Discover one of America’s most remarkable urban scenic byways as you wind through Minneapolis on the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway. This 52-mile loop showcases the Chain of Lakes, the Mississippi River gorge, and Minnehaha Falls—where waters cascade 53 feet into a limestone canyon that inspired Longfellow’s poetry.

The route connects Theodore Wirth Park’s rolling woodlands to the serene shores of Lake Harriet, Lake Calhoun, and Lake of the Isles. Cyclists and joggers share the adjacent trails while you cruise past historic parkways designed by legendary landscape architect Horace Cleveland. Stop at the Stone Arch Bridge for stunning views of St. Anthony Falls, then continue to Northeast Minneapolis where vibrant arts districts and craft breweries await.

Cross Golf Course and surrounding green spaces offer peaceful interludes, while the Mississippi riverfront reveals dramatic bluffs and wildlife sanctuaries. Gardens burst with color at Lyndale Park, home to one of the nation’s finest rose collections.

Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall offers ideal conditions, with peak foliage in October creating a spectacular backdrop.

Allow: 2-4 hours for a leisurely drive with stops, or a full day to explore trails, parks, and waterfront attractions along this urban treasure.

Explore Nearby

• Cross Bar Management Area — Public Land
• Palo Duro Canyon State Park — State Park in Texas
• Fort Ebey State Park — State Park in Washington
• Caprock Canyons State Park and Trailway Dark Sky Park — Dark Sky Site in Texas