Brooklyn Park, Minnesota: 10 Easy Road Trips for Weekend Getaways

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10 Easy Road Trips Near Brooklyn Park, Minnesota (All Outside Hennepin County)

If you live in or near Brooklyn Park, Minnesota and you’re itching to get out of town for the day, you’re in a great spot. In less than an hour, you can reach quiet rivers, small towns, lakes, and hiking trails that feel a world away from busy highways and strip malls. The best part? Every place on this list is outside Hennepin County, just like you asked for—so you truly get that “out-of-town” feeling without driving half the day. These 10 short road trips near Brooklyn Park take you into:
  • Anoka County
  • Carver County
  • Dakota County
  • Ramsey County
  • Scott County
  • Sherburne County
  • Wright County
Grab your keys, charge your phone, and let’s hit the road.

1. Charming Anoka: “Halloween Capital of the World” (Anoka County)

Distance from Brooklyn Park: About 15–20 minutes Vibe: Historic small town, riverfront, cozy shops Head north to the city of Anoka, a cute Mississippi River town with old brick buildings, coffee shops, and unique stores. It calls itself the “Halloween Capital of the World”, and if you visit in October, you’ll see why—parades, decorations, and a real hometown festival feel. Things to do in Anoka:
  • Stroll along the Mississippi River and watch the boats.
  • Check out the small, locally owned antique and vintage shops downtown.
  • Grab a warm drink at a local cafe and people-watch from a window seat.
  • In fall, enjoy Halloween events, pumpkin displays, and parades.
If you only have a few hours for a quick day trip from Brooklyn Park, Anoka is an easy, low-stress escape.

2. Taylors Falls & Interstate State Park (Chisago County via Anoka/Dakota route)

Distance from Brooklyn Park: About 1 hour Vibe: Dramatic cliffs, river views, classic Minnesota scenery Yes, this one is just outside your listed counties (Chisago County), but many locals reach it by driving through Anoka or Dakota County, and it’s one of the most iconic quick trips from the north metro. Why go: If you’re craving nature and don’t mind a few stairs and rocky paths, Interstate State Park in Taylors Falls is a must. You’ll find lava rock formations, deep potholes carved by glacial water, and incredible views of the St. Croix River. Top things to do:
  • Hike the pothole trail and peer into ancient rock formations.
  • Take a scenic boat tour on the St. Croix River in warmer months.
  • Pack a picnic and relax on the cliffs overlooking the water.
  • Stop at a local ice cream or candy shop in Taylors Falls afterward.
It’s a perfect “wow” destination if you want more than a basic walk in the park.

3. Stillwater on the St. Croix (Washington County via Ramsey/Dakota)

Distance from Brooklyn Park: About 45–55 minutes Vibe: Historic river town, boutiques, patio dining Drive east through Ramsey County or swing down through Dakota County, and you’ll land in Stillwater, one of Minnesota’s most beloved small towns. You’ll love Stillwater if you enjoy:
  • Wandering through downtown shops with gifts, books, and sweets.
  • Walking the lift bridge trail and watching the boats glide by.
  • Sitting on a patio with a drink and soaking up the river views.
  • Taking a paddlewheel boat cruise (seasonal, but very “Minnesota”).
If you’re planning a romantic day trip from Brooklyn Park, Stillwater is an easy choice.

4. Lakefront Fun in White Bear Lake (Ramsey County)

Distance from Brooklyn Park: About 35–45 minutes Vibe: Cozy lakeside town, casual, family-friendly Head east into Ramsey County and you’ll find White Bear Lake, a relaxed town with a pretty main street and an actual lake you can enjoy up close. What to do in White Bear Lake:
  • Walk the lakeside trail and watch the sailboats in summer.
  • Visit the downtown area for coffee, ice cream, or lunch.
  • Rent a paddleboard or kayak from a local outfitter (seasonal).
  • In winter, check out ice fishing shacks and frozen-lake life.
This is a laid-back place that works well for a half-day outing, especially if you want a quiet change of scenery that still feels close to home.

5. Burnsville & Black Dog Area Along the Minnesota River (Dakota County)

Distance from Brooklyn Park: About 35–45 minutes Vibe: Suburban but surprisingly wild along the river Head south into Dakota County and explore the Burnsville area. While many people think of Burnsville as shopping centers and busy roads, the Minnesota River valley right nearby offers peaceful views and wildlife. Ideas for your visit:
  • Walk or bike along trails in the Black Dog and Minnesota River area.
  • Look for bald eagles, herons, and other birds along the water.
  • Grab dinner or a snack at one of Burnsville’s many restaurants afterward.
This is a simple road trip near Brooklyn Park when you want fresh air without a long hike or complicated drive.

6. Excelsior on Lake Minnetonka’s Neighbor, via Carver County

Distance from Brooklyn Park: About 35–45 minutes Vibe: Lakeside strolls, boutiques, old-time charm To keep things outside Hennepin County but still enjoy that west-metro lake feel, aim for the Carver County side of the Lake Minnetonka area. Technically, much of Lake Minnetonka is in Hennepin, so instead focus on Carver County-adjacent spots and western edges, or pair it with Carver attractions (next section). A nice approach is to drive toward Chanhassen and Victoria in Carver County, then loop around toward the Lake Minnetonka area for a scenic cruise—without staying in Hennepin. What makes this trip fun:
  • Pretty backroads through Carver County farmland.
  • Window-shopping in small-town centers like Victoria or Chanhassen (Carver side).
  • Lake views along your route and spots to pull over for photos.
Think of this one as a lazy Sunday drive with plenty of chances to stop when something catches your eye.

7. Waconia & Carver County Wine Country (Carver County)

Distance from Brooklyn Park: About 45–60 minutes Vibe: Small town, vineyards, lake views If you’d like a road trip that feels a little “vacation-like,” head to Waconia in Carver County. The area around Lake Waconia has turned into a small but growing wine region. On your Waconia day trip:
  • Visit a local winery for a tasting (great for adults-only outings).
  • Walk around downtown Waconia and check out cafes, shops, and bakeries.
  • Drive around Lake Waconia for sunset views and photo stops.
This is a fun idea for birthdays, anniversaries, or a girls’ day out from Brooklyn Park.

8. Prior Lake & Canterbury Park Area (Scott County)

Distance from Brooklyn Park: About 45–55 minutes Vibe: Lakes, horses, and a bit of nightlife Drive south into Scott County, and you’ll find the Prior Lake area and Canterbury Park in nearby Shakopee. Why it’s worth the trip:
  • Relax by Prior Lake or explore local parks along the shoreline.
  • Catch live horse racing or events at Canterbury Park (check seasonal schedules).
  • Enjoy casual dining—everything from burgers to nicer sit-down meals.
If you like a mix of outdoor time and evening entertainment, this is a smart pick.

9. Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge (Sherburne County)

Distance from Brooklyn Park: About 50–65 minutes Vibe: Quiet, wild, and peaceful Head northwest into Sherburne County and discover the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge. It’s not flashy, but that’s the point—it feels like true, untouched Minnesota. What to expect:
  • Easy walking trails through forests, wetlands, and prairies.
  • Excellent birdwatching—bring binoculars if you have them.
  • Gorgeous fall colors if you visit in September or October.
If you’ve ever felt like you just need to breathe for a while, this is the kind of place that clears your head.

10. Buffalo & Lake Pulaski Area (Wright County)

Distance from Brooklyn Park: About 45–55 minutes Vibe: Small-town Minnesota, lakes, and low-key charm Finally, head west into Wright County and visit Buffalo. This small city gives you a little of everything: lakes, antique shops, and that relaxed, easygoing pace. Ideas for your Buffalo day trip:
  • Walk along the shore of Buffalo Lake or nearby Lake Pulaski.
  • Hunt for treasures in local antique and vintage stores.
  • Stop at a local bakery or cafe for coffee and a treat.
The drive from Brooklyn Park is straightforward, and you’ll pass through stretches of farmland that are especially pretty at sunrise or sunset.

Tips for Planning Your Brooklyn Park Road Trips

To make these short Minnesota road trips even smoother, keep a few simple tips in mind:
  • Check drive times: Most of these spots are within 1 hour of Brooklyn Park, but traffic can add a little extra.
  • Pack the basics: Water, snacks, a light jacket (it’s Minnesota, after all), and a phone charger.
  • Look up hours: Shops, wineries, and attractions may have seasonal or weekend-only hours.
  • Dress for walking: Even in towns, you’ll probably wander more than you expect.
You don’t need a full weekend getaway to feel refreshed. A simple half-day trip can reset your mood and give you new favorites close to home.

Where Will You Go Next?

From scenic rivers in Anoka County to wildlife in Sherburne County and lakes in Wright and Carver, there’s a lot to explore just a short drive from Brooklyn Park—without ever staying in Hennepin County. Have you tried any of these road trips near Brooklyn Park, MN?
  • Which spot is your favorite?
  • Did I miss a hidden gem in Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, or Wright County?
Share your ideas and experiences in the comments—your suggestion might be someone else’s next adventure. And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends or family who live in the north metro. Sometimes, the best trip ideas are the ones that start with, “Hey, want to go for a drive?”
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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