Denver to Minneapolis Road Trip Guide

Make Prewitt Reservoir in Merino your first stop on this road trip and you definitely won’t regret it. The lake spans about 3.8 square miles and is open to guests all year round to pursue different fun activities. What’s more, there’s a park by the lake which offers even more recreational opportunities.

Some of the things you get to do on the lake include fishing for walleye, bluegill, channel catfish, trout, and crappie; and wakeless boating. The shore of the lake provides additional opportunities for hunting (waterfowl, deer, bobwhite quail); hiking; and primitive camping. In addition, the unique prairie land setting of the Prewitt Reservoir State Wildlife Area makes it a beautiful place for nature viewing and bird watching all year round.

There’s a private RV park near the reservoir, so after a day of fun at the lake, you can retreat for a good night's rest before setting out for Lake Helen Recreation Area in Gothenburg.

Lake Helen Recreation Area is contiguous with LaFayette Park, making a stop here doubly rewarding. Lake Helen, the most distinctive feature here, is an artificial lake that was created in the 1890s for water and electricity supply purposes. It has now become a hub for recreation, offering opportunities for families, buddies, and even professional colleagues to let off some steam.

In the recreation area, you’ll find amenities such as a playground, exercise areas, picnic areas, and a golf course. Thanks to the available facilities, you’ll be able to fish, boat, golf, enjoy meals with your team, and relax. Restrooms and parking spaces are available too.

LaFayette Park awaits when you’re done enjoying yourself in the recreation area. The park features 32 campsites that are equipped with partial hookups (electric and water) for RVs, as well as tent-only campsites. A dump station is also provided.

Yes! It’s time for you and your travel buddies to get your adrenaline pumping at the racetracks. You won’t be doing the driving though, but will be able to cheer your favorite driver on as they pump the gas on the Raceway Park of the Midlands/I29 Dragway in Pacific Junction, Iowa.

Known as the Premier Drag and Road Course in Iowa and Nebraska, this recreational driving facility takes various vehicles ranging from race cars, police cars, streetcars, karts, to motorcycles. So, there’s definitely more than enough variety to keep you glued to the action!

One good thing about spending time here is that you can be sure you won’t go hungry because snacks and delicious meals are offered in the facility. So, you’ll get ice cream, burgers, and other variety of food to keep you going.

Camping options are also provided within sites equipped with electric hookups.

As you slowly continue your journey and draw closer to Minneapolis, stop over at Big Creek State Park for some more fun. This park located in Polk City is considered as one of the most beautiful places to spend time outdoors in Iowa - and for good reason too.

When you arrive, you’ll find it’s easy to quickly settle in and start doing what you find interesting. Facilities and amenities available within the park that make this easy include a 26-mile multipurpose trail, picnic areas and shelters, playground, a beach, boat ramps, and many more. Consequently, you can go for a swim in the lake; hike and bike on the paved trail; angle for muskie, largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegill; and also enjoy sports activities such as softball, volleyball, etc.

Saylorville Lake, a short distance away from here, offers various camping options for your overnight stay.

Just the ideal place to wrap up this exciting adventure is the River Bend Nature Center in Faribault, Minnesota. Here. you’ll be treated to proper nature views as the park is decorated by maple forests, prairies, and wetlands. What’s more, you’ll get front-row seat views of the Straight River from this Nature Center.

That’s not all! This Nature Center offers guests and tourists opportunities to partake in environmental education programs, as well as conservation and recreational activities. Open all year, you’ll be able to visit at any time. You’ll probably want to stretch your legs, so feel free to make use of the multi-use trails that extend for ten miles in the Center. Guess what? Admission is free!

As far as RV camping is concerned, you’re covered, as there are plenty of parks and camping areas nearby to choose from.