How far is Maple Grove, MN from Lester Prairie, MN?
The driving distance from Maple Grove, MN to Lester Prairie, MN is about 42.4 miles (68.3 km), with a travel time of about 00h 59m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 31.4 miles (50.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 59m 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 59m.
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 Minnesota, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Maple Grove and Lester Prairie.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Maple Grove and Lester Prairie.
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1
Start on Bass Lake Road
2569 ft · 54 sec · Bass Lake Road
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2
Take the ramp right toward I 494 South
89 m · 7 sec
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3
Keep slight left to continue on I 494 South
1372 ft · 35 sec
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4
Merge slight left
9.3 mi · 12 min
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5
Take the exit slight right toward MN 7 West
2682 ft · 1 min
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6
Turn straight onto Minnesota State Highway 7
13.2 mi · 18 min · Minnesota State Highway 7
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7
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward the route
40 m · 2 sec
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8
Exit the roundabout
5.8 mi · 8 min
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9
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward the route
46 m · 3 sec
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10
Exit the roundabout
2.5 mi · 3 min
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11
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward the route
50 m · 3 sec
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12
Exit the roundabout
8 mi · 10 min
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13
Turn left onto County Highway 9
1.5 mi · 4 min · County Highway 9
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14
Turn right onto Central Avenue
2993 ft · 2 min · Central Avenue
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15
Turn left onto Juniper Street South
84 m · 17 sec · Juniper Street South
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16
Turn left onto 1st Avenue South
27 m · 4 sec · 1st Avenue South
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 1st Avenue South
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Maple Grove and Lester Prairie.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Minnesota State Highway 7
Turn straight onto Minnesota State Highway 7
13.2 mi · 00h 18m
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.
Sunny leaving Maple Grove and Sunny near Lester Prairie.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Maple Grove to Lester Prairie?
The road trip is about 42.4 miles (68.3 km) and usually takes 00h 59m 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?
Victoria is a useful midpoint, sitting about 21.2 miles from Maple Grove and 21.3 miles from Lester Prairie.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 31.4 miles (50.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 11 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 4:30 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.35 one way or $10.71 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 13.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Maple Grove and Sunny near Lester Prairie.
Stop Ideas Near Victoria
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 Victoria.
Saint Paul Union Depot
St. Cloud
Red Wing station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Maple Grove and Lester Prairie. Straight-line distance: 31.46 mi (50.63 km).
#1 Maple Grove
The second most populous city in Hennepin County, Minnesota.
| Population | 72,881 |
| Coordinates | 45.0724600, -93.4557900 |
| Altitude | 287 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Lester Prairie
City in McLeod County, Minnesota, United States of America
| Population | 1,724 |
| Coordinates | 44.8838500, -94.0416400 |
| Altitude | 299 |
| Country | United States |
End: Lester Prairie (-94.04164, 44.88385)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 68 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 24m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 03m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 50m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 42m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 36m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 31m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.57 | $5.35 | $10.71 |
| Mid-grade | $3.92 | $5.88 | $11.76 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $6.59 | $13.18 |
| Diesel | $4.86 | $7.30 | $14.59 |
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 26, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.