MINI Cars, Maximum Fun
The MINI Cooper is one of the most recognizable cars on the road and easily one of the more enjoyable and entertaining cars to drive. While most consumers purchase a vehicle to get from point A to point B, MINI owners seem to have a different relationship with their cars. As some owners have explained, buying a MINI is like joining a family, and that family gets together every other year at an event called MINI Takes The States.

What is it?
MINI Takes The States (MTTS) is a road rally for MINIs and their owners hosted by MINI USA. With the exception of 2020, the event has taken place every two years since its inception in 2006. The rally follows a designated route across America, and each MTTS follows a different path. The 2022 edition of MTTS began in Burlington, Vermont. After seven days and 1,700 miles with stops in eight cities along the way, the MINIs reached their destination of Greenville, South Carolina.

So Many MINIs!
We attended the 2022 MTTS event and were blown away by the sheer number of vehicles and people. According to MINI, more than 2,000 people participated in some parts of the rally (some owners only attended for a few days of the route), driving more than 800 MINIs. We met up with the group in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, and it was quite a sight to see so many MINIs gathered together in one spot. The incredible depth of camaraderie and passion for this iconic little car is astounding.

The People
With more than 2,000 folks in attendance at MTTS 2022 with their MINIs, we welcomed the chance to learn more about the “Cult of MINI,” as some call this phenomenon. Some of last year’s rally attendees had driven in every prior MTTS, while others were experiencing their first. A few attendees had purchased their new MINIs mere days before the event began, completing their break-in miles during the drive.

MTTS 2024
Today, MINI announced the dates and route for this year’s MTTS event. This unique rally will come together in Albuquerque, New Mexico, departing on July 13, 2024. The route will take the MINIs north, with overnight stops in Durango and Grand Junction, CO; Salt Lake City, UT; Bozeman and Missoula, MT; and Yakima, WA. Ultimately, the large gathering of MINIs will descend on Seattle on July 21, 2024.

Extraordinary Adventure
“We’re excited to reconnect with our MINI owners nation-wide to foster current relationships, forge new friendships and make lasting memories, this time in some of our incredible and majestic western states” said Mike Peyton, Vice President and Chief Motorer, MINI of the Americas. “Knowing the special nature of this event for our community, we’ve curated an extraordinary adventure that promises an unforgettable experience.”