When you imagine Minnesota’s most remote place, what do you think of? More than likely, you imagine somewhere among the plentiful forests and lakes in the northern part of the state. That is certainly where Minnesota’s loneliest road lies. It’s full of trees, wildlife, and not much else, and you’ll be 50 miles from the nearest town when you reach the end.
Minnesota’s loneliest road is Cook County Road 12, better known as the Gunflint Trail.
Google Maps Though the Gunflint Trail is a popular spot - especially in the summer - it is possible to drive its entire 50 miles without seeing many other people. If you truly want to get away from it all, go in the off months, when only the most dedicated hikers and fishermen venture that far north.
The route stretches 55 miles through the North Woods, starting at the North Shore.
Google Maps While there are quite a few resorts along the route - and a restaurant at the very end - you’ll be impressed by just how remote this road is. To put things in perspective, the end of the Gunflint Trail is a nearly 6-hour drive from the Twin Cities. It’s more than 3 hours from Duluth.
The trail starts from Grand Marais, right on Highway 61. Grand Marais is the only town along the way.
- Deb -/Flickr It’s a great drive to take if you’re enjoying a weekend along the North Shore. You’re likely already there to get away from it all, so why not go a little further? Because Grand Marais is the only town on the entire Gunflint Trail, you’ll be over 50 miles from civilization when you reach the end.
The road passes through some of Minnesota’s most spectacular scenery.
Phil/Flickr Being in the Arrowhead region, you’ll travel through the remarkably vast Superior National Forest. The forest is made up of 3.9 million acres of mixed woods. It is truly a nature lover’s paradise. Visitors can access hiking trails and a campsite at the very end of the Gunflint Trail.
The Boundary Waters make up more than one million acres of the Superior National Forest as well.
briandjan607/Flickr As you drive along the Gunflint Trail, you’ll notice a few of the many lakes. that make up the Boundary Waters. Because no motorized vehicles are allowed on the lakes, you can be sure that they are pristine. There is easy access to at least one of the lakes at the end of the road.
Travel along this lonely road could give you you up-close glimpses of wildlife.
Aaron Fulkerson/Flickr The Gunflint Trail is known as a great spot to see wildlife in action. It’s not uncommon to see smaller animals such as rabbits, foxes, and birds. But it’s also not unheard of to spot a deer, bear, or even an elusive moose. Keep your eyes peeled, and you’ll realize you aren’t as alone as you thought.
The Gunflint Trail is one of Minnesota’s treasures and certainly a contender for its loneliest road. Have you ever driven on it? Let us know your experience down below!
Google Maps
Though the Gunflint Trail is a popular spot - especially in the summer - it is possible to drive its entire 50 miles without seeing many other people. If you truly want to get away from it all, go in the off months, when only the most dedicated hikers and fishermen venture that far north.
While there are quite a few resorts along the route - and a restaurant at the very end - you’ll be impressed by just how remote this road is. To put things in perspective, the end of the Gunflint Trail is a nearly 6-hour drive from the Twin Cities. It’s more than 3 hours from Duluth.
- Deb -/Flickr
It’s a great drive to take if you’re enjoying a weekend along the North Shore. You’re likely already there to get away from it all, so why not go a little further? Because Grand Marais is the only town on the entire Gunflint Trail, you’ll be over 50 miles from civilization when you reach the end.
Phil/Flickr
Being in the Arrowhead region, you’ll travel through the remarkably vast Superior National Forest. The forest is made up of 3.9 million acres of mixed woods. It is truly a nature lover’s paradise. Visitors can access hiking trails and a campsite at the very end of the Gunflint Trail.
briandjan607/Flickr
As you drive along the Gunflint Trail, you’ll notice a few of the many lakes. that make up the Boundary Waters. Because no motorized vehicles are allowed on the lakes, you can be sure that they are pristine. There is easy access to at least one of the lakes at the end of the road.
Aaron Fulkerson/Flickr
The Gunflint Trail is known as a great spot to see wildlife in action. It’s not uncommon to see smaller animals such as rabbits, foxes, and birds. But it’s also not unheard of to spot a deer, bear, or even an elusive moose. Keep your eyes peeled, and you’ll realize you aren’t as alone as you thought.
Looking for more places to enjoy some solitude? Check out the remote island in Minnesota where you can get away from it all.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
