Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Buffalo, Iowa and Minneapolis, Minnesota

The Midwest of the United States is one beautiful area filled with an abundance of unique landmarks. Road trips from Buffalo, Iowa, to Minneapolis, Minnesota takes you through breathtaking scenery dotted with attractions that are worth a stop.

At Charles City, Iowa, which is slightly halfway through the 265-miles route trip, there are numerous spots to pause and take in the beauty of the nearby Cedar River. From there, continue north through the lovely Iowa countryside before crossing into the Land of 10,000 Lakes on your way to Minneapolis. Below, we highlight some of the must-visit places on this road trip route.

Soak in the Natural Beauty of Effigy Mounds National Monument

Effigy Mounds National Monument is a remarkable archaeological treasure that encompasses over 2,500 acres. As its name suggests, the site is primarily made up of small hills made in the shape of animals, including bears, eagles, and bison. Hiking at the park affords you stunning views of the Mississippi River, alongside a comprehensive guide on how native tribes lived in the area for over 17,000 years. Make sure to bring comfortable footwear and bug spray during summer months.

Fun Fact: This national monument is said to be a sacred site for several Native American tribes since the mounds hold cultural relevance to them.

Stunning Architecture at the Basilica of Saint Mary

Still in Minneapolis, the Basilica of Saint Mary is a Gothic Revival-style Roman Catholic church that has been in operation since 1907. This majestic landmark has been listed as a national historic building, and rightly so; its magnificent architecture is truly a sight to behold. The grand exterior with tall spires is matched equally by the interior's beauty, which is adorned with intricate stained-glass windows. If your road trip route passes through during Christmas, take a moment to marvel at the grandeur of the décor- it's breathtaking.

Fun Fact: The basilica's stained-glass windows were created by Charles J. Connick, who is considered the most renowned stained-glass artist in America.

Delve into History at the Mall of America

At the Mall of America, your shopping experience will be unlike any you've had before, as it isn't just any mall. This gargantuan retail space contains over 500 shops, an indoor amusement park, movie theaters, multiple restaurants, and so much more. It’s a perfect stop to stretch your legs and stock up on souvenirs for the rest of your road trip.

Fun Fact: The mall can house up to an impressive 32 Boeing 747s!

Admiring Art at the Walker Art Center

If you're looking to check out some thought-provoking art, the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis is a perfect stop. With over 13,000 modern and contemporary works on display, visitors are sure to be impressed by the art pieces. The artwork range from films, visual arts, photography, and mixed media. The sculpture garden offers more than 40 distinctive sculptures, making the Walker Art Center ideal for art enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Fun fact: The Sculpture Garden features Claes Oldenburg's Spoonbridge and Cherry, an iconic and beloved piece that has become synonymous with Minneapolis.

Explore the Wonders of America's Largest Indoor Waterpark

The Waterpark of America is an excellent spot to take a break from the road trip grind. Spanning 90,000 square feet, it's the largest indoor waterpark in America, and it's right inside Bloomington’s Mall of America. The waterpark offers numerous thrilling water slides, a lazy river, and an interactive water play area for kids. It's a great place to cool down during summer months.

Fun Fact: The park's Flow Rider Surf Simulator claims to be the second-largest indoor fabrication of its kind in the world.

Conclusion

From the natural beauty of Effigy Mounds National Monument, the stunning architecture at the elegant Basilica of Saint Mary, the vast facades of the Mall of America, and the thought-provoking artworks at the Walker Arts Center, to the fun and thrill at the Waterpark of America, this road trip route ensures a fulfilling experience. The trip should take approximately five hours, but it's best to spend extra time at each of the above stops to fully explore all that this exciting route has to offer.