How far is Minneapolis, MN from Grand Lake, MN?
The driving distance from Minneapolis, MN to Grand Lake, MN is about 148 miles (238.2 km), with a travel time of about 02h 47m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 135.8 miles (218.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 35m 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 47m.
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.
Township in Pine County, Minnesota
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Cloudy
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Minneapolis and Grand Lake.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Minneapolis and Grand Lake.
-
1
Start on Washington Avenue South
19 m · 9 sec · Washington Avenue South
-
2
Continue on Washington Avenue South
1.4 km · 3 min · Washington Avenue South
-
3
Take the ramp left toward I 35W North
1159 ft · 28 sec
-
4
Merge slight left
3.7 mi · 5 min
-
5
Take the exit slight right toward MN 36
1758 ft · 25 sec
-
6
Merge slight left
1359 ft · 19 sec
-
7
Keep slight left
7.1 mi · 9 min
-
8
Keep slight left
16.7 mi · 18 min
-
9
Keep slight left
105 mi · 1 hr 52 min
-
10
Take the exit slight right toward MN 33: Cloquet, Iron Range
2915 ft · 58 sec
-
11
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward the route
39 m · 2 sec
-
12
Exit the roundabout
12.6 mi · 17 min
-
13
Take the exit right
1165 ft · 35 sec
-
14
Turn right onto Saginaw Road
2185 ft · 60 sec · Saginaw Road
-
15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Saginaw Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Minneapolis and Grand Lake.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
MN 36
Keep slight left
105 mi · 01h 52m
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 Cloudy leaving Minneapolis and Mostly Sunny near Grand Lake.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Minneapolis to Grand Lake?
The road trip is about 148 miles (238.2 km) and usually takes 02h 47m 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?
Mission Creek is a useful midpoint, sitting about 74 miles from Minneapolis and 74 miles from Grand Lake.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 135.8 miles (218.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 12.2 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 12:54 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $18.63 one way or $37.26 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 46.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Cloudy around Minneapolis and Mostly Sunny near Grand Lake.
Stop Ideas Near Mission Creek
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 Mission Creek.
St. Cloud
Duluth (Greyhound Station), Minnesota
Saint Paul Union Depot
Duluth (University of Minnesota), Minnesota
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Minneapolis and Grand Lake. Straight-line distance: 135.85 mi (218.63 km).
#1 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 |
#2 Grand Lake
Township in St.
| Population | 2,790 |
| Coordinates | 46.8666100, -92.4679700 |
| Altitude | 408 |
| Country | United States |
End: Grand Lake (-92.46797, 46.86661)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 238 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 55m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 42m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 57m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 28m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 06m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 50m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.57 | $18.63 | $37.26 |
| Mid-grade | $3.92 | $20.47 | $40.94 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $22.93 | $45.85 |
| Diesel | $4.86 | $25.39 | $50.78 |
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 31, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.