Scenic Byways

What is a Scenic Byway?

A Scenic Byway can be defined as a road corridor that has regionally outstanding scenic, natural, recreational, cultural, historic or archaeological significance. These corridors offer an alternative travel route to our major highways and daily travel patterns, while telling a story about Minnesota’s heritage, recreational activities or beauty. 

It’s a public road and its corridor recognized through legislation, or other official declaration, as a unique resource worth preserving. In addition, a Scenic Byway corridor is managed to protect this outstanding character and to encourage economic development through tourism and recreation.

Crow Wing County has two scenic byways within the County, see below for information on each of them.


Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway

PaThe Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway is one of eight Scenic Byways in Minnesota that has been designated as a National Scenic Byway under the National Scenic Byways Program, managed by the Federal Highway Administration. The Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway is a 54-mile driving route made up entirely of county roads that take travelers through 14 jurisdictions and two counties (Crow Wing and Cass); with hiking and walking trails, recreational parks and lakes, wildlife management areas, and historical artifacts. The route has a nonprofit organization, the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Association, that partners with, celebrates, and seeks to bring awareness to projects, programs, and events along the route.

A Big Bunyan Welcome | Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway

Lake Mille Lac Scenic Byway LogoLake Mille Lacs Scenic Byway

The Lake Mille Lacs Scenic Byway is a 68-mile scenic loop that encircles Lake Mille Lacs, one of Minnesota’s largest and most iconic lakes. Traveling along a combination of state highways and local roads, the byway showcases expansive lake views, wooded shorelines, and small lakeside communities. It highlights the region’s rich natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and deep cultural history, including Ojibwe heritage, early exploration, and CCC-era landmarks. With access to state parks, beaches, trails, museums, and local businesses, the byway offers a relaxed, year-round driving experience that reflects the environmental, historical, and recreational significance of the Mille Lacs region.

Adventure Home | Lake Mille Lacs Scenic Byway