How far is Minnetonka, MN from Detroit Lakes, MN?
The driving distance from Minnetonka, MN to Detroit Lakes, MN is about 199.3 miles (320.7 km), with a travel time of about 03h 53m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 173.2 miles (278.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 47m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 03h 53m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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 Morrison County, Minnesota
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Minnetonka and Detroit Lakes.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Minnetonka and Detroit Lakes.
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1
Start on County Road 101
859 ft · 26 sec · County Road 101
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2
Continue on County Road 101
1049 ft · 33 sec · County Road 101
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3
Turn right onto Minnesota State Highway 7
2.1 mi · 3 min · Minnesota State Highway 7
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4
Keep slight left to continue on Minnesota State Highway 7
1 km · 52 sec · Minnesota State Highway 7
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5
Take the exit slight right toward I 494 North
1219 ft · 32 sec
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6
Merge slight left
11.3 mi · 14 min
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7
Keep slight left to continue on I 94 West: Saint Cloud
3250 ft · 50 sec
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8
Continue straight
16.6 mi · 18 min
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9
Keep slight left
6 mi · 6 min
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10
Take the exit slight right
2016 ft · 53 sec
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11
Turn right onto Pine Street
1.3 km · 2 min · Pine Street
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12
Continue on State Highway 25
540 ft · 19 sec · State Highway 25
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13
Turn left onto County Road 11
1.1 km · 54 sec · County Road 11
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14
Continue on Park Boulevard Southeast
1.4 mi · 2 min · Park Boulevard Southeast
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15
Continue on 165th Avenue Southeast
1.8 mi · 2 min · 165th Avenue Southeast
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16
Turn left
54.4 mi · 1 hr 4 min
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17
Keep slight left
38 mi · 43 min
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18
Turn straight
8.5 mi · 10 min
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19
Continue straight
10.9 mi · 12 min
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20
Turn slight right
20 m · 2 sec
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21
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward the route
30 m · 2 sec
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22
Exit the roundabout
29 m · 1 sec
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23
Turn straight
44.3 mi · 51 min
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24
Turn left onto Washington Avenue
781 ft · 27 sec · Washington Avenue
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25
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Washington Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Minnetonka and Detroit Lakes.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Longest stretch
Turn left
54.4 mi · 01h 04m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Mostly Sunny leaving Minnetonka and Partly Sunny near Detroit Lakes.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Minnetonka to Detroit Lakes?
The road trip is about 199.3 miles (320.7 km) and usually takes 03h 53m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Little Falls is a useful midpoint, sitting about 99.5 miles from Minnetonka and 99.7 miles from Detroit Lakes.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 173.2 miles (278.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 26.1 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 9:12 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $25.09 one way or $50.18 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 62.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Minnetonka and Partly Sunny near Detroit Lakes.
Stop Ideas Near Little Falls
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 Little Falls.
St. Cloud
Staples
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Minnetonka and Detroit Lakes. Straight-line distance: 173.19 mi (278.73 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 Detroit Lakes
City in Minnesota, United States
| Population | 9,255 |
| Coordinates | 46.8171800, -95.8453300 |
| Altitude | 418 |
| Country | United States |
End: Detroit Lakes (-95.84533, 46.81718)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 321 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 38m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 58m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 59m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 19m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 50m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 29m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.57 | $25.09 | $50.18 |
| Mid-grade | $3.92 | $27.56 | $55.13 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $30.88 | $61.75 |
| Diesel | $4.86 | $34.19 | $68.39 |
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 05, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.