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Embark on an epic journey down the spine of America. Following the mighty Mississippi River, this route transitions from the northern woods of Minnesota to the vibrant, historic streets of the Deep South. Here is a quick look at what to expect on this adventure.
| Total Distance | 1,701 mi |
| Recommended Duration | 14 Days |
| Start / End | Minneapolis, MN to New Orleans, LA |
| States Crossed | Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana |
| Best For | Families, history enthusiasts, and slow-travel advocates |
| Prime Season | Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) |
There is no better way to experience the geographical and cultural shifts of the United States than from the window of an RV. Driving the Great River Road allows you to embrace the philosophy of slow travel. Instead of rushing from point A to point B, you have 1,701 mi of shifting landscapes—from towering northern bluffs to sprawling southern deltas.
RV travel gives you the flexibility to linger at a traditional market, take a spontaneous detour to a hiking area, or simply enjoy a quiet morning coffee while parked near a cruise terminal watching the riverboats roll by. Having your accommodation travel with you means you can wake up to misty river views in Iowa and fall asleep to the sounds of the bayou in Louisiana, all without unpacking a single suitcase.
To truly appreciate this journey, we recommend breaking the 14 days into distinct regional stages. This prevents driving fatigue and allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture of each region. The detailed day-by-day itinerary is available inside RV PLAN, but here is a broad overview of how the trip flows.
Your journey begins in the upper Midwest, transitioning from the lakes of Minnesota into the rolling, dramatic bluffs shared by Wisconsin and Iowa. The pace here is relaxed, characterized by scenic overlooks and charming river towns. The driving distances are manageable, leaving plenty of time to explore local industries and enjoy the crisp northern air.
As you move south through Illinois and Missouri, the river widens, and the landscape shifts into the American agricultural heartland. This stage is rich in heritage and historical sites, marking the crossroads of western expansion. You will find a mix of larger urban points of interest and quiet, rural stretches that capture the essence of the Midwest.
Crossing into Arkansas, Tennessee, and Mississippi, the cultural rhythm changes dramatically. This leg of the trip is defined by its deep musical roots and southern traditions. The terrain flattens into the expansive delta, where slow travel is not just recommended; it is a way of life. Expect to spend your days discovering local heritage and your evenings enjoying the legendary hospitality of the South.
The final stage follows the last stretches of the Mississippi River into Louisiana. The environment transforms into a network of bayous and wetlands. The pace quickens slightly as you approach the vibrant, historic streets of New Orleans, providing a grand, culturally immersive finale to your 1,701 mi journey.
While the specific stops are detailed in your personalized RV PLAN, this route offers a diverse array of attractions that cater to all ages and interests. Here is what you can expect to discover along the way.
We highly recommend dedicating a full 14 days to this trip. Covering 1,701 mi in two weeks allows for an average of about 120 miles of driving per day. This perfectly aligns with the slow-travel philosophy, ensuring you spend more time exploring hiking areas and historical sites than you do behind the wheel.
Absolutely. The Minneapolis to New Orleans route is one of the most culturally and geographically diverse drives in North America. It offers a unique cross-section of the country that you simply cannot experience by flying or taking an interstate highway. It is a bucket-list journey for anyone who loves history, nature, and regional cuisine.
This itinerary is incredibly versatile. It is fantastic for families, thanks to the abundance of tourist attractions, zoos, and amusement parks. It is equally appealing to history enthusiasts and couples seeking a romantic, leisurely drive through America's heartland and Deep South.
Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) are the prime seasons for this route. Spring brings blooming botanical gardens and rushing river waters, while autumn offers spectacular foliage in the northern states and comfortable, cooler temperatures in the south. Summer can be quite hot and humid, especially in the southern half of the journey.
When planning your budget for this 1,701 mi adventure, it is important to consider several key categories. Your primary expenses will be the RV rental itself, fuel, and campground fees. Because you are crossing nine states, campground rates will vary; mixing state parks with private RV resorts is a great way to balance costs and amenities.
Since this is a one-way trip from Minneapolis to New Orleans, you must factor in a one-way drop fee, which rental companies charge to return the vehicle to its origin. Additionally, check your mileage allowance, as you will need enough miles to cover the 1,701 mi distance plus any detours to tourist attractions or day tours. For exact, real-time pricing, vehicle availability, and specific one-way fee structures, please refer to the live pricing and search widgets provided below by RV PLANET.
Ready to start the engine on your Great River Road adventure? Secure your vehicle and unlock the full, detailed itinerary by visiting the official trip page here: Minneapolis to New Orleans - Great River Road on rvplan.net.
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–$750 |
| Estimated campground cost (total) | $550–$1,000 |
| Estimated attractions & entrance fees — family of 4 | $300–$600 |
| Estimated groceries / self-catered food — family of 4 | $400–$700 |
| Live availability & pricing | Check live availability & pricing on Rent Motorhome → |
Estimate assumptions: Estimates assume 10 mpg for a standard Class C motorhome, an average of $3.50 per gallon of fuel, and a mix of public and private campgrounds over a 14-day spring or autumn trip. 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 northern woods of Minnesota into the rolling hills of Wisconsin and Iowa, settling into the slow-travel rhythm of the upper Mississippi.
Navigate the agricultural heartland through Illinois and Missouri, where the river widens and the history of western expansion comes alive.
Roll into Arkansas, Tennessee, and Mississippi, where the cultural shift brings rich musical heritage, deep southern traditions, and expansive delta landscapes.
Follow the final stretches of the mighty river into Louisiana, transitioning from quiet bayous to the vibrant, historic streets of New Orleans.
Total cost for this 14-day itinerary depends on the rig you pick, the pickup season, mileage add-ons, and any one-way drop-off fee across the 1,701 mi route. Check live availability and a real quote for the Minneapolis → New Orleans 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 → New Orleans route.
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