Minneapolis to Wisconsin Dells drive: Distance, time & best stops
The distance from Minneapolis to Wisconsin Dells by car is 216 miles, with a 3h13m driving time. The best road trip stops on the Minneapolis to Wisconsin Dells drive are the Devil’s Punchbowl Preserve, Eau Claire and Mill Bluff State Park.
Planning a Minneapolis to Wisconsin Dells road trip itinerary
The Minneapolis to Wisconsin Dells drive connects the biggest city in Minnesota to the theme park hub of Wisconsin.
Top attractions in the twin cities of Minneapolis-St Paul include the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, the Basilica of St Mary and Minnehaha Falls.
Minneapolis has a big craft brewing scene, and one of the best ways to explore is on a craft breweries tour. Alternatively, take a walking tour through the city’s vast Skyway network of enclosed bridges and food tours.
Other MSP experiences include St Paul’s historic gangster-era caves, Twin Cities ghost tours and St Paul walking tours.
Wisconsin Dells is home to several theme parks, the most notable of which is the Noah’s Ark Water Park. This is the biggest water park in the United States. Kids – and big kids – can spend hours learning to surf and tackling rollercoaster-esque water slides.
When not tackling slides and rides, you can try a haunted history trolley tour through the city.
Minneapolis to Wisconsin Dells distance and driving time
By car, the distance from Minneapolis to Wisconsin Dells is 216 miles. That makes for a driving time of around three hours and 13 minutes. The quickest route is along the I-94.
The best stops to add to a Minneapolis to Wisconsin Dells road trip itinerary are the Devil’s Punchbowl Preserve, Eau Claire and Mill Bluff State Park.
Best stops between Minneapolis and Wisconsin Dells: The Devil’s Punchbowl Preserve
The Devil’s Punchbowl Reserve near Menomonie is home to a waterfall that tumbles through a natural rock amphitheatre. There are two walking trails here, of which the first to the top of the waterfall is easier-going. The walk to the bottom of the falls involves a creek crossing.
Aside from seeing the waterfall, this is also a good spot for birdwatching.
Minneapolis to Wisconsin Dells road trip attractions: Eau Claire
Eau Claire WI has a handful of attractions to check out. The Chippewa Valley Museum covers regional history and the Children’s Museum of Eau Claire is a hands-on affair, all about learning through play.
There’s also a decent brewing scene in Eau Claire. Try Lazy Monk Brewing for European-style beers and the Brewing Projekt for beers it proudly boasts “not everyone will like”.
Minneapolis to Wisconsin Dells drive: Mill Bluff State Park
Just outside Camp Douglas, Mill Bluff State Park is largely about the geology. The landscape is a mixture of buttes, mesas and pinnacles, all of which were once islands in a glacial lake. Camping is available, while there’s also a swimming pond for the brave.
If passing through, one of two walking trails should do the trick. The 0.4 mile nature trail gives a good idea of the environment, while the 1.25 mile Camel’s Bluff Trail is more extensive.
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