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This summer, Austin families are trading airplane tickets for road trip maps, joining a statewide trend that’s putting Minnesota’s scenic highways front and center for vacation plans.

With Minnesota tourism reaching record-breaking levels in 2023 — welcoming 80.2 million visitors and generating $14.1 billion in visitor spending, according to official Explore Minnesota reports — the state’s appeal as a travel destination continues to grow. This summer, that appeal is extending to Minnesotans themselves, with recent surveys showing a growing preference for road trips over air travel.

A recent Harvest Hosts travel survey found that 43% of Americans are cutting travel costs by choosing to drive instead of fly, reflecting broader economic concerns about travel expenses. Meanwhile, AAA surveys indicate that 86% of Minnesotans plan to travel in 2025, representing a 2% increase from 2024.

The shift toward road trips comes as travelers seek more control over their itineraries and budgets, with economic factors playing a significant role in vacation planning. For residents looking to explore the state’s attractions, the trend toward “staycations” — trips within 300 miles of home — offers plenty of options without breaking the bank.

Southern Minnesota provides an ideal starting point for road trip adventures, with attractions like the Blue Earth’s Jolly Green Giant, New Ulm’s Hermann monument, and the scenic Root River State Trail all within driving distance. The region offers quiet streams, quaint towns, lakes, rivers, caves, nature centers, and historic sites that make for perfect weekend getaways.

For families planning their summer road trips, renting a vehicle has become an increasingly popular option, especially for those whose vehicles might not be suited for extended travel or who want the peace of mind that comes with a reliable rental. Many families choose to book a car rental in Minnesota rather than put additional miles and wear on their personal vehicles.

Car rental services in Minnesota offer various vehicle classes, from compact cars to SUVs suitable for larger families. Most rental locations are conveniently situated at airports including Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, Duluth, Rochester, Saint Cloud, and International Falls, though rental services are also available in most towns of any size throughout the state.

Minnesota’s 22 scenic byways stretch almost 3,000 miles across the state, according to Explore Minnesota tourism officials, offering everything from Lake Superior’s dramatic coastline to the rolling bluffs of southeastern Minnesota. Popular routes include the Great River Road along the Mississippi, which passes through communities similar to Austin, and the North Shore Scenic Drive from Duluth.

For families considering their summer plans, the options extend well beyond Minnesota’s borders. Popular road trip destinations from southern Minnesota include the scenic bluff country around Lanesboro, the Twin Cities for cultural attractions, and even ventures into neighboring Iowa and Wisconsin.

Minnesota offers particular advantages for road trip travelers, with wide roads and plentiful parking spots. As noted in travel guides, driving in this Midwestern state is considered particularly pleasant, with most regions outside the Twin Cities only accessible by car. The real wonders of Minnesota, including destinations like Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, are primarily accessible via personal or rental vehicle.

With travel budgets varying significantly among American families — with some surveys showing average annual travel spending ranging from approximately $6,000 to over $10,000 depending on the survey methodology — road trips offer flexibility in controlling accommodation costs, dining expenses, and activity choices along the way.

Local businesses are taking note of the trend as well. Car rental services, gas stations, and travel-related retailers are preparing for increased summer activity as more families opt for automotive adventures over airline itineraries.

Popular road trip destinations accessible from Austin include the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Voyageurs National Park, and the numerous state parks that showcase the region’s natural beauty. The state’s diverse landscape offers everything from prairie farmland to dense forests to lakeshores within a few hours’ drive.

As Memorial Day weekend approaches and summer travel season begins in earnest, families have never had more options for exploring Minnesota and the greater Midwest region. Whether it’s a day trip to Rochester’s Mayo Clinic area, a weekend in the Twin Cities, or a week-long adventure through the Boundary Waters, the open road offers unlimited possibilities for summer exploration.