Major city · United States
WorthingtonWorthington, Minnesota
Half a day or a single overnight: walk the Lake Okabena trail, see the art deco Memorial Auditorium, then move on to Pipestone or Sioux Falls.
Worthington is a small city in southern Minnesota, best known as a stop on Interstate 90. Its main draw is Lake Okabena, a large lake southwest of downtown, and the 1931 art deco Memorial Auditorium. Most travellers use it as a quick break between Sioux Falls and Albert Lea, or as a base for exploring the nearby Pipestone National Monument.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- May–Sep
- avoid Jan–Feb (cold, snow)
- Airports
- RST · FSD
- Nights
- 1
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Worthington911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Worthington, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyVery safe small town.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportRST Rochester International Airport (About 1.5 h drive east on I-90).
- Getting aroundWorthington is compact; a car is the easiest way.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$2–4
- Street or quick mealDiner breakfast$8–12
- Budget bedChain motel room (double), a night, per roomUS$70
- Mid-range bedChain motel room (double), a night, per roomUS$100
- High-end bedChain motel room (double), a night, per roomUS$140
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$60 · Mid US$100 · High US$160
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- RST Rochester International Airport (About 1.5 h drive east on I-90) · FSD Sioux Falls Regional Airport (About 1 h drive west on I-90)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
Feb
Avoid
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
Mar
not flagged
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Apr
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
May
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Jun
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Jul
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Aug
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Sep
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Oct
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Nov
not flagged
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Dec
not flagged
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Jan–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)), coolest Jan (−14°C (7°F)7°F (−14°C) low), wettest May (12 rain days), driest Jan (6). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Worthington: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
−14°C (7°F)7°F (−14°C)
6 rd
Feb
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
−12°C (10°F)10°F (−12°C)
6 rd
Mar
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
8 rd
Apr
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
10 rd
May
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
12 rd
Jun
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
11 rd
Jul
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
9 rd
Aug
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
9 rd
Sep
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
8 rd
Oct
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
7 rd
Nov
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
6 rd
Dec
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
−11°C (12°F)12°F (−11°C)
6 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Worthington is compact; a car is the easiest way. Walking works for the lake and downtown. No public transit of note.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 50 min
US-59 south to Pipestone, about 40 min
Quarry and visitor centre; allow 2–3 hours.
Sioux Falls, SD
goDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min
I-90 west, about 1 h
Falls Park and downtown; a full day if you include lunch.
Blue Mounds State Park
goDoor to door: About 1 h
US-75 south to Luverne, then east, about 45 min
Bison herd and quartzite cliffs; hiking.
Jackson, MN
cautionDoor to door: About 35 min
I-90 east, about 30 min
Small town; only if you need a fuel stop or want to see the Kilen Woods.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Downtown / near Lake Okabena
Walkable to the lake and a few restaurants; the Historic Dayton House is here.
I-90 corridor
Chain motels near the interstate; convenient for a one-night stop.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $60–90 excl. bed
- Mid
- $90–140 excl. bed
- High
- $140+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Chain motel room (double)1 × 1 night × US$100 | US$100 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$100 | US$200 |
| Gas for 100 miles (round trip to Pipestone)1 × US$15 · check | US$15 |
| Meal at a diner2 × US$15 | US$30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$35 |
| Trip total≈ US$190 per person per day, bed included | US$380 |
2026 estimate in USD; flights and car rental excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $2–4 |
| Diner breakfast | $8–12 |
| Burger and fries | $10–15 |
| Motel room (double) | $70–140 |
| Gas (per gallon) | $3.50–4.50 (check) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Winter weather can close I-90: check road conditions before driving.
- The Historic Dayton House has a narrow check-in window (3–4 PM) unless arranged ahead.
- Lake Okabena has no lifeguards; swimming is at your own risk.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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WorthingtonWorthington, Minnesota
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Embassy
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- I-90 toll (none): Free interstate
- Taxi within town: About $10–15
Say or show
- Hello — Hello
- Thank you — Thank you
- How much? — How much?
- Where is the lake? — Where is the lake?
English is universal; no phrasebook needed.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Worthington. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep · avoid Jan–Feb (cold, snow) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Place pages with verified hours (Memorial Auditorium, Historic Dayton House).
- Lake Okabena walking trail map and parking.
- Winter driving conditions page for I-90.
Sources
Ask about Worthington
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