Get ready to hit the road early, because this one-day road trip starts with one of the best places to see sunrise in Minnesota. Minnesota is full of incredible destinations you can get to on one tank of gas, and this road trip in Minnesota takes you to some of our favorites. Set the alarm because you’re going to have to hit the road in the wee hours to make both the beautiful sunrise and a glorious sunset.
googlemaps.com From point to point, you’re looking at a drive that’s just over an hour. Of course, you’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to see each attraction, so plan accordingly!
- Barn Bluff
K Kosin/Google Barn Bluff, Red Wing, MN 55066, USA
Stephen Smith/Google An iconic road trip like this deserves to start at one of the most iconic natural features along this part of the Mighty Mississippi. The Red Wing landmark features several trails that will take you to a sensational view unlike any other in Minnesota. To catch a sunrise here is truly something special.
- Anderson Center Sculpture Garden
Anderson Center Sculpture Garden/Google Anderson Center Sculpture Garden, 161 Tower View Dr, Red Wing, MN 55066, USA
Brian Lenk/Google Now that a beautiful sunrise has inspired you, it’s time to spend some time reflecting on the beautiful sculptures found at the Anderson Center Sculpture Garden. More than 20 sculptures are peppered around the garden, each more thought-provoking than the next.
- Vermillion Falls Park
Sergey Burstein/Google Vermillion Falls Park, 215 21st St E, Hastings, MN 55033, USA
Scott Schaub/Google Next stop: a cascading waterfall completely with crumbling ruins! Vermillion Falls Park is a scenic little park in Hastings that’s the perfect pit stop along this road trip in Minnesota. There are a few short trails leading around the park, but, of course, the falls are the star of the show. The footbridge near the falls is a popular space for loved ones to attach locks, sealing their love symbolically for all to see!
- American Legion Post 47
Joel Knutson/Google American Legion Post 47, 50 Sibley St, Hastings, MN 55033, USA
Hastings American Legion/Facebook After all of that exploring, you’re bound to be hungry. American Legion Post in downtown Hastings is the perfect spot to grab a bite. Whether you dine inside or out, you’ll have a splendid view of the Hastings Bridge while you enjoy your meal.
- Spring Lake Regional Park
Poorana Chandran/Google Spring Lake Regional Park Biketrail 1, Prior Lake, MN, USA
Spring Lake Regional Park/Facebook Boasting more than 350 acres of incredibly diverse natural landscape, Spring Lake Regional Park is a tranquil space to take a stroll after lunch. Birdwatchers, in particular, will enjoy their time here since bald eagles are a frequent sighting!
- Caponi Art Park
Zac Drechster/Google Caponi Art Park, 1220 Diffley Rd, Eagan, MN 55123, USA
Trypp Adams/Google Perhaps one of the most enchanting places in Minnesota, the Caponi Art Park is a great destination families with kids of all ages will enjoy. Between the 60 acres of rolling hills and perfectly manicured landscape, visitors will find several artworks and sculptures, some standing out and some blending in seamlessly with nature.
- Lebanon Hills Regional Park
Chris Gram/Google Lebanon Hills Regional Trail, Eagan, MN 55123, USA
Laura Rose/Google Our final destination brings us to Lebanon Hills Regional Park, a 2,000-acre park across Eagan and Apple Valley. With 13 lakes and ponds, and an endless labyrinth of hiking trails to explore, you can easily spend an entire day here. For a different perspective, consider renting a kayak and exploring the park’s waterways. If you can time it right, the sunsets over the water are truly magical.
We’re sure you’ll agree that this part of the North Star State has some of the best places to see sunrise in Minnesota, as well as offering spectacular sunsets. Inspired to see even more beautiful sights in Minnesota? Here are some of our favorite road trips in Minnesota to cross off your bucket list.
googlemaps.com
From point to point, you’re looking at a drive that’s just over an hour. Of course, you’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to see each attraction, so plan accordingly!
K Kosin/Google
Barn Bluff, Red Wing, MN 55066, USA
Stephen Smith/Google
An iconic road trip like this deserves to start at one of the most iconic natural features along this part of the Mighty Mississippi. The Red Wing landmark features several trails that will take you to a sensational view unlike any other in Minnesota. To catch a sunrise here is truly something special.
Anderson Center Sculpture Garden/Google
Anderson Center Sculpture Garden, 161 Tower View Dr, Red Wing, MN 55066, USA
Brian Lenk/Google
Now that a beautiful sunrise has inspired you, it’s time to spend some time reflecting on the beautiful sculptures found at the Anderson Center Sculpture Garden. More than 20 sculptures are peppered around the garden, each more thought-provoking than the next.
Sergey Burstein/Google
Vermillion Falls Park, 215 21st St E, Hastings, MN 55033, USA
Scott Schaub/Google
Next stop: a cascading waterfall completely with crumbling ruins! Vermillion Falls Park is a scenic little park in Hastings that’s the perfect pit stop along this road trip in Minnesota. There are a few short trails leading around the park, but, of course, the falls are the star of the show. The footbridge near the falls is a popular space for loved ones to attach locks, sealing their love symbolically for all to see!
Joel Knutson/Google
American Legion Post 47, 50 Sibley St, Hastings, MN 55033, USA
Hastings American Legion/Facebook
After all of that exploring, you’re bound to be hungry. American Legion Post in downtown Hastings is the perfect spot to grab a bite. Whether you dine inside or out, you’ll have a splendid view of the Hastings Bridge while you enjoy your meal.
Poorana Chandran/Google
Spring Lake Regional Park Biketrail 1, Prior Lake, MN, USA
Spring Lake Regional Park/Facebook
Boasting more than 350 acres of incredibly diverse natural landscape, Spring Lake Regional Park is a tranquil space to take a stroll after lunch. Birdwatchers, in particular, will enjoy their time here since bald eagles are a frequent sighting!
Zac Drechster/Google
Caponi Art Park, 1220 Diffley Rd, Eagan, MN 55123, USA
Trypp Adams/Google
Perhaps one of the most enchanting places in Minnesota, the Caponi Art Park is a great destination families with kids of all ages will enjoy. Between the 60 acres of rolling hills and perfectly manicured landscape, visitors will find several artworks and sculptures, some standing out and some blending in seamlessly with nature.
Chris Gram/Google
Lebanon Hills Regional Trail, Eagan, MN 55123, USA
Laura Rose/Google
Our final destination brings us to Lebanon Hills Regional Park, a 2,000-acre park across Eagan and Apple Valley. With 13 lakes and ponds, and an endless labyrinth of hiking trails to explore, you can easily spend an entire day here. For a different perspective, consider renting a kayak and exploring the park’s waterways. If you can time it right, the sunsets over the water are truly magical.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Places To See Sunrise In Minnesota February 10, 2023 Trent Jonas Where Are The Best Sunrises In Minnesota? Some of the best sunrises in Minnesota will be found on the east-facing river banks of the Mississippi and St. Croix River valleys. Look for sunrises from high viewpoints along the Mississippi, such as Great River Bluffs State Park or John Latsch State Park. Another excellent spot to consider for seeing the sunrise is Afton State Park, on the bluffs above the St. Croix River. Barn Bluff, in Red Wing, is another sublime spot to see the sun greet the day. What Are Some Good Places to See The Sunrise In Minnesota? Given the number of lakes in the North Star State, some of the best places to see the sunrise in Minnesota will be facing eastward across a lake. Look for a lake that has a clear view of the eastern horizon - you don’t want any hills or bluffs (or tall trees) obstructing your view. Spots along Lake Superior’s north shore are excellent for shots of the sunrise over water or with interesting objects in the foreground, like a lighthouse, break wall, or a rocky island. Along the north shore, consider:
Artist Point, Grand Marais Split Rock Lighthouse, Silver Bay Agate Bay, Two Harbors
Other Excellent Places To See Sunrises In Minnesota Of course, there are many other excellent places to see sunrises in Minnesota. The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is an awe-inspiring place to see the sunrise, as is the Ridgeline Trail at Blue Mound State Park. From Fort Snelling State Park in Minneapolis, you can look east down the Mississippi as the sun rises over St. Paul, and from the Stone Arch Bridge over the Mississippi, you can see the light of morning kiss the glass skyscrapers of downtown Minneapolis.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Places To See Sunrise In Minnesota
February 10, 2023
Trent Jonas
Where Are The Best Sunrises In Minnesota? Some of the best sunrises in Minnesota will be found on the east-facing river banks of the Mississippi and St. Croix River valleys. Look for sunrises from high viewpoints along the Mississippi, such as Great River Bluffs State Park or John Latsch State Park. Another excellent spot to consider for seeing the sunrise is Afton State Park, on the bluffs above the St. Croix River. Barn Bluff, in Red Wing, is another sublime spot to see the sun greet the day. What Are Some Good Places to See The Sunrise In Minnesota? Given the number of lakes in the North Star State, some of the best places to see the sunrise in Minnesota will be facing eastward across a lake. Look for a lake that has a clear view of the eastern horizon - you don’t want any hills or bluffs (or tall trees) obstructing your view. Spots along Lake Superior’s north shore are excellent for shots of the sunrise over water or with interesting objects in the foreground, like a lighthouse, break wall, or a rocky island. Along the north shore, consider:
Artist Point, Grand Marais Split Rock Lighthouse, Silver Bay Agate Bay, Two Harbors
Other Excellent Places To See Sunrises In Minnesota Of course, there are many other excellent places to see sunrises in Minnesota. The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is an awe-inspiring place to see the sunrise, as is the Ridgeline Trail at Blue Mound State Park. From Fort Snelling State Park in Minneapolis, you can look east down the Mississippi as the sun rises over St. Paul, and from the Stone Arch Bridge over the Mississippi, you can see the light of morning kiss the glass skyscrapers of downtown Minneapolis.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Some of the best sunrises in Minnesota will be found on the east-facing river banks of the Mississippi and St. Croix River valleys. Look for sunrises from high viewpoints along the Mississippi, such as Great River Bluffs State Park or John Latsch State Park. Another excellent spot to consider for seeing the sunrise is Afton State Park, on the bluffs above the St. Croix River. Barn Bluff, in Red Wing, is another sublime spot to see the sun greet the day.
What Are Some Good Places to See The Sunrise In Minnesota?
Given the number of lakes in the North Star State, some of the best places to see the sunrise in Minnesota will be facing eastward across a lake. Look for a lake that has a clear view of the eastern horizon - you don’t want any hills or bluffs (or tall trees) obstructing your view. Spots along Lake Superior’s north shore are excellent for shots of the sunrise over water or with interesting objects in the foreground, like a lighthouse, break wall, or a rocky island. Along the north shore, consider:
- Artist Point, Grand Marais
- Split Rock Lighthouse, Silver Bay
- Agate Bay, Two Harbors
Other Excellent Places To See Sunrises In Minnesota
Of course, there are many other excellent places to see sunrises in Minnesota. The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is an awe-inspiring place to see the sunrise, as is the Ridgeline Trail at Blue Mound State Park. From Fort Snelling State Park in Minneapolis, you can look east down the Mississippi as the sun rises over St. Paul, and from the Stone Arch Bridge over the Mississippi, you can see the light of morning kiss the glass skyscrapers of downtown Minneapolis.
