Embarking on a road trip through Minnesota? Get ready for more than just a quick restroom break. In our new article, “Minnesota Rest Areas: Pit Stops with a Pleasant Surprise”, you’ll learn more about these helpful destinations nestled along the highways and byways of the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
From modern facilities and convenient amenities to breathtaking natural beauty, these rest areas offer much more than meets the eye. Join us as we unveil the secrets of these traveler havens, providing you with a guide to maximizing comfort, convenience, and delightful surprises during your journey. Minnesota’s rest areas: safe, clean and nothing like a horror movie!
Do you ever find yourself wondering…is Minnesota a good place to live? Read our pros and cons post from a local and find out now: https://jackandkitty.com/2023/04/is-minnesota-a-good-place-to-live-2023-pros-and-cons-honest-opinion-from-local
What to Expect at a Minnesota Rest Area
Have you ever wondered what to expect at a rest area? Maybe you’ve seen them on the side of the highway, but have been too afraid to stop. Well don’t be – most are clean, convenient and safe. Today we’re chatting about what you can expect at a Minnesota Rest Area.
You know, my hubby Jack and I spent nearly two decades on the road as professional touring musicians. We criss-crossed all over North America and have even performed throughout Europe and the Middle East. It’s been a blast and we’ve learned countless tips and tricks along the way. One of the tricks we learned was to always thank God for Minnesota rest areas! Hehe.
No seriously, they are super-duper clean, well-lit, safe and have a lot to offer the interstate traveler.
If you are traveling the Land of 10,000 Lakes by car, you’ll definitely want to make use of a rest area. You’ll find them all over the state.
Minnesota has more than 70 rest areas located on highways and interstates throughout the state. These rest areas are maintained by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and are designed to provide travelers with a safe and convenient place to take a break from driving, rest, and refresh themselves.
By the way, here’s a side tip for your visit: download the “MN 511” app on your smartphone. It’s free and easy to use. Here you’ll find up-to-the-minute notices on road conditions, weather (extra helpful during winter), traffic and – especially important in the summer – construction and road work.
You’ll find Minnesota rest areas are strategically located along major highways and interstates and are typically open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except for occasional closures for maintenance or repair work.
A Minnesota rest area typically provides a safe and convenient place for travelers to take a break from driving, stretch their legs, use the restroom, and have a snack or meal.
Minnesota rest areas usually include restrooms, picnic tables, trash and recycling bins, pet areas, and drinking water fountains. Some rest areas may also include vending machines, grills, and playgrounds.
In addition, most rest areas in Minnesota may offer tourist information, such as maps and brochures about local attractions and events. This is actually where Jack and I get a lot of information and inspiration to make our videos and write our blogs about the state. If you haven’t been to our YouTube channel check it out – we have tons of helpful videos, the majority of them all about Minnesota travel.
Conclusion
As we conclude our exploration of Minnesota’s rest areas, we hope this article has provided you with a deeper understanding of the delightful surprises that await travelers in these seemingly mundane pit stops. From the moment you step out of your vehicle, you’ll be greeted with modern amenities, breathtaking views, and unexpected fun for the whole family. Whether you’re stretching your legs, grabbing a quick snack, or simply taking in the natural beauty surrounding you, these rest areas offer a respite from the road and a chance to immerse yourself in the unique charm of Minnesota. So, the next time you embark on a journey through this picturesque state, be sure to keep an eye out for these hidden gems along the way.
There’s no need to be worried or feel weary about a visit to a Minnesota rest area. They don’t look anything like a horror movie! LOL. In fact, most are very inviting with friendly staff people willing to help answer any questions you may have…some will even give you a complimentary cup of coffee while providing you with a tour guide or brochure for area attractions.
I hope this helps your trip to Minnesota run smoothly. Have fun, happy travels and enjoy the pleasant surprises that await you at Minnesota’s rest areas!
Oh, and before I go, Jack wants me to add this reminder: be careful out on the roads. Our neighbor Ole accidentally drove his Subaru Outback into the river. Now it’s a Scuba-ru.
Sorry, you know that bad dad joke came directly from my hubs. LOL.
Have a super day!
Love Minnesota? You betcha!
If you love Minnesota as much as we do, you’ll probably love these cute items. They’ll definitely have you saying, “oh for cute”! Hehe…
About the Authors
Jack and Kitty Norton are Emmy Award winning travel experts. They have spent a lifetime on the road: as traveling musicians, documentary filmmakers and television producers. They now focus on writing for their travel blog (JackAndKitty.com) and making fun videos for their YouTube channel. Jack and Kitty offer travelers fun and quirky things to do in Minnesota, the Midwest and beyond. High school sweethearts turned married soulmates, the couple lives in the small college town of Winona, Minnesota and would love to have you over for some hotdish.