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

Should you visit Minneapolis or Hood River?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Minneapolis or Hood River, 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 innovative, diverse, and dynamic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Minneapolis travel costs.

Hood River

Hood River is a agricultural, quaint, and scenic town. The beauty of Hood River is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, skiing, and nightlife. See Hood River travel costs.

Minneapolis and Hood River: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Minneapolis or Hood River?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Minneapolis than Hood River, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Minneapolis is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Hood River is more popular for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Hood River is more touristy than Minneapolis and is known for its waterfalls, wineries, and impressive mountains. Minneapolis is well known for its professional sports teams, countless outdoor activities, and friendly people. Also, Minneapolis is famous for Mall of America.

How is Minneapolis different from Hood River?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Minneapolis or Hood River Better for Skiing?

Hood River is a nice place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Minneapolis is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Hood River is a great destination to visit. During the winter months, Hood River makes a nice base for nearby skiing. Timberline and Cooper Spur and both less than an hour away and offer great skiing opportunities.

Minneapolis is not a skiing destination.

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

Minneapolis is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Hood River is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Minneapolis offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Hood River offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of interesting museums in town such as the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automoblie Museum, the History Museum, and 301 Gallery.

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

Foodies will find both Minneapolis and Hood River both to be very good 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 Hood River is an experience not to be missed. Head to the downtown or waterfront areas for the best selection of restaurants. Most restaurants pride themselves on using local ingredients and supporting local farms. Dishes use fresh and healthy ingredients that make simple but high quality meals.

Is Minneapolis or Hood River Better for Nightlife?

Minneapolis is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Hood River is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Minneapolis has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Hood River has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are breweries, wineries, and local bars in the area that offer a laid back place where you can enjoy the local atmosphere.

Is Minneapolis or Hood River Better for Hiking?

Hood River 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 Hood River. There's a diversity of landscapes in the area that include waterfalls, agriculture, vineyards, and high-reaching mountain peaks. The best way to experience these is through the many hiking trails. Drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway and stop off at the trails that lead to the waterfalls, or head south of town to explore the vineyards on foot, and to the north where you'll find mountain peaks.

Minneapolis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Minneapolis or Hood River?

Minneapolis is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Hood River is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Minneapolis draws large crowds to its 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.

Many visitors go to Hood River to go shopping. Local shops sell local produce, artisan crafts, and wine. There are boutiques and independent vendors that are fun to visit and many visitors enjoy spending an afternoon shopping.

Is Minneapolis or Hood River More Beautiful?

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

The beauty of Hood River is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. There's a beautiful natural environment with wonderful hikes and local farms and wineries.

Minneapolis is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Minneapolis or Hood River Better for Families?

Minneapolis and Hood River are both very good 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.

Hood River is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The area is filled with outdoor adventures that the whole family can enjoy. There's swimming, tubing, hiking, and even windsurfing. Make sure you check out the Waterfront Park and Powerdale Substation.

Is Minneapolis or Hood River Better for Couples?

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

Hood River makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy the scenic natural setting and charming hotels and bed and breakfasts in the area. There are romantic hikes, local wineries, and many great restaurants that you can try.

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 Hood River Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers visit Hood River. There are a couple of hostels and some nice campgrounds in the area as well as many great hikes and a laid back atmosphere that backpackers appreciate.

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 Hood River Better for Students?

Minneapolis is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Hood River is not popular with students.

Minneapolis is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Hood River is not popular with students.

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

Minneapolis is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Hood River is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Minneapolis has some 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 generally limited in Hood River. There are buses in the area but you really need your own transportation to see the region efficiently.

Is Minneapolis or Hood River a more walkable city?

Minneapolis is a popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Hood River is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

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

Hood River is generally not very walkable. While there are parts of the town that are walkable, if you don't have a car you'll miss out on the surrounding natural landscapes and most of the hiking opportunities.

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

Should I spend more time in Hood River or Minneapolis?

How long in Minneapolis or Hood River?

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

Families should spend more time in Minneapolis than Hood River. 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.

Couples should spend more time in Hood River than Minneapolis. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Hood River that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

One day in Minneapolis or Hood River?

With museums and nightlife around the dynamic city of Minneapolis, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the charming town of Hood River. 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 Hood River?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Minneapolis, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the scenic destination of Hood River. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town 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 Hood River?

Minneapolis, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

The agricultural town of Hood River offers food and shopping. 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 Hood River?

Minneapolis is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many people enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting Hood River. 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Minneapolis and Hood River, we can see that Minneapolis is more expensive. And not only is Hood River much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hood River would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hood River and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Minneapolis would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Minneapolis than you might in Hood River.

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

Which is Bigger, Minneapolis or Hood River?

Minneapolis has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Hood River. When comparing the sizes of Minneapolis and Hood River, 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 Hood River?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Minneapolis or Hood River in the Summer?

Both Hood River and Minneapolis are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Minneapolis in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Hood River for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Minneapolis is a little warmer than Hood River in the summer. The daily temperature in Minneapolis averages around 76°F (25°C) in July, and Hood River fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Hood River. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Minneapolis. Minneapolis usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hood River during summer. Minneapolis gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Hood River receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Minneapolis usually receives more rain than Hood River. Minneapolis gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Minneapolis or Hood River in the Autumn?

Both Hood River and Minneapolis during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Minneapolis for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Hood River because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Minneapolis is cooler than Hood River. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Minneapolis in October average around 52°F (11°C), and Hood River averages at about 55°F (13°C).

In the autumn, Minneapolis often gets more sunshine than Hood River. Minneapolis gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hood River receives 155 hours of full sun.

Minneapolis usually gets less rain in October than Hood River. Minneapolis gets 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Minneapolis or Hood River in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Minneapolis and Hood River. The winter months attract visitors to Minneapolis because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hood River this time of year.

It's quite cold in Hood River in the winter. The weather in Minneapolis can be very cold. In January, Minneapolis is generally much colder than Hood River. Daily temperatures in Minneapolis average around 15°F (-10°C), and Hood River fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

Minneapolis usually receives more sunshine than Hood River during winter. Minneapolis gets 157 hours of sunny skies, while Hood River receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

Hood River receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Minneapolis usually receives less rain than Hood River. Minneapolis gets 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Minneapolis or Hood River in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Minneapolis as well as Hood River. The activities around the city are the main draw to Minneapolis this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hood River for the natural beauty.

Minneapolis is around the same temperature as Hood River in the spring. The daily temperature in Minneapolis averages around 49°F (10°C) in April, and Hood River fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hood River. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Minneapolis this time of the year. In the spring, Minneapolis often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hood River. Minneapolis gets 244 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hood River receives 231 hours of full sun.

Minneapolis usually gets less rain in April than Hood River. Minneapolis gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hood River and Minneapolis