A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Minneapolis vs. Olympic National Park for Backpackers, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Minneapolis or Olympic National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Minneapolis or Olympic National Park, 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. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Minneapolis travel costs.

Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a pristine, stunning, and vast park. The beauty of Olympic National Park is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the hiking and museums. See Olympic National Park travel costs.

Minneapolis and Olympic National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Minneapolis or Olympic National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Minneapolis than Olympic National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Minneapolis is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Olympic National Park is more popular for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Olympic National Park is more touristy than Minneapolis and is popular for its diverse landscapes and its frequent rainfall. 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 Olympic National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Olympic National Park 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 Olympic National Park?

Minneapolis is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Olympic National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Olympic National Park. There are several museums near the park that highlight the region's history, culture, and geology. These include the Makah Cultural & Research Center Museum, Forks Timber Museum, Sequim Museum, and Squaxin Island Museum, Library and Research Center.

Is the Food Better in Minneapolis or Olympic National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Minneapolis is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Minneapolis. 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.

Olympic National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Most of the lodges have restaurants within the park, but they can be overpriced. There are also restaurants just outside of the park's border.

Is Minneapolis or Olympic National Park Better for Nightlife?

Minneapolis is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its evening party scene.

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.

Olympic National Park doesn't offer many options. You can enjoy a peaceful natural setting after the sun sets.

Is Minneapolis or Olympic National Park Better for Resorts?

Olympic National Park is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Minneapolis is not a resort destination.

Olympic National Park is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are several lodges within the park as well as cabins and inns. Some have a historic atmosphere while others are more rustic. It's best to book well in advance, particularly if you're visiting during the peak summer months.

Minneapolis is not a resort destination.

Is Minneapolis or Olympic National Park Better for Hiking?

Olympic National Park is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, Minneapolis is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Olympic National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Hiking trails will take you through the diverse range of landscapes. There are mountain climbs, coastal trails, and routes that wander through old growth forests. You'll also find a mix of day hikes and backcountry wilderness hikes. Mount Storm King, Marymere Falls, and the High Divide are favorite hikes in the park, but there are countless others.

Minneapolis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Minneapolis or Olympic National Park?

Minneapolis is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Minneapolis make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Olympic National Park has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There's a park store where you can pick up books, informational resources, and souvenirs.

Is Minneapolis or Olympic National Park More Beautiful?

Olympic National Park is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Minneapolis is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Olympic National Park is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The diversity of landscapes give the park a unique beauty. You can explore old growth rainforests, wander down pristine beaches, or take in the stunning mountain views.

Minneapolis is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Minneapolis or Olympic National Park Better for Families?

Minneapolis and Olympic National Park 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.

Olympic National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy exploring the tidal pools and running around the beach. It's also fun to lose yourself in the old growth rainforests and spend some time kayaking or canoeing at Lake Crescent.

Is Minneapolis or Olympic National Park Better for Couples?

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

Olympic National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy hiking, camping, and natural beauty will love exploring this park together. There are a diversity of ecosystems and landscapes where you can enjoy a couples retreat together.

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 Olympic National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Olympic National Park is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Minneapolis is lacking in good options for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Olympic National Park is extremely popular for backpackers. There are many beautiful backcountry destinations that let you experience this park in depth. Make sure you purchase a permit in advance.

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 Olympic National Park Better for Students?

Minneapolis is a well-known place for students. However, Olympic National Park 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.

Olympic National Park is not popular with students.

Is Minneapolis or Olympic National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Minneapolis is a popular place for its public transit. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park 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 Olympic National Park. There are buses and ferries to the park, but the park is large and requires a private vehicle to fully access it.

Is Minneapolis or Olympic National Park a more walkable city?

Minneapolis is a popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park 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.

Olympic National Park is not a very walkable city. The park is large and you'll need a car to reach most of the trailheads.

For even more information, also check out Is Minneapolis Worth Visiting? and Is Olympic National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Olympic National Park or Minneapolis?

How long in Minneapolis or Olympic National Park?

In either Minneapolis or Olympic National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Olympic National Park than Minneapolis because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Minneapolis, and 2-5 days is enough time in Olympic National Park.

Families should spend more time in Minneapolis than Olympic National Park. 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 Olympic National Park 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 Olympic National Park?

In Minneapolis, you'll find shopping and museums. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Visitors enjoy the museums when visiting the stunning park of Olympic National Park. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the hiking. 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 Olympic National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Minneapolis. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city. It offers something for everyone.

Visitors enjoy the museums when visiting the vast destination of Olympic National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This park 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 Olympic National Park?

Minneapolis is a fun place to experience. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the museums when visiting the pristine park of Olympic National Park. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Minneapolis or Olympic National Park?

You'll find food and shopping around the innovative destination of Minneapolis. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the museums when visiting Olympic National Park. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people visit for the hiking. 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 Olympic National Park, we can see that Minneapolis is more expensive. And not only is Olympic National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Olympic National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Olympic National Park 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 Olympic National Park.

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

When is the best time to visit Minneapolis or Olympic National Park?

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 Olympic National Park in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Minneapolis as well as Olympic National Park. Many visitors come to Minneapolis in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Olympic National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Minneapolis is much warmer than Olympic National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Minneapolis averages around 76°F (25°C) in July, and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Olympic National Park. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Minneapolis this time of the year. In the summer, Minneapolis often gets more sunshine than Olympic National Park. Minneapolis gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympic National Park receives 210 hours of full sun.

Minneapolis usually gets more rain in July than Olympic National Park. Minneapolis gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Minneapolis or Olympic National Park in the Autumn?

Both Olympic National Park and Minneapolis are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Olympic National Park because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Minneapolis is around the same temperature as Olympic National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Minneapolis in October average around 52°F (11°C), and Olympic National Park averages at about 51°F (10°C).

Minneapolis usually receives more sunshine than Olympic National Park during autumn. Minneapolis gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Olympic National Park receives 113 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Olympic National Park. In October, Minneapolis usually receives less rain than Olympic National Park. Minneapolis gets 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 10.4 inches (263 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Minneapolis or Olympic National Park in the Winter?

Both Olympic National Park and Minneapolis during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Minneapolis because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Olympic National Park this time of year.

It's quite cold in Olympic National Park in the winter. The weather in Minneapolis can be very cold. In January, Minneapolis is generally much colder than Olympic National Park. Daily temperatures in Minneapolis average around 15°F (-10°C), and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 41°F (5°C).

In the winter, Minneapolis often gets more sunshine than Olympic National Park. Minneapolis gets 157 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympic National Park receives 56 hours of full sun.

Olympic National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Minneapolis usually gets less rain in January than Olympic National Park. Minneapolis gets 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 13.7 inches (349 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Minneapolis or Olympic National Park in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Minneapolis and Olympic National Park. The activities around the city are the main draw to Minneapolis this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Olympic National Park for the natural beauty.

Minneapolis is a little warmer than Olympic National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Minneapolis averages around 49°F (10°C) in April, and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 47°F (8°C).

In Minneapolis, it's very sunny this time of the year. Minneapolis usually receives more sunshine than Olympic National Park during spring. Minneapolis gets 244 hours of sunny skies, while Olympic National Park receives 148 hours of full sun in the spring.

Olympic National Park receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Minneapolis usually receives less rain than Olympic National Park. Minneapolis gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Olympic National Park and Minneapolis