A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Minneapolis vs. Redwood National Park for Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Minneapolis or Redwood 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 Redwood 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 diverse, dynamic, and innovative city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Minneapolis travel costs.

Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is a impressive, monumental, and grand park. Redwood National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the beaches and hiking. See Redwood National Park travel costs.

Minneapolis and Redwood National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Minneapolis. Although Minneapolis and Redwood National Park are both popular with visitors, Minneapolis has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Minneapolis is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Redwood National Park is known for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Redwood National Park is more touristy than Minneapolis and is popular for being the home of the world's tallest trees. Minneapolis is popular for its professional sports teams, countless outdoor activities, and friendly people. It is also home to Mall of America.

How is Minneapolis different from Redwood National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Minneapolis
Redwood National Park

Minneapolis is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Minneapolis. 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 to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Redwood National Park. There is little in the form of museums, but you can visit the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center on the south side of the park and see exhibits about Yurok culture and the area's ecology.


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

Minneapolis
Redwood National Park

Minneapolis is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Minneapolis is an experience not to be missed. 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.

While Redwood National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There are no dining or grocery options within the park but there are some options just outside the park.

Is Minneapolis or Redwood National Park Better for Nightlife?

Minneapolis
Redwood National Park

Minneapolis is well known for its evening party scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for nightlife.

Minneapolis is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Redwood National Park The laid back setting offers little in the form of nightlife.

Is Minneapolis or Redwood National Park Better for Beaches?

Minneapolis
Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Minneapolis is not a beach destination.

Redwood National Park has a beach worth visiting. The park runs along the Pacific coastline and there are 70 miles of coastal trail in the park. Beaches are rugged and sandy and favorite sections include Gold Bluff Beach, Crescent Beach, and Enderts Beach, which has great tidal pools.

Minneapolis is not a beach destination.


Is Minneapolis or Redwood National Park Better for Hiking?

Minneapolis
Redwood National Park

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

Known for its hiking, Redwood National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Hikes range from coastal trails to world-renowned hikes through the redwoods. You'll feel humbled in the presence of these grand and majestic trees. Several of the most well-known hikes include Fern Canyon, the Cathedral Trees Trail, and Redwood Creek Trail.

Minneapolis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Minneapolis or Redwood National Park?

Minneapolis
Redwood National Park

Minneapolis is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for shopping.

Minneapolis is a world class destination for shoppers. 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 in Redwood National Park can be found for those interested. You'll find park stores at the visitor centers if you want to pick up a small gift or souvenir.

Is Minneapolis or Redwood National Park More Beautiful?

Minneapolis
Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Minneapolis is not a destination known for its beauty.

Redwood National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The majestic redwood trees will take your breath away. These ancient forests offer a truly unique experience and you'll feel small in comparison to their grand height.

Minneapolis is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Minneapolis or Redwood National Park Better for Families?

Minneapolis
Redwood National Park

Minneapolis and Redwood National Park are both great 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.

Redwood National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of kid-friendly hikes in the park and the kids will love exploring the varied landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Less than a mile long, Fern Canyon is the perfect hike for little kids and it's not-to-be-missed. Cathedral Trees Trail is three miles, and also a highlight of any trip to the park.

Is Minneapolis or Redwood National Park Better for Couples?

Minneapolis
Redwood National Park

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

Redwood National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are historic lodges that make for a romantic getaway. You can fill your days with hikes through magical landscapes and breathtaking settings surrounded by the impressive redwoods.

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 Redwood National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Minneapolis
Redwood National Park

Redwood 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, Redwood National Park is extremely popular for backpackers. There are miles of backcountry trails that let you can explore the park in relative peace and solitude. This is an amazing way to experience the park, but do 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 Redwood National Park Better for Students?

Minneapolis
Redwood National Park

Minneapolis is well known for students. However, Redwood National Park is not popular with students.

Many students visit Minneapolis. 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.

Redwood National Park is not popular with students.

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

Minneapolis
Redwood National Park

Minneapolis is a good destination for its public transit. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Minneapolis, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses, light rail, and commuter trains that stop at many of the major entertainment centers around town.

Public transit is quite limited in Redwood National Park. There's no public transportation within the park.

Is Minneapolis or Redwood National Park a more walkable city?

Minneapolis
Redwood National Park

Minneapolis is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its walkability.

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

Redwood National Park is not a very walkable city. The park is large and spread out, so you'll need a car to get around.


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

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

How long in Minneapolis or Redwood National Park?

In either Minneapolis or Redwood National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Redwood 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 3-5 days is enough time in Redwood National Park.

Families should spend more time in Minneapolis than Redwood 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 Redwood 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.


  • How many days in Minneapolis or Redwood National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Minneapolis 2-4 
    Redwood National Park 3-5

One day in Minneapolis or Redwood 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 when visiting the grand park of Redwood National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Redwood 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 when visiting the monumental destination of Redwood National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This park offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Minneapolis or Redwood 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 when visiting the grand park of Redwood National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Redwood National Park?

You'll find food and shopping around the diverse 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 when visiting Redwood National Park. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Redwood National Park or Minneapolis?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Minneapolis Prices
    USA Prices
    Redwood National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Minneapolis $235
    Redwood National Park $135

The average daily cost (per person) in Minneapolis is $235, while the average daily cost in Redwood National Park is $135. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Minneapolis and Redwood National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Minneapolis $110
    Redwood National Park $44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Minneapolis $220
    Redwood National Park $88
Compare Hotels in Minneapolis and Redwood National Park

Looking for a hotel in Minneapolis or Redwood National Park? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Minneapolis


Hotels in Redwood National Park


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Minneapolis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Minneapolis $43
    Redwood National Park $53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Minneapolis

Also for Minneapolis, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Rochester: One-Way Shared Transfer to or from MSP: $49

Is it cheaper to fly into Minneapolis or Redwood National Park?

Prices for flights to both Redwood National Park and Minneapolis change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Minneapolis $70
    Redwood National Park $56

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Minneapolis

For Minneapolis, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Sushi Cooking Class at a Local Brewery: $75
  • Secret Food Tour: $96

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Minneapolis $27
    Redwood National Park $33

Tours and Activities in Minneapolis

For Minneapolis, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Mississippi River Cruise with Narration: $28
  • Mall of America: Crayola Experience Flexible Date Ticket: $31
  • Minnesota Timberwolves Basketball Game Ticket: $33
  • Mall of America 1-Hour Escape Room Adventure: $47
  • Past and Present Walking Tour: $60
  • Ultimate Minneapolis Walking Tour & Weatherproof Skyway Loop: $79
  • Minneapolis & St. Paul: Private Highlights Riding Tour: $550

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Minneapolis $24
    Redwood National Park $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Minneapolis

Also in Minneapolis, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Minneapolis Historical Bar Crawl: Hidden Bars & Stories: $79
  • Highest Rated 3-Hour Craft Brewery Tour in Minneapolis: $100


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Minneapolis and Redwood National Park, we can see that Minneapolis is more expensive. And not only is Redwood National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Redwood National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Redwood 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 Redwood 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 Redwood National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Minneapolis or Redwood 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 Redwood National Park in the Summer?

Both Redwood National Park and Minneapolis during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Minneapolis for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Redwood National Park in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Minneapolis is much warmer than Redwood National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Minneapolis in July average around 76°F (25°C), and Redwood National Park averages at about 57°F (14°C).

In Redwood National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Minneapolis. In the summer, Minneapolis often gets more sunshine than Redwood National Park. Minneapolis gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Redwood National Park receives 274 hours of full sun.

Minneapolis usually gets more rain in July than Redwood National Park. Minneapolis gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 0.1 inches (3 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Minneapolis 76°F (25°C) 
    Redwood National Park 57°F (14°C)

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Minneapolis and Redwood National Park. Many visitors come to Minneapolis in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Redwood National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Minneapolis is generally cooler than Redwood National Park. Daily temperatures in Minneapolis average around 52°F (11°C), and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

Minneapolis usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Redwood National Park during autumn. Minneapolis gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Redwood National Park receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Minneapolis usually receives less rain than Redwood National Park. Minneapolis gets 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Minneapolis 52°F (11°C) 
    Redwood National Park 55°F (13°C)

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

The winter brings many poeple to Minneapolis as well as Redwood National Park. Most visitors come to Minneapolis for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Minneapolis can be very cold during winter. Minneapolis is much colder than Redwood National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Minneapolis averages around 15°F (-10°C) in January, and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In the winter, Minneapolis often gets more sunshine than Redwood National Park. Minneapolis gets 157 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Redwood National Park receives 135 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Redwood National Park. Minneapolis usually gets less rain in January than Redwood National Park. Minneapolis gets 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 6 inches (152 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Minneapolis 15°F (-10°C) 
    Redwood National Park 48°F (9°C)

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

Both Redwood National Park and Minneapolis are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Minneapolis because of the activities around the city. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Redwood National Park this time of year.

In the spring, Minneapolis is around the same temperature as Redwood National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Minneapolis in April average around 49°F (10°C), and Redwood National Park averages at about 50°F (10°C).

It's quite sunny in Redwood National Park. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Minneapolis. Minneapolis usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Redwood National Park during spring. Minneapolis gets 244 hours of sunny skies, while Redwood National Park receives 254 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Minneapolis usually receives less rain than Redwood National Park. Minneapolis gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Minneapolis 49°F (10°C) 
    Redwood National Park 50°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Redwood National Park and Minneapolis

Minneapolis Redwood National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 15°F (-10°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm) 48°F (9°C) 6 inches (152 mm)
Feb 21°F (-6°C) 0.7 inches (19 mm) 49°F (10°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm)
Mar 34°F (1°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm) 50°F (10°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm)
Apr 49°F (10°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 50°F (10°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
May 62°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 53°F (12°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Jun 71°F (22°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 56°F (13°C) 0.5 inches (13 mm)
Jul 76°F (25°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 57°F (14°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Aug 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 58°F (14°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Sep 64°F (18°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 58°F (14°C) 0.9 inches (23 mm)
Oct 52°F (11°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 55°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Nov 36°F (2°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm) 52°F (11°C) 6.5 inches (164 mm)
Dec 21°F (-6°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm) 49°F (9°C) 6 inches (153 mm)


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