With Minnesota gas prices hovering well above $4 per gallon this spring—and Twin Cities averages nearing $4.45 in some areas—many Minnesotans are rethinking the classic summer road trip. But staying closer to home doesn’t have to mean sacrificing adventure. In fact, this may be the summer of the “one-tank trip”—the kind of getaway that feels restorative, memorable, and affordable without requiring flights, complicated planning, or a drained bank account.
Photo by Liam McKiernan Flahive
And for Twin Cities residents, Minnesota is uniquely built for exactly that kind of travel.
Current travel sentiment data shows Americans are increasingly opting for shorter, drivable vacations as rising costs continue influencing summer plans. According to Longwoods International, nearly 40% of travelers say they are choosing destinations closer to home, while one-third report gas prices are impacting where—and how far—they travel. The U.S. Travel Association has similarly forecast continued growth in shorter-duration regional travel as consumers prioritize flexibility and value.
That shift is already shaping tourism efforts across Minnesota. This week, Experience Rochester launched its summer tourism campaign, “This is Rochester. Really.,” specifically aimed at travelers seeking affordable regional getaways within driving distance of the Twin Cities. Located roughly 75 minutes south of Minneapolis-St. Paul, Rochester is positioning itself as an easy-access destination centered around restaurants, breweries, rooftop patios, live music, downtown energy, and outdoor recreation.
“People still want meaningful summer experiences, but they’re more intentional about value and convenience,” says Joe Ward, president of Experience Rochester. “Rochester delivers the kind of easy, high-impact getaway travelers are looking for right now.”
PHOTO BY Jacob Kopplin/Unsplash
And Rochester is hardly alone. Across Minnesota, nearby destinations are increasingly appealing not just because they’re affordable, but because they feel simpler. Towns like Stillwater and Red Wing continue to offer easy overnight escapes filled with river views, walkable downtowns, breweries, boutiques, and scenic hiking—all without the fuel commitment of a cross-country road trip. Farther south, Winona and the Driftless Region offer bluff hikes, Mississippi River overlooks, and a pace that feels worlds away from the metro despite being only a couple hours from home.
Even Minnesota’s state park system feels especially relevant this summer. A yearly state park permit remains one of the best entertainment values in the state, unlocking access to beaches, waterfalls, hiking trails, canoe routes, and scenic drives for less than the cost of many single-event tickets. Parks like Interstate, Afton, Frontenac, and Whitewater all sit within relatively easy reach of the Twin Cities, making spontaneous day trips far more attainable than expensive weeklong vacations.
Courtesy of Grand View Lodge
There’s also something refreshing about the return of nearby travel itself. For years, vacation culture increasingly centered on bigger itineraries, farther destinations, and bucket-list travel. But one-tank trips offer something different: less pressure, less expense, and often a more meaningful connection to the places around us.
At Minnesota Monthly, we’ve long believed some of the best travel experiences happen close to home—and that supporting local businesses, destinations, parks, restaurants, and community organizations across the state matters. Over the past several years, we’ve highlighted countless Minnesota getaways designed for exactly this kind of nearby exploration, from small-town main streets, state park adventures, lakeside retreats, and hidden gems just a few hours (or less!) from the Twin Cities:
- A Journey Through Historic Mantorville
- A Local’s Guide to Central Minnesota
- A Weekend at Grand View Lodge
- Crosby: Inside Minnesota’s First Mirror Cabin
- Discover Northfield’s Unique Charm
- Do More in the Driftless Region
- Explore the Twin Cities Like a Local
- Exploring St. Peter, Minnesota
- Find Peace and Quiet in the North Woods
- Finding the Unusual in Southeast Minnesota
- Minnesota’s Iconic Roadside Statues
- Minnesota’s Swedish Sister Cities
- Mississippi River Road Trip: From Red Wing to Kellogg
- Reasons to Road Trip to Otter Tail County
- Seven Waterfalls to Visit Near the Twin Cities
- Springtime Fun in Alexandria
- The Ultimate Minnesota Bucket List
- The Upper Minnesota River Valley Comes Alive in Spring
Courtesy of NORTHFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
