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Preparing for a cross-country journey requires understanding the scope of your drive. Here is a quick overview of what to expect when planning this remarkable south-to-north expedition.
| Trip Detail | Snapshot |
|---|---|
| Total Days | 11 Days |
| Total Distance | 1,737 mi |
| Start / End | Houston, TX to Minneapolis, MN |
| States Crossed | Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee, Texas |
| Best Season | Spring or Autumn (avoids extreme southern heat and northern winter) |
| Who It Fits | History buffs, music lovers, families, and slow-travel enthusiasts |
An RV trip from Houston to Minneapolis is the ultimate slice of Americana. Rather than rushing from coast to coast, this route allows you to travel vertically through the heartland of the United States, tracing the cultural and geographical shifts along the mighty Mississippi River. RV travel is practically designed for this kind of itinerary. Having your accommodation travel with you means you can seamlessly transition from the humid, moss-draped bayous of the deep south to the rolling agricultural plains of the Midwest without the hassle of unpacking at every stop.
This 1,737 mi journey embraces the philosophy of slow travel. By dedicating 11 days to the route, you allow enough time to pull off the highway, explore a historic river town, or enjoy a traditional regional meal before settling into your campground for the evening. The infrastructure along this corridor—ranging from state parks to full-hookup private resorts—makes it incredibly accessible for motorhomes of all sizes.
To fully appreciate this journey, it helps to understand the geographical flow. Rather than detailing every single turn, we break this trip down into four distinct regional stages, allowing you to establish a comfortable driving rhythm.
This route offers an incredibly diverse array of attractions. While the full day-by-day itinerary is available inside RV PLAN, here are the major themes and verified highlights you will encounter along the way:
Your trip kicks off with monumental human achievements. A visit to Space Center Houston provides a world-class look at space exploration. By the end of the trip, the sheer scale of the Mall of America in Minnesota offers a completely different, yet equally massive, indoor experience of shopping and entertainment.
The Louisiana portion of the trip is rich with immersive experiences. Step back in time at LARC's Acadian Village to see a recreated Cajun settlement, and get out on the water with Champagne's Cajun Swamp Tours to witness the unique ecology of the bayous firsthand.
As you move north, the cultural icons change. Pay your respects to the King of Rock 'n' Roll at Graceland in Tennessee. Further up the river in Missouri, literary fans will cherish a stop at The Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum, offering insight into the author who so famously chronicled life on the Mississippi.
History is a constant companion on this drive. Marvel at the Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis. As you cross into Illinois and Iowa, sites like Carthage Jail and the Nauvoo Visitors Center tell the complex story of early Mormon pioneers. Additionally, the Pella Historical Village & Vermeer Windmill showcases beautifully preserved Dutch heritage in the Midwest.
To comfortably cover the 1,737 mi distance while enjoying the attractions, 11 days is the recommended timeframe. This averages out to roughly 150 to 160 miles of driving per day, which is the perfect pace for an RV trip, allowing for half-day stops at museums, swamps, and historical sites.
Absolutely. If you want to understand the cultural fabric of the central United States, there is no better way. You get an unparalleled mix of science, literature, music, pioneer history, and distinct regional cuisines—all tied together by the majestic Mississippi River.
This itinerary is fantastic for families looking for educational yet highly entertaining stops, history enthusiasts tracing the westward expansion, and anyone who appreciates a diverse culinary journey—from Gulf Coast seafood and Cajun spices to Midwestern comfort food.
Spring (April to May) and Autumn (September to October) are ideal. Traveling in the summer means dealing with intense heat and humidity in Texas and Louisiana, while winter travel risks snow and freezing temperatures in Minnesota and Iowa. Shoulder seasons offer the most comfortable driving and camping conditions.
When booking a motorhome for an 11-day, 1,737 mi trip, there are a few logistical elements to consider. First, choose an RV size that fits your comfort level. A Class C motorhome is incredibly popular for families, offering a good balance of living space and maneuverability. If you are traveling as a couple, a nimble Class B campervan might be more efficient for navigating historic river towns.
Because this is a point-to-point journey from Houston to Minneapolis, you must account for one-way rental fees. Rental suppliers often charge a drop fee to return the vehicle to its origin. Additionally, check your mileage allowance; you will need a package that covers at least 1,737 mi, plus extra for detours to campgrounds and attractions. For the most accurate, up-to-date pricing on vehicles, one-way fees, and mileage packages, refer to the live pricing tools provided below.
From the space age innovations of Texas to the serene lakes of Minnesota, this cross-country adventure is waiting for you. Make sure to pack plenty of snacks, plan your campground reservations in advance, and prepare for a journey full of rich American history. To view the complete, detailed day-by-day itinerary and secure your motorhome, visit the official route page for Houston to Minneapolis - Along the Mississippi on RV PLANET.
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 (Houston) |
|---|---|
| Sample RV cost — 4 travelers (Class A / B / C) | {{BANDANA_PRICING_TABLE}} |
| Estimated fuel cost (total) | $600–$780 |
| Estimated campground cost (total) | $550–$850 |
| Estimated attractions & entrance fees — family of 4 | $300–$500 |
| Estimated groceries / self-catered food — family of 4 | $450–$650 |
| 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 for 11 days, and shoulder-season travel. 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 the space-age wonders of the Texas coast into the lush, swampy bayous and rich heritage of Louisiana.
Follow the mighty Mississippi northward through the heart of the Delta, soaking in the deep musical roots and rolling landscapes.
Watch the terrain shift as you approach the iconic gateway to the west, exploring historic river towns and vast agricultural plains.
Cruise through the historic pioneer settlements of Illinois and Iowa before concluding amid the lakes and vibrant commerce of Minnesota.
Total cost for this 11-day itinerary depends on the rig you pick, the pickup season, mileage add-ons, and any one-way drop-off fee across the 1,737 mi route. Check live availability and a real quote for the Houston → 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 Houston 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C-30 Cruise America- 26-E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 29.9 ft | Auto Transmission |
| CA-25 Cruise America- 26-E |
Class C - Alcove | 5 | 24.9 ft | Auto Transmission |
| C-21 Compact Plus Cruise America- 26-E |
Class C - Alcove | 4 | 21.0 ft | Auto Transmission |
| Ultra Compact C18 Cruise America- 26-E |
Class TC - Truck Camper | 2 | 19.5 ft | Auto Transmission |
Pick your dates below and we'll open the live RV PLANET booking flow for the Houston → Minneapolis route.
Picking up in Houston but want a shorter loop or a different destination? Compare these RV PLANET itineraries that depart from the same depot: