Roadtrip with RVshare Minneapolis to Topeka

You may want to start a road trip from Minneapolis to Topeka by going north to visit Voyageurs National Park, where you can go paddling to explore over 500 almost-secluded islands. Instead of heading straight for Topeka, you may also want to add a stop at Gateway National Park to view Illinois and Missouri from the top of the Gateway Arch, which is the tallest arch in the world. History comes alive when you stop at Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park, where you can explore sites above and below ground, including an 1800s village. There are many great places, like Mini-Watkins State Park, where you can go fishing, hiking, and biking along the way as well. 

Nearby National Parks

Voyageurs National Park  

You will need to drive a little over four hours north from Minneapolis to reach Voyageurs National Park near International Falls, Minnesota. A fantastic way to see this park is to go on a guided tour with a park ranger. You can choose to explore Rainy Lake on a sightseeing boat or join in the fun of a canoeing adventure. Go birdwatching on a pontoon on Kabetogama Lake or take a scenic ride along the Ashe River. You may also want to meander along some of the short trails near Kabetogama Lake and the Ashe River. Consider staying in the campground so that you can go stargazing at this park. Voyageurs Forest Overlook, Beaver Pond Overlook, and the Kettle Falls Dam area are especially great places to watch the night sky. 

Gateway Arch National Park  

If you take Interstate 70 across Missouri from Kansas City, you can explore the Gateway Arch National Park. This side excursion on your trip will add a little over four hours to your drive time each way, but the arch is so unique that it's worth the diversion. Ride the lift to the observation deck to see for miles on a clear day. Then, head to the museum, which is divided into six themed areas where you can explore history from 1764 to 1965. A variety of riverboat tours leave from this location. You will also want to tour the Old Courthouse, which is a prime example of Federal architecture.

Nearby State Parks

Myre Big Island State Park  

You will love following the trails through the wet lowlands and along the eskers at Myre Big Island State Park near Albert Lee. Observe, and you may spot white-tail deer bounding across your path or spot western painted turtles and snapping turtles. Borrow equipment from the park's office and go geocaching. Rent a canoe or a standup paddleboard to tour the park on the water. 

Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park  

Stop and explore Mystery Cave at Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park. The cave, which you can explore on various tours, stays 48 degrees year-round, so you may want to bring a jacket. Then, explore Historic Forestville Village. As you cross the Carnegie Bridge, you will feel like you have stepped back into the 1800s as you explore the general store, farm, and homestead. This park is home to three streams that are great places to go trout fishing at this state park near Preston, Minnesota. 

Mini-Wakan State Park  

After returning from the 70 miles detour that you took to visit Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park, take a detour to the southwest to visit Mini-Wakan State Park on your Minneapolis to Topeka RV road trip. This state park near Spirit Lake, Iowa, lies on Big Lake's shores. This body of water is the largest natural lake in Iowa and is a great place to go fishing, especially for musky, walleye, and northern pike. Head to the beach to frolic in the sand and swim in the lake. Explore the hiking and biking trails that run around the lake's shores. 

Rock Creek State Park  

When you get to Des Moines, head east to arrive at Rock Creek State Park near Kellogg, Iowa. The lake at this state park is one of the largest manmade impoundments in the state. It is a great place to go fishing, waterskiing, boating, and enjoy other water activities. Boats, pontoons, and canoes are available to rent. This park offers over 15 miles of shoreline. You are sure to find the perfect spot to go shore fishing. The northern end of this park is a managed game reserve where you will love going duck hunting seasonally. 

Weston Bend State Park  

Weston Bend State Park near Weston, Missouri, offers several hiking trails that are about 1 mile long. Some of these trails have beautiful views of the Missouri River. These trails are a great spot to go birdwatching. The National Audubon Society recognizes this park as an Important Bird Area. The old tobacco barn is a great spot to host a family reunion or other event.

Along the Way

Germanic-American Institute  

Check out the event calendar at the Germanic-American Institute in St. Paul because they often host special events with a German theme throughout the year. You will also want to investigate their classes, like waltz dancing and German baking. 

Country Relics Village  

The historical displays at Country Relics Village in Stanhope, Iowa, are done at a 50% to 66% scale, and almost all have human figures in them. These displays show what life was like from the 1920s to the 1980s. The facility also includes miniature gardens where most of the plants are dwarfs. 

Living History Farms  

Living History Farms near Urbandale, Iowa, is spread across three farms and a historical village called Walnut Grove. Once you park, you are transported to a 1700s Ioway Indian Farm before heading out on a 1-mile walking path to see an 1850 Pioneer Farm and a 1900 horse-powered farm. End your tour at the village. Historically accurate meals and skill-teaching classes are often available. 

Science Center  

The whole family will love exploring the Science Center in Des Moines, where some of the permanent exhibits focus on astronomy, zoology, meteorology, and geology. Watch a show at the IMAX Dome Theater where the 12 screens are above, below, in front of, and on both sides of you. 

National World War I Museum and Memorial  

As you head through Kansas City on your road trip from Minneapolis to Topeka, you will want to stop at the National World War I Museum and Memorial. Gain a better understanding of World War I through seeing original objects and documents, videos, recreated trenches, and interactive tables. This museum often hosts special exhibitions focusing more in-depth on an aspect of the war. You will also want to pause in the memorial garden to pay respects.

Main Cities You Will Pass Through

St. Paul, Minnesota  

Minneapolis' twin city, St. Paul, offers many exciting things to do, including visiting the Como Park Zoo & Conservatory and the Science Center of Minnesota. There are great campgrounds in St. Paul, including Lake Elmo Park Reserve, Saint Croix Bluffs Regional Park, and Lebanon Hills Campground, in extremely scenic locations. There are also outstanding St. Paul RV dump stations so that you can continue your RV trip with clean tanks. Possible RV dump stations in the St. Paul area are often run by neighboring cities, like those at the City of Greenbush Legion Park and the City of Rosemount Maintenance Building. 

Des Moines, Iowa  

Des Moines is Iowa's state capital, and you can find fabulous things to do there, including visiting Blank Zoo and the Children's Museum. Campgrounds in Des Moines often offer many amenities, like laundry facilities, shower houses, and clubrooms. You may want to check out the Des Moines campground options at Des Moines West KOA Holiday, Newton/Des Moines East KOA, and Sleepy Hollow RV Park & Campground. You can find RV dump stations in Des Moines at Walnut Woods State Park and Ames Water Pollution Control Facility. 

Kansas City, Missouri  

Kansas City is known for having a bit of everything, including many professional sports teams, educational opportunities, and great food. It's a good thing that there are great Kansas City campgrounds on both sides of the river. Consider campgrounds in Kansas City, like Campus RV Park, Autumn Falls RV Park and Worlds of Fun Village. RV dump stations in Kansas City are available at Watkins Woolen Mill State Park, Basswood Country RV Resort, and Missouri State Fair RV Park. 

Find Adventure from Minneapolis to Topeka

Find your One-Way Rental

When you follow this road trip itinerary from Minneapolis to Topeka, you will enjoy historic locations and beautiful scenery along the way. If you want to travel in comfort and style, consider an RV rental from RVshare. From large motorhomes to compact campervans, there is a rig that will meet your travel and budget needs. Once you hit the road, you are protected by our renter guarantee and 24/7 roadside assistance. Find the perfect vehicle for your travel needs in Minneapolis or Topeka.