How far is Minnetonka, MN from Forest Lake, MN?
The driving distance from Minnetonka, MN to Forest Lake, MN is about 44.4 miles (71.4 km), with a travel time of about 00h 55m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 35.7 miles (57.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 51m 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 55m.
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 Ramsey County, Minnesota, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Minnetonka and Forest Lake.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Minnetonka and Forest Lake.
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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
6 mi · 9 min · Minnesota State Highway 7
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5
Take the exit slight right toward MN 100 North
1036 ft · 25 sec
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6
Merge slight left onto CR 5
9.4 mi · 12 min
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7
Keep slight left to continue on I 694 East
1.1 km · 1 min
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8
Merge slight left
5.3 mi · 6 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward I 35W North
1038 ft · 27 sec
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10
Merge slight left
3 mi · 4 min
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11
Keep slight left
16.1 mi · 17 min
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12
Take the exit slight right toward CR 2: Forest Lake
1134 ft · 28 sec
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13
Keep slight right to continue on CR 2
53 m · 7 sec
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14
Turn right onto West Broadway Avenue
1.3 km · 2 min · West Broadway Avenue
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15
Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward Lake Street South
4 m · 1 sec · Lake Street South
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16
Exit the roundabout onto Lake Street South
15 m · 1 sec · Lake Street South
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Lake Street South
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Minnetonka and Forest Lake.
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.
I 35W North
Keep slight left
16.1 mi · 00h 17m
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 Minnetonka and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Forest Lake.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Minnetonka to Forest Lake?
The road trip is about 44.4 miles (71.4 km) and usually takes 00h 55m 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?
New Brighton is a useful midpoint, sitting about 22.2 miles from Minnetonka and 22.2 miles from Forest Lake.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 35.7 miles (57.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 8.7 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 4:38 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.60 one way or $11.21 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 14 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Minnetonka and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Forest Lake.
Stop Ideas Near New Brighton
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Minneapolis City Hall
St. Louis Park City Hall
Mall of America®
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to New Brighton.
Saint Paul Union Depot
Red Wing station
St. Cloud
Menomonie, WI
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Minnetonka and Forest Lake. Straight-line distance: 35.73 mi (57.5 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 Forest Lake
City in Washington County, Minnesota, United States
| Population | 21,285 |
| Coordinates | 45.2788600, -92.9852200 |
| Altitude | 278 |
| Country | United States |
End: Forest Lake (-92.98522, 45.27886)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 71 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 28m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 06m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 53m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 44m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 38m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 33m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.57 | $5.60 | $11.21 |
| Mid-grade | $3.92 | $6.16 | $12.31 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $6.90 | $13.79 |
| Diesel | $4.86 | $7.64 | $15.27 |
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 · Apr 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.