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