Morning: Pack the car, grab a quick coffee, and head out of Minneapolis before the rush hour. The early start lets you cross the Mississippi River and enjoy the sunrise over the plains.
Afternoon: Stop for a gluten‑free treat at The Flour Box in St. Paul, renowned for its almond‑flour pastries. Continue westward, making a brief rest at Sioux Falls where you can stretch your legs by the falls.
Evening: Arrive near Kearney, Nebraska and check into a budget‑friendly motel. Dine at a local restaurant offering gluten‑free options and review the next day’s route.
Find HotelsMorning: Depart early and drive through the high plains, stopping at Purely Simple in Kearney for a fresh gluten‑free breakfast sandwich.
Afternoon: Enter the stunning landscape of the Badlands National Park, where you’ll hike the Notch Trail and snap dramatic photographs of layered rock formations.
Evening: Continue toward Apple Valley, check into a comfortable inn, and enjoy a sunset walk in the Apple Valley Country Club grounds before a relaxed dinner.
Find HotelsMorning: Start the day with a visit to Desert Sweet, a specialty gluten‑free bakery in Apple Valley famous for its cactus‑fruit muffins.
Afternoon: Explore the nearby Mojave National Preserve, taking a short drive to the Kelso Dunes for a unique sand‑boarding experience.
Evening: Conclude the trip with a leisurely dinner in Apple Valley, then head back to the car for the final leg home or a relaxed night before departure.
Find HotelsIf you’d like to extend the adventure, add a full day in the Mojave to visit the Joshua Tree National Park or spend extra time hiking the Badlands. To shorten the trip, skip the Badlands stop and head straight to Apple Valley, reducing travel time by about 4 hours while still enjoying the desert scenery and the gluten‑free bakeries.