Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Andover, Minnesota and Roseville, Minnesota
Andover and Roseville, both suburban cities in Minnesota, are located about 20 miles apart and offer incredible opportunities for exploring and adventure. Whether you're a seasoned road tripper or a newbie, the trip between these two cities offers a great opportunity to experience the beauty of Minnesota. This trip spans over 50 miles and takes approximately an hour. Along the way, there are several exciting places to see, but the halfway point, Blaine, MN, takes the cake. Blaine is a fantastic town with several restaurants, parks, and outdoor spaces to unwind and stretch before continuing to your destination.
Top Five Things to do
Visit the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
The Como Park Zoo and Conservatory is an excellent place to experience nature and get up close with wildlife animals. The park features a wide variety of flowers, plants, and animal species that will amaze the whole family. The conservatory is home to over 500 plant species and flowers, including orchids, bonsai trees, and seasonal displays throughout the year. On the other hand, the zoo, which is located in the same park, has animals such as African penguins, polar bears, gorillas, and tigers.
Interesting Fact: Como Park Zoo and Conservatory is a free attraction, making it an affordable yet amazing experience.
Hike at the Jay Cooke State Park
Jay Cooke State Park is a nature lover's paradise. The park, located south of Duluth, features a whopping 50 miles of hiking trails that lead to various sites such as historic buildings, waterfalls, and river rapids. The park is also home to several animal species such as black bears, gray wolves, and white-tailed deer. Visitors can embark on self-guided tours or opt to join ranger-led programs.
Interesting Fact: The swinging bridge located within the park is among the top attractions, offering stunning views of the St. Louis River.
Explore the Mall of America
The Mall of America (MOA) is the largest shopping center in the United States. The mall features over five hundred stores selling clothes, shoes, jewelry, and electronics. Visitors can also experience world-class dining, enjoy amusement park rides at Nickelodeon Universe, or opt for an underwater adventure at SEA LIFE Aquarium.
Interesting Fact: The mall has an indoor amusement park that features over thirty rides, including eight roller coasters.
Tour the Bakken Museum
The Bakken Museum is an educational museum that showcases various inventions, including early medical equipment, electrical inventions, and life science research. The museum takes visitors through the history of electricity and magnetism, showcasing everything from the origins of electricity to modern-day applications. Additionally, the museum features several interactive exhibits to help visitors learn and understand the basics of electricity.
Interesting Fact: The museum has over 14,000 books in its library collection, all tied to the museum's subject matters.
Have fun at the Valley Fair
Valley Fair is a 125-acre amusement park located in Shakopee, Minnesota. The park features over 70 rides and attractions, including thrilling roller coasters and water slides. Visitors can also enjoy stage shows, games, and other attractions, making the park suitable for families and groups of friends.
Interesting Fact: Valley Fair has an impressive number of roller coasters and is home to the world's second-fastest and longest coaster, Steel Venom.
Conclusion
The road trip from Andover, Minnesota, to Roseville, Minnesota, spans over 50 miles and takes about an hour. Along the way, travelers will get to experience beautiful scenery and several attractions such as zoos, museums, and amusement parks. The highlight of the journey is the midway point, Blaine, Minnesota, where visitors can stretch, relax and enjoy the many restaurants, parks, and outdoor spaces. Whether you're a Minnesota resident or a tourist, the Andover-Roseville road trip is a must-do for anyone looking for a fulfilling adventure.