Headcount, miles, and gear decide which rental is right. Here's how to pick — with notes for the road trips western Wisconsin loves most.
The best road-trip vehicle isn't the biggest one or the cheapest one — it's the one that matches your trip. Renting a 15-passenger van for two people is a waste; cramming six people and a week of luggage into an intermediate car is misery. This guide walks through the three questions that decide it, then applies them to the destinations folks around here drive to all summer.
At Riverside Auto Rental in Black River Falls, we rent cars, 7-passenger minivans, and 15-passenger vans — and we've helped a lot of families pick the right one over 40+ years. Here's how we think about it.
1. How many people? This is the first filter. 2–4 → car. 5–7 → minivan. 8–15 → 15-passenger van.
2. How many miles? This decides your mileage tier. Under 100 miles a day and staying regional → the Local tier saves money. Crossing state lines or doing big daily distances → the Unlimited tier removes the cap.
3. How much gear? Luggage for a week, bikes, kayaks, coolers, strollers — gear can bump you up a size even if the headcount fits a smaller vehicle. When in doubt, size up; a half-empty van beats a stuffed car.
| Vehicle | Best For | Road-Trip Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Intermediate Car | 2–3 people, light bags | $75/day or $450/wk unlimited |
| Full-Size Car | 2–4 people, more trunk | $85/day or $510/wk unlimited |
| 7-Passenger Minivan | 5–7 people, gear | $450/wk unlimited |
| 15-Passenger Van | 8–15 people, big loads | $750/wk unlimited |
For road trips, the weekly rates shown include unlimited mileage. See the full weekly rate breakdown if you're deciding between daily and weekly.
Twin Cities (Minneapolis-St. Paul) — ~2 hours. Concerts, ballgames, the Mall of America, airport connections. Mostly highway miles. A full-size car (unlimited) for a couple or small family; a minivan if you're hauling the whole crew to a Twins game. You'll clear 100 miles round-trip easily, so unlimited is the move.
Wisconsin Dells — ~1.5 hours. The family water-park capital. A minivan is the sweet spot for a family of 5–7 with all the pool bags and gear. We've got a full Dells trip guide coming.
Door County — ~4 hours. Wisconsin's thumb — cherry orchards, lighthouses, waterfront towns. A long enough drive that comfort matters: full-size car for a couple, minivan for a family. Pack for variable weather and bring the bikes; the peninsula is made for cycling.
The Great River Road (Hwy 35 along the Mississippi) — starts ~40 min west. One of the most scenic drives in the country, hugging the river bluffs from La Crosse south. A car is plenty for the drive itself, but a minivan lets you load coolers and chairs for the overlooks and river-town stops.
Up north / the Northwoods — 2–4 hours. Lakes, cabins, fishing. This is gear-heavy territory: coolers, tackle, kayaks, the works. Minivan minimum; 15-passenger van if it's a multi-family cabin trip. Fold the rear rows for cargo.
Cargo is where people most often guess wrong. A quick reality check:
Bringing kayaks or anything that rides on the roof? Tell us when you reserve so we can confirm the right vehicle. We cover gear hauling in depth in our camping & outdoor gear guide.
When stuck between two sizes, size up. The cost difference is usually modest, and the comfort difference over a long drive is large. Nobody finishes a road trip wishing they'd had less room.
When stuck between local and unlimited, go unlimited for any real trip. The peace of mind of not watching the odometer is worth it. Save the Local tier for stay-close errands and short hops.
"I rented a 15-passenger van for a family trip taking my daughters to a volleyball tournament in Kansas City. The van was a perfect fit for our needs. It had plenty of room for the girls, their stuff, and everything we had packed. It drove smoothly, was comfortable and clean."
"My car broke down late at night on my way to a business meeting in Eau Claire. I called Riverside Auto Rental and was able to reach Tas after hours. She immediately arranged a reliable rental for early the next morning. They truly go above and beyond."
Tell us where you're headed, how many people, and roughly how many miles, and we'll point you to the right vehicle and the right rate in about two minutes. Call 715-396-1466.
2–4 people: full-size car, unlimited mileage. 5–7: minivan. 8+: 15-passenger van. Headcount, total miles, and gear are the deciding factors.
Unlimited, almost always. The Local tier caps you at 100 miles/day, which a road trip blows past. Van weekly rentals include unlimited mileage automatically.
No geographic limit on where you drive. All rentals return to our Black River Falls lot (no one-way drop-offs), but the miles in between are yours. Pick Unlimited for long trips.
A minivan with the third row folded or a 15-passenger van with rear rows configured for cargo handles bikes, coolers, and most camping gear. Mention kayaks or roof loads when you reserve.
The deeper side-by-side on cars, minivans, and 15-passenger vans.
Lead times and how far ahead to book once you've picked the vehicle.
Local vs. unlimited tiers and when the weekly rate wins for a road trip.
Tell us the destination and headcount — we'll match you to the right vehicle and rate.
Call 715-396-1466