Day 1- Fly from the UK to Minneapolis St Paul, MN
Stay three nights in the ‘Twin Cities’, located on the Mississippi River in Minnesota. A city that blends history, arts, culture, music, culinary experiences and plenty of shopping, with a picturesque river setting for the more relaxed vibe.
Day 2 & 3 - Explore the Twin Cities, Minneapolis - St. Paul
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.
Walk across the historic Stone Arch Bridge for a view of the of St. Anthony Falls. There are plenty of museums and historic sites, including the Walker Art Center and adjacent Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, Mill City Museum, Weisman Art Museum (Frank Gehry design) and the James J Hill House in St. Paul.
For sporting fans, visit a classic American stadium to catch a game and soak up the infamous atmosphere. Minneapolis is home to all five major sporting competitions; American football, basketball, baseball, hockey and football/soccer.
Visit Mall of America for some retail therapy, take a riverboat sightseeing tour, or explore the Twin Cities on a walking, cycling, segway or guided tour. No visit is complete without experiencing the diverse food scene, with influences between mid west, Scandinavian heritage and Indigenous culture. 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'.
Day 4 - Minneapolis to Duluth, MN, approx. 155 miles
The Birthplace of Bob Dylan - Duluth is a bustling inland sea port, 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. Stay for one night in Duluth.
Day 5 - Duluth to Lutsen, MN, approx. 90 miles
Drive the North Shore Scenic Byway for stunning views of Lake Superior. Also a picturesque drive during Fall colours. En-route stop at Gooseberry Falls State Park or visit Split Rock Lighthouse.
In the afternoon, hike the Lutsen Mountain trails, take the gondola ride for an aerial view, or head to Grand Portage State Park (60 miles) to see the impressive High Falls 120ft cascading waterfall. Overnight in Lutsen.
Day 6 - Lutsen to International Falls, MN, approx. 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 and stay for 3 nights.
Day 7 & 8 - International Falls & Voyageurs National Park, approx. 12 miles
Using International Falls as a base, spend two days exploring the Nation's only water-based national park, Voyageurs National Park. Hike the forests and paddle 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.
For the more adventurous, there are unique houseboats that you can stay on within the park. Please ask us for more details.
Day 9- International Falls to Bemidji, MN, approx. 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.
Continue 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 adrenaline fuelled cycling and ATVs in the rough hilly terrain. Stay for one night in Bemidji.
Day 10 - Bemidji to Fargo, ND, approx. 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 a number of attractions including Red River Zoo, Fargo Air Museum and the world-famous wood chipper from the movie names 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! Stay for one night in Fargo.
Day 11 - Fargo to Bismarck, ND, approx. 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. Stay for one night in Bismarck.
Day 12 - Bismarck to Medora, ND, approx. 130 miles
Start your journey west, towards Medora, detouring at exit 72 to experience the Enchanted Highway, a 32-mile 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 the rootin-tooti, boot-scootin outdoor Medora Musical! Stay for two nights in Medora.
Day 13 - Theodore Roosevelt National Park
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.
Day 14 - Medora to Deadwood, SD, approx. 220 miles
Start your journey south into South Dakota. 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. Stay for one night in Deadwood.
Day 15 - Deadwood to The Black Hills, SD, approx 120 miles
Start this iconic day by visiting Crazy Horse Memorial, a monument in production to honour of 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. There is 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 knows 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. Stay for one night in Rapid City.
Day 16 – Rapid City to Badlands National Park to Pierre, SD, approx 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. Stay for two night in Pierre.
Day 18 – Pierre to Sioux Falls, SD, approx 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 SculptureWalk through downtown; every year over 50 new sculptures are displayed throughout the city so you will never see the same one twice! Stay for one night in Sioux Falls.
Day 19 – Sioux Falls to Pipestone, MN, approx 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 the 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. Stay for one night in Pipestone.
Day 20 – Pipestone to Rochester, MN, approx 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. If time allows, visit Winona. Stay for one night in Rochester.
Day 21 - Rochester to Minneapolis, approx 90 miles and fly back to the UK
Don't miss this 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.
Return to the airport in time for your flight home.