New Study Ranks Best/Worst Summer Road Trips: Minnesota’s Spot Will Shock You!
An unexpected state just dethroned many popular destinations as one of America’s top summer road trip spots, according to new study.
ST. PAUL, MN – A recent WalletHub study has placed the spotlight on the Midwest as a prime destination for summer road trips. While Texas claimed the top spot nationally, Minnesota‘s second-place ranking highlights the region’s appeal for travelers seeking adventure on the open road.
The Heart of America’s Road Trip Renaissance
The study, which analyzed 50 states across 32 metrics, revealed a surprising trend: 7 of the top 20 states for summer road trips are located in the Midwest. This concentration of high-ranking destinations challenges the notion that coastal states dominate the road trip scene.
Minnesota: A Road Tripper’s Paradise
Minnesota’s impressive second-place finish in the national rankings deserves a closer look. The North Star State excelled in several key areas:
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Outdoor Enthusiast’s Dream
With the fifth-highest per capita spending on parks and recreation, Minnesota offers road trippers an abundance of natural attractions. From the scenic North Shore of Lake Superior to the serene landscapes of the Boundary Waters, outdoor enthusiasts have plenty to explore.
Festival Fever
Minnesota ranked fourth in the nation for fairs and festivals per capita during summer months. This suggests that road trippers are likely to encounter unique local celebrations and events, adding cultural richness to their journey.
Safety on the Roads
The study highlighted Minnesota’s commitment to road safety, with the state boasting the third-lowest rate of vehicle fatalities per million miles traveled. Additionally, high-quality bridges and efforts to reduce speeding contribute to a safer driving experience.
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Wallet-Friendly Wandering
Despite its high ranking, Minnesota remains an affordable destination. The study noted the state’s competitive costs for camping, hotels, gas, and car repairs, allowing travelers to stretch their budgets further.
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Midwest Momentum
While Minnesota stood out, other Midwest states also performed well in the rankings:
This strong showing suggests that the Midwest as a whole offers a compelling mix of attractions, affordability, and road-friendly infrastructure for summer travelers.
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Changing Perceptions
The study challenges preconceptions about ideal road trip destinations. While coastal drives and national parks often dominate travel narratives, the Midwest’s strong performance indicates that savvy road trippers might find unexpected delights in America’s heartland.
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As summer approaches and 75% of American adults plan some form of road trip, this data offers food for thought. The open roads of the Midwest, with Minnesota leading the pack, present an enticing alternative to more traditional vacation routes.
These are the Top 20 States
- Texas
- Minnesota
- New York
- Louisiana
- Florida
- Ohio
- North Carolina
- Wyoming
- Maine
- Pennsylvania
- Wisconsin
- Utah
- Idaho
- lowa
- Illinois
- Virginia
- Colorado
- Georgia
- Michigan
- Nebraska
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Read the full study here.
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