Midwestern Meets Gulf Coast: The Ultimate Drive from Burnsville, Minnesota to Gulf Shores, Alabama

Planning a road trip from Burnsville, Minnesota to Gulf Shores, Alabama? You're in for an exciting journey. The distance between the two cities is approximately 1,175 miles, which depending on the route you take can take about 16-20 hours. Whether you're taking a long drive or breaking the trip into segments, there are several scenic routes and pitstops to explore along the way.

Route 1: The Straightforward Interstate Drive

Grab your snacks, choose your favorite playlist, and prepare for an interstate journey. The quickest route from Burnsville to Gulf Shores is via I-35 and I-65. Take I-35 South towards Des Moines, make your way to Kansas City. Continue down to St. Louis and then east to Nashville. Take I-65 south and follow the signs for Gulf Shores. The total driving distance is approximately 1,175 miles, and it would take you about 16 hours to reach Gulf Shores via this route.

Route 2: The Scenic Route

For those who prefer scenic vistas and off-the-beaten-path experiences, the best route is via I-90 and I-55. You’ll pass through Illinois and then slice through Missouri, where you'll find the Ozarks Mountains. Continue on to Arkansas where you'll see natural state parks such as Hot Springs National Park, and Hot Springs State Park. Head east to Little Rock, then on to Memphis, Tennessee, where you can stop by Beale Street for live music and barbecue. Head south on I-55 and then switch to I-65 at Montgomery to get to Gulf Shores. This route is approximately 1,230 miles and takes about 20 hours to cover.

Route 3: The Land of Lakes and Gulf of Mexico

Looking for a blended experience of beautiful lakes and stunning seashores? This route takes you south from Burnsville around Iowa’s largest lake – Lake Okoboji, passing through Kansas City, Missouri. It’s then on to the Ozark Mountains in Arkansas, where you get on Scenic Byway 7 and make your way south to Russellville. Then head on to Little Rock and take I-40 and I-30 to Texarkana. From there, drive through the Gulf Coast of Louisiana and Alabama and soak up the views of Gulf Shores. While this route is longer at approximately 1,300 miles, it would take 18 hours to reach Gulf Shores.

Stops Along the Way

Each route is filled with some amazing attractions and hidden gems worth stopping for. For the first route, make a stop in Nashville to see Music Row and the Grand Ole Opry. In Memphis, don’t miss out on Graceland and the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum. For Route 2, Little Rock has some amazing food and drink stops including the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site for a history lesson. While Route 3 will take you through many scenic areas, including the natural beauty of Arkansas, Lake Charles in Louisiana with its many casinos and museums on the coastline is worth a visit.

The drive from Burnsville, Minnesota, to Gulf Shores, Alabama, is an adventure to cherish. No matter which route you choose, make sure to set aside ample time for the trip and enjoy the ride. You're sure to find several unique moments and picturesque locations, sure to make your road trip unforgettable.