RV, camper and motorhome trip planning toolbox – The best ever created
| Total Days | 13 Days |
| Total Distance | 1,587 mi |
| Start & End | New Orleans, LA to Minneapolis, MN |
| States Crossed | Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee, Wisconsin |
| Ideal Traveler | Music lovers, history buffs, and slow-travel enthusiasts |
| Best Season | Spring or Autumn |
Embarking on a motorhome road trip from New Orleans to Minneapolis along the Great River Road is a journey filled with diverse experiences and breathtaking landscapes. Following the mighty Mississippi River, this route acts as a cultural spine through the heart of the United States. Traveling in an RV allows you to seamlessly transition from the vibrant jazz clubs of Louisiana to the tranquil hiking areas and towering bluffs of the Upper Midwest. With ample state parks, historical sites, and riverfront towns along the way, this 1,587 mi journey is tailor-made for the freedom and pace of a rolling home.
To truly appreciate the Great River Road, we recommend a slow travel approach, allowing the scenery and culture to unfold over 13 days. Here is the general flow of the journey:
The adventure begins in the vibrant streets of Louisiana, indulging in local flavors and immersing yourself in rich jazz culture. As you leave the city behind and cross into Mississippi, the pace slows. This stage is defined by grand historic architecture, leisurely carriage tours, and deep dives into regional history at national historical parks.
Continuing north into Tennessee and the Missouri Bootheel, the river’s influence shifts to musical legends and outdoor exploration. This leg offers opportunities for unforgettable canoe adventures on the water, before diving into the iconic studios and estates that shaped modern music. The driving is relaxed, with plenty of reasons to pull over and explore local heritage sites.
As you cross state lines between Missouri and Illinois, the landscape begins to change. Tranquil state parks offer solace and scenic hiking trails. The route brings you to monumental national parks and sweeping panoramic views of the Mississippi River, perfectly complemented by soulful blues melodies and local culinary delights in the evenings.
The final stretch weaves through Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. This region invites you to explore the literary heritage of legendary authors and marvel at the natural beauty of the Upper Mississippi. Expect to encounter traditional markets, botanical gardens, and charming river towns before concluding your epic journey in Minneapolis.
This route is a masterclass in American culture and geography. Along your 1,587 mi drive, you will encounter diverse points of interest:
For specific campground recommendations, permit requirements, and detailed attraction guides, always check the full itinerary on RV PLANET.
A 13-day itinerary is the perfect sweet spot for this 1,587 mi journey. It allows you to average a comfortable driving distance each day while leaving ample time for museum visits, river tours, and enjoying the amenities of your RV.
Absolutely. It is one of the most culturally and geographically diverse routes in North America. The transition from southern bayous to northern river bluffs provides a constantly changing backdrop that keeps the drive engaging from start to finish.
This trip is ideal for families seeking educational and outdoor experiences, couples looking for a romantic and musical getaway, and anyone who appreciates the slow, immersive nature of RV travel.
Spring (April to early June) and Autumn (September to October) are highly recommended. These seasons offer mild weather for hiking and exploring historic sites, avoiding the intense summer heat of the deep south and the freezing winter temperatures of the north.
When planning a one-way trip from New Orleans to Minneapolis, it is essential to factor in the logistics of your rental. Because you are dropping the vehicle off in a different city, one-way fees will apply. Additionally, ensure your rental package includes sufficient mileage to cover the 1,587 mi distance, plus a generous buffer for detours to state parks and riverfront attractions.
Cost categories to consider include fuel, nightly campground fees (a mix of state parks and private resorts offers the best balance of nature and amenities), groceries, and attraction tickets. By utilizing your RV's kitchen for meals and taking advantage of the many free or low-cost natural sites along the river, you can manage your overall trip economics effectively. For accurate, real-time pricing and availability, use the RV PLANET search tools.
The Great River Road is waiting to be explored. To view the complete day-by-day schedule, secure your ideal motorhome, and finalize your travel plans, visit the official route page here: New Orleans to Minneapolis - The Great River Road 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 (New Orleans), Indie Campers USA - 26 E (New Orleans) |
|---|---|
| Sample RV cost — 4 travelers (Class A / B / C) | {{BANDANA_PRICING_TABLE}} |
| Estimated fuel cost (total) | $500–$650 |
| Estimated campground cost (total) | $550–$800 |
| 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 10 MPG fuel efficiency, a mix of state park and private campgrounds averaging $55/night, and shoulder-season travel for a family of four. 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.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant music, historic architecture, and unique culinary scene of Louisiana and Mississippi.
Follow the river north into Tennessee and Missouri, exploring legendary music heritage sites and enjoying outdoor water adventures.
Experience the transition into the Midwest with visits to monumental national parks, peaceful state park hikes, and iconic blues venues.
Wind your way through the scenic landscapes of Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, discovering literary history and beautiful botanical gardens before arriving in 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 1,587 mi route. Check live availability and a real quote for the New Orleans → 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 New Orleans 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 Family Select Indie Campers USA - 26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 30.0 ft | Auto Transmission |
| Comfort Standard Select Indie Campers USA - 26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 24.1 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 New Orleans → Minneapolis route.
Picking up in New Orleans but want a shorter loop or a different destination? Compare these RV PLANET itineraries that depart from the same depot: