How far is Lake Mills, IA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Lake Mills, IA to Des Moines, IA is about 140.5 miles (226.1 km), with a travel time of about 02h 11m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 125.7 miles (202.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 22m 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 02h 11m.
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 located in Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Lake Mills and Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lake Mills and Des Moines.
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1
Start on West Main Street
1.3 km · 1 min · West Main Street
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2
Continue on County Highway 105
1 mi · 2 min · County Highway 105
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3
Continue on County Road 105
1.5 mi · 3 min · County Road 105
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4
Turn right onto Bluebill Avenue
3.7 mi · 5 min · Bluebill Avenue
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5
Continue on North Western Street
1 mi · 2 min · North Western Street
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6
Turn left onto 410th Street
5.4 mi · 9 min · 410th Street
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7
Take the ramp right toward Blanco River
1709 ft · 42 sec
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8
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
120.9 mi · 2 hr 10 min · Avenue of the Saints
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9
Keep slight left to continue on I 235 West: Des Moines
1.4 km · 1 min
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10
Continue on John MacVicar Freeway
4 mi · 5 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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11
Take the exit slight right toward East 6th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue, East Village
1580 ft · 39 sec
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12
Keep slight right to continue on East Village, East 6th Street, Penn Avenue
1740 ft · 45 sec
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13
Turn right onto Pennsylvania Avenue
1647 ft · 35 sec · Pennsylvania Avenue
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14
Turn left onto East University Avenue
30 m · 9 sec · East University Avenue
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East University Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Lake Mills and Des Moines.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Avenue of the Saints
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
121 mi · 02h 10m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Lake Mills and Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Des Moines.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Lake Mills to Des Moines?
The road trip is about 140.5 miles (226.1 km) and usually takes 02h 11m 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?
Oakland is a useful midpoint, sitting about 70.2 miles from Lake Mills and 70.3 miles from Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 125.7 miles (202.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 14.8 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 2:08 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $18.70 one way or $37.41 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 44.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Lake Mills and Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Des Moines.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Lake Mills and Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 125.73 mi (202.34 km).
#1 Lake Mills
City in Iowa, USA
| Population | 1,987 |
| Coordinates | 43.4194000, -93.5332700 |
| Altitude | 393 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Des Moines
The capital of Iowa.
| Population | 212,312 |
| Coordinates | 41.6005400, -93.6091100 |
| Altitude | 266 |
| Country | United States |
End: East University Avenue (-93.609114, 41.600425)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 226 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 40m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 30m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 48m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 20m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 00m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 45m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $18.70 | $37.41 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $21.09 | $42.19 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $23.08 | $46.17 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $26.31 | $52.62 |
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 Iowa · Apr 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.