Episode 077 - Midwest Hidden Gems - 5 of 6 – Minnesota

Explore 7 stunning motorcycle routes across Minnesota, from Driftless valleys and Amish pie stands to Iron Range mining towns and the birthplace of water skiing! In this 5th part of our Midwest Hidden Gems series, Tom and Todd deliver unforgettable rides, must-visit towns, and their top local eats across the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

Toolkit Segment:

Affiliate Note - This video is not sponsored. Some gear or product links may be affiliate links, which help support the podcast at no extra cost to you.

This week in the toolkit: affordable upgrades to make your ride more comfortable—seat hacks, hydration tips, and ear protection gear that really works!

Mentioned Gear:

AirHawk seat pad (or knock-offs)

Sheepskin + bead combo for seat pressure relief

WaterSY 1-gallon jug with GYZR bite valve tube (amazing for long hot rides)

Foam & custom earplugs for quiet riding

Boot dryer + portable options

Riding boot options for different seating positions

Must-Eats Across Minnesota:

Shawnee’s Bar and Grill – Caledonia

Pedal Pushers Café – Lanesboro

Estelle’s Eatery – Harmony

Bubs Brewing Co. – Winona

Reed’s Landing Brewing – Kellogg

Smoking Oak Rotisserie – Red Wing

Leo’s Grill & Malt Shop – Stillwater

Gordy’s Hi-Hat – Cloquet

Chocolate Moose Restaurant – International Falls

Forbidden Barrel Brewing – Worthington

112 on Broadway – Albert Lea

The Grumpy Minnow – Harris

Park Café & Wagon Wheel Café – Braham

Insula Restaurant – Ely

Betty’s Pies – Two Harbors

Lake House on Pepin – Lake City

Newt’s – Rochester

The Creamery – Rushford

Featured Routes in this Episode:

Root River Ridge Ride (Driftless Triangle) – 95 miles

Minnesota Bluffs Ride – 65 miles (Winona to Red Wing)

St. Croix to the Border – 295 miles (Stillwater to International Falls)

Prairie to River Valley – 135 miles (Worthington to Albert Lea)

St. Croix and Pines Loop – 95 miles (Taylor Falls to Lindstrom)

Border to Shore – 299 miles (International Falls to Superior)

Borderline Bluff Ride – 95 miles (Lake City to Chester)

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Question of the Week

Have you ever ridden any of these Minnesota routes? Which one should we hit next?

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Timecodes

0:00 - Teaser: “Emergency Pie and 3 Pairs of Underwear”

0:55 - Bottom Line: Not all Minnesota rides are twisty—but some are stunning

1:30 - Mile Marker: 7 top rides through bluffs, pines, and Amish pie country

19:00 - Toolkit: Seat hacks, hydration upgrades, earplugs & smarter gear

25:00 - Ride Wise: Weather, boots, and seating position comfort

26:00 - The Last Mile: Our reflections and trip wrap-up