How far is Saint Cloud, MN from Elbow Lake, MN?
The driving distance from Saint Cloud, MN to Elbow Lake, MN is about 98.4 miles (158.3 km), with a travel time of about 01h 57m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 92.4 miles (148.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 54m 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 01h 57m.
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 Todd County, Minnesota
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Rain Showers Likely
Chance Light Rain
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Saint Cloud and Elbow Lake.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Saint Cloud and Elbow Lake.
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1
Start on Courthouse Square
2 m · 2 sec · Courthouse Square
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2
Turn right onto 8th Avenue North
77 m · 16 sec · 8th Avenue North
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3
Turn left onto 2nd Street North
2749 ft · 1 min · 2nd Street North
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4
Turn right onto 16th Avenue North
124 m · 16 sec · 16th Avenue North
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5
Turn left onto 3rd Street North
1.6 mi · 3 min · 3rd Street North
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6
Turn left onto MN-15 S
1862 ft · 36 sec · MN-15 S
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7
Turn right onto Division Street
1.5 mi · 2 min · Division Street
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8
Continue on County Road 75
5.8 mi · 8 min · County Road 75
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9
Take the exit straight
1.5 km · 2 min
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10
Merge slight left onto I-94 W
75.1 mi · 1 hr 21 min · I-94 W
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11
Take the exit slight right toward MN 79, CR 41: Elbow Lake, Evansville
1030 ft · 29 sec
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12
Turn left onto State Hwy 79
696 ft · 14 sec · State Hwy 79
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13
Continue on State Highway 79
8.5 mi · 12 min · State Highway 79
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14
Continue on Viking Trail
3.1 mi · 5 min · Viking Trail
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15
Continue on 2nd Street Northeast
1055 ft · 21 sec · 2nd Street Northeast
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16
Continue on State Highway 79
1328 ft · 32 sec · State Highway 79
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17
Turn left onto Central Avenue
27 m · 2 sec · Central Avenue
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Central Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Saint Cloud and Elbow Lake.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I-94 W
Merge slight left onto I-94 W
75.1 mi · 01h 21m
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.
Rain Showers Likely leaving Saint Cloud and Chance Light Rain near Elbow Lake.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Saint Cloud to Elbow Lake?
The road trip is about 98.4 miles (158.3 km) and usually takes 01h 57m 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?
West Union is a useful midpoint, sitting about 49.1 miles from Saint Cloud and 49.3 miles from Elbow Lake.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 92.4 miles (148.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 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 2:36 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $12.38 one way or $24.77 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 30.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Rain Showers Likely around Saint Cloud and Chance Light Rain near Elbow Lake.
Stop Ideas Near West Union
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 West Union.
Staples
St. Cloud
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Saint Cloud and Elbow Lake. Straight-line distance: 92.41 mi (148.72 km).
#1 Saint Cloud
City in Minnesota
| Population | 68,510 |
| Coordinates | 45.5608000, -94.1624900 |
| Altitude | 314 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Elbow Lake
City in and county seat of Grant County, Minnesota, United Statesn
| Population | 1,144 |
| Coordinates | 45.9941300, -95.9767200 |
| Altitude | 372 |
| Country | United States |
End: Elbow Lake (-95.97672, 45.99413)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 158 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 16m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 27m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 58m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 38m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 24m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 13m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.57 | $12.38 | $24.77 |
| Mid-grade | $3.92 | $13.61 | $27.21 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $15.24 | $30.48 |
| Diesel | $4.86 | $16.88 | $33.76 |
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 12, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.