The Best Road Trip from Aberdeen, South Dakota to Elk River, Minnesota
Summer is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to plan a road trip to Elk River, Minnesota. Pine trees, cool lakes, and a refreshing climate await you there. This route takes you on a journey of 234 miles through the stunning landscapes of South Dakota and Minnesota, where you can enjoy food, drinks, and scenic spots along the way. Keep your playlist ready because this road trip is just what you need to escape everyday life.
Here are some of the top places that you don’t want to miss when driving from Aberdeen, South Dakota to Elk River, Minnesota.
1. Wylie Park, Aberdeen, South Dakota
Start your journey off right with a visit to Wylie Park, a 210-acre park in Aberdeen. This is a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and solo travelers. Wylie Park is home to Storybook Land, an amusement park where fairy tales come to life. Hop on the Storybook Express train or enjoy a ride on one of the many Storybook characters. Wylie Park also has several playgrounds, picnic areas, and biking trails. The park is set around a beautiful lake with a sandy beach area perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and kayaking.
2. Corn Palace, Mitchell, South Dakota
The Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota, is a unique attraction that attracts visitors from all over the world. This is an iconic building decorated with murals and designs created entirely out of corn and other grains. Every year, the murals change to showcase a new theme. The Corn Palace is also a performance venue, hosting live events, concerts, and shows throughout the year.
3. Pipestone National Monument, Pipestone, Minnesota
Pipestone National Monument is a historic site and a natural wonder located in Pipestone, Minnesota. This 280-acre monument is recognized as a sacred place by Native Americans, who come here to extract the famous Pipestone used for making peace pipes. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the monument and learn about the cultural and spiritual significance of the site. The monument also has several hiking trails that lead to waterfalls and other rock formations.
4. Lake Itasca State Park, Minnesota
Lake Itasca State Park is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. This park is home to the headwaters of the Mississippi River, which starts from Lake Itasca. The park has over 32,000 acres of forests, lakes, and wetlands, making it an ideal location for hiking, biking, fishing, and birdwatching. The park also has a visitor center with exhibits, displays, and educational programs about the park’s history and ecology.
5. Minnesota State Fair, Saint Paul, Minnesota
End your road trip with a bang at the Minnesota State Fair, one of the most popular events in the state. The fair takes place in late August and early September and attracts over a million visitors each year. The fair has a variety of attractions, including live music, food, carnival games, exhibits, and agricultural displays. The fair is known for its wide variety of foods ranging from cheese curds to deep-fried candy bars. The Minnesota State Fair is a celebration of Minnesota’s culture, history, and traditions.
Conclusion
This road trip from Aberdeen, South Dakota, to Elk River, Minnesota, is packed with exciting destinations and breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or family, this journey has something for everyone. Make sure to visit the places on this list to make the most out of your road trip. Don’t forget to bring your camera and capture the memories of this unforgettable adventure through the heart of America.