Fall Getaway in Minneapolis
Take one of Minnesota's prettiest fall drives without ever leaving the metro.
Come fall, instinct draws many Minnesotans to the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway in Minneapolis. The 55-mile loop follows the Mississippi River southeast from downtown before snaking back to the green spaces on the city's west side. Locals tend to visit separate segments of the route-a hike here, a bike ride there-so many never realize they're enjoying pieces of the country's only official urban scenic byway.
But seeing the route in small doses means you miss out on its continuous, magnetic beauty. The Mississippi, her banks trimmed in harvest colors, cuts through Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Huge parks, such as 759-acre Theodore Wirth, offer a total fall immersion. The byway's lakes have personalities as different as siblings'-showy Bde Maka Ska (formerly Calhoun), quiet Brownie, family-oriented Harriet.
In some places, the skyline glimmers alluringly above the treetops, but that distance is an illusion. Minneapolis and Saint Paul are right there when you need them. Hike to a waterfall in Minnehaha Park, then try fried oysters at Sea Salt Eatery. Walk your dog at Lake Harriet, then browse kids' books at Wild Rumpus. Settle in for dinner around the fire pit at W.A. Frost in Saint Paul, then reminisce about how you took one of Minnesota's prettiest fall drives without ever leaving the metro.
TRIP GUIDE
What to do
Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway Check out the byway's website for details on the seven byway districts, access areas and points of interest. (612) 230-6400; minneapolisparks.org/grandrounds
Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary The country's oldest public wildflower garden is in Theodore Wirth Regional Park. (612) 370-4903; minneapolisparks.org
Erik's Bike and Boards A few blocks from the byway, this shop in the University of Minnesota's Dinkytown neighborhood has bike rentals. (612) 617-8002; eriksbikeshop.com
Wheel Fun Rentals Rent canoes and kayaks on Bde Maka Ska. Open weekends in September and early October. (877) 273-2453; wheelfunrentals.com
Where to eat
Sea Salt Eatery Steps from the Minnehaha Falls overlook, this indoor-outdoor spot serves fresh seafood and adult beverages. Open April–October. (612) 721-8990; seasalteatery.com
W.A. Frost and Company This Saint Paul classic serves high-end fare-and wallet-friendly sandwiches. (651) 224-5715; wafrost.com
Where to stay
Covington Inn All rooms have fireplaces and deck access on this docked Mississippi River towboat in Saint Paul. (651) 292-1411; covingtoninn.com
For more information: Meet Minneapolis (888) 676-6757; minneapolis.org
(A version of this story appeared in Midwest Living® September/October 2010. Prices, dates, and other details are subject to change, so please check specifics before making travel plans.)