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

Should you visit Minneapolis or Yellowstone 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 Yellowstone 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.

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is a breathtaking, vast, and world-famous national park. Yellowstone National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking. See Yellowstone National Park travel costs.

Minneapolis and Yellowstone National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Minneapolis. Although Minneapolis and Yellowstone 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 Yellowstone National Park is known for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Yellowstone National Park is more touristy than Minneapolis and is popular for its iconic geysers, breathtaking waterfalls, world-class hikes, and diverse wildlife. 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 Yellowstone National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Minneapolis is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Yellowstone National Park does not have 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.

Yellowstone National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Minneapolis is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Yellowstone 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.

Yellowstone National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. This is a large park and there are a number of dining options available both inside and just outside of the park. Many places are seasonal so your options will be highest during the summer months. Like most national park venues, prices can be high and the quality is variable. It's recommended that you pack your own food and plan to picnic.

Is Minneapolis or Yellowstone National Park Better for Nightlife?

Minneapolis is well known for its evening party scene. However, Yellowstone 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 Yellowstone National Park Things quiet down quickly at night and you won't find many places to go in the evening.

Is Minneapolis or Yellowstone National Park Better for Resorts?

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

Yellowstone National Park is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. It is a large national park, and there are several impressive lodges nearby. Reservations are recommended well in advance. Within the park, Old Faithful Inn, Roosevelt Lodge, Lake Yellowstone Hotel, and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel are all nice options.

Minneapolis is not a resort destination.

Is Minneapolis or Yellowstone National Park Better for Hiking?

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

Known for its hiking, Yellowstone National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The park is huge, and there are countless hikes throughout. From short strolls to lengthy endeavors, there really is something for everyone. If you want to see the geysers, some of the best hikes are Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail, the Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful Observation Point Loop, and the Lone Star Geyser Trail. For waterfalls you can check out Brink of the Lower Falls Trail, the North Rim Trail, and Fairy Falls Trail.

Minneapolis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Minneapolis or Yellowstone National Park?

Minneapolis is very popular for its shopping areas. However, Yellowstone National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Yellowstone National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Minneapolis or Yellowstone National Park More Beautiful?

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

Yellowstone National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. With its spectacular geysers, colorful springs, and unique wildlife, the park really is a beautiful place to visit.

Minneapolis is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Minneapolis or Yellowstone National Park Better for Families?

Minneapolis and Yellowstone 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.

Yellowstone National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids who enjoy the outdoors and exploring new environments will appreciate a visit to this park. The geysers are fascinating for everyone and the waterfalls are breathtaking. There are ranger shows and other activities that are great for kids as well. Make sure you stop by the Visitor's Centers.

Is Minneapolis or Yellowstone National Park Better for Couples?

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

Yellowstone National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This park is a beautiful and romantic destination for couples who enjoy the outdoors. There are world-renowned hikes and breathtaking views. There are also lodges in the area that make for a romantic stay.

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 Yellowstone National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Yellowstone 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, Yellowstone National Park is extremely popular for backpackers. Backpackers will appreciate the campgrounds and affordable facilities that are found around the park. Reservations are recommended well in advance, particularly if you're hoping to stay inside the park.

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 Yellowstone National Park Better for Students?

Minneapolis is well known for students. However, Yellowstone 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.

Yellowstone National Park is not popular with students.

Is Minneapolis or Yellowstone 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, Yellowstone 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 Yellowstone National Park. There is no public transportation service available in the park. There are private tour options available.

Is Minneapolis or Yellowstone National Park a more walkable city?

Minneapolis is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Yellowstone 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.

Yellowstone National Park is not a very walkable city. This is among the largest national parks and a car is an absolute must if you hope to experience the different landscapes.

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

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

How long in Minneapolis or Yellowstone National Park?

Both Minneapolis and Yellowstone National Park have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Yellowstone National Park than in Minneapolis. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Minneapolis, and 5-7 days is enough time in Yellowstone National Park.

Families should spend more time in Minneapolis than Yellowstone 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 Yellowstone 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 Yellowstone National Park?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the innovative city of Minneapolis. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the breathtaking national park of Yellowstone 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 Yellowstone National Park?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Minneapolis. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. Most people visit for the shopping. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

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

Minneapolis is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. It offers something for everyone.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the stunning national park of Yellowstone 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 Yellowstone National Park?

Minneapolis is a popular choice for travelers. Most people visit for the shopping. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the destination of Yellowstone National Park. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people visit for the hiking. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this national park.

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 Yellowstone National Park, we can see that Minneapolis is more expensive. And not only is Yellowstone National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Yellowstone National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Yellowstone 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 Yellowstone 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 Yellowstone National Park Expensive?.