A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Minneapolis vs. Columbia River Gorge for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Minneapolis or Columbia River Gorge?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Minneapolis or Columbia River Gorge, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a dynamic, innovative, and diverse city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Minneapolis travel costs.

Columbia River Gorge

Columbia River Gorge is a natural, beautiful, and scenic region. The beauty of Columbia River Gorge is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and shopping. See Columbia River Gorge travel costs.

Minneapolis and Columbia River Gorge: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Minneapolis or Columbia River Gorge?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Minneapolis. Although Minneapolis and Columbia River Gorge are popular destinations, Minneapolis has more sights and attractions for tourists. Minneapolis is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Columbia River Gorge attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Columbia River Gorge is more touristy than Minneapolis and is popular for its hiking, biking, and high number of waterfalls. Minneapolis is famous for its professional sports teams, countless outdoor activities, and friendly people. It is also well known for Mall of America.

How is Minneapolis different from Columbia River Gorge?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Columbia River Gorge and Minneapolis. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Minneapolis or Columbia River Gorge?

Minneapolis is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Minneapolis can be an interesting and educational experience. There's a wide variety of museums that include art, history, science, and local culture. Some of the favorite museums in the city are the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Walker Art Center, the American Swedish Institute, and the Weisman Art Museum.

While most people don't head to Columbia River Gorge specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of local museums in the area, but most visitors spend their time exploring the region's natural beauty.

Is the Food Better in Minneapolis or Columbia River Gorge? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Minneapolis and Columbia River Gorge both to be superb destinations.

Minneapolis has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Dishes in the Midwest are known for being hearty comfort foods, and the food in Minneapolis is no exception. You'll find cheese-stuffed burgers that are known as Juicy Lucys, Tator Tot casseroles, and deep-fried cheese curds. For international food, there's a variety of Scandinavian options around town.

Dining out in Columbia River Gorge is an experience not to be missed. You'll find many great restaurants in the area that serve local dishes that make use of the region's agricultural scene.

Is Minneapolis or Columbia River Gorge Better for Nightlife?

Minneapolis is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Columbia River Gorge is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for nightlife and partying.

Minneapolis offers plenty to do in the evening. There are diverse neighborhoods that each have their own personality. You'll find rooftop lounges in Uptown, international venues in Whittier, and trendy bars in the North Loop. But at the heart of the city's nightlife scene is Downtown Minneapolis.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Columbia River Gorge. Local breweries, wineries, and bars offer a relaxing setting with a local vibe.

Is Minneapolis or Columbia River Gorge Better for Hiking?

Columbia River Gorge is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Minneapolis is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Columbia River Gorge. There are world-class hikes that take you to iconic waterfalls, breathtaking viewpoints, and along scenic waterways.

Minneapolis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Minneapolis or Columbia River Gorge?

Minneapolis is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Columbia River Gorge is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Minneapolis is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Known for the megamall, Mall of America, this is a shopper's paradise. Mall of America is the largest shopping mall in the country and it even has an aquarium and a theme park within it. In addition to this iconic shopping mall, Minneapolis also has many shopping districts including the Minnehaha Mile.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Columbia River Gorge. Art galleries feature local artwork and artisan crafts. There are photography shops and other venues that sell items highlighting the region's beauty.

Is Minneapolis or Columbia River Gorge More Beautiful?

Columbia River Gorge is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Minneapolis is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Columbia River Gorge is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Impressive waterfalls and breathtaking mountain vistas make this a truly beautiful place to visit.

Minneapolis is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Minneapolis or Columbia River Gorge Better for Families?

Minneapolis and Columbia River Gorge are both superb destinations for the whole family.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Minneapolis is very family-friendly. Mall of America is at the top of the list for most families, but there's also plenty of kid-friendly museums around town as well as nature centers, parks, and playgrounds. There's the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, the Minnesota Zoo, and Afton Apple Orchard. For museums, kids will love the Minnesota Children's Museum or the Science Museum of Minnesota.

Columbia River Gorge is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love exploring the waterfalls and mountains as much as the adults do. There are kid-friendly hikes as well as bakeries and restaurants with many kid options.

Is Minneapolis or Columbia River Gorge Better for Couples?

Columbia River Gorge is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Columbia River Gorge makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will love the romantic hikes and waterfalls. There are also beautiful scenic viewpoints and wonderful restaurants.

Minneapolis is a good city for couples to visit. There are beautiful parks and outdoor spaces to explore as well as museums and fine dining. Couples will appreciate stopping by the Stone Arch Bridge or wandering through the Lyndale Park Rose Garden.

Is Minneapolis or Columbia River Gorge Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Columbia River Gorge is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Minneapolis is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Columbia River Gorge. You'll find hostels and campgrounds in the area that are perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.

Minneapolis is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not a popular destination for backpackers, there is at least one hostel in town.

Is Minneapolis or Columbia River Gorge Better for Students?

Minneapolis is a well-known place for students. However, Columbia River Gorge is not popular with students.

Minneapolis is a great city to visit as a student. There are a number of colleges and universities in the area including the University of Minnesota. The city is known for its academic and intellectual focus, and students will enjoy being challenged educationally while enjoying a dynamic city.

Columbia River Gorge is not popular with students.

Is Minneapolis or Columbia River Gorge Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Minneapolis is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for times when you don't have a car.

Minneapolis has a few public transit options. There are buses, light rail, and commuter trains that stop at many of the major entertainment centers around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Columbia River Gorge. There are some buses, but don't rely on them to efficiently explore.

Is Minneapolis or Columbia River Gorge a more walkable city?

Minneapolis is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for its high level of walkability.

Minneapolis is somewhat walkable. There are neighborhoods that are dense enough to be walkable, but the city is still very car-focused.

Columbia River Gorge is not a very walkable city. You really need a car to explore the area, but some visitors rely on a bike.

For even more information, also check out Is Minneapolis Worth Visiting? and Is Columbia River Gorge Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Columbia River Gorge or Minneapolis?

How long in Minneapolis or Columbia River Gorge?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Minneapolis and Columbia River Gorge. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Minneapolis than in Columbia River Gorge. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Minneapolis, and 2-3 days is enough time in Columbia River Gorge.

Families should spend more time in Minneapolis than Columbia River Gorge. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Minneapolis, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Minneapolis than Columbia River Gorge if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Minneapolis.

One day in Minneapolis or Columbia River Gorge?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Minneapolis. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful region of Columbia River Gorge. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Minneapolis or Columbia River Gorge?

Minneapolis is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the beautiful destination of Columbia River Gorge. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This region offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Minneapolis or Columbia River Gorge?

Many people visit Minneapolis for five days. You'll find museums and nightlife around the city of Minneapolis. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

The natural region of Columbia River Gorge offers shopping and nightlife. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Minneapolis or Columbia River Gorge?

The diverse destination of Minneapolis offers nightlife and food. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Columbia River Gorge. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.

When comparing the travel costs between Minneapolis and Columbia River Gorge, we can see that Minneapolis is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Minneapolis Expensive? and Is Columbia River Gorge Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Minneapolis or Columbia River Gorge?

Minneapolis has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Columbia River Gorge. When comparing the sizes of Minneapolis and Columbia River Gorge, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Minneapolis or Columbia River Gorge?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Minneapolis or Columbia River Gorge in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Minneapolis as well as Columbia River Gorge. The summer months attract visitors to Minneapolis because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Columbia River Gorge this time of year.

In July, Minneapolis is generally a little warmer than Columbia River Gorge. Daily temperatures in Minneapolis average around 76°F (25°C), and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Columbia River Gorge. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Minneapolis this time of the year. In the summer, Minneapolis often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Columbia River Gorge. Minneapolis gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia River Gorge receives 338 hours of full sun.

Minneapolis usually gets more rain in July than Columbia River Gorge. Minneapolis gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Minneapolis or Columbia River Gorge in the Autumn?

Both Columbia River Gorge and Minneapolis are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Minneapolis this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Columbia River Gorge for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Minneapolis is cooler than Columbia River Gorge in the autumn. The daily temperature in Minneapolis averages around 52°F (11°C) in October, and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

Minneapolis usually receives more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge during autumn. Minneapolis gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia River Gorge receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Minneapolis usually receives less rain than Columbia River Gorge. Minneapolis gets 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Minneapolis or Columbia River Gorge in the Winter?

Both Columbia River Gorge and Minneapolis during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Minneapolis for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Columbia River Gorge in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Columbia River Gorge can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Minneapolis. In the winter, Minneapolis is much colder than Columbia River Gorge. Typically, the winter temperatures in Minneapolis in January average around 15°F (-10°C), and Columbia River Gorge averages at about 40°F (4°C).

In the winter, Minneapolis often gets more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge. Minneapolis gets 157 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia River Gorge receives 86 hours of full sun.

Columbia River Gorge gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Minneapolis usually gets less rain in January than Columbia River Gorge. Minneapolis gets 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Minneapolis or Columbia River Gorge in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Minneapolis and Columbia River Gorge. Many visitors come to Minneapolis in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Columbia River Gorge for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Minneapolis is generally around the same temperature as Columbia River Gorge. Daily temperatures in Minneapolis average around 49°F (10°C), and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Columbia River Gorge this time of the year. In Minneapolis, it's very sunny this time of the year. Minneapolis usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Columbia River Gorge during spring. Minneapolis gets 244 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia River Gorge receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Minneapolis usually receives less rain than Columbia River Gorge. Minneapolis gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Columbia River Gorge and Minneapolis