Summer Road Trips in Minnesota
Routes
30
Avg Distance
253 mi
Avg Drive
5h 2m
Destinations
27
Summer in Minnesota means long days and access to the state's many parks. This collection of 30 routes offers an average drive of over 250 miles, with some trips reaching a 10/10 drive score. Expect mostly flat terrain with a maximum elevation around 1400 ft, and generally good EV charging coverage, with many routes featuring over 40 DC fast chargers. These drives are perfect for exploring the state's natural beauty during its warmest months.
Fuel snapshot for this state
Regular
$4.17/gal
Diesel: $5.35/gal
Typical trip cost
$33–$61
One-way, ~253 mi avg @ 25.4 MPG
CO₂ per trip
~89 kg
ICE vehicle, one-way average
Source: US Energy Information Administration • week of 2026-06-01
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
Eagan, MN → Warroad, MN
Through: Bemidji
This nearly 373-mile route scores a 9/10 and boasts good EV charging infrastructure. With access to parks and mostly flat terrain, it's a solid choice for a summer exploration of Minnesota's landscapes.
Editor's pick
Warroad, MN → Bloomington, MN
Through: Bemidji
Scoring a 9/10, this 364-mile drive offers excellent EV coverage with 51 DC fast chargers. Its mostly flat terrain and park access make it a convenient and well-supported summer road trip.
Editor's pick
Roseau, MN → Maple Grove, MN
Achieving a perfect 10/10 drive score, this 345-mile route stands out. It features excellent EV charging with 47 DC fast chargers, park access, and consistently flat terrain, ideal for an extended summer drive.
Lakeville, MN → East Grand Forks, MN
Lakeville, MN → Thief River Falls, MN
International Falls, MN → Eden Prairie, MN
Thief River Falls, MN → Eden Prairie, MN
Woodbury, MN → Blue Earth, MN
Through: Minneapolis
Bloomington, MN → Grand Marais, MN
International Falls, MN → Saint Cloud, MN
Through: Bemidji
Lakeville, MN → Bagley, MN
Eagan, MN → Dilworth, MN
Saint Paul, MN → Dilworth, MN
Eagan, MN → Bemidji, MN
Lakeville, MN → Jordan, MN
Woodbury, MN → Stewartville, MN
Through: Minneapolis → Saint Paul → Cr 96 +2 more
Bloomington, MN → Chisholm, MN
Through: Iron Range
Lakeville, MN → Pelican Rapids, MN
Through: Ch 88: Pelican Rapids → Detroit Lakes
Eagan, MN → Chisholm, MN
Through: Iron Range
Apple Valley, MN → Detroit Lakes, MN
Plymouth, MN → Silver Bay, MN
Woodbury, MN → Mankato, MN
Eden Prairie, MN → Virginia, MN
Through: Iron Range
Woodbury, MN → Waseca, MN
Through: Minneapolis
Minneapolis, MN → Grant, MN
Through: Iron Range
Lakeville, MN → Midway, MN
Co on Rapids, MN → Grant, MN
Through: Iron Range
Saint Paul, MN → Clinton, MN
Woodbury, MN → Benson, MN
Apple Valley, MN → Grand Rapids, MN