One of my favorite scenic views in Minnesota didn’t make my top 12! Silver Creek Cliff Wayside Park is located in Two Harbors on the North Shore of Minnesota overlooking Lake Superior.
Full disclosure: There are definitely more than 12 breathtaking views in Minnesota. This ranked list is just a few of my favorite and best views in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. It was challenging! Watch a future best views in Minnesota series where I’ll share more scenic views of lakes, rivers, bluffs, gorges, bridges, park benches, fire towers, and more.
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List of the best views in Minnesota
Here is a list of the top 12 most scenic views in Minnesota – ranked!
12. St. Croix River at Interstate State Park; Taylors Falls, MN
One of the most scenic landscapes in Minnesota is Interstate State Park in Taylors Falls, Minnesota. You’ll find dramatic views from and of the bluffs overlooking the St. Croix River.
11. Mississippi River from Mill City Museum; Minneapolis, MN
My favorite Twin Cities viewpoint is from the rooftop balcony at the Mill City Museum in Minneapolis, Minn. Here you’ll capture scenic views of the Mississippi River, the historic Stone Arch Bridge, and St. Anthony Falls (not pictured).
10. Fire tower at St. Croix State Park; Hinckley, MN
If you love chasing fall colors and a cardio workout, then climb the 100-ft. fire tower at St. Croix State Park. Located in Hinckley, Minnesota, you’ll capture sweeping views above the tree canopy.
9. Mount Tom at Sibley State Park; New London, Minnesota
One of the best sunset views in Minnesota is from the top of Mount Tom at Sibley State Park in New London, MN. I captured this beautiful sunset on a winter hike – would love to return in the fall.
8. Sandbank Trail at Forestville State Park; Preston, MN
Golden hour at Forestville State Park in Preston, Minnesota is spectacular. One of the best views of the forested gorge from the Sandbank Trail Overlook. O
7. Switchback Trail at Beaver Creek Valley State Park; Caledonia, Minnesota
This hidden gem of a state park offers the best seat for a stunning sunset view. Beaver Creek Valley State Park is Minnesota’s most southeastern state park.
6. High Falls at Grand Portage State Park; Grand Portage, MN
Who doesn’t love a scenic waterfall view? High Falls at Grand Portage State Park is one of the prettiest views in Minnesota.
5. Middle and Low Falls at Gooseberry Falls State Park; Two Harbors, MN
Minnesota’s most popular state park, Gooseberry Falls State Park, offers several scenic views of all four of their waterfalls. Pictured here are the Middle and Lower Falls. For another beautiful view, hike to the top of the Highway 61 overlook bridge. You’ll get a different view of the waterfalls and of Lake Superior in the distance.
4. Mount Charity at John A. Latsch State Park; Minnesota City, Minnesota
Can you believe this scenic view is located in Minnesota? Although John A. Latsch is one of the smallest state parks, it is one of my favorites. The half-mile trail of nearly 600 steps to the top of Mount Charity takes you to the prettiest view of the Mississippi River Valley.
3. Summit Express Gondola at Lutsen Mountains, Lutsen, Minn.
For scenic views in any season, take a ride in the Summit Express Gondola at Lutsen Mountains Ski & Summer Resort. You’ll be treated to stunning views of the Sawtooth Mountains, Lake Superior, and a forested canopy of trees.
2. Palisade Head at Tettegouche State Park; Silver Bay, MN
Palisade Head at Tettegouche State Park rises 300 feet above Lake Superior. This breathtaking and stunning view overlooks rugged cliffs and shoreline on the North Shore of Minnesota near Silver Bay, MN. Use caution as there are no guardrails at this scenic overlook.
1. Split Rock Lighthouse from the shores of Lake Superior; Two Harbors, MN
Of course, the most scenic view in Minnesota features a lighthouse. While you can take in beautiful views next to historic Split Rock Lighthouse, one of the best views is on the shoreline of Lake Superior. Prepare to walk 200 steps down to capture this stunning view (and then back up). Travel tip: Split Rock Lighthouse and Gooseberry Falls State Park are only seven miles from each other. So make sure your itinerary of the most scenic views in Minnesota include both.
Twin Cities-based blogger sharing memorable emptynester, solo, family and girlfriend-getaway adventures, as well as my day hiking adventures (including all 66 Minnesota state parks), latest book reviews, and updates on my quest for the best adult mac and cheese.
Also two WIPs: historical fiction and psychological thriller
46 comments
I can understand why you chose these breathtaking views as they are truly amazing! I’d love to visit Minnesota and Mount Charity or High Falls would be at the top of my list for sure!
I am trying to make my way to all 50 states, and I have yet to do Minnesota! This was definitely helpful, and I can plan my trip around some of these spots I want to see 🙂
These truly are 12 breathtaking hikes in Minnesota! How absolutely gorgeous! I live in the desert, so I just love seeing all the greenery and the waterfalls in your posts. Looks like it would be a dream to hike there!
#5 is my favorite! It reminds me of a place we went in Missouri called Top of the Rock. I’ve never been to Minnesota, but these 12 scenic views of Minnesota are a must if we go one day!
These are all spectacular. If they are all like this, I don’t see how you can narrow it down. WOW!!! I am partial to waterfalls, so the views from there are probably my favorite out of this series.
All of these views are gorgeous, but High Falls is my favorite! Your pictures make me want to visit these places even more. I hope can get back to Minnesota soon!
I can see why you included each and every one of these, how stunning. There is so much to do in America, I can’t wait to go back and explore more. I will definitely save this post for future travels 🙂
It’s difficult to pick a favourite but I really like the view of High Falls. These are all stunning locations and definitely worth visiting while in Minnesota.
Those views are truly breathtaking. I thought it would be easy to choose a favourite but there are too many. The colours of the trees from the fire tower at St. Croix State Park are gorgeous and the High Falls at Grand Portage State Park are splendid – who doesn’t love a waterfall?
I don’t know where to start but I find myself gravitating to the lighthouse. What wonderful sights to behold. Thanks for taking us to your Minnesota! #flyingbaguette
There are some spectacular views and viewing points in Minnesota. The nature views will always impress me, in particular the waterfalls speak to me. The Mount Charity view reminds me a lot about Australia and could easily be from a tropical country. I’m impressed indeed!
Thank you so kindly! We do have some pretty scenic views in Minnesota. Mount Charity is one of my favorite hikes for a breathtaking view of the Mississippi River. And it does look tropical in the summer!
These are all spectacular. I love a waterfall and am super envious that you are surrounded by so much water! Side note, the reverse is also true, I loved the view of Mill City Museum from the Stone Arch Bridge!
We really do need to plan a visit to Minnesota. It really is an easy trip from Toronto for a longer stay. You have shown some amazing views and we would not want to miss a single one! I love that you have shown that the views are great at different times of day, various seasons and with different weather.
I can understand why you chose these breathtaking views as they are truly amazing! I’d love to visit Minnesota and Mount Charity or High Falls would be at the top of my list for sure!
Thank you! Both of those scenic views are spectacular – two of my favorites in Minnesota.
I am trying to make my way to all 50 states, and I have yet to do Minnesota! This was definitely helpful, and I can plan my trip around some of these spots I want to see 🙂
Awesome! We do have some beautiful and breathtaking views in Minnesota.
I wish I lived closer so I could go and see at least one of those stunning views! Would love to see those over the ocean and with waterfalls.
I hope you get the opportunity to visit Minnesota and check out the most scenic views. We have lots of water views!
Wow, Minnesota looks absolutely beautiful! I would love to visit one day and check out those incredible views.
Thank you! Minnesota does offer some beautiful and scenic views.
These truly are 12 breathtaking hikes in Minnesota! How absolutely gorgeous! I live in the desert, so I just love seeing all the greenery and the waterfalls in your posts. Looks like it would be a dream to hike there!
Thank you! We do have some beautiful and scenic views in Minnesota!
#5 is my favorite! It reminds me of a place we went in Missouri called Top of the Rock. I’ve never been to Minnesota, but these 12 scenic views of Minnesota are a must if we go one day!
Gooseberry Falls is definitely a favorite! Lots of beautiful and scenic views on the North Shore of Minnesota.
These are all spectacular. If they are all like this, I don’t see how you can narrow it down. WOW!!! I am partial to waterfalls, so the views from there are probably my favorite out of this series.
Thank you a much! It was a challenge to select the top breathtaking views of Minnesota. Waterfalls are some of my favorites.
I have always loved looking at your photos from spiltrock. The lighthouse is so beautiful!
Thank you! I love the Split Rock Lighthouse in Minnesota – one of the best views!
Love all the breathtaking views in Minnesota. As always, your photography is stunning.
Thank you so much for your kind words! Love sharing the breathtaking views of Minnesota!
These view would definitely make my top 12 list! Love to visit these locations in Minnesota!
I hope you get the opportunity! We have some lovely and scenic views in Minnesota.
All of these views are gorgeous, but High Falls is my favorite! Your pictures make me want to visit these places even more. I hope can get back to Minnesota soon!
I hope you get the opportunity to visit Minnesota again soon! High Falls is definitely high on my list of the most breathtaking views in Minnesota.
Minnesota is such a beautiful area! So many hidden gems and treasures to visit!
Thank you! So much beauty in Minnesota with breathtaking views!
Each of the 12 views is so impressive, but for me the most breathtaking are the ones of the waterfall! Would love to see it with my own eyes
Thank you! I especially love the Minnesota waterfall views also.
I can see why you included each and every one of these, how stunning. There is so much to do in America, I can’t wait to go back and explore more. I will definitely save this post for future travels 🙂
That’s great to hear! You will not be disappointed as Minnesota does offer some beautiful and breathtaking views!
It’s difficult to pick a favourite but I really like the view of High Falls. These are all stunning locations and definitely worth visiting while in Minnesota.
High Falls in Minnesota is a breathtaking waterfall view!
These are breathtaking views in Minnesota indeed! I’d enjoy visiting all of them.
Thank you! I know you would love these breathtaking and beautiful views in Minnesota!
These Minnesota views are breathtaking! We love visiting the state and will add a few of these to our must-visit list!!
Thank you so much! Minnesota does offer scenic and breathtaking views!
Those views are truly breathtaking. I thought it would be easy to choose a favourite but there are too many. The colours of the trees from the fire tower at St. Croix State Park are gorgeous and the High Falls at Grand Portage State Park are splendid – who doesn’t love a waterfall?
Waterfall hikes are the best! And love High Falls at Grand Portage State Park. So many scenic views in Minnesota.
I do not know much about Minnesota but all the views look super nice – from the waterfalls to the fall foliage.
I hope you get the opportunity to visit Minnesota. We do offer some scenic views and beautiful hikes.
I don’t know where to start but I find myself gravitating to the lighthouse. What wonderful sights to behold. Thanks for taking us to your Minnesota! #flyingbaguette
Jan – https://Flyingbaguette.Com/
Thank you so much! While it’s hard to choose the most scenic view in Minnesota, I also love Split Rock Lighthouse.
There are some spectacular views and viewing points in Minnesota. The nature views will always impress me, in particular the waterfalls speak to me. The Mount Charity view reminds me a lot about Australia and could easily be from a tropical country. I’m impressed indeed!
Carolin | Solo Travel Story
Thank you so kindly! We do have some pretty scenic views in Minnesota. Mount Charity is one of my favorite hikes for a breathtaking view of the Mississippi River. And it does look tropical in the summer!
These are all spectacular. I love a waterfall and am super envious that you are surrounded by so much water! Side note, the reverse is also true, I loved the view of Mill City Museum from the Stone Arch Bridge!
Thank you so much! I love that view also! So many pretty views in Minnesota!
We really do need to plan a visit to Minnesota. It really is an easy trip from Toronto for a longer stay. You have shown some amazing views and we would not want to miss a single one! I love that you have shown that the views are great at different times of day, various seasons and with different weather.
I think you would love Minnesota! So many beautiful and scenic views throughout all the seasons!