Grand Rounds Scenic Byway
Places to Visit

  • Boom Island (MN)

    This beautiful lakeside park is located in downtown Minneapolis.

    Distance from byway: On the byway
    Directions:

    Boom Island is located at the western terminus of the byway.
  • Chain of Lakes

    Chain of Lakes (MN)

    This part of the Byway is plentiful in lakeside recreation and more historic exploration.

    Distance from byway: On the byway
    Directions:

    The southwest section of the byway that includes Lake Calhoun, Lake Harriet, Lake of the Isles, Cedar Lake, and Brownie Lake.
  • Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary

    Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary (MN)

    Take a closer look at the wildflowers, birds, insects, and other inhabitants of the garden, with its prairie, bog, and woodland habitat.

    Distance from byway: On the byway
    Directions:

    Located in Theodore Wirth Park on Glenwoood Ave.
  • Longfellow Home and Information Center

    Longfellow Home and Information Center (MN)

    Visitors will find information, pamphlets, and guides to the Byway at this historical house in Minnehaha Park.

    Distance from byway: On the byway
    Directions:

    Located at Minnehaha Park on the Grand Rounds.
  • Mill Ruins Park

    Mill Ruins Park (MN)

    Mill Ruins Park is one of Minneapolis' most unique parks. Mill Ruins Park is an archaeological site complete with tunnels, trestles, and tailraces!

    Distance from byway: On the byway
    Directions:

    Mills Ruins Park is located in downtown Minneapolis between West River Parkway and the Mississippi River at St. Anthony Falls. When traveling there, exit off I-94 at Riverside Avenue or Cedar and head east to West River Parkway.
  • Minneapolis

    Minneapolis (MN)

    A central city since its early days, Minneapolis is a city of charm and culture.

    Location:

    Central Minnesota
  • Minnehaha Park and Falls

    Minnehaha Park and Falls (MN)

    This regional park is best known for massive Minnehaha Falls and features several picnic sites and paved trails.

    Location:

    The park is located in the southeastern corner of the byway at the intersection of E Minnehaha Pkwy & Hiawatha Ave.

  • Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge (MN)

    The refuge is comprised of fourteen linear units totaling approximately 14,000 acres, spanning 99 miles of the Minnesota River.

    Location:

    Within the urban and suburban areas of Minneapolis and St. Paul.

  • Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (MN)

    From the trails to the Visitor Center, everyone will find something they are interested in at this historic site.

    Location:

    The park’s boundaries enclose about 54,000 acres and 72 miles of river. They describe a narrow corridor of land on either side of the Mississippi from Dayton and Ramsey, MN.
  • Nicollet Island

    Nicollet Island (MN)

    This island contains historic buildings and the Nicollet Island Inn.

    Distance from byway: On the byway
    Directions:

    On the Mississippi River in the St. Anthony Historic District of Minneapolis.