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

Should you visit Minneapolis or Pocono Mountains?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Minneapolis or Pocono 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.

Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is a beautiful, magnificent, and relaxing region. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the museums, skiing, and food.

Minneapolis and Pocono Mountains: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Minneapolis or Pocono Mountains?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Minneapolis than Pocono Mountains, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Minneapolis is better known for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Pocono Mountains is more popular for its skiing, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Pocono Mountains is more touristy than Minneapolis and is popular for its hiking trails, boating and fishing, and small towns. 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 Pocono Mountains?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Minneapolis or Pocono Mountains Better for Skiing?

Pocono Mountains is a very popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Minneapolis is not a skiing destination.

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Pocono Mountains. There are a number of ski resorts in the area that offer family-friendly skiing or more advanced options. Some of the most popular ski areas are Big Boulder, Blue Mountain, Camelback Mountain, and Jack Frost Mountain.

Minneapolis is not a skiing destination.

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

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

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Minneapolis. 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 Pocono Mountains. Visiting a local museum is a great way to learn about the area's history and Native American population. For a glimpse back in time, you can visit the Asa Packer Mansion, Grey Towers National Historic Landmark, or Columns Museum. The Old Jail Museum is a fascinating place to visit and even offers ghost tours. The Pocono Indian Museum and Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm are both worth a visit as well.

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

Foodies will find both Minneapolis and Pocono 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 Pocono Mountains area. Family-friendly restaurants are common. Many serve up casual American cuisine like burgers or pasta. There are also more upscale restaurants, some with impressive views, that will elevate your culinary experience. For a local experience, find a restaurant with a seasonal menu that makes the most of the local ingredients.

Is Minneapolis or Pocono Mountains Better for Nightlife?

Minneapolis is notable for nightlife and partying. However, Pocono Mountains is a mediocre region 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Pocono Mountains. There are some resorts with casinos and bars as well as local breweries and bars. You'll also find a theater or two in the area.

Is Minneapolis or Pocono Mountains Better for Resorts?

Pocono Mountains is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Minneapolis is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Pocono Mountains makes a nice vacation spot. Resorts range from family-friendly to romantic. Many have indoor pools or even water parks. Some also have spas, restaurants, and plenty of amenities.

Minneapolis is not a resort destination.

Is Minneapolis or Pocono Mountains Better for Hiking?

Pocono 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 Pocono Mountains. There are miles of hiking trails that take you through forests or to spectacular waterfalls. Trails range from easy to challenging and each offers a great way to escape into nature. Some of the more popular trails are found in Tobyhanna State Park and Promised Land State Park. The Appalachian Trail also passes through the area.

Minneapolis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Minneapolis or Pocono Mountains?

Minneapolis is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Pocono 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.

Pocono Mountains has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head to the towns for some the best local shopping. The downtown areas in each of the major towns - Jim Thorpe, Stroudsburg, Milford, and Honesdale - have local vendors, antique shops, and the occasional flea market or farmer's market.

Is Minneapolis or Pocono Mountains Better for Families?

Minneapolis and Pocono Mountains are both high quality 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.

Pocono Mountains is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There's horseback riding in the warmer seasons and kid-friendly skiing in the winter. The kids will also enjoy the hiking, ziplining, and indoor waterparks in the area. Animal farms and petting zoos are also popular, particularly with the younger kids.

Is Minneapolis or Pocono Mountains Better for Couples?

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

Pocono Mountains makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Romantic resorts, cozy cabins, and luxurious spas all make this a wonderful couples destination. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the hiking and adventure sports in the area, while those looking for a more relaxed experience will appreciate the dining and cultural activities.

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 Pocono Mountains Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers visit Pocono Mountains. There's no shortage of campgrounds, cabins, and hiking opportunities that will let backpackers enjoy a bit of nature.

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 Pocono Mountains Better for Students?

Minneapolis is notable for students. However, Pocono Mountains is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Minneapolis. 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.

Pocono Mountains is not popular with students.

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

Minneapolis is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Pocono 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 mostly limited in Pocono Mountains. There are some bus services that run between a few towns, but they're not an efficient way to get around.

Is Minneapolis or Pocono Mountains a more walkable city?

Minneapolis is a city with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Pocono 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.

Pocono Mountains is generally not a very walkable city. While there are plenty of hiking trails and some walkable towns, you really need a car to explore the area.

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

Should I spend more time in Pocono Mountains or Minneapolis?

How long in Minneapolis or Pocono Mountains?

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

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

One day in Minneapolis or Pocono Mountains?

You'll find food and shopping around the diverse destination of Minneapolis. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Visitors enjoy the skiing and food when visiting the scenic region of Pocono Mountains. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Pocono Mountains?

You'll find shopping and museums around the diverse city of Minneapolis. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the shopping. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the scenic destination of Pocono 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 Pocono Mountains?

Minneapolis is a popular choice for travelers. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the magnificent region of Pocono Mountains. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Pocono Mountains?

Minneapolis is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the shopping. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the museums and skiing when visiting the destination of Pocono Mountains. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Minneapolis or Pocono Mountains?

Minneapolis has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Pocono Mountains. When comparing the sizes of Minneapolis and Pocono Mountains, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Minneapolis or Pocono 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 Pocono Mountains in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Minneapolis as well as Pocono Mountains. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Minneapolis this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pocono Mountains for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Minneapolis is around the same temperature as Pocono Mountains in the summer. The daily temperature in Minneapolis averages around 76°F (25°C) in July, and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pocono 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 Pocono Mountains. Minneapolis gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pocono Mountains receives 288 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pocono Mountains. Minneapolis usually gets less rain in July than Pocono Mountains. Minneapolis gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Minneapolis or Pocono Mountains in the Autumn?

Both Pocono Mountains and Minneapolis are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Minneapolis for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Pocono Mountains in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Minneapolis is cooler than Pocono Mountains. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Minneapolis in October average around 52°F (11°C), and Pocono Mountains averages at about 55°F (13°C).

Minneapolis usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pocono Mountains during autumn. Minneapolis gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Pocono Mountains receives 168 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Minneapolis usually receives less rain than Pocono Mountains. Minneapolis gets 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Minneapolis or Pocono Mountains in the Winter?

Both Pocono Mountains and Minneapolis during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Minneapolis in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Pocono Mountains for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Pocono Mountains can be very cold during winter. Minneapolis can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Minneapolis is generally much colder than Pocono Mountains. Daily temperatures in Minneapolis average around 15°F (-10°C), and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

In the winter, Minneapolis often gets more sunshine than Pocono Mountains. Minneapolis gets 157 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pocono Mountains receives 127 hours of full sun.

Minneapolis usually gets less rain in January than Pocono Mountains. Minneapolis gets 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Minneapolis or Pocono Mountains in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Minneapolis and Pocono Mountains. Most visitors come to Minneapolis for the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Pocono Mountains because of the natural beauty.

Minneapolis is around the same temperature as Pocono Mountains in the spring. The daily temperature in Minneapolis averages around 49°F (10°C) in April, and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pocono Mountains this time of the year. In Minneapolis, it's very sunny this time of the year. Minneapolis usually receives more sunshine than Pocono Mountains during spring. Minneapolis gets 244 hours of sunny skies, while Pocono Mountains receives 213 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Minneapolis usually receives less rain than Pocono Mountains. Minneapolis gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Pocono Mountains and Minneapolis