RV, camper and motorhome trip planning toolbox – The best ever created
Get ready to experience the wide-open spaces of America's heartland. This comprehensive loop takes you from the bustling lakes of Minnesota through the dramatic landscapes of the Dakotas, Wyoming, and Montana.
| Start / End | Minneapolis, Minnesota (Roundtrip) |
| Duration | 11 Days |
| Total Distance | 1,717 mi |
| States Explored | Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming |
| Best For | Families, History Buffs, Nature Enthusiasts |
| Ideal Season | Late Spring to Early Autumn |
The Midwest and Great Plains were practically made for RV travel. With 1,717 mi of driving ahead of you, this route offers the perfect balance of open highway cruising and awe-inspiring natural stops. Traveling in a motorhome allows you to embrace the concept of slow travel—waking up to the sunrise over the South Dakota badlands, preparing a family breakfast in your own kitchen, and setting your own pace through historic towns and majestic peaks. Because you are traveling in a loop starting and ending in Minneapolis, you get the convenience of a major metropolitan hub for picking up your RV, provisioning your supplies, and settling in before hitting the open road.
This 11-day journey is best experienced in distinct regional stages, allowing you to transition smoothly from prairie lands to mountain peaks. For the complete, day-by-day campground and routing details, check the interactive itinerary on RV PLANET.
Your journey begins by leaving the Minneapolis skyline behind and heading southwest. The landscape gradually opens up into rolling prairies. The driving here is easy and scenic, offering a relaxing introduction to your RV. You will ease into the trip with cultural and historical stops, setting a relaxed, educational tone for the days ahead.
As you cross into South Dakota, the scenery shifts dramatically. The flat plains give way to the striking, rugged formations of the Badlands region. The pacing slows down here as you navigate winding scenic loops and take time for family-friendly hikes. This stage is all about wildlife spotting and exploring nature's most unique canvases.
Entering the Black Hills region, the elevation rises, and the air cools. This is the heart of your adventure, featuring towering peaks, dense pine forests, and iconic national monuments. The driving distances between attractions here are relatively short, allowing for multi-night stays at a single campground while you take day trips to surrounding historical sites and natural wonders.
The final leg of your journey loops you through the expansive skies of Wyoming, Montana, and North Dakota before bringing you back to Minnesota. This stage features longer stretches of driving, perfect for enjoying the panoramic views from the large windows of your motorhome, reflecting on the trip, and enjoying the pure freedom of the open road.
This route is packed with diverse experiences. Here is a taste of what you will discover along the way:
This specific itinerary is optimized for 11 days. This allows you to comfortably cover the 1,717 mi distance without feeling rushed, ensuring you have ample time to explore the Black Hills and Badlands.
Absolutely. It offers one of the most dramatic geological transitions in the country—from the 10,000 lakes of Minnesota to the striking spires of South Dakota and the vast plains of the northern states. It is a quintessential American road trip.
This route is exceptionally family-friendly. The blend of interactive aquariums, manageable hiking trails, and awe-inspiring monuments ensures travelers of all ages remain captivated. It also appeals strongly to history buffs and photographers.
Late spring through early autumn is ideal. Summer offers the best access to all attractions and optimal weather for outdoor activities, though the shoulder seasons (May and September) provide cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
Planning your expenses is a crucial part of a successful RV vacation. Because this is a roundtrip journey from Minneapolis, you avoid the one-way drop fees that can sometimes impact a travel budget. Your main expenses will be the nightly RV rental rate, fuel for the 1,717 mi journey, campground fees (which vary depending on whether you choose resort-style private parks or rustic state parks), and attraction admissions.
When selecting your motorhome, consider a Class C for a great balance of maneuverability and family sleeping space, or a larger Class A if you prioritize panoramic views and maximum interior room. For exact, real-time pricing on vehicles available in Minneapolis for your travel dates, use the search tools provided below.
The majestic landscapes of the Midwest are calling. To view the complete day-by-day breakdown, secure your vehicle, and finalize your campground reservations, visit the official route page: Minneapolis Roundtrip - Heading West a Midwestern Majesty. Your unforgettable family adventure begins at 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 | Use Rent Motorhome to find the closest pickup stations |
|---|---|
| Sample RV cost — 4 travelers (Class A / B / C) | {{BANDANA_PRICING_TABLE}} |
| Estimated fuel cost (total) | $550–$700 |
| Estimated campground cost (total) | $450–$800 |
| Estimated attractions & entrance fees — family of 4 | $200–$450 |
| 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, 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.
Leave the city behind for open skies and historic geological sites as you ease into the rhythm of RV travel.
Navigate dramatic, rugged landscapes and spot regional wildlife in pristine outdoor havens.
Explore towering mountain ranges and iconic national monuments at a relaxed, family-friendly pace.
Enjoy a scenic push across the expansive northern plains as you loop back toward your starting hub.
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 1,717 mi route. Check live availability and a real quote for the Minneapolis → 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.
Pick your dates below and we'll open the live RV PLANET booking flow for the Minneapolis → Minneapolis route.
Picking up in Minneapolis but want a shorter loop or a different destination? Compare these RV PLANET itineraries that depart from the same depot: