How far is Empire, MN from Inver Grove Heights, MN?
The driving distance from Empire, MN to Inver Grove Heights, MN is about 15.3 miles (24.6 km), with a travel time of about 00h 15m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 13.1 miles (21.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 30m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 00h 15m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Township in McLeod County, Minnesota
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Empire and Inver Grove Heights.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Empire and Inver Grove Heights.
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1
Start on 200th Street East
2106 ft · 42 sec · 200th Street East
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2
Take the ramp straight toward US 52 South
56 m · 7 sec
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3
Merge slight left
855 ft · 14 sec
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4
Take the exit left toward US 52 North
32 m · 10 sec
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5
Turn left
11.9 mi · 14 min
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6
Keep slight right to continue on US 52 North: Saint Paul
1.7 mi · 2 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward CR 26: 70th Street East
1503 ft · 39 sec
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8
Turn right onto 70th Street East
1.2 km · 1 min · 70th Street East
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9
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 70th Street East
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Empire and Inver Grove Heights.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
Longest stretch
Turn left
11.9 mi · 00h 14m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny leaving Empire and Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny near Inver Grove Heights.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Empire to Inver Grove Heights?
The road trip is about 15.3 miles (24.6 km) and usually takes 00h 15m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Rich Valley is a useful midpoint, sitting about 7.6 miles from Empire and 7.6 miles from Inver Grove Heights.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 13.1 miles (21.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 2.2 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 8:00 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $1.93 one way or $3.85 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 4.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny around Empire and Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny near Inver Grove Heights.
Stop Ideas Near Rich Valley
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Rich Valley.
Saint Paul Union Depot
Red Wing station
Menomonie, WI
Eau Claire, WI
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Empire and Inver Grove Heights. Straight-line distance: 13.12 mi (21.12 km).
#1 Empire
Township in Dakota County, Minnesota
| Population | 3,071 |
| Coordinates | 44.6591300, -93.0146600 |
| Altitude | 260 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Inver Grove Heights
City in Dakota County, Minnesota, United States
| Population | 35,776 |
| Coordinates | 44.8480200, -93.0427200 |
| Altitude | 268 |
| Country | United States |
End: 70th Street East (-93.04272, 44.84802)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 25 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 30m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 22m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 18m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 15m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 13m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 11m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.57 | $1.93 | $3.85 |
| Mid-grade | $3.92 | $2.12 | $4.23 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $2.37 | $4.74 |
| Diesel | $4.86 | $2.63 | $5.25 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Minnesota · Apr 24, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.