About the Event
MINI TAKES THE STATES.
MINI TAKES THE STATES is a road rally created to celebrate the MINI community. It explores some of the most scenic roads and beautiful areas of the country.
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Counting down the days to the start of MINI Takes the States 2026.
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SCHEDULE
Route at a Glance.
Monterey → Sonoma
Monterey Rise & Rally: Cardinale Stadium, 4111 2nd Ave, Seaside, CA 93955
Sonoma Evening: SOMO Village Event Center, 1100 Valley House Dr, Rohnert Park, CA 94928
Sonoma → Lake Tahoe
Sonoma Rise & Rally: Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1450 Bennett Valley Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404
Lake Tahoe Evening: Palisades Tahoe, 1960 Olympic Vly Rd, Olympic Valley, CA 96146
Lake Tahoe → Home
Lake Tahoe Rise & Rally: Palisades Tahoe, 1960 Olympic Vly Rd, Olympic Valley, CA 96146
Departures Home
Buffalo → Syracuse
Buffalo Rise & Rally: The Falconwood, 107 Beaver Is Pk Rd, Grand Island, NY 14072
Syracuse Evening: NBT Bank Stadium, 1 Tex Simone Dr, Syracuse, NY 13208
Syracuse → Lake Placid
Syracuse Rise & Rally: NBT Stadium, 1 Tex Simone Dr, Syracuse, NY 13208
Lake Placid Evening: Mt Van Hoevenberg, 31 Van Hoevenberg Way, Lake Placid, NY 12946
Lake Placid → Home
Lake Placid Rise & Rally: Mt Van Hoevenberg, 31 Van Hoevenberg Way, Lake Placid, NY 12946
Departures Home
Fort Myers → Miami
Fort Myers Rise & Rally: JetBlue Park, 11500 Fenway South Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33913
Miami Evening: Location TBC
Miami → Key West
Miami Rise & Rally: Haulover Park, 10800 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33154
Key West Evening: Key West Amphitheater, 21 Quay Rd, Key West, FL 33040
Key West → Home
Key West Rise & Rally: Truman Waterfront Park, Southard St, Key West, FL 33040
Departures Home
MINI TAKES THE STATES 2006

It all started in Monterey, California on August 21, 2006, and ended 14 days later in Lakeville, Connecticut. The inaugural MINI Takes the States (MTTS) celebrated the delivery of the first 45 limited-edition MINI Cooper S with John Cooper Works GP Kits (MINI GPs). The cross-country rally motored 4,000 miles through 19 states and was the start of something BIG.
Days: 14
States: 19
Participants: 3,000+
Charity Partner: Motoring Hearts
MINI TAKES THE STATES 2008

MINI Takes the States 2008 was the second MTTS, cementing the rally as a biennial adventure celebrating the MINI owner community. A series of four weekend events in Miami, Boston, Chicago, and Los Angeles hosted 5,000 MINIacs and invited owners and non-owners alike to take a spin on an autocross track.
Days: 4 weekends
States: 4
Participants: 5,000+
Charity Partner: Motoring Hearts
MINI TAKES THE STATES 2010

MINI TAKES THE STATES 2010 started in five cities: San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, and Atlanta and converged in Denver, Colorado August 13-15. The festival weekend featured music, local drives and a VIP introduction to the new MINI Countryman.
Days: 9
States: 19
Participants: 7,000+
Charity partner: Ryan's MINI
Theme: The Rally Is On
MINI TAKES THE STATES 2012

MINI TAKES THE STATES 2012 kicked off with fireworks on the 4th of July in New York and rolled through 16 states before the making a red-carpet arrival in Los Angeles on July 15th. A Roadster autocross experience popped-up in four cities along the way.
Days: 11
States: 16
Participants: 6,400+
Charity partner: USA Paralympics
Theme: Go Forth. Go West. Go MINI.
MINI TAKES THE STATES 2014

MINI TAKES THE STATES 2014 flipped the script starting on the west coast in San Francisco on July 26th and ending in Boston during the dog days of summer on August 9th.
Days: 15
States: 18
Participants: 4,000+
Charity partner: Best Friends Animal Society
Theme: Unleash Your MINI.
MINI TAKES THE STATES 2016

MINI TAKES THE STATES 2016 covered quite a bit of country stopping along the way at racetracks, railroad tracks and even a horse track. Starting at Atlanta Motor Speedway on July 9th, the convoy closed out the rally on July 23rd with a few laps at The Thermal Club private track.
Days: 15
States: 18
Participants: 4,500+
Charity partner: Feeding America
Theme: Track to Track
MINI TAKES THE STATES 2018

MINI TAKES THE STATES 2018 took a two-pronged approach that met in the middle. With concurrent kick-off events in Portland, Oregon and Orlando, Florida, East and West routes motored into Keystone, Colorado for a fun-fueled weekend in the spectacular Rockies.
Days: 15
States: 18
Participants: 4,500+
Charity partner: Feeding America
Theme: Rally to The Rockies
MINI TAKES THE STATES 2022

After a 2020 pitstop, MINI TAKES THE STATES 2022 was back on track motoring some of the best backroads along the eastern seaboard. Starting in Burlington, Vermont and ending in Greenville-Spartanburg, South Carolina, route highlights included the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Tail of the Dragon.
Days: 9
States: 9
Participants: 2,200+
Charity partner: Best Friends Animal Society
Theme: Reunite & Rally
MINI TAKES THE STATES 2024

In 2024, summer camp hit the road for the 9th MINI Takes the States. Starting in Albuquerque, New Mexico and ending in Seattle, Washington, MINIacs motored through Big Sky Country, carved the Million Dollar Highway and were wowed by majestic Mt. Rainier.
Days: 9
States: 5
Participants: 2,200+
Charity partner: American Camp Association, Keep America Beautiful, Urban-X
Theme: Camp MINI
GALLERY
Relive memories from 2024.
Be sure to check out some of our favorite images from the trip by clicking on the photos by day links below.
FAQ
So many miles. So many questions.
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WHAT IS MINI TAKES THE STATES?
What began in 2006 as a cross-country journey to commemorate the launch of the MINI GP, has continued for 20 years as a celebration of the MINI Community. We have covered a lot of territory over the years, mixing up the format, exploring new locations, and revisiting some fan favorites. This year's event offers three (3) long-weekend road trips in California, New York, and Florida with roughly three weeks between each event. You can join just one or go all in and attend all three.
After a morning Rise & Rally, where you can check out hundreds of modified MINI's and grab a light breakfast, we rally together on scenic roads to the next city stop. Drive days are typically 4-5 hours with time for you to stop and explore along the way. Lunch is on own. But don't worry, no matter where you go; there will be a mob of MINIs in the mix. Each evening, we meet up to share some refreshments and stories from the road.
This is the 10th edition of MTTS, and it's sure to be another epic experience.
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WHAT ARE THE DATES AND LOCATIONS OF THE 2026 EVENTS?
Our first weekend will start in Monterey, CA on Friday, October 2, 2026. After the Rise & Rally morning event, we'll rally to Sonoma ending the day with an informal MINI evening mixer. On Saturday, October 3 we'll rally to picturesque Lake Tahoe and end the days with some good tunes and good vibes. On Sunday, October 4 we'll share one final morning event and complete the Tahoe loop before participants head toward home.
The second event will kick off in Buffalo, NY on Friday, October 23, 2026. We will begin with a Rise & Rally in the morning then rally to Syracuse on a beautiful scenic fall route through the Finger Lakes coming together at the end of the day for a MINI mixer. On Saturday, October 24 we will rally to Lake Placid through the Adirondacks and finish the day with live music. On Sunday, October 25 we'll regroup for a final farewell before heading home.
Our third and final weekend will begin in Fort Myers, FL on Friday, November 13 with a Rise & Rally morning event. From there, we'll rally through the Tamiami Trail arriving in Miami for a lively MINI happy hour. On Saturday, November 14, we'll rally to the southernmost point in the continental US - Key West - concluding the day with an evening full of music and MINI community. On Sunday, November 15, we'll convene at the waterfront before heading back over the iconic 7 Mile Bridge to return home.
HOW AND WHEN DO I REGISTER?Registration will open through minitakesthestates.com in April 2026. Sign up here to be among the first to know when registration is live.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE IN MTTS?Owners and future owners (along with their friends and family) from all over the country are invited to participate, however you must drive a MINI in the rally. Future owners can test drive our MINI family of vehicles at a local MINI dealer.
IS THERE A FEE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MTTS RALLY?Yes, the fee is per person and is non-transferable and non-refundable. All tickets must be purchased in advance. Pricing will be released when registration opens. Historically, registration averages ~$50 a day.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE REGISTRATION FEE?In addition to the event goodie bag, MINI hosts a morning Rise & Rally drive-off event which includes a light breakfast. On both Friday and Saturday night, MINI will host a meet-up so you can share your day's adventures, some light bights and some good tunes.
WHERE DO I STAY?All participants make and manage their own accommodation arrangements. Some book months ahead, some adopt a more last-minute approach, some use points, and there are even some participants who camp. We recommend finding accommodations within 25 miles of the Rise & Rally locations.
HOW CAN I LEARN ABOUT MTTS UPDATES?Join the email list and check back on minitakesthestates.com periodically to see what is new. You can also follow MINI USA on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
WILL THERE BE A MTTS MERCHANDISE COLLECTION?As always, at each Rise & Rally event, MINI will offer a limited selection of event logo'ed items for sale.
CAN I CREATE MTTS RELATED MERCHANDISE TO SELL?While we appreciate your enthusiasm for MTTS, any unauthorized use of the MINI trademark symbols, or clear derivative of a registered trademark, or the official MTTS event logo is considered trademark infringement. Unauthorized use of registered trademarks can be misleading to the consumer appearing to be an authorized product produced and distributed by MINI or produced and distributed under license agreement with MINI.
I OWN A MINI COOPER SE BATTERY ELECTRIC VEHICLE. WILL MTTS OFFER A CHARGING SOLUTION?Average drive distances are 150+ miles per day, and public charging opportunities along the planned route are minimal. Charging opportunities will not be built into the daily drives and will not be available at the morning Rise & Rally locations.
DOES MINI USA ASSIST WITH VEHICLE TRANSPORT?As participants start from so many different start locations, MINI USA does not coordinate transportation on a national level. We recommend that participants coordinate with a local group or club or manage individually.
CAN I RENT A MINI AND PARTICIPATE?Some car rental companies do have MINI vehicles in their fleet, but there is no guarantee that if you book a MINI, you will get a MINI. MINI USA does not coordinate car rentals.
DOES MINI PROVIDE ROADSIDE SERVICE ON MTTS?Each morning of the rally we will have Technicians available to consult on service issues you may have encountered while on the road. However, the services our Technicians can perform on-site are limited. Most repairs - damaged tires, windshields, brakes, engine, etc. - will need to be referred to the closest MINI dealer. On MTTS, MINI does provide courtesy towing service to the closest MINI dealer (even if your MINI is outside of warranty), but all repair costs are the responsibility of the participant. We strongly advise you to schedule a service appointment at your MINI dealer before hitting the road.
ARE PETS WELCOME AT MTTS?You are welcome to bring your pet along for the ride, however, please be aware not all venues accommodate pets. Participants must honor Service Animal Only policies and be cognizant of weather conditions, e.g. high heat, that can impact pet health.
DO YOU OFFER VEGETARIAN, VEGAN, OR GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS AT THE RISE & RALLY BREAKFAST?Where possible, we try to include a fresh fruit option, but this is not always achievable. Participants with food allergies or restrictions are advised to plan accordingly.
HOW AND WHEN WILL I KNOW WHAT ROUTE TO DRIVE EACH DAY?The route directions will be released closer to the event date (and yes, we will share GPX files in advance).
WHAT IS THE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS?The full schedule will be released when registration opens. Typically, Rise & Rally timing is 7:00am - 10:00am and evening events are 7:00pm - 9:00pm.
CAN I OPERATE A DRONE AT MTTS EVENTS?To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all our guests, MINI USA strictly prohibits the operation of or use of any unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as "Drones," on, from, or above MINI TAKES THE STATES 2026 premises, events or venues. This includes all UAVs regardless of size, weight, or purpose. The official MTTS photo and video crew is authorized to use drones in accordance with the FAA, local law enforcement and venue policies.
HOW CAN I FIND A GROUP IN MY AREA TO RALLY WITH TO THE START LOCATION?Great idea. We recommend you reach out to the MINI Motoring Club of America minimca.org to connect with other local motorers.
Stay Updated
Are you interested in joining MINI on future rallies? Sign up to get the latest updates.
AMERICAN CAMP ASSOCIATION
This year we have teamed up with the American Camp Association to help send children to camp. The camp experience enriches lives, acts as a catalyst for personal growth and creates lifelong friendships. Hmmm. Sounds a lot like MTTS!
ACA's Send a Child to Camp Fund helps increases access to camp for children whose families may not otherwise be able to afford a camp experience. It's been said that MTTS is like summer camp for adults. Won't you help foster that camp experience for children in need?
SUPPORT AMERICAN CAMP ASSOCIATION BY LISTING YOUR ITEMS ON EBAY FOR CHARITY!
- Set up an eBay account.
- Create a listing on eBay.
- At the bottom of your listing page, look for the CHARITY section and select 'Donate a portion to charity.'
- Click edit and activate the 'Donate for this listing' toggle.
- Search and select: American Camp Association.
- Select the percentage you want to donate.
- List the item.
Download the How to Sell for Charity guide here.
P.S. An exciting MINI x ACA official auction will open the first day of MINI Takes the States. Stay tuned!
KEEP AMERICA BEAUTIFUL
MINI USA will continue our partnership with Keep America Beautiful, a leading national nonprofit that inspires and educates people to take action every day to improve and beautify their community environment. In support of KAB's mission, we'll encourage participants to pick up litter as they motor on MTTS. You can help KAB reach their goal of picking up 25 billion pieces of litter by July 2026.
SIRIUSXM
SiriusXM has also joined MINI as the Audio Entertainment Sponsor of MINI Takes the States, offering all eligible attendees 90 days of free streaming via the SiriusXM app. SiriusXM immerses listeners in the audio that gets you closer to everything you love with endless music, talk, sports, news, comedy, podcasts, original shows and exclusive insider moments you won't get anywhere else.
URBAN-X
URBAN-X is the platform for startups reimagining city life. Built by MINI, URBAN- X partners with founders to build and scale bold technology solutions that make cities more livable, efficient, and resilient. URBAN- X provides world-class engineering and design resources through their Impact and Accelerator programs and gives founders access to a global network of investors, cities, and corporate partners. For the first time ever, URBAN-X is joining MINI Takes the States to share insights about their work with startups with MINI fans and for a special state-to-state 3D printing challenge.
MINI CARD
We are excited to debut a brand-new MINI Card this year at MINI TAKES THE STATES! As a MTTS participant, you'll be among the first to get access to the new MINI Card, inspired by the rich heritage of MINI and made from ocean bound plastic - reinforcing our commitment to Driving Good - now and into the future. Can't wait for the new MINI Card? Learn more here and take advantage of an exclusive offer for MINI Takes the States participants and we will help you upgrade your MINI Card on the route.
MINI MOTORING PROTECTION PROGRAMS
Protect your MINI for MTTS and everyday excursions! Protection for your MINI comes in all shapes and sizes. With a Multi Coverage Protection Program, you can build a custom suite of products that fit your driving style - and your lifestyle. No matter what you encounter on the road, MINI Motoring Protection Programs can help you stay in motion.
HARMAN KARDON
Harman Kardon creates beautiful sound that adds depth to every moment. For 70 years, the world-renowned audio brand has seamlessly merged function and form, through the highest quality sound, elegant design and meticulous attention to detail. Cementing the brand's design status, the iconic Harman Kardon SoundSticks are part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art, New York. Harman Kardon also partners with the world's finest automotive brands, like MINI, to create listening experiences that enhance each minute behind the wheel.
















