May 18, 2020

Sometimes, hitting the open road for a cruise along some of the Rochester, Minnesota, area’s most scenic drives is just what the doctor ordered. It’s even better when you can take man’s best friend along for the ride. The area has several great drives that make the perfect road trip for you and your pooch. The next time you feel cabin fever creeping in, warm up the car and take it on one of these incredible scenic road trips. scenic drives to take in minnesota

Grand Rounds

The Grand Rounds is actually a bike trail and drivable scenic route that spans 53 miles. It will take you through several different landscapes and cityscapes. Thanks to the wonderful variety the Grand Rounds offers, you and your pooch will have a great time. If the weather is nice, you can even stop at several locations to rent kayaks or paddle boats. The Minneapolis lake chain offers several great vistas which are perfect opportunities to snap some Instagram photos of you and your dog. 

Drive from Douglas to Mantorville

Another wonderful road trip to take with your dog stretches from Douglas to Mantorville. You’ll pass through several rural areas that are the perfect mix of greenery and quaint homes. In the fall, the leaves change to glowing orange, red, and yellow, which makes the drive even more stunning.

Head Up to Niagra Cave

Sometimes it’s nice to include a cool destination at the end of a road trip. You can get out, stretch your legs, and enjoy the sights before making the journey back. If you’re that type of person, making your way up to Niagra Cave is probably the right scenic road trip for you.

If you bring your family instead of your pet on this adventure, there’s plenty to do on site. You can take a tour of the expansive cave system that covers over one mile of walking. You’ll travel up to 200 feet below the surface on the one-hour tour. The tour also passes by fossils dating back 450 million years. Once you’ve finished the cave tour, there are a few other activities on the grounds including gemstone mining, mini golf, and a gift shop.

Forestville Scenic Route

If the Niagra Cave route piqued your interest, the Forestville scenic drive will also be a draw. This incredible drive ends at a beautiful state park which also features a cave. The way to the Forestville Mystery Cave will take you through a lot of back roads, each with their own splendor to take in. While dogs aren’t allowed on cave tours, there’s plenty you can do at the state park including camping, hiking, and birding.

There are plenty of scenic routes you and your pet can experience, so grab a large coffee one morning and hit the road on a great adventure. Even if you don’t make your way to one of these four scenic routes, you can still just drive around and explore somewhere you’ve never been.