How far is Minnetonka, MN from Cottage Grove, MN?
The driving distance from Minnetonka, MN to Cottage Grove, MN is about 32.6 miles (52.5 km), with a travel time of about 00h 46m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 28 miles (45.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 33m 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 46m.
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 Dakota County, Minnesota, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Minnetonka and Cottage Grove.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Minnetonka and Cottage Grove.
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1
Start on County Road 101
1703 ft · 40 sec · County Road 101
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2
Turn left onto Excelsior Boulevard
1 km · 1 min · Excelsior Boulevard
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3
Turn right onto Scenic Heights Drive
1.4 km · 2 min · Scenic Heights Drive
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4
Turn left onto Townline Road
2.3 mi · 4 min · Townline Road
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5
Turn straight
138 m · 10 sec
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6
Continue on Crosstown Highway
2.6 mi · 3 min · Crosstown Highway
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7
Keep slight left to continue on Crosstown Highway
16.9 mi · 22 min · Crosstown Highway
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8
Merge slight left
3.1 mi · 4 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward US 10 East, US 61 South: Hastings
1.1 km · 50 sec
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10
Merge slight left onto Hiawatha Pioneer Trail/Disabled American Veterans Highway/Voyageur Highway
3.4 mi · 4 min · Hiawatha Pioneer Trail/Disabled American Veterans Highway/Voyageur Highway
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11
Take the exit slight right toward 80th Street, Grange Boulevard
1685 ft · 43 sec
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12
Turn left onto 80th Street South
1895 ft · 52 sec · 80th Street South
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13
Turn right onto East Point Douglas Road South
1046 ft · 35 sec · East Point Douglas Road South
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14
Turn left onto East Point Douglas Road South
1543 ft · 49 sec · East Point Douglas Road South
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15
Turn left onto Hillside Trail
1.1 km · 2 min · Hillside Trail
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16
Turn right onto Hyde Avenue South
18 m · 3 sec · Hyde Avenue South
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Hyde Avenue South
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Minnetonka and Cottage Grove.
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.
Crosstown Highway
Keep slight left to continue on Crosstown Highway
16.9 mi · 00h 22m
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 Minnetonka and Sunny near Cottage Grove.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Minnetonka to Cottage Grove?
The road trip is about 32.6 miles (52.5 km) and usually takes 00h 46m 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?
Mendota is a useful midpoint, sitting about 16.3 miles from Minnetonka and 16.3 miles from Cottage Grove.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 28 miles (45.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 4.6 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 4:56 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $4.10 one way or $8.21 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 10.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Minnetonka and Sunny near Cottage Grove.
Stop Ideas Near Mendota
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Minneapolis City Hall
City of Bloomington
Mall of America®
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Mendota.
Saint Paul Union Depot
Red Wing station
Menomonie, WI
St. Cloud
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Minnetonka and Cottage Grove. Straight-line distance: 28.02 mi (45.1 km).
#1 Minnetonka
The most populous city in Hennepin County, Minnesota.
| Population | 55,370 |
| Coordinates | 44.9133000, -93.5032900 |
| Altitude | 275 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Cottage Grove
City in Minnesota, United States
| Population | 38,170 |
| Coordinates | 44.8277400, -92.9438200 |
| Altitude | 248 |
| Country | United States |
End: Cottage Grove (-92.94382, 44.82774)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 53 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 05m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 48m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 39m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 32m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 27m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 24m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.57 | $4.10 | $8.21 |
| Mid-grade | $3.92 | $4.51 | $9.02 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $5.05 | $10.10 |
| Diesel | $4.86 | $5.59 | $11.19 |
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 30, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.