
Did I miss a hidden gem in Hennepin, Ramsey, Washington, Sherburne, Isanti, or Chisago County that you love?
- Drop a comment with your favorite nearby getaway.
- Share this post with friends or family in Blaine who are always saying, “There’s nothing to do.”
The next time you’re bored on a Saturday, just pick one of these ideas, hop in the car, and see what’s waiting just outside Anoka County.
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