Comparison · Denver vs Minneapolis · United States
Denver vs Minneapolis
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Quintin Soloviev, CC BY 4.0
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Quick answer
Choose Denver for Mile High City, Red Rocks Amphitheatre and a milder winter; choose Minneapolis for Chain of Lakes and Spoonbridge and Cherry. Day-to-day costs are similar, and the two are about 1,124 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 1,124 km
- Less expensive
- About the same
- Best time for Denver
- June–September
- Best time for Minneapolis
- June–September
Side by side
| Denver | Minneapolis | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | United States | United States |
| Known for | Mile High City, Red Rocks Amphitheatre and Craft beer | Chain of Lakes, Spoonbridge and Cherry and Mississippi riverfront |
| Best time to visit | June–September | June–September |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 3 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $210–$350 | $200–$320 |
| Cost level | Moderately priced | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | July, 31°C (88°F) | July, 28°C (82°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 6°C (43°F) | January, -6°C (21°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 7 | 9 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 6 |
| Beaches | — | — |
| Airports | DEN | MSP |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Denver for…
Mile High City, Red Rocks Amphitheatre and a milder winter. Denver sits on the high plains at about 1,609 metres — one mile above sea level — with the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains filling the western skyline. Its compact downtown links the restored Union Station, Larimer Square and LoDo with the Golden…
Choose Minneapolis for…
Chain of Lakes and Spoonbridge and Cherry. Minneapolis grew up around St. Anthony Falls, the only major waterfall on the Mississippi, where flour mills once made it the milling capital of the world. Today the old mill district holds the Mill City Museum, the Guthrie Theater and the Stone Arch Bridge…
Top sights compared
| # | Denver | Minneapolis |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre | Minneapolis Sculpture Garden |
| 2 | Denver Art Museum | Walker Art Center |
| 3 | Colorado State Capitol | Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) |
| 4 | Denver Union Station | Mill City Museum |
| 5 | Larimer Square | Stone Arch Bridge and St. Anthony Falls |
Food compared
| Denver | Minneapolis |
|---|---|
| Green chile | Jucy Lucy |
| Smothered breakfast burrito | Walleye |
| Denver omelette | Wild rice soup |
| Rocky Mountain oysters | Tater tot hotdish |
Which is cheaper?
Denver and Minneapolis cost about the same: a mid-range day is roughly $210–$350 in Denver and $200–$320 in Minneapolis (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Minneapolis on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 1,124 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 8 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Denver or Minneapolis cheaper?
Neither is clearly cheaper: a mid-range day costs about $210–$350 in Denver and $200–$320 in Minneapolis (estimates).
+Is Denver or Minneapolis better for a first trip?
Pick Denver for Mile High City, Red Rocks Amphitheatre and a milder winter, or Minneapolis for Chain of Lakes and Spoonbridge and Cherry.
+How far is Denver from Minneapolis?
About 1,124 km in a straight line.