From the north shore of Lake Superior to the bluffs of the Mississippi River Valley, there is a scenic route for everyone. And, countless orchards, 165 pumpkin patches, museums and festivals complete any day trip or drive.

Below are 3 of several stunning fall drives in Minnesota (and when to take them) – any one of these would make a great addition to a roundup of fall travel destinations.

More information: http://www.exploreminnesota.com/travel-ideas/rainbow-routes-10-fall-color-drives  
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Scenic Drives:
North Shore “All-American Road”
Where: North Shore of Lake Superior
Route: Hwy. 61, Duluth to Grand Portage
Peak color: mid-Sept. to early Oct.
About: Great color and great lake views, very popular with fall color fans. Several state parks with wilderness rivers, waterfalls, hiking trails and scenic overlooks. Yellow aspen and birch along shoreline, with scarlet maples inland along forest roads. Make sure you have a reservation for a place to stay, and try planning midweek trips to avoid the busiest travel periods. This has been designated as an "All-American Road," one of only 15 routes in the country so noted for their outstanding scenery. For an inland view, take Hwy. 1 through the colors of the Superior National Forest to Ely.

Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway
Where: Brainerd Lakes & Mille Lacs
Route: Hwy. 371 and 6, and the county roads between them, plus Hwy. 169
Peak color: late Sept. to early Oct.
About: Gull, Pelican and Cross lakes and the Whitefish Chain of Lakes sparkle amid woods of maple, oak, birch and aspen. Mille Lacs Kathio State Park is an expanse of colorful forest at the edge of Mille Lacs, and an observation tower here offers fantastic views. Fishing, boating, golfing and biking the Paul Bunyan Trail are favorite activities in this lake country.

The Great River Bluffs
Where: Mississippi River Valley, southern portion of the Great River Road
Route: Hwy. 61 between Red Wing and LaCrescent
Peak color: mid-Oct.
About: Charming rivertowns and wooded bluffs along the Mississippi. Steep hillsides dressed in brilliant autumn hues of red, russet and gold. Several scenic overlooks, including those at Frontenac and Great River Bluffs state parks. Several roadside apple stands. This is a popular fall drive, so book your stay ahead of time.