My husband and I would like to take a road trip the weekend of July 4th, leaving from Minneapolis, and need to return Sunday the 8th. We are able to leave the evening of the 3rd, if necessary.

We are on a bit of a budget, but not campers. This is our first road trip. We don't have a particular place we feel we "need" to see at this point, despite our research so far. Does anyone have advice, suggestions, or ideas?

What are the MUST SEE parks, cute towns, restaurants, 4th of July happenings around MN, SD, IA, WI?

We are in our 30's and are able bodied. My husband is a photographer and would prefer some nice scenery.

Thanks!!!

It is about 600 miles from Minneapolis to Mt. Rushmore. The midway point is Mitchell SD. Stop and see the Corn Palace. You can take good pictures inside and outside there.
Also along the way are the Missouri Breaks which present some great photo opportunities.
The July 4 fireworks at Mt. Rushmore should be great.

hey, thanks!!!!!

I tried to find info about 4th of July at Mt. Rushmore. Turns out the fireworks for 2012 have been cancelled (side note: they are typically held on July 3rd). Due to pine beetle infestation and the resulting fire danger from numerous dead trees in the area, the event has been cancelled for 2012 and no decision has been made for future years.

But other than that, the Black Hills are a great place to visit. I would suspect that area will be fairly busy over that weekend as it is fairly touristy, at least in some parts. If you decide to visit, Badlands NP is certainly worth a day or so.

I now Madison, WI used to have a big fireworks display. Minneapolis does as well, just not sure of the exact dates on those.

For me, I would tend to head north rather than south or west from Minneapolis. I'm guessing it could be pretty hot in South Dakota, and that combined with a lot of tourists doesn't add up to a fun time for me. I would rather head to the North Shore past Duluth, or maybe somewhere along Lake Superior in Wisconsin, or even the UP of Michigan. Voyageurs National Park isn't a bad place either. Plenty of little towns in northern Minnesota and Wisconsin.

I would recommend a trip to Duluth and then on up the North Shore of Lake Superior to Grand Marais. It is a beautiful trip up the shore and you can get lots of gorgeous pictures. Grand Marais is a nice little town on the Lake and has cute shops, lots of scenery and some nice restaurants. Duluth also has a lot to do down in the canal point area with lots of shops, restaurants and hotels.

I would head to Copper harbor on the UP on Lake Superior. I would avoid Duluth and the North Shore- the crowds would ruin the fun for me. Same for Black Hills. I like Bayfield WI too. also on the big lake. Both not too far from Minneapolis. Check town sites for activities. Consider the small towns on both sides of the Mississippi

As I type this, , I am wondering about the crowds In all the areas over that very busy weekend.

Thank you all for your help and suggestions. We are going to take your advice and head up to Bayfield! Just enough drive time, enough to do, there will be some great places for pictures, etc.!!

Thanks again!!

In Bayfield you might want to go by the Rittenhouse -- it is an old mansion -- serves lunch and dinner - on the pricey side - and ask them to see some of the rooms -- if their is no one in them you can get a pretty good idea of luxury - it is worth it. Also, have lunch at Maggie's -- the colorful restaruant in town -- prices are reasonable and the foold is great.