Traveling north toward Duluth? Trade Interstate-35 traffic and billboards for the scenic 50-mile Veterans Evergreen Memorial Scenic Drive. It spools past sleepy villages and quiet forest, but don't let the Sunday-drive feel fool you. Behind the pines lies some of the state's most adventurous destinations.
To reach the byway, exit I-35 at Minnesota Highway 23. The road dips quickly into the rugged Kettle River valley, dense with rocks, pines and hardwood. Stop at Banning State Park to explore the river where paddlers battle rapids at Blueberry Slide, Mother's Delight, Dragon's Tooth and Hell's Gate. If you prefer tamer outings, take a tour through historic sandstone quarry ruins or hike to Wolf Creek Falls and Robinson's Ice Cave. The park's also popular for fishing and camping.
Beyond the Kettle River, the byway winds through Askov, founded by Danish immigrants, before beginning its meander through thick pines planted to honor area veterans. When their deep greens disappear, birch forests take the stage. Sun-dappled trunks speed by like a film on fast forward.
The scenic drive passes through five tiny villages-all with less than 100 residents. Kerrick was used for movie scenes in both "Iron Will," a family movie about dog-sled racing, and "Far North," a drama starring Minnesota native Jessica Lange. Nickerson sits closest to the Nemadji River, Objibwe for "left fork." Most voyagers took the right fork from Lake Superior-the St. Louis River-to portage and paddle to the Mississippi.
Modern Nemadji explorers prefer to see mud fly. They jostle down ravines, splash across creeks and rumble through swamps on more than 100 miles of Nemadji State Forest trails for ATVs and off-road motorcycles or vehicles.
Beyond the Nemadji River, Veterans Memorial Scenic Byway curves and climbs through increasingly hilly terrain on its way toward Lake Superior. Don't miss stopping at Veterans Memorial overlook for a view that stretches close to six miles inland to Jay Cooke State Park. The breath-taking view of the St. Louis River Valley shimmers in shades of orange, gold and ever-present evergreen. This scenic drive saves the best for last.