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Virginia to Minneapolis Road Trip Itinerary

08 Jun 2026Updated last time

Virginia to Minneapolis Road Trip Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey from Virginia, VA to Minneapolis, MN, crossing through the heart of America's Midwest. Begin your adventure in Virginia, a state renowned for its lush landscapes and significant historical heritage. From there, weave through Charleston, WV, where you can enjoy riverfront views and classic Appalachian charm. Discover the vibrant culture and dynamic arts scene of Columbus, OH, before heading to Indianapolis, IN – home of the world-famous Indy 500 and bustling downtown attractions. The route takes you next to Champaign, IL, a lively college town filled with local flavors and cultural gems, and then on to Madison, WI, celebrated for its scenic lakes and energetic city atmosphere. Finally, reach your destination in Minneapolis, MN, a city noted for its beautiful parks, acclaimed art institutions, and world-class shopping. This road trip promises a mix of natural beauty, historic sites, and urban adventures, making it the perfect itinerary for travelers seeking both discovery and relaxation.


Recommended Activities

  • 1

    Virginia, VA

    Virginia boasts rich historical sites, beautiful natural landscapes including Shenandoah National Park, and a vibrant cultural scene.
  • 2

    Charleston, WV

    Charleston offers scenic riverside views, charming historic architecture, and access to outdoor adventures in the Appalachian Mountains.
  • 3

    Columbus, OH

    Columbus is known for its thriving arts scene, diverse culinary options, and the beautiful Scioto Mile along the downtown riverfront.
  • 4

    Indianapolis, IN

    Indianapolis is famous for its world-class museums, iconic motor speedway, and a lively downtown with great food and entertainment.
  • 5

    Champaign, IL

    Champaign offers a lively college-town atmosphere, excellent local breweries, and engaging cultural institutions like the Krannert Art Museum.
  • 6

    Madison, WI

    Madison features stunning lakeside scenery, a vibrant farmers' market, and a unique blend of urban culture and outdoor recreation.
  • 7

    Minneapolis, MN

    Minneapolis offers a dynamic arts scene, beautiful parks and lakes, excellent dining, and iconic attractions like the Mall of America and the Walker Art Center.

Restaurants

  • The Black Sheep

    2614 W Cary St 2nd Floor, Richmond, VA 23220, United States
    Located in Richmond, VA, this restaurant is famous for its gigantic submarine sandwiches and creative Southern-inspired fare served in a quirky, nautical-themed setting.
    5
  • The Bluegrass Kitchen

    1600 Washington St E, Charleston, WV 25311, United States
    A farm-to-table eatery in Charleston, WV with an artsy vibe, known for its commitment to locally sourced ingredients and inventive Appalachian cuisine.
    4.4
    $$$$
  • The Thurman Cafe - Columbus, OH

    183 Thurman Ave, Columbus, OH 43206, United States
    A legendary stop in Columbus, OH, best known for its massive, over-the-top burgers featured on food shows and enjoyed in a lively, unpretentious atmosphere.
    4.6
    $$$$
  • Schoop's Hamburgers

    A retro diner in Indianapolis, IN serving up classic smash burgers and hand-dipped milkshakes in an old-school atmosphere.
  • Graze Restaurant

    1 S Pinckney St, Madison, WI 53703, United States
    A modern, creative bistro in Madison, WI offering panoramic views of the Capitol and a locally sourced menu with inventive twists on Midwestern classics.
    4.4
    $$$$

Hotels

  • The Graduate Richmond

    301 W Franklin St, Richmond, VA 23220, United States

    4.1
    A boutique hotel in Richmond, VA, themed with collegiate flair, quirky decor, and a rooftop pool with stunning city views.
  • The Blennerhassett Hotel

    320 Market St, Parkersburg, WV 26101, United States

    4.5
    A historic, European-style hotel in Parkersburg, WV (near Charleston), featuring elegant architecture and a rich history dating back to 1889.
  • The German Village Guest House

    920 S High St, Columbus, OH 43206, USA

    3.4
    Located in Columbus, OH's picturesque German Village, this inn offers modern comforts with old-world charm in a cozy, residential setting.
  • Ironworks Hotel Indy

    2721 E 86th St, Indianapolis, IN 46240, United States

    4.8
    An industrial-chic boutique hotel in Indianapolis, IN, inspired by the city’s industrial roots and offering upscale amenities with striking design.
  • The Graduate Madison

    601 Langdon St, Madison, WI 53703, United States

    4.3
    This uniquely decorated hotel in Madison, WI captures the lively spirit of the university town, with eclectic rooms and a rooftop restaurant overlooking the city.

Local Events & Happenings

  • Picture for Happy Together Tour w/ The Association

    Happy Together Tour w/ The Association

    Honeywell Center in Wabash (15.11 mi)23 Aug 2026
    The event will take place at Honeywell Center in Wabash.
  • Picture for George Thorogood & The Destroyers

    George Thorogood & The Destroyers

    Honeywell Center in Wabash (15.11 mi)26 Aug 2026
    The event will take place at Honeywell Center in Wabash.
  • Picture for Skillet

    Skillet

    Honeywell Center in Wabash (15.11 mi)18 Sep 2026
    The event will take place at Honeywell Center in Wabash.
  • Picture for Tracy Lawrence

    Tracy Lawrence

    Honeywell Center in Wabash (15.11 mi)24 Oct 2026
    The event will take place at Honeywell Center in Wabash.
  • Picture for Cole Academy

    Cole Academy

    Emens Auditorium in Muncie (30.1 mi)13 Jun 2026
    The event will take place at Emens Auditorium in Muncie.
  • Picture for Cole Academy

    Cole Academy

    Emens Auditorium in Muncie (30.1 mi)13 Jun 2026
    The event will take place at Emens Auditorium in Muncie.
  • Picture for Premiere Dance Recital

    Premiere Dance Recital

    Emens Auditorium in Muncie (30.1 mi)14 Jun 2026
    The event will take place at Emens Auditorium in Muncie.
  • Picture for Dazzle Dance & Cheer

    Dazzle Dance & Cheer

    Emens Auditorium in Muncie (30.1 mi)16 Jun 2026
    The event will take place at Emens Auditorium in Muncie.
  • Picture for The Wild Kratts Live!

    The Wild Kratts Live!

    Emens Auditorium in Muncie (30.1 mi)13 Nov 2026
    The event will take place at Emens Auditorium in Muncie.
  • Picture for Jump - Van Halen Tribute

    Jump - Van Halen Tribute

    The Clyde Theatre-IN in Fort Wayne (33.82 mi)21 Jun 2026
    The event will take place at The Clyde Theatre-IN in Fort Wayne.
  • Picture for Tom Keifer

    Tom Keifer

    The Clyde Theatre-IN in Fort Wayne (33.82 mi)25 Jul 2026
    The event will take place at The Clyde Theatre-IN in Fort Wayne.
  • Picture for Braxton Keith

    Braxton Keith

    The Clyde Theatre-IN in Fort Wayne (33.82 mi)30 Aug 2026
    The event will take place at The Clyde Theatre-IN in Fort Wayne.
  • Picture for Lorrie Morgan

    Lorrie Morgan

    Paramount Theatre in Anderson (35.63 mi)29 May 2026
    Lorrie Morgan, the first woman in her genre to begin her career with three consecutive Platinum albums, is known for hits like "Something in Red," "Watch Me," and "Til a Tear Becomes a Rose." She has maintained her recording pace for decades and cont...
  • Picture for 1964 The Tribute

    1964 The Tribute

    Paramount Theatre in Anderson (35.63 mi)30 May 2026
    Since the early '80s, 1964 The Tribute has thrilled audiences worldwide with what Rolling Stone Magazine has called the "Best Beatles Tribute on Earth." 1964 takes audiences on a journey through a moment in music history that will live forever, featu...
  • Picture for Hotel California - A Salute to The Eagles

    Hotel California - A Salute to The Eagles

    Paramount Theatre in Anderson (35.63 mi)28 Aug 2026
    A spirited blend of originality and a relentless pursuit of excellence has taken Hotel California: A Salute to the Eagles to a level of recognition typically reserved for Gold and Platinum recording artists. By respectfully and accurately reproducing...
  • Picture for Etta May and The Southern Fried Chicks

    Etta May and The Southern Fried Chicks

    Paramount Theatre in Anderson (35.63 mi)25 Sep 2026
    Get ready for a night of comedy with Etta May and The Southern Fried Chicks. Etta May, the American Comedy Award's "Comic of the Year", is a Kentucky comedy legend and has been featured on Oprah and Showtime. Joining her are Sonya White, known for he...
  • Picture for Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood

    Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood

    Paramount Theatre in Anderson (35.63 mi)15 Oct 2026
    The event will take place at Paramount Theatre in Anderson.
  • Picture for An Evening of Alton Brown

    An Evening of Alton Brown

    Paramount Theatre in Anderson (35.63 mi)16 Oct 2026
    An Evening of Alton Brown will present Brown as you've never seen him - best known for creating and hosting groundbreaking television such as Good Eats, Iron Chef America, Cutthroat Kitchen, and Food Network Star. Brown has also built one of the most...
  • Picture for #imomsohard: The Flashback Tour

    #imomsohard: The Flashback Tour

    Paramount Theatre in Anderson (35.63 mi)17 Oct 2026
    #IMOMSOHARD began as a popular web series by real-life best friends, comedians, and moms Kristin Hensley and Jen Smedley. One night, these two friends decided to tell a different kind of story. The video was a smash hit, sparking an online community ...
  • Picture for Del McCoury Band

    Del McCoury Band

    Paramount Theatre in Anderson (35.63 mi)14 Nov 2026
    The event will take place at Paramount Theatre in Anderson.

Travel Gems from Reddit

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  • Minneapolis to Virginia Beach. Any recommendations on which route to take/ places to stop along the way?

    /r/roadtrip

    3.8M subscribers in the roadtrip community. /r/roadtrip is your source for everything road trip related. Whether you enjoy traveling by motorcycle