Summer Road Trips in Minnesota
Routes
30
Avg Distance
300 mi
Avg Drive
6h 0m
Destinations
19
Minnesota in the summer means long days perfect for exploring its expansive landscapes. With 30 routes averaging 300 miles and 6 hours, you can cover a lot of ground. Most trips feature mostly flat terrain with max elevations around 1400 ft, making for comfortable drives. This collection focuses on efficient highway travel across the state.
Fuel snapshot for this state
Regular
$3.82/gal
Diesel: $4.80/gal
Typical trip cost
$38–$57
One-way, ~300 mi avg @ 25.4 MPG
CO₂ per trip
~105 kg
ICE vehicle, one-way average
Source: US Energy Information Administration • week of 2026-07-13
Climate through the year: Minnesota
Minnesota peaks at around 83°F in Jul and cools to 24°F / 9°F in Jan. Wettest month is Jun at ~4.6 in of rain. Table highlights Summer months.
| Month | High °F | Low °F | Rain in | Snow in |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 24 | 9 | 0.9 | 11 |
| Feb | 29 | 13 | 0.9 | 9.5 |
| Mar | 42 | 25 | 1.7 | 8.2 |
| Apr | 57 | 38 | 2.9 | 3.5 |
| May | 69 | 50 | 3.9 | — |
| Jun peak | 79 | 60 | 4.6 | — |
| Jul peak | 83 | 65 | 4.1 | — |
| Aug peak | 81 | 63 | 4.3 | — |
| Sep | 73 | 54 | 3 | — |
| Oct | 58 | 41 | 2.6 | 0.8 |
| Nov | 42 | 28 | 1.6 | 6.8 |
| Dec | 29 | 15 | 1.2 | 11.4 |
Source: NOAA NCEI Monthly Climate Normals, 1991–2020 reference period. Sampled at the major-airport station for MN — microclimates along specific routes can vary significantly.
Planning Tips
- Carry extra water — summer heat in the car and at rest stops dehydrates faster than you think.
- Start drives early or late to avoid peak afternoon heat, especially through desert or plains stretches.
- Check your tire pressure before long summer drives — hot pavement increases blowout risk with underinflated tires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Summer Routes
Editor's pick
Roseau, MN → Lakeville, MN
This route scores a perfect 10, offering a substantial 381-mile drive. It's characterized by mostly flat terrain and highway travel, ideal for covering distance smoothly.
Editor's pick
Eagan, MN → Warroad, MN
Through: Bemidji
With a drive score of 9, this 373-mile trip is a solid option. The route sticks to mostly flat terrain and highway cruising, promising a straightforward journey.
Editor's pick
Warroad, MN → Bloomington, MN
Through: Bemidji
Another 9-score route, this 365-mile drive offers a similar highway-focused experience. Expect mostly flat terrain as you traverse the state on this well-regarded path.
Brooklyn Park, MN → Roseau, MN
Roseau, MN → Maple Grove, MN
Lakeville, MN → East Grand Forks, MN
Bloomington, MN → Baudette, MN
Through: Bemidji
Lakeville, MN → Thief River Falls, MN
International Falls, MN → Eden Prairie, MN
Baudette, MN → Blaine, MN
Through: Bemidji
Bloomington, MN → Thief River Falls, MN
International Falls, MN → Plymouth, MN
International Falls, MN → Maple Grove, MN
Thief River Falls, MN → Eden Prairie, MN
Brooklyn Park, MN → International Falls, MN
Through: Iron Range
Thief River Falls, MN → Minneapolis, MN
Pipestone, MN → Woodbury, MN
Plymouth, MN → Thief River Falls, MN
Brooklyn Park, MN → Thief River Falls, MN
Thief River Falls, MN → Maple Grove, MN
Woodbury, MN → Blue Earth, MN
Through: Minneapolis
Bloomington, MN → Grand Marais, MN
Eagan, MN → Grand Marais, MN
International Falls, MN → Saint Cloud, MN
Through: Bemidji
Lakeville, MN → Bagley, MN
Minneapolis, MN → Grand Marais, MN
Brooklyn Park, MN → Grand Marais, MN
Babbitt, MN → Lakeville, MN
Red Lake, MN → Saint Paul, MN
Through: Park Rapids → Bemidji
Baudette, MN → Saint Cloud, MN
Through: Bemidji