Road Trips from Apple Valley, MN
Looking for a quick escape from Apple Valley? You've got options for short, easy drives to nearby towns, most under an hour and a half with a solid drive score. Several of these routes feature parks, making them good for a day trip if you want to stretch your legs. For longer excursions, there are a couple of destinations that are about a four-hour drive, offering a more substantial getaway.
Total Routes
6
Shortest
1h
With Parks Nearby
3
Under 2 hours
Elk River, MN
1h 4m52.2 mi one way
This 52.2-mile drive to Elk River is mostly highway, making for a straightforward 1.1-hour trip. It's got a good drive score of 8 and mostly flat terrain, and you'll find parks available in the area. It's a closer option than Detroit Lakes, for example, but still offers a change of scenery.
Otsego, MN
1h 4m50.8 mi one way
Delano, MN
58m44.9 mi one way
Becker, MN
1h 21m66.6 mi one way
Head north 66.6 miles to Becker, a drive that takes about 1.4 hours primarily on the highway. This route has a strong drive score of 8. While this pick doesn't list nearby parks, it offers a longer drive than many other options.
Weekend trip
Grand Rapids, MN
4h 5m197 mi one way
The longest drive on this list to Grand Rapids, at 197 miles and 4.1 hours. The drive score is a high 9, utilizing mixed highway and surface roads with mostly flat terrain. This is a solid choice for a longer weekend trip.
Detroit Lakes, MN
4h 17m219.1 mi one way
This 219.1-mile journey to Detroit Lakes takes approximately 4.3 hours, mainly on the highway with a drive score of 8. Parks are available in the area, making it a good option for a longer excursion or a weekend getaway.
Browse by Mood
Grand Rapids, MN
4h 5m197 mi one way
Elk River, MN
1h 4m52.2 mi one way
Otsego, MN
1h 4m50.8 mi one way
Delano, MN
58m44.9 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
With several nearby destinations featuring parks and mostly flat terrain, spring offers opportunities for easy day trips to enjoy the thawing landscape.
Summer
The mix of highway and surface routes, along with park availability in many destinations, makes summer ideal for short drives and outdoor activities.
Fall
The mostly flat terrain and park access make these routes suitable for fall color drives, with options ranging from under an hour to several hours.
Winter
The highway-focused routes offer reliable travel to nearby towns, even in winter, with a few options providing parks for a brisk walk.
Starting Somewhere Else?
Other nearby cities with their own escape planners.
Ready to plan?
Pick any destination above for full turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost, rest stops, and weather. Or visit the Apple Valley, MN city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.