New Haven to Minneapolis Road Trip Guide

The first stop on your trip is going to be right in New Haven! You shouldn’t leave before checking out the oldest university art museum in the Western Hemisphere. The Yale University Art Gallery consists of several different important and educational pieces of art. There are a variety of different buildings on campus to explore. Just like most art galleries, this one has exhibitions that rotate and change.

It’s important to check out the calendar online in order to see what’s there during your trip. Whether you’re looking to see modern paintings, unique sculptures, or a collection of historic objects, the Yale University Art Gallery has it to see. While you’re there you can explore the rest of the campus as long as school isn’t in session. Park the RV at West Rock Ridge State Park and get some rest before the remainder of your trip.

The next stop on your road trip to Minneapolis is the Schisler Museum and McMunn Planetarium. Consider this two stops in one since you can explore the museum and check out the planetarium during your stay. Located in Pennsylvania, the Schisler Museum and McMunn Planetarium is a great place to stop and take a break from the road. There are over 130 displays of different wildlife creatures from all over the planet.

Most of the animals are kept in natural habitats that will allow you to see what their day-to-day life was like. You’ll also get to experience movies on the Extreme Screen that will teach you new things about what you’re learning during your stay. The planetarium will make you feel like you’ve taken a trip into space! If you’re hungry, you can dine right there in the museum.

Now that you’ve been on the road for a while, it’s time to stretch your legs and explore the great outdoors. Bald Eagle State Forest consists of nearly 6,000-acres to do just that. If you’re traveling during the off-season, there is plenty to do. You can go hiking on one of the many trails, enjoy an afternoon of ice skating or skiing, go hunting or ice fishing, and more.

When you’re traveling during the peak season, there’s even more for you to do! It's the perfect place to set up a picnic and watch the wildlife all around you in their natural habitat. You can also go swimming, hiking, and boating as well. You won’t have to worry about finding somewhere to park the RV for the night as you get some sleep. You’ll be able to stay right in Bald Eagle State Forest!

As you get to the midway point of your trip, it’s time to head back inside and see some art. The Butler Institute of Art is located in Youngstown, Ohio. It was the first-ever museum to be dedicated to showing exclusively American art. A lot of the museums and art exhibits in the country have a variety of different styles from all around the world. Being able to focus on American art only allows the Butler Institute of American Art to be amazing at what they do.

Believe it or not, this museum has been operating for over 100 years and gets thousands of visits annually. After a long day at the art center, you’ll likely want to sit back and relax. You can park your rental vehicle at Chestnut Ridge Campground or Western Reserve Park.

If you’re an outdoorsman or you love to spend time planting gardens in the summer, you’ll have to check out the Wellfield Botanic Gardens. This is located in Elkhart, Indiana and is a unique place to spend some time off of the road. There you will find 36-acres of a natural living museum. Now, there have been a lot of museums on this trip, but this one stands out.

You’ll be able to see hundreds of different plants, flowers, and garden structures. There is a working source of hydropower and drinking water within the Wellfield Botanic Garden. This non-profit has been open for several years and offers visitors to enjoy the natural beauty that’s all around us. Elkhart Campground and South Bend KOA both offer places to stay for campers in the area.

When people visit Chicago, they often visit the iconic Bean to take a selfie or visit one of the many tourist attractions downtown. While it’s definitely still a tourist attraction, the Navy Pier is a bit different. For starters, there are fun attractions that you and your loved one can enjoy.

Whether you want to take a ride on the giant Ferris wheel, play a game of mini-golf, or enjoy an evening watching the sunset over Chicago’s massive skyline, it’s the perfect place to do all of that and more. There’s a building that has a variety of different restaurants on one level and a gift shop on the first floor. Depending on when you visit, there are fun events and fireworks that visitors can enjoy as well. The pier is over 3,000 feet long, leaving you never short of things to see and do.

Now that you’ve made it into Wisconsin, consider stopping at The Children’s Museum of Eau Claire. Just because this is a children’s museum, doesn’t mean adults won’t enjoy it too! It’s a fun little pitstop on the last leg of your trip to Minneapolis. While you’re there, you’ll be able to see and be a part of many interactive exhibits. This is a great place for people who love to learn or be entertained for hours!

Another great thing about this children’s museum is that there are tons of art activities as well. Depending on what you make, you may even be able to take it with you as a way to remember your trip! If you need to get some rest before you drive towards Minneapolis, there are a few local campgrounds where you can stay. Lowes Creek County Park is a great spot!

The Saint Croix River is on the border of Minnesota and Wisconsin. As your trip comes to a close, it’s a good idea to take a few hours and stretch your legs. There are several amazing spots along this giant river where you can stop and explore. Whether you’re looking for hiking trails, a biking area, or even cliffs where you can pitch a tent, you can do so there.

With towering rock structures that look over the river, this is an amazing place to see, especially if you’re traveling when fall foliage is at its peak. There are caves you can explore if you’re needing an adrenaline rush, or you can cast a reel right into the river and catch your own supper. There are several boat tours that will give you a more tourist-like view of this beautiful river.