City Escape: Grand Rapids, MN
Minnesota is called the Land of 10,000 Lakes, but that’s selling it short—there are more than 14,000 lakes in the North Star State. This all-paved City Escape route takes you to see some of the most gorgeous of the bunch.
These roads aren’t blessed with the tightest curves, but they offer an excellent sampler of nature in northern U.S. You’ll pass by many small towns and cities with gas stations, so any motorcycle can complete this loop.
The lakes start coming in rapid-fire succession as soon as you roll west out of Grand Rapids on CR 63, skirting bodies of water left and right. The following SR 6 takes you through the Chippewa National Forest and Land O’ Lakes State Forest, serving up some peaceful woodland scenery until you plunge back into lake country along the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway.
Brainerd, the unofficial capital of Minnesota’s Vacationland, is a fun city with plenty of things to do and see in and around town. If you come by in the summer, consider stopping to listen to some classical music at the Lakes Area Music Festival.
After leaving Brainerd, you’ll roll through calm farmland on small country roads, passing a couple more lakes until you arrive at Lake Mille Lacs. Circumnavigating this second-largest lake in Minnesota is the Lake Mille Lacs Scenic Byway, a 68-mile jaunt with near-constant waterscape vistas. You can certainly ride around the whole lake, but this route covers only the US 169 portion on the western shore (partially because it’s in better condition).
US 169, otherwise known as Voyageur Hwy, is also the road that will carry back to Grand Rapids. Along the way, you’ll cross the Mississippi and cruise through the Hill River State Forest, giving you one more chance to take in the area’s forested beauty before returning to your starting point.
Points of Interest
Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway
The Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway is a collection of roads around the Upper and Lower Whitefish and Pelican lakes. In addition to scenic views, the area has many campgrounds, lodges, and small towns to house you if you’d like to stay and take advantage of the plentiful outdoor activity opportunities.
Lake Mille Lacs Scenic Byway
The Lake Mille Lacs Scenic Byway circumnavigates Minnesota’s second-largest lake over 68 miles, serving stunning views with every mile. This route only covers the western US 169 portion of the byway, but if you have the time, riding around the entire lake is highly recommended.
Judy Garland Museum
After covering the two scenic byways, stop by at this museum dedicated to the woman who walked the Yellow Brick Road. The Judy Garland Museum details the life of the star of The Wizard of Oz, in addition to the history of the book series that spawned the famous movie.