How far is Howard Lake, MN from Minneapolis, MN?
The driving distance from Howard Lake, MN to Minneapolis, MN is about 44.4 miles (71.5 km), with a travel time of about 00h 56m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 40 miles (64.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 52m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
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 56m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Hennepin County, Minnesota
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Howard Lake and Minneapolis.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Howard Lake and Minneapolis.
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1
Start on 6th Street
1.1 km · 1 min · 6th Street
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2
Continue on US 12
4.1 mi · 6 min · US 12
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3
Continue on Pacific Avenue
1.1 km · 1 min · Pacific Avenue
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4
Continue on US 12
1.9 mi · 3 min · US 12
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5
Continue on Nelson Boulevard
1.1 mi · 2 min · Nelson Boulevard
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6
Continue on US 12
2.4 mi · 3 min · US 12
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7
Continue on 60th Street Southeast
1234 ft · 19 sec · 60th Street Southeast
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8
Continue on US 12
3.6 mi · 5 min · US 12
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9
Continue on Babcock Boulevard West
3.9 mi · 6 min · Babcock Boulevard West
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10
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Babcock Boulevard
43 m · 2 sec · Babcock Boulevard
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11
Exit the roundabout onto Babcock Boulevard
2.1 mi · 3 min · Babcock Boulevard
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12
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Babcock Boulevard;County Road 90
43 m · 2 sec · Babcock Boulevard
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13
Exit the rotary onto Babcock Boulevard
12.3 mi · 16 min · Babcock Boulevard
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14
Merge slight right
9.3 mi · 12 min
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15
Turn left onto 2nd Avenue North
861 ft · 36 sec · 2nd Avenue North
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16
Turn right onto North Washington Avenue
3167 ft · 2 min · North Washington Avenue
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17
Continue on Washington Avenue South
798 ft · 32 sec · Washington Avenue South
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Washington Avenue South
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Howard Lake and Minneapolis.
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.
Babcock Boulevard
Exit the rotary onto Babcock Boulevard
12.3 mi · 00h 16m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Mostly Sunny leaving Howard Lake and Sunny near Minneapolis.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Howard Lake to Minneapolis?
The road trip is about 44.4 miles (71.5 km) and usually takes 00h 56m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Maple Plain is a useful midpoint, sitting about 21.6 miles from Howard Lake and 22.8 miles from Minneapolis.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 40 miles (64.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 4.4 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:38 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.60 one way or $11.21 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 14 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Howard Lake and Sunny near Minneapolis.
Stop Ideas Near Maple Plain
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 Maple Plain.
Saint Paul Union Depot
St. Cloud
Red Wing station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Howard Lake and Minneapolis. Straight-line distance: 39.92 mi (64.25 km).
#1 Howard Lake
City in Wright County, Minnesota, United States of America
| Population | 2,162 |
| Coordinates | 45.0608000, -94.0733100 |
| Altitude | 310 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Minneapolis
The largest city in Minnesota, Minneapolis is a major center for business, finance, and culture.
| Population | 433,111 |
| Coordinates | 44.9799700, -93.2638400 |
| Altitude | 253 |
| Country | United States |
End: Washington Avenue South (-93.263838, 44.979973)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 72 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 28m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 06m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 53m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 44m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 38m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 33m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.57 | $5.60 | $11.21 |
| Mid-grade | $3.92 | $6.16 | $12.31 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $6.90 | $13.79 |
| Diesel | $4.86 | $7.64 | $15.27 |
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 · May 13, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.