Top Places to See When Driving From Apple Valley, Minnesota to Santa Fe, New Mexico
Are you planning a road trip from Apple Valley, Minnesota, to Santa Fe, New Mexico? If so, congratulations! You're in for an adventure of a lifetime. Driving from Minnesota to New Mexico means passing through a wide range of landscapes—from rolling hills and lush forests to deserts and mountains.
To make sure you don't miss any of the top attractions along the way, we've put together a list of the best places to see when driving from Apple Valley, Minnesota, to Santa Fe, New Mexico. So fasten your seatbelt, grab some snacks, and let's hit the road!
Start Your Journey at the Great River Bluffs State Park, Minnesota
The Great River Bluffs State Park is located in the southeast region of Minnesota, near the town of Winona. This park offers some of the best scenic views in the state, with rolling bluffs, rugged terrain, and picturesque valleys. The park also has several hiking trails, including the King's Bluff Trail, which offers spectacular views of the Mississippi River.
Stop at Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota
While driving through South Dakota, make sure you stop at Mount Rushmore National Memorial. This national memorial features four enormous sculptures of U.S. Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.
The park has several hiking trails, including the Presidential Trail, which takes visitors closer to the sculptures for a more up-close and personal experience. There are also several museums and exhibits on site, including an interactive learning center and a memorial pathway.
Explore the Badlands National Park, South Dakota
On your way to the Black Hills of South Dakota, you'll pass through the Badlands National Park. This national park features a striking landscape of sharply eroded rock formations, deep canyons, and prairie grasslands.
The park has several hiking trails, including the Notch Trail, which offers panoramic views of the park's unique geology. Visitors can also take a scenic drive along the Badlands Loop Road or go on a guided tour to learn more about the park's history and wildlife.
Visit Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
As you continue your journey westward, you'll pass through Wyoming, where you can't miss the world-famous Yellowstone National Park. This national park spans across three states and features a wide range of geothermal features, including hot springs, geysers, and mudpots.
Visitors can also enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife watching while in the park. Don't miss the chance to see the park's most famous attraction, Old Faithful, which erupts every 60 to 110 minutes.
Take in the Views at Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Another must-see destination in Wyoming is the Grand Teton National Park, home to the stunning Teton Range. This park offers a range of activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and mountain climbing.
Visitors can also enjoy a scenic drive along the park's main road, which offers breathtaking views of the mountains and the Snake River. Be sure to visit the park's visitor center to learn more about the park's wildlife, geology, and history.
Visit Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado
As you pass through Colorado, don't miss the opportunity to visit Mesa Verde National Park. This park features ancient cliff dwellings, dating back to the 12th century, that offer a glimpse into the lives of the Ancestral Pueblo people.
Visitors can explore the park by taking guided tours of the cliff dwellings or hiking through some of the park's scenic trails. The park also has a museum and visitor center that offers exhibits and information about the history of the Ancestral Pueblo people.
Stop by the Aztec Ruins National Monument, New Mexico
The Aztec Ruins National Monument is located in the northwest region of New Mexico, near the town of Aztec. This monument features ancient ruins of the Ancestral Pueblo people, along with a reconstructed Great Kiva, which is a ceremonial gathering space.
Visitors can explore the ruins on their own or take a guided tour to learn more about the history of the Ancestral Pueblo people. The park also offers several hiking trails and picnic areas.
Explore the Ghost Ranch Education and Retreat Center, New Mexico
The Ghost Ranch Education and Retreat Center is located in the stunning red rock country of northern New Mexico. This center offers a range of activities, including hiking, horseback riding, and painting workshops.
Visitors can also explore the center's many hiking trails, which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Don't miss the chance to see the Chimney Rock formation, which was made famous by Georgia O'Keeffe's paintings.
Visit the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe, New Mexico
The final destination on your road trip from Apple Valley, Minnesota to Santa Fe, New Mexico is the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum. This museum is dedicated to the life and work of Georgia O'Keeffe, an American artist famous for her landscapes and close-up paintings of flowers.
Visitors can view several of O'Keeffe's most famous works, along with exhibits and information about her life and career. The museum also offers a range of programs and events throughout the year, including workshops, lectures, and tours.
Conclusion
Driving from Apple Valley, Minnesota to Santa Fe, New Mexico offers a wealth of opportunities to explore some of the country's most stunning landscapes, wildlife, and history. From the rugged terrain of the Great River Bluffs State Park, to the ancient cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park, and the world-famous geothermal features at Yellowstone National Park, this journey is sure to be an adventure of a lifetime.
So, pack your bags, fill up your car, and get ready for the ultimate road trip through some of the most breathtaking scenery in America. Safe travels!