New Report: Minnesota Beats All 49 States For Summer Road Trips — Here's Why

MINNESOTA — Planning a road trip this summer? You might not have to go far. A new study by WalletHub ranks Minnesota as the No. 1 state in the country for summer road trips in 2025.

The personal finance site compared all 50 states using 32 metrics across three key categories: costs, safety, and activities. While some states stood out for low prices or high entertainment, Minnesota emerged as the most well-rounded option.

"Minnesota is the best state for summer road trips, and it’s great for people who want to be outdoors," the report states. "It has the fourth-highest spending per capita on parks and recreation and the third-most fairs and festivals per capita during the summer."

WalletHub analysts also praised Minnesota’s safe roads, noting the state has:

• The third-fewest vehicle fatalities per million miles traveled
• The fourth-best bridge quality in the U.S.
• The ninth-lowest rate of speeding

And while Minnesota didn’t land in the top five for costs, it still offers relatively affordable travel:

• 12th-lowest average camping costs
• 13th-lowest car repair costs
• 15th-lowest average price for a 3-star hotel in mid-July

"Minnesota’s combination of scenic beauty, safety, and value makes it an ideal summer destination," said WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo.

Top 10 States for Summer Road Trips (2025):

1. Minnesota
2. New York
3. Ohio
4. Utah
5. Louisiana
6. Florida
7. Idaho
8. Texas
9. North Carolina
10. Pennsylvania

On the flip side, Delaware, Connecticut, and Rhode Island ranked as the worst states for road-trippers, citing high costs, limited attractions, and traffic concerns.

Nationwide, about 75 percent of American adults plan to take a road trip this summer, WalletHub noted. A round one-third are traveling more than 250 miles from home. With gas prices still hovering above $3.20 per gallon and inflation affecting everything from hotel rooms to fast food, the state you pick matters.

Minnesotans may just want to keep it local.