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Minnesota and the Dakotas offer a diverse and captivating experience. This itinerary begins in Minneapolis, a city blending history, arts, culture, and culinary experiences. Visitors can explore the picturesque Twin Cities, visit historic sites, and indulge in the diverse food scene, including the iconic 'Juicy Lucy' burger. The journey then takes you to Duluth, Lutsen, International Falls, Voyageurs National Park, and other enchanting locations, allowing you to experience the beauty of lakes, wilderness, and the Wild West.
The itinerary includes visits to significant landmarks such as the Mississippi River Headwaters, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Deadwood, Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Badlands National Park, and Falls Park in Sioux Falls. These destinations offer a rich blend of history, natural beauty, and cultural heritage, providing a truly immersive experience.
The trip also caters to various interests, including music, sports, outdoor activities, and culinary exploration. From touring Paisley Park, Prince's former home and recording studio, to experiencing the North American Bear Centre and enjoying the unique houseboat stays at Voyageurs National Park, the itinerary is packed with diverse and engaging activities.
Moreover, the ease of access from the UK, with direct flights from London Heathrow to Minneapolis/St Paul further enhances the appeal of this trip. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, history buff, or food lover, this adventure through Minnesota and the Dakotas promises an unforgettable experience.
All Bon Voyage holidays are tailor-made to your exact requirements. Please call the team to discuss your Minnesota adventure.
A city that blends history, arts, culture, music, culinary experiences and plenty of shopping, with a picturesque river setting for a more relaxed vibe.
Music fans can tour Paisley Park – Prince’s former home and recording studio. In the evening, catch some live music including First Avenue, the nightclub that Prince featured in his movie Purple Rain. Museums and historic sites, including the Walker Art Centre and adjacent Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, Mill City.
Weisman Art Museum (Frank Gehry design) and the James J Hill House in St. Paul.
Walk across the historic Stone Arch Bridge for a view of the only natural waterfall on the entire river, St. Anthony Falls.
Sporting fans are in their element as Minneapolis is home to all 5 major sporting competitions (American football, basketball, baseball, hockey and football/soccer). Visit a classic American stadium to catch a game and soak up the infamous atmosphere.
Different ways to explore the cities: walking tours, cycling tours, guided tours and Segway tours.
Experience your first riverboat sightseeing tour, a traditional means of transport in Minnesota’s deep history.
No visit is complete without experiencing the diverse food scene, with influences and fusions between mid-West, Scandinavian heritage and Indigenous culture, for a modern and exciting cuisine, strongly derived from produce that is home-grown in the State. But sometimes you just need to delve your teeth into Minnesota’s most iconic dish ‘The Juicy Lucy’ - a surprising twist on the classic Cheeseburger. For those seeking the best Indigenous culinary experience, head to the James Beard Award-winning restaurant ‘Owamni by the Sioux Chef’.
Distance: 155 miles
The Birthplace of Bob Dylan – Duluth is a bustling inland seaport, with ships and boats passing the famous lift bridge. A thriving social scene with museums, art galleries, breweries and distilleries, restaurants and shopping.
Don’t miss the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Centre and Glensheen Estate.
For incredible views over Spirit Mountain, Lake Superior, St Louis River and Duluth, head to Spirit Mountain Adventure Park to test the heights with the Spirit Express Scenic chairlift, Timber Flyer bench seat zip lining and Timber Twister Alpine Coaster.
Distance: 90 miles
Drive the North Shore Scenic Byway for stunning views of Lake Superior, also a picturesque drive during Fall colours.
Options to visit on the route include Gooseberry Falls State Park and Split Rock Lighthouse.
Spend the afternoon hiking Lutsen Mountain trails, take the gondola ride for an aerial view, or head to Grand Portage State Park (60 mi) to see the impressive High Falls 120ft cascading waterfall.
Distance: 200 miles
Drive to Ely to visit the International Wolf Centre and/or North American Bear Centre.
Take to the lakes at Boundary Waters Canoe Reservation Area for a gentle paddle through the wilderness. All motorised travel is prohibited in this protected area.
Continue to International Falls for overnight.
Explore the Nation’s only water-based national park, Voyageurs National Park – hiking the forests or paddling the lakes.
Spend time under the stars at night, in Minnesota’s Dark Sky Certified Park. This is also a great spot to witness the magic of The Northern Lights.
Stay and play on the unique houseboats!
Distance: 190 miles
Drive 160 miles to Itasca State Park, home to the Mississippi River Headwaters. According to legend, those who step across the Mississippi at its source will live a long and happy life, and great riches will come to whoever finds the mythical Cities of Gold along its banks.
Head 30 miles to Bemidji, the first city on the Mississippi River, where you’ll find a range of activities, from the more gentle hiking and golfing to the adrenalin-fueled cycling and ATVs in the rough hilly terrain.
Distance: 130 miles
In the morning, depart for Fargo, North Dakota. Settled on the Minnesota-North Dakota border, this thriving university city is home to a bustling downtown and many attractions including Red River Zoo, Fargo Air Museum and the world-famous wood chipper from the movie named after the city. Fargo is also proud of its Nordic heritage which is preserved at the Heritage-Hjemkomst Center. If you like a tipple then don’t miss the local microbreweries!
Distance: 200 miles
On your way to Bismarck, stop in Jamestown to see the world’s largest buffalo; a 60-tonne concrete statue standing at 26 feet tall. The neighbouring National Buffalo Museum is home to a live herd and you can learn the history of the rare white bison in the museum. The twin cities of Bismarck and Mandan are divided by the Missouri River. Bismarck includes the North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum. Cross the river into Mandan and visit the Native American Earth Lodges, or walk in the footsteps of General Custer at Fort Abraham Lincoln.
Distance: 130 miles
Start your journey west, towards Medora, detouring at exit 72 to experience the Enchanted Highway, a 32mile stretch lined with large metal sculptures, ending in Regent where you will find a gift shop containing mini versions of your favourites. In Medora spend an afternoon strolling the streets and local sites, catch up with The Roosevelts on the Joe Ferris General Store Lawn or visit the Cowboy Hall of Fame. Enjoy dinner at the nationally acclaimed Pitchfork Steak Fondue followed by a the rootin-tootin, boot-scootin outdoor Medora Musical!
Distance: 36 miles
Enjoy a leisurely day exploring Theodore Roosevelt National Park along the 36-mile scenic drive– spotting its wildlife and walking along the meandering Missouri River. Stop at the Maltese Cross cabin and visitor centre to experience Roosevelt’s early life as a rancher in the area. Take a drive through the North Dakota Badlands to view the impressive natural erosion caused by wind, rain and fire.
Distance: 220 miles
Start your journey south into South Dakota. The next stop is the old gold rush town of Deadwood, with Wild West history and legends such as Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. Wet your whistle in one of many saloon bars, try your luck in the gaming parlours, view the historic Adam’s House in all its grandeur or experience a shoot-out in Main Street’s live street show
Distance: 120 miles
Start this iconic day by visiting Crazy Horse Memorial, a monument in production to honour the Native American Warrior. Continue further south to Custer State Park to admire the scenery which is home to over 1500 bison. Drive the 18-mile wildlife loop road to spot bison, elk, deer, coyotes and a variety of birds. An optional 20-mile detour here, to Wind Cave National Park, where you can walk one of the longest caves in the world, with rare formations known as boxwork, popcorn, honeycomb and frostwork features. Head back north to one of the most universally known attractions of South Dakota – Mount Rushmore National Memorial. A 60ft high mountain carving of U.S. Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. Finish your day in Rapid City for the evening.
Distance: 200 miles
Head east to the incredible Badlands National Park where you will discover miles and miles of dramatic scenery, naturally created by years of weather erosion. With layered rock formations, towered spires and vast canyons, the Badlands really is a site not to miss. If you are an early bird then head to the park for sunrise and watch the rock colours transform. Make a quick stop at Wall Drug for quirky shopping and amazing doughnuts! Continue to Pierre (pronounced ‘peer’) South Dakota’s state capital. Visit the State Capitol Building, the Cultural Heritage Center, South Dakota National Guard Museum, or head outdoors to Fort Pierre, the Oahe Dam or La Framboise Island.
Distance: 230 miles
Head over to Sioux Falls, the urban centre of the region, rooted in history of the Native American Lakota Sioux. One of the highlights is Falls Park, with a beautiful triple waterfall! The craft brewery scene has exploded here, as has the dining scene with many world champion chefs around town. With multiple museums you will be spoilt for choice on art, history and culture in Sioux Falls. Follow the Sculpture Walk through downtown; every year over 50 new sculptures are displayed throughout the city so you will never see the same one twice!
Distance: 50 miles
The Pipestone National Monument is a working quarry used by American Indians to harvest the soft red stone used to make ceremonial peace pipes. A 1-km walking trail allows a view of the quarries and in the Visitor Center, American Indians still today handcraft the pipes. Many buildings in town are made of red quartzite stone (pipestone) and are on the list of the National Register of Historic Places. Two of the best examples are the Calumet Inn and the Pipestone County Courthouse.
Don’t miss the beautiful Winnewissa Falls on the Circle Trail!
Take a short drive to Blue Mounds State Park to spot the free-roaming Bison herd.
Distance: 210 miles
Head to Minnesota’s third largest city – Rochester. Where history meets contemporary.
Join the hustle and bustle of city life, with museums, art galleries, sculpture walks, park trails, boutique shopping, historic mansions, breweries, theatre performances and more. There is something for everyone in Rochester.
Alternatively, why not visit Winona?
Distance: 90 miles
Don’t miss the last chance to fill up your suitcase before flying home! Mall of America is just five minutes from MSP airport, and is the largest enclosed shopping and entertainment centre in the U.S. There is no sales tax on clothing or shoes in Minnesota! This isn’t just a shopping centre – it also houses movie theatres, theme park rides, an aquarium, flight simulators and escape rooms.
Alternative option for American Indian Heritage enthusiasts - detour to Hocokata Ti Cultural Centre in Shakopee, on the drive from Rochester to Minneapolis.