Woodbury, Minnesota: 10 Best Short Road Trips Nearby

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10 Fun Out-of-County Road Trips Near Woodbury, Minnesota

If you live in Woodbury, Minnesota (Washington County) and feel like you’ve already hit every park, restaurant, and trail in town, you’re in luck. Within about an hour’s drive, you’ll find waterfalls, charming river towns, small wineries, and scenic drives that feel a world away from everyday life. The best part? These short road trips from Woodbury all take you out of Washington County and into nearby counties in Minnesota and western Wisconsin: Anoka, Chisago, Dakota, Ramsey, Pierce, Polk, and St. Croix. Grab your keys, fill up the tank, and let’s hit the road.

1. Chase Waterfalls at Vermillion Falls Park (Dakota County, MN)

If you love the sound of rushing water, this is an easy win. Head about 25–35 minutes south to Hastings in Dakota County to see Vermillion Falls, a powerful waterfall tucked right into town. You can park close by, walk just a few minutes, and suddenly you’re standing at a roaring falls dropping into a rugged limestone gorge. It almost feels like a mini state park, but it’s free and very accessible.
  • Drive time from Woodbury: ~25–30 minutes
  • Best for: Quick nature fix, easy walk, photos
  • Don’t miss: Walking the paved trail along the gorge and exploring the nearby historic Hastings downtown for coffee or ice cream
This is a great “after-work” or Sunday-afternoon style trip. You get a lot of scenery without a lot of effort.

2. Bike the Big Rivers and Mississippi River Trails (Dakota & Ramsey Counties, MN)

Looking for a scenic ride with river views, bluffs, and skyline peeks? Head toward Lilydale, Mendota Heights, and St. Paul to hop on the Big Rivers Regional Trail and the Mississippi River Trail. These trails run along the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers with sweeping views from the bluffs. You’ll pedal past historic bridges, tree-covered paths, and quiet river overlooks.
  • Drive time from Woodbury: ~20–30 minutes to various trailheads
  • Best for: Biking, walking, jogging
  • Pro tip: Start near Mendota Heights (Dakota County), then ride toward St. Paul (Ramsey County) for a fun cross-county adventure
If you don’t bike, no problem. A simple walk along the river is peaceful, especially in the evening when the light hits the water just right.

3. Explore the Minnesota History Center & St. Paul Landmarks (Ramsey County, MN)

Sometimes the best road trip is a city day. Just a short hop from Woodbury, St. Paul in Ramsey County offers a mix of culture, architecture, and easy walking. Start at the Minnesota History Center, where you’ll find interactive exhibits that are actually fun for both kids and adults. From there, you can check out:
  • The Minnesota State Capitol building
  • Cathedral of Saint Paul and its hilltop views
  • Summit Avenue’s historic mansions
  • Drive time from Woodbury: ~15–25 minutes
  • Best for: Rainy days, family outings, history buffs
  • Tip: Pair your visit with lunch on Grand Avenue or in Lowertown
It’s an easy way to feel like a tourist without ever leaving the metro.

4. Winery Hopping in the St. Croix Valley (Pierce & St. Croix Counties, WI)

For a laid-back day with rolling hills and vineyard views, cross the river into western Wisconsin. The St. Croix Valley is dotted with local wineries in Pierce and St. Croix Counties. You’ll find tasting rooms set among fields, with patios perfect for a slow afternoon. Many spots have live music on weekends, plus snacks or food trucks.
  • Drive time from Woodbury: ~25–45 minutes depending on the winery
  • Best for: Adults’ day out, date day, small groups
  • Good to know: Check each winery’s website for hours and events; some are seasonal
Even if you’re not a big wine person, sitting outside with a glass of something cold while you look over the hills is its own kind of therapy.

5. Stroll the Streets of Historic Stillwater’s Wisconsin Neighbors (St. Croix County, WI)

Most people know Stillwater on the Minnesota side, but once you cross the new St. Croix River bridge, you’ll find quiet Wisconsin river communities in St. Croix County that make for a relaxed day trip. You can:
  • Walk the riverfront on the Wisconsin side
  • Find small-town diners and local bars
  • Enjoy views of the St. Croix River and boats drifting by
  • Drive time from Woodbury: ~30–40 minutes
  • Best for: Low-key exploring, river views, casual meals
If you’re the kind of person who likes to just “drive and wander,” this area is perfect. No tight schedule, just see where the road takes you.

6. Outdoor Adventure at Afton Alps’ Wisconsin Countryside Neighbors (Pierce County, WI)

While Afton itself is in Washington County (so we’ll skip that), the countryside just across the river into Pierce County, Wisconsin offers quiet backroads, rolling farmland, and bluff country views. Take a winding drive along the St. Croix River, then cut inland:
  • Stop at roadside overlooks and small town parks
  • Look for eagles and other wildlife by the river
  • Pack a picnic and find a quiet spot along the way
  • Drive time from Woodbury: ~30–40 minutes
  • Best for: Scenic drives, photography, peaceful escapes
It’s one of those drives where you roll the windows down, turn the music up just a little, and let your shoulders relax.

7. Paddle and Play on the St. Croix River (Polk County, WI)

Head north across the river into Polk County, Wisconsin for a classic Midwestern river day. The upper St. Croix area is popular for:
  • Canoeing and kayaking
  • Tubing in the summer
  • Fishing and riverside picnics
Outfitters in the area can set you up with rentals and shuttle you to and from your launch and exit points.
  • Drive time from Woodbury: usually around 1 hour (depending on the exact town or landing)
  • Best for: Warm-weather adventures, groups of friends, families with older kids
  • Tip: Bring water shoes, sunscreen, and a dry bag for your phone and keys
If you’ve never floated down a river on a hot July day, this needs to be on your summer bucket list.

8. Small-Town Charm and Lakes in Chisago County, MN

Just north of the Twin Cities, Chisago County is dotted with lakes, small-town main streets, and quiet parks. It’s a great option when you want to leave the city vibe behind without driving all day. Popular ways to spend your time include:
  • Walking around local lakes and small town centers
  • Stopping for pie or burgers at old-school diners
  • Casting a line off a fishing pier or public access
  • Drive time from Woodbury: ~45–60 minutes
  • Best for: Casual exploring, lake views, relaxed day trips
It’s the kind of area where you might say, “Let’s just drive up and see what we find,” and that’s half the fun.

9. Anoka’s “Halloween Capital of the World” and Riverfront (Anoka County, MN)

Head northwest into Anoka County to visit the city of Anoka, known as the “Halloween Capital of the World.” Even if you’re not there in October, it’s a fun day trip. Things to do include:
  • Walking the downtown streets with historic buildings and local shops
  • Enjoying the Mississippi Riverfront parks and trails
  • Checking out seasonal events and festivals
  • Drive time from Woodbury: ~45–55 minutes, depending on traffic
  • Best for: Seasonal fun, browsing shops, low-key riverfront walks
If you love fall, consider a special trip in October when Anoka really leans into its Halloween identity with parades and events.

10. Urban Meets Nature at Como Park & Zoo (Ramsey County, MN)

Back in Ramsey County, Como Park and Zoo in St. Paul is a classic Twin Cities outing that still feels special, especially if you have kids or visiting family. Within one big park area you’ll find:
  • A free zoo (donations encouraged)
  • The beautiful glass conservatory with themed gardens
  • Walking paths, paddleboats (seasonal), and picnic spots
  • Drive time from Woodbury: ~25–30 minutes
  • Best for: Families, low-cost day out, casual dates
  • Tip: Go earlier in the day on weekends to avoid parking headaches
It’s a great reminder that you don’t have to go far to feel like you “got away” for the day.

Tips for Easy Road Trips from Woodbury

To keep your short road trips near Woodbury fun and stress-free, a little prep goes a long way:
  • Keep a small “go bag” in your car with sunscreen, bug spray, a light jacket, and a phone charger.
  • Check hours before you go, especially for museums, wineries, and seasonal attractions.
  • Pack snacks and water so you’re not scrambling to find food in the middle of nowhere.
  • Bring a paper map or download offline maps if you’re heading into rural Wisconsin or northern areas.
Sometimes the best days are the ones where you don’t plan every minute. Pick a direction—Dakota, Ramsey, Pierce, Polk, St. Croix, Anoka, or Chisago—and see what you discover.

Share Your Favorite Road Trips from Woodbury

Do you have a favorite day trip from Woodbury that takes you into these nearby Minnesota or Wisconsin counties? Maybe a hidden picnic spot, a small-town cafe, or a quiet hiking trail? I’d love to hear about it.
  • Drop your best ideas and tips in the comments.
  • Share this post with friends and family who live in or near Woodbury and are always saying, “There’s nothing to do.”
The truth is, there’s a whole lot to do—just a short drive away.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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