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Edge of the Wilderness: Highway 38, Chippewa National Forest, Minnesota
Photo: Jeffrey Smith · CC BY 3.0

Drives Minnesota Minnesota

Edge of the Wilderness: Highway 38

MN 38 · Grand Rapids → Effie

Leisurely45 mi55 min1,100 ft climbHigh point ≈ 1,500 ftOne way
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The drive

Highway 38 runs north from US 2 at Grand Rapids through Itasca County to Effie, where it meets Highway 1. The whole road is a National Scenic Byway called the Edge of the Wilderness, and some people call it the Northwoods Highway. The 44.9-mile drive is rated Leisurely, with about 55 minutes of driving.

The road is known for its winding curves and for passing many lake resort areas, including Wabana Lake and Trout Lake. Between Itasca County Road 19 and Bigfork it runs through the Chippewa National Forest. Marcell, where Highway 286 meets the road, and Bigfork are the towns along the way.

Scenic State Park lies about seven miles east of the Highway 38 and County Road 7 junction at Bigfork. The highway was authorized in 1933 and was completely paved by 1940.

Along the way

  1. Grand Rapids
  2. Marcell
  3. Bigfork
  4. Effie (Highway 1)
Elevation
1,100 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 1,500 ft
Grand RapidsEffie
Curves
Mostly gentle curves
Grand RapidsEffie
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • Much of the road winds past lake resort areas, including Wabana Lake and Trout Lake.
  • Scenic State Park is about seven miles east of the Highway 38 and County Road 7 junction at Bigfork.
  • Check 511 for current conditions before you go.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Minnesota 511 (MnDOT).

Questions about this drive

How long does Highway 38 from Grand Rapids to Effie take?

Highway 38 from Grand Rapids to Effie is 44.9 miles and takes about 55 minutes without stops.

What is the Edge of the Wilderness byway?

It is the name of the National Scenic Byway that covers all of Minnesota Highway 38, from US 2 in Grand Rapids to Highway 1 in Effie.

Is Highway 38 twisty?

The road is known for its winding curves, though the drive is rated Leisurely overall.

What you get in the app

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Edge of the Wilderness: Highway 38, from Grand Rapids to Effie