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Embarking on a motorhome road trip from the heart of the Deep South to the vibrant Upper Midwest is an unforgettable experience. This route blends rich history, musical heritage, and stunning natural landscapes into one seamless journey.
| Trip Duration | 13 Days |
| Total Distance | 1,618 mi |
| Start / End | Atlanta, GA to Minneapolis, MN |
| States Crossed | Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee, Wisconsin |
| Best For | Families, History Buffs, Outdoor Enthusiasts |
| Best Season | Late Spring through Early Fall |
An RV is the perfect vessel for this 1,618 mi expedition because it allows you to fully immerse yourself in the changing landscapes. You will transition from the bustling, historic streets of Atlanta to the serene, rolling hills of Missouri, and finally to the waterfronts of the Midwest. Traveling in a motorhome gives you the freedom to embrace slow travel—waking up near the hiking trails of the Ozark National Forest one morning and enjoying a family picnic along the banks of the Mississippi River the next. With your accommodations always with you, you can comfortably navigate through nine different states at your own pace.
To make the most of this adventure, we recommend breaking the drive into four distinct regional stages. This allows for a relaxed pace, ensuring you have ample time to explore without feeling rushed. For the complete day-by-day itinerary with specific stop recommendations, be sure to check the detailed plan inside RV PLANET.
This route offers a diverse array of attractions suited for all ages. While the exact stops will depend on your customized plan, here is a taste of what you will encounter:
Begin your adventure steeped in the heritage of Atlanta, exploring pivotal historical sites like the birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr. Further along, step into the world of the King of Rock 'n' Roll at Graceland in Memphis, a truly unforgettable experience for music lovers. Along the route, you will find numerous traditional visits and local industry tours that highlight the unique character of each state.
Nature lovers will be thrilled by the pristine landscapes of the Ozark National Forest and the picturesque rolling hills of Missouri. Opportunities abound for hiking, exploring mysterious caves, and horseback riding. If you prefer water activities, the route offers canoe, kayak, and rafting options, as well as beautiful beaches along the Great Lakes.
If you are traveling with children, this route is packed with excitement. Expect to find amusement parks, engaging science sites, and botanical gardens. Animal enthusiasts will enjoy wildlife watches, zoos, and aquariums dotted along the journey, ensuring there is never a dull moment for the family.
Water is a recurring theme on this trip. From the mighty Mississippi River to the expansive Great Lakes, you will have plenty of opportunities for boating, swimming, and sailing. The journey culminates in Minneapolis, the "City of Lakes," where you can explore the famous Minneapolis Sculpture Garden and vibrant cultural districts.
This route is optimally designed for 13 days. Covering 1,618 mi over nearly two weeks allows for comfortable daily driving distances and plenty of time to enjoy the attractions and natural beauty along the way.
Absolutely. The sheer variety of experiences—from Deep South history and Memphis music to Ozark hiking and Midwest lakes—makes this a highly dynamic and rewarding road trip. It offers a perfect balance of education, nature, and family entertainment.
This journey is incredibly versatile. It is ideal for families looking for diverse activities, music and history buffs wanting to walk in the footsteps of legends, and outdoor enthusiasts eager to explore America's heartland.
Late spring through early fall is the best time for this trip. The summer months are perfect for taking advantage of the swimming, boating, and beach activities along the rivers and lakes, while spring and fall offer cooler, comfortable weather for hiking the Ozarks.
When planning your RV rental for this epic journey, there are a few key financial factors to consider. Because this is a journey from Atlanta to Minneapolis, you will be booking a one-way rental. One-way trips typically incur a drop-off fee, which covers the logistics of returning the vehicle. Be sure to account for this when reviewing your options.
Additionally, you will need to select a mileage package. The base distance is 1,618 mi, but you should always add a buffer for scenic detours, campground navigation, and local exploring. For a family road trip of this length, a Class C motorhome is often the perfect fit, offering a great balance of living space and drivability. For precise numbers, seasonal rates, and vehicle availability, refer to the live pricing tools below.
Your 13-day motorhome adventure from the historic streets of Atlanta to the beautiful lakes of Minneapolis awaits. To finalize your itinerary, secure your vehicle, and get the most out of your journey, visit RV PLANET to book this route today!
See the full polyline, drag stops to customize, and get live pricing in one click.
Open this route in RV PLAN →| Nearby RV rental stations | Cruise America- 26-E (Atlanta (ATL area)), Indie Campers USA - 26 E (Atlanta (ATL area)) |
|---|---|
| Sample RV cost — 4 travelers (Class A / B / C) | {{BANDANA_PRICING_TABLE}} |
| Estimated fuel cost (total) | $500–$650 |
| Estimated campground cost (total) | $600–$960 |
| Estimated attractions & entrance fees — family of 4 | $300–$600 |
| Estimated groceries / self-catered food — family of 4 | $450–$700 |
| Live availability & pricing | Check live availability & pricing on Rent Motorhome → |
Estimate assumptions: Estimates assume a Class C motorhome averaging 10 mpg, a mix of state park and private campground stays over 12 nights, and summer travel rates. All figures are estimates — verify on Rent Motorhome and RV PLAN for your travel dates.
A high-level look at how the route flows in stages. The exact daily stops, overnight picks, and detour options are built for you inside RV PLAN — open the route to see the full plan.
Transition from Atlanta's rich civil rights history toward the musical heritage of Memphis, setting a cultural tone for the early miles.
Embrace slow travel as the route winds into the pristine landscapes and hiking trails of the Ozark National Forest.
Follow the majestic Mississippi River through Missouri's picturesque rolling hills, perfect for family picnics and outdoor exploration.
Conclude the journey by exploring waterfront shorelines before arriving at the vibrant arts and lakes of Minneapolis.
Total cost for this 13-day itinerary depends on the rig you pick, the pickup season, mileage add-ons, and any one-way drop-off fee across the 1,618 mi route. Check live availability and a real quote for the Atlanta → Minneapolis pickup window on Rent Motorhome.
Live availability & pricing for this exact route
Prices update daily. See the full breakdown — nightly rate, taxes, one-way fee, mileage package — for your travel dates.
These are real vehicles in our Atlanta pickup fleet that fit a multi-week western U.S. itinerary. Configure dates on rvplan.net to see live availability and the total trip cost for the exact rig you want.
| Motorhome | Class | Sleeps | Length | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comfort Space Select Indie Campers USA - 26 E |
Class A - Integrated | 8 | 29.2 ft | Auto Transmission |
| C-30 Cruise America- 26-E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 29.9 ft | Auto Transmission |
| Comfort Standard Select Indie Campers USA - 26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 24.1 ft | Auto Transmission |
| Comfort Family Select Indie Campers USA - 26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 30.0 ft | Auto Transmission |
| Comfort Family Indie Campers USA - 26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 30.0 ft | Auto Transmission |
Pick your dates below and we'll open the live RV PLANET booking flow for the Atlanta → Minneapolis route.
Picking up in Atlanta but want a shorter loop or a different destination? Compare these RV PLANET itineraries that depart from the same depot: