10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips From Minneapolis, Minnesota
Looking to escape Minneapolis for a day but don’t want a long drive? You’re in luck. Within about an hour of the city, you’ll find small towns, river views, lakes, wineries, and some very underrated Minnesota state parks.
Every road trip on this list starts in
Minneapolis, Hennepin County, but all of the stops are in the
surrounding counties: Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, and Wright. That means you get a real “mini getaway” without actually going very far.
Whether you’re planning a solo drive, a couples’ day trip, or a family weekend, these short out-of-county road trips near Minneapolis will give you plenty of ideas.
1. Stillwater & The St. Croix River (Washington County-ish Route via Ramsey)
Yes, Stillwater is in Washington County, but getting there from Minneapolis usually takes you through
Ramsey County (hello, St. Paul views), which makes it a perfect close-to-home escape.
Why go: Historic river town charm, great restaurants, and beautiful bluff views.
What to do in a day:
- Walk along the St. Croix River and watch the boats drift by.
- Grab coffee and pastries on Main Street and wander through antique shops.
- Walk or bike across the Stillwater Lift Bridge and onto the loop trail.
- In warmer months, book a short river cruise or rent a paddleboard.
If you like the feel of a small New England town but don’t want to step on a plane, Stillwater is about as close as you’ll get within an easy drive from Minneapolis.
2. White Bear Lake: Classic Lake Town Vibes (Ramsey County)
Just northeast of St. Paul,
White Bear Lake is a relaxed, friendly lake town that feels surprisingly “vacation-y” for being so close.
Why go: Easy lake access, walkable downtown, and good food.
Try this simple day plan:
- Start with breakfast or brunch in downtown White Bear Lake.
- Walk the lakeside path and check out the public beach area.
- Rent a kayak or paddleboard for a couple of hours in the afternoon.
- Grab ice cream or a drink on a patio before heading home.
If you’re craving water but don’t have a cabin, this is a quick fix without the long northbound traffic.
3. Lake Minnetonka & Excelsior (Carver County Side)
Most people think of Lake Minnetonka as a west-suburb thing, but come at it from the
Carver County side and you get a calmer feel with just as much beauty.
Why go: Lakeside strolling, cute downtown, and sunset views.
What to do:
- Head to Excelsior and walk the main street shops and galleries.
- Take a stroll on the trail along the lake and out onto the pier.
- Pack a picnic and enjoy it in the park near the water.
- Time your visit for sunset and watch the sky over Lake Minnetonka.
On warm evenings, the town feels almost like a coastal vacation spot, just with fewer seagulls and more loons.
4. Hastings & The Mississippi Bluffs (Dakota County)
Head southeast from Minneapolis and you’ll hit
Hastings, a little Mississippi River town in
Dakota County that offers scenic drives, bridges, and riverside walks.
Why go: River views, historic downtown, and easy hiking.
Road trip ideas:
- Walk across the bridge for sweeping views of the Mississippi River.
- Explore the historic downtown area and grab lunch at a local café.
- Check out Vermillion Falls Park and its surprisingly dramatic waterfall.
- Drive along the river for bluff-top views and photo stops.
If you like fall colors, put Hastings on your must-do list in October. The bluffs light up with reds, golds, and orange.
5. Afton & Afton State Park (Dakota County Access)
To reach
Afton State Park from Minneapolis, you’ll often route through
Dakota County before swinging up toward the park. However you get there, it’s worth the drive.
Why go: Rolling hills, hiking, and peaceful river overlooks.
How to spend your day:
- Pack a small backpack with water, snacks, and maybe a light jacket.
- Hike down to the St. Croix River and walk along the beach area.
- Find a hilltop overlook and take a break with a simple picnic.
- Head into the tiny town of Afton for a drink or bite to eat afterward.
If you usually stick to city lakes, Afton feels like a proper “outdoorsy” adventure without needing camping gear.
6. Anoka: The Halloween Capital of the World (Anoka County)
Drive north from Minneapolis, cross into
Anoka County, and you’ll hit the self-proclaimed
Halloween Capital of the World.
Why go: Small-town charm, riverfront paths, and seasonal festivals.
What to check out:
- Walk the downtown streets, especially if you like antique shops.
- Stroll along the Rum River and stop at a riverside park.
- Visit in October to experience Anoka’s Halloween parades and events.
I once stopped here “just for coffee” and ended up staying half the day because I kept finding new little shops. It’s that kind of town.
7. Elk River & Sherburne County Parks (Sherburne County)
If you drive northwest, you’ll eventually hit
Elk River and the quieter landscapes of
Sherburne County. It’s a nice shift from city living.
Why go: Wide-open spaces, river scenery, and peaceful trails.
Easy day trip plan:
- Explore a Sherburne County park or riverside trail for a short hike.
- Pack a cooler and enjoy lunch at a picnic table with river views.
- Wander through Elk River’s small downtown area before heading back.
If you’re looking for less traffic, fewer crowds, and a slower pace, this is a quiet escape that still keeps you within a comfortable drive of Minneapolis.
8. Waconia Wine Country (Carver County)
Yes, you can do a mini “wine country” day without going to California. Around
Waconia in
Carver County, you’ll find rolling fields, vineyards, and a relaxed rural feel.
Why go: Local wineries, lake views, and small-town charm.
Make it a relaxed afternoon:
- Visit a local winery for a tasting flight or a glass on the patio.
- Walk around Lake Waconia or check out a nearby park.
- Explore the downtown area for dinner or dessert before driving home.
If you’re planning a couples’ road trip from Minneapolis, this is an easy, low-stress option that still feels special.
9. Buffalo & Wright County Lakes (Wright County)
Heading further west brings you into
Wright County, where small towns and lakes start to dominate the landscape.
Buffalo is a great base for exploring the area.
Why go: Quiet lakes, small-town shops, and open-country drives.
Ideas for a mellow day:
- Walk or picnic near Buffalo Lake or a nearby public access point.
- Pop into local shops for home goods, antiques, or gifts.
- Drive the back roads and enjoy the rolling fields and farm country.
If you want to clear your head, this kind of trip is perfect: not much planning, just drive, explore, and see where the day takes you.
10. Shakopee & Valley Fun (Scott County)
To the southwest, across the river from Minneapolis, lies
Scott County and the city of
Shakopee. It’s known for big attractions and a mix of history and modern fun.
Why go: Family-friendly activities and easy-to-reach entertainment.
What you might do:
- Plan a day focused on rides and family fun in the Shakopee area.
- Pair it with a drive through the Minnesota River valley for scenic views.
- Stop in town for a relaxed dinner before heading back to Minneapolis.
This is one of the best quick road trips from Minneapolis if you’re traveling with kids or just enjoy a more “theme park” style outing.
Tips for Planning Short Road Trips From Minneapolis
To keep your out-of-county adventures fun and stress-free, a little planning goes a long way:
- Keep it simple: Choose one main destination and one backup stop nearby.
- Check the weather: Minnesota weather changes fast, so bring layers.
- Plan meals loosely: Have a couple of restaurant ideas in mind, but stay open to local spots you stumble across.
- Leave some “no-plan” time: The best discoveries often come from a random turn down an interesting road.
Ready to Hit the Road From Minneapolis?
You don’t need a long vacation or a huge budget to feel like you’ve gotten away. With these short road trips from Minneapolis into Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, and Wright counties, you can wake up in the city and be standing by a river, lake, vineyard, or quiet small-town street in under an hour or so.
Have you tried any of these drives? Or do you have a favorite out-of-county day trip from Minneapolis that should be on this list?
Share this post with a friend who’s always saying, “We should go somewhere this weekend,” and drop your own Minnesota road trip ideas in the comments. Let’s help each other find more easy adventures close to home.
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