7. 10,000 Lakes Festival (Late July)
Detroit Lakes, Minnesota
Known far and wide as 10KLF, this Minnesota-based jubilee each July offers a tried-and-true formula of jam bands, emphasizing collegiate revelry and bucolic scenery. To date, thanks in part to long driving times, the crowds have been more manageable than those found at similar festivals like Bonnaroo. But the fact that in 2008, 20,000 people made the run to the 650-acre Soo Pass Ranch is testimony to the dedication of fans who still like to get down to outfits like Dave Matthews Band, Wilco, Widespread Panic, and the String Cheese Incident. 10,000 Lakes also benefits from a massive sound system and state-of-the-art technology developed for the WE Fest, a major gathering of country music stars that takes place each August. With more than 6,000 campsites available, camping is the norm, while permanent restroom structures nearby—as well as 3,000 feet of shoreline along Lake Sallie—make it easy to stay relatively clean. Fargo, North Dakota, is the nearest major airport; Minneapolis is a four-hour drive.

Hot tip: Noodle rock may be the calling card for 10KLF, but the roster is deep, so fans of new jazz, reggae, and blues would do well to check updated stage times.

Minnesota Travel Guide
Minnesota Travel Photo Gallery