Top Must-See Stops on the Way from the Twin Cities to Ludlow's

They say it’s about the journey, not the destination.

Luckily for us, it’s both! Arriving at Ludlow’s ready for a relaxing and unforgettable vacation is just half the fun. The other half is getting here. Driving up from the Twin Cities, the route to Ludlow’s is dotted with countless charming roadside attractions, cozy restaurants, and hidden gems along the way.

We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite must-see spots so you can make your trip up to Ludlow’s into an adventure all its own!

World’s Largest Walleye

Our first stop is in Rush City. Right along I-35, you’ll want to pull off at the Holiday Gas Station to snap a pick with the World’s Largest Walleye.

Weighing a whopping 2,000 pounds, this fish is no small catch with the sign proudly declaring it was reeled in by Paul Bunyan himself.

Tobies Restaurant & Bakery

This legendary pit stop in Hinckley, MN has earned its legendary status with their unreal caramel, cinnamon, and pecan caramel rolls. Made with an original dough recipe, swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped off with their own rich caramel or their in-house made vanilla icing, you’ll want to order extra for the road!

Northern Bloom & Gifts

This flower and gift shop in Sandstone, MN is so fun to explore. With tons of fun Minnesota items, showcasing local artists and wood workers, they offer everything from artwork, toys, games, books, clothing, spa and wellness items, and perhaps most importantly, homemade fudge. Made fresh on site, 10 different flavors of fudge are regularly available.

The perfect driving snack you didn’t know you needed.

Doc's Sports Bar & Grill

If you love Bloody Mary’s, be sure to plug in Doc’s near in Sturgeon Lake, MN to your GPS.

While they serve up classic grill fare like burgers, sandwiches, and pizza, what they’re best known for is their award-winning Signature Bloody Mary. You get the works with this one. The drink is topped with a ham and turkey slider, in-house smoked ribs, pickled egg, celery, fresh and house pickled vegetables, pickle spear, and served with a mini Coor’s Lite can.

Come thirsty… and hungry.

Sweetly Kismet Candy Store

This is the ultimate sweet stop. Northern Minnesota’s largest candy store in Carlton, MN boasts 4,500 sq feet filled with over a thousand different candy products, including candy from around the world, unique sodas, bubble gum, cotton candy, novelty candy, classic favorites, and candy you haven’t seen since your childhood.

You’re sure to go into a sugar coma trying to decide exactly how much candy you can reasonably fit into your packed car.

R. W. Lindholm Service Station

If you need to stop for gas, why not stop at a service station designed by Frank Lloyd Wright?

The famed architect designed this gas station 1932 which then opened in 1956 and is still fully operational as a gas station in Cloquet, MN. A truly unique piece of architecture, this is the only gas station ever to be designed by Wright.

Gordy's Hi-Hat

Serving hand-pattied hamburgers, hand-battered Alaskan fish, homemade onion rings, and fresh blended malts since 1960, Gordy’s Hi-Hat in Cloquet has become a favorite stop for a delicious “old-fashioned” meal on the way up North. This charming spot also has a Warming House with tasty coffee and espresso drinks, a playground for the kids, and a dog park for the furry family members.

Thompson Hill Scenic Overlook

This is the scenic overlook before you hit Duluth. The Thompson Hill Welcome Center off of I-35, offers a dramatic view of the St. Louis River, the Duluth-Superior Harbor, and Lake Superior. A great place to stop and stretch your legs, the visitor center is loaded with maps and guides about Duluth, the North Shore and the region.

Head to their picnic area with some of the treats you picked up earlier on the road trip and simply soak in the spectacular view.

Northern Waters Smokehaus

Heading into Duluth, this neighborhood haunt in Canal Park is famous for their artisanal smoked meats and fish and their delicious gourmet sandwiches. The Cajun Finn sandwich is a must-try made with smoked Atlantic salmon, scallion cream cheese, roasted red peppers, pepperoncini, and lettuce on stirato. Yes, please.

Anchor Bar & Grill

This is the spot to get a good burger, fries, and beer. No fish or chicken. Just burgers. The menu covers the classics and then some, from a straight-up cheeseburger to bold picks like the Jalapeño Cream Cheese Burger and the Olive Burger.

With its fun, laid-back vibe, this place in Superior, WI serves up big flavor and your tastebuds will thank you for stopping.

Duluth Delights

Duluth is certainly a trip in itself, but if you want to make it a longer detour, the Aerial Lift Bridge, Glensheen Mansion, Lake Superior Railroad Museum, and Enger Tower are just a few highlights that will make your road trip even more memorable.

Betty’s Pies

Betty’s Pies might not be directly on the route to Ludlow’s but if you have some extra time to swing by Two Harbors, MN, Betty’s world-famous pies are worth the extra mileage. There’s over a dozen different flavors to choose from, including the mouthwatering Butterfinger Cream Pie, Betty's Pecan Pie, 5 Layer Chocolate Cream Pie, and the list goes on.

Take a pie or two to go and if you have some time, relax at their sit-down restaurant for a tasty breakfast or lunch.

Sammy's Pizza

This beloved Iron Range pizzeria has been dishing up mouthwatering pies since 1954. While there are now 15 Sammy’s locations across the Midwest, this Hibbing spot is where it all began. Here, award-winning pizza is crafted the old-fashioned way with made-from-scratch dough, fresh toppings, locally sourced meats, and Wisconsin mozzarella cheese sliced in-house.

And if that’s not enough to tempt you, their daily specials sweeten the deal with Family Deals and an All-You-Can-Eat Buffet on Mondays. Mama Mia.

Minnesota Discovery Center

Learn everything about the Iron Range at this state-of-the-art nonprofit museum where you’ll be fully immersed in the rich history of the land, the mines, and the people. Along with museum exhibits and a genealogical research center, you can also take trolley tours, enjoy live music, play mini golf, and explore the beautiful area via biking, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, and more.

World’s Largest Hockey Stick

Eveleth, MN is home to the World’s Largest Hockey Stick at 110-feet long and weighing in at 10,000 pounds. This area has produced dozens of professional hockey players with a number of players from this town inducted into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame.

And if you want to learn more about the history of hockey, the United States Hockey Hall of Fame Museum is just down the road on Hat Trick Avenue.

So, when your destination is Ludlow’s, the adventure begins the moment you hit the road!

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