Summer Road Trips in Minnesota
Routes
30
Avg Distance
307 mi
Avg Drive
6h 6m
Destinations
18
Minnesota in the summer means long days and accessible parks, perfect for hitting the road. This state offers 30 routes averaging 307 miles and 6 hours, with drive scores up to 10. You'll find mostly flat terrain with maximum elevations around 1,400 feet. Plus, excellent EV charging coverage is available on many trips, with some routes boasting over 48 DC fast chargers.
Fuel snapshot for this state
Regular
$4.02/gal
Diesel: $5.60/gal
Typical trip cost
$42–$62
One-way, ~307 mi avg @ 25.4 MPG
CO₂ per trip
~107 kg
ICE vehicle, one-way average
Source: US Energy Information Administration • week of 2026-08-31
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, stretching 381 miles with excellent EV coverage and 48 DC fast chargers. It offers the chance to explore parks across the state's mostly flat terrain.
Editor's pick
Eagan, MN → Warroad, MN
Through: Bemidji
Covering 373 miles, this drive is primarily highway with a mostly flat profile. It’s a solid option for covering significant distance efficiently within Minnesota.
Editor's pick
Warroad, MN → Bloomington, MN
Through: Bemidji
A 365-mile trip with a drive score of 9, this route features excellent EV charging and 49 DC fast chargers. It also includes access to parks and traverses mostly flat land.
Blaine, MN → Warroad, MN
Through: Bemidji
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
Blaine, MN → East Grand Forks, MN
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
Saint Paul, MN → International Falls, MN
Through: Iron Range
Lakeville, MN → Grand Marais, 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
Ely, MN → Lakeville, MN
International Falls, MN → Saint Cloud, MN
Through: Bemidji
Lakeville, MN → Bagley, MN