Duluth - Minneapolis
 

Are there any stops worth making between Duluth and Minneapolis? My husband and I will be staying in Duluth next week for a few nights, then driving down to Minneapolis on Friday. I'm looking for state parks that aren't too far off of 35, cute towns to stop in, or any good places to grab a bite to eat. This will be our first time north of Minneapolis (we went to college in Winona and currently live in Madison) so we're looking to make the most of it. Thanks!

Betty's Pies and various fish smokehouses are worth a stop.

Thanks - have heard great things about Betty's and we might have to take a half day trip to Gooseberry Falls and stop there. I'm looking for stops south of Duluth, though. We will likely take 35 all the way down to the cities and I'm looking for stops along the way.

Like to gamble?

I'm pretty "meh" about casinos, but my husband enjoys them occasionally.

If you like caramel rolls, Tobies in Hinckley is right off I-35 and people have stopped there (including me) for years. They also have food. I can't think of any sightseeing along the way from Mpls. to Duluth and we make that trip a lot. There are two casinos along the way if you like casinos. One is Hinckley just down the road from Tobies and the other is just south of Duluth. Do drive up to Gooseberry Falls and do Stop at Betty's Pies. If you have time continue on to Split Rock Lighthouse from Gooseberry Falls. It is my favorite lighthouse. I really like Duluth but don't know if it is as much fun in the winter as the rest of the year.

The Chisago Lakes area is just off of Hwy 35 and has some cute towns with shopping including Lindstrom and Taylors Falls.

If you like history, there is a fur trading post in Pine City.

Jay Cooke State Park is a beautiful park and just outside of Duluth. St. Croix State Park is also nearby, and if you go to the Chisago Lakes area there are two parks in the area - Wild River and Interstate.

http://www.uniquelyminnesota.com/act...tate-parks.htm

Here's a list of many things to do in and around Duluth as well:
http://www.uniquelyminnesota.com/wee.../duluth-mn.htm