A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Minneapolis vs. Adirondack Mountains for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Minneapolis or Adirondack Mountains?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Minneapolis or Adirondack Mountains, 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 innovative, diverse, and dynamic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a serene, pristine, and scenic region. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Minneapolis and Adirondack Mountains: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Minneapolis or Adirondack Mountains?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Minneapolis than Adirondack Mountains, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Minneapolis is better known for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Adirondack Mountains is more popular for its skiing, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Adirondack Mountains is more touristy than Minneapolis and is popular for its miles of hiking trails, beautiful lakes, and pristine forests. Minneapolis is well known for its professional sports teams, countless outdoor activities, and friendly people. Also, Minneapolis is famous for Mall of America.

How is Minneapolis different from Adirondack Mountains?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Adirondack Mountains and Minneapolis. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Minneapolis or Adirondack Mountains Better for Skiing?

Minneapolis
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a nice place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Minneapolis is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Adirondack Mountains is a great destination to visit. There are a number of ski resorts in the area with some of the most popular being Whiteface, Titus Mountain, and Oak Mountain.

Minneapolis is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Minneapolis or Adirondack Mountains?

Minneapolis
Adirondack Mountains

Minneapolis is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Adirondack Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Adirondack Mountains. You can learn about local culture and heritage at any of the museums in the area. At the Adirondack Experience you can visit a vast campus that offers an open-air experience relating to the region's history. Other educational centers in the area include a wildlife center, several art museums, as well as battlefields, forts, and war museums.

Is the Food Better in Minneapolis or Adirondack Mountains? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Minneapolis
Adirondack Mountains

Foodies will find both Minneapolis and Adirondack Mountains both to be notable destinations.

Minneapolis has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Adirondack Mountains area. Steakhouses, pancake shops, and local diners all serve up fresh and local dishes. Many visitors like to pack a picnic that they can enjoy along a hiking trail, but if you're looking for a sit down option, there are also plenty of restaurants to choose from.

Is Minneapolis or Adirondack Mountains Better for Nightlife?

Minneapolis
Adirondack Mountains

Minneapolis is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Adirondack Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its evening party scene.

Minneapolis has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Adirondack Mountains. There are laid back bars and pubs in the area, but for the best nightlife scene, head to Lake Placid.


Is Minneapolis or Adirondack Mountains Better for Resorts?

Minneapolis
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Minneapolis is not a resort destination.

Adirondack Mountains is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Lodges and inns fill with vacationers who enjoy the pools and scenic settings that many of the resorts offer. Many places have a summer camp atmosphere that feels both wholesome and adventurous.

Minneapolis is not a resort destination.

Is Minneapolis or Adirondack Mountains Better for Hiking?

Minneapolis
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Minneapolis is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Adirondack Mountains. Trails range from easy to challenging and each passes through beautiful and diverse landscapes. You can climb to scenic viewpoints or explore pristine forests. It's the perfect way to escape into nature for a bit.

Minneapolis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Minneapolis or Adirondack Mountains?

Minneapolis
Adirondack Mountains

Minneapolis is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Adirondack Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Minneapolis make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Adirondack Mountains has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Many of the towns have a "general store" where you can pick up souvenirs or local items. There are also local artisan shops and even outlet malls in the area.


Is Minneapolis or Adirondack Mountains Better for Families?

Minneapolis
Adirondack Mountains

Minneapolis and Adirondack Mountains 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.

Adirondack Mountains is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There area is filled with ropes courses, adventure parks, and hiking trails. There are nature centers with information programs for young ones. The kids will also be a enchanted by the waterfalls as the adults are.

Is Minneapolis or Adirondack Mountains Better for Couples?

Minneapolis
Adirondack Mountains

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

Adirondack Mountains makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many lodges and inns that are tucked away in the mountains and make for a romantic retreat. Couples will enjoy the hiking and beautiful views. Whether you spend your time cozied up by the fire or out on an adventure, this is a wonderful romantic destination.

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 Adirondack Mountains Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Minneapolis
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Minneapolis is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Adirondack Mountains. There are a number of campgrounds and even backcountry camping in the region. The hiking trails and beautiful setting make this a fun place to explore.

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 Adirondack Mountains Better for Students?

Minneapolis
Adirondack Mountains

Minneapolis is notable for students. However, Adirondack Mountains 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.

Adirondack Mountains is not popular with students.

Is Minneapolis or Adirondack Mountains Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Minneapolis
Adirondack Mountains

Minneapolis is a popular place for its public transit. However, Adirondack Mountains is a mediocre region for times when you don't have a car.

Minneapolis has a few public transit options. 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 Adirondack Mountains. There is no real public transportation in the park.

Is Minneapolis or Adirondack Mountains a more walkable city?

Minneapolis
Adirondack Mountains

Minneapolis is a popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Adirondack Mountains is a mediocre region for its ease of walking around.

Minneapolis is a somewhat walkable place. There are neighborhoods that are dense enough to be walkable, but the city is still very car-focused.

Adirondack Mountains is not a very walkable city. While there are many hiking trails, to get around and access most destinations, you'll need a car.


For even more information, also check out Is Minneapolis Worth Visiting? and Is Adirondack Mountains Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Adirondack Mountains or Minneapolis?

How long in Minneapolis or Adirondack Mountains?

Both Minneapolis and Adirondack Mountains have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Adirondack Mountains than in Minneapolis. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Minneapolis, and 3-7 days is enough time in Adirondack Mountains.

Couples should spend more time in Adirondack Mountains than Minneapolis. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Adirondack Mountains that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.


  • How many days in Minneapolis or Adirondack Mountains? Ideal Length of Stay
    Minneapolis 2-4 
    Adirondack Mountains 3-7

One day in Minneapolis or Adirondack Mountains?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Minneapolis. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the pristine region of Adirondack Mountains. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Adirondack Mountains?

Minneapolis is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the pristine destination of Adirondack Mountains. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This region 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 Adirondack Mountains?

Many people visit Minneapolis for five days. You'll find museums and nightlife around the city of Minneapolis. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the museums and skiing when visiting the serene region of Adirondack Mountains. 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 Adirondack Mountains?

The dynamic destination of Minneapolis offers nightlife and food. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Visitors enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the destination of Adirondack Mountains. 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. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this region.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Adirondack Mountains or Minneapolis?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Minneapolis is $206, while the average daily cost in Adirondack Mountains is $166. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Minneapolis and Adirondack Mountains in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Minneapolis $110
    Adirondack Mountains $97
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Minneapolis $220
    Adirondack Mountains $194
Compare Hotels in Minneapolis and Adirondack Mountains

Looking for a hotel in Minneapolis or Adirondack Mountains? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Minneapolis


Hotels in Adirondack Mountains


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Minneapolis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Minneapolis $43
    Adirondack Mountains $33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Minneapolis

Also for Minneapolis, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Minneapolis Airport (MSP) to Minneapolis - Arrival Private Transfer: $69
  • Private Departure Transfer to Minneapolis Airport MSP: $88
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Minneapolis Airport MSP: $88
  • Minneapolis Airport (MSP) to Minneapolis - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $138

Is it cheaper to fly into Minneapolis or Adirondack Mountains?

Prices for flights to both Adirondack Mountains and Minneapolis change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Minneapolis $40
    Adirondack Mountains $49

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Minneapolis

For Minneapolis, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Minneapolis Food Tour - Walking: $115

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Minneapolis $27
    Adirondack Mountains $17

Tours and Activities in Minneapolis

For Minneapolis, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • In the Footsteps of Prince: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Downtown Minneapolis: $7.99
  • Mighty Mississippi Self Guided Minneapolis Riverside Tour: $7.99
  • Minnehaha Falls: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Minneapolis: $7.99
  • Minnehaha Falls: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Minneapolis: $7.99
  • Mighty Mississippi: A Self-Guided Riverside Walking Tour: $7.99
  • In the Footsteps of Prince: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Saint Paul by Operation City Quest: $10
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour of the Riverfront: $11
  • Minnesota Twins Baseball Game Ticket at Target Field: $14
  • St. Paul Historic Cave Tour: $15
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Minneapolis with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • Lost Souls Tour: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Minneapolis $24
    Adirondack Mountains $19

Sample the Local Flavors in Minneapolis

Also in Minneapolis, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • History and 4-Bar Crawl Guided Walking Tour: $69
  • All-Inclusive Minneapolis Craft Brewery Tour: $85
  • 3-Hour Craft Brewery Tour: $100


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Minneapolis and Adirondack Mountains, we can see that Minneapolis is more expensive. And not only is Adirondack Mountains much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Adirondack Mountains would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Adirondack Mountains 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 Adirondack Mountains.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Minneapolis Expensive? and Is Adirondack Mountains Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Minneapolis or Adirondack Mountains?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Minneapolis or Adirondack Mountains in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Minneapolis as well as Adirondack Mountains. Many visitors come to Minneapolis in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Adirondack Mountains for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Minneapolis is a little warmer than Adirondack Mountains in the summer. The daily temperature in Minneapolis averages around 76°F (25°C) in July, and Adirondack Mountains fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Adirondack Mountains. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Minneapolis this time of the year. In the summer, Minneapolis often gets more sunshine than Adirondack Mountains. Minneapolis gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Adirondack Mountains receives 285 hours of full sun.

Minneapolis usually gets more rain in July than Adirondack Mountains. Minneapolis gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Adirondack Mountains receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Minneapolis 76°F (25°C) 
    Adirondack Mountains 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Minneapolis or Adirondack Mountains in the Autumn?

Both Adirondack Mountains and Minneapolis are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Minneapolis for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Adirondack Mountains because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Minneapolis is a little warmer than Adirondack Mountains. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Minneapolis in October average around 52°F (11°C), and Adirondack Mountains averages at about 49°F (9°C).

Minneapolis usually receives more sunshine than Adirondack Mountains during autumn. Minneapolis gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Adirondack Mountains receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Minneapolis usually receives less rain than Adirondack Mountains. Minneapolis gets 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain, while Adirondack Mountains receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Minneapolis 52°F (11°C) 
    Adirondack Mountains 49°F (9°C)

Should I visit Minneapolis or Adirondack Mountains in the Winter?

Both Adirondack Mountains and Minneapolis during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Minneapolis because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Adirondack Mountains this time of year.

It's quite cold in Adirondack Mountains in the winter. The weather in Minneapolis can be very cold. In January, Minneapolis is generally cooler than Adirondack Mountains. Daily temperatures in Minneapolis average around 15°F (-10°C), and Adirondack Mountains fluctuates around 18°F (-8°C).

In the winter, Minneapolis often gets more sunshine than Adirondack Mountains. Minneapolis gets 157 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Adirondack Mountains receives 124 hours of full sun.

Minneapolis usually gets less rain in January than Adirondack Mountains. Minneapolis gets 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain, while Adirondack Mountains receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Minneapolis 15°F (-10°C) 
    Adirondack Mountains 18°F (-8°C)

Should I visit Minneapolis or Adirondack Mountains in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Minneapolis and Adirondack Mountains. The activities around the city are the main draw to Minneapolis this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Adirondack Mountains for the natural beauty.

Minneapolis is a little warmer than Adirondack Mountains in the spring. The daily temperature in Minneapolis averages around 49°F (10°C) in April, and Adirondack Mountains fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Adirondack Mountains this time of the year. In Minneapolis, it's very sunny this time of the year. Minneapolis usually receives more sunshine than Adirondack Mountains during spring. Minneapolis gets 244 hours of sunny skies, while Adirondack Mountains receives 210 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Minneapolis usually receives less rain than Adirondack Mountains. Minneapolis gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Adirondack Mountains receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Minneapolis 49°F (10°C) 
    Adirondack Mountains 46°F (8°C)

Typical Weather for Adirondack Mountains and Minneapolis

Minneapolis Adirondack Mountains
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 15°F (-10°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)
Feb 21°F (-6°C) 0.7 inches (19 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Mar 34°F (1°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm) 33°F (1°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Apr 49°F (10°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
May 62°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 57°F (14°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jun 71°F (22°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 66°F (19°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Jul 76°F (25°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Aug 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 69°F (20°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Sep 64°F (18°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 60°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Oct 52°F (11°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 49°F (9°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Nov 36°F (2°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm) 38°F (4°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Dec 21°F (-6°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm) 25°F (-4°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)