Embarking on a journey from Arnolds Park, IA, to Indiana, IA, you'll cover 253.3 miles in approximately 5 hours and 14 minutes. This drive is easily manageable as a single-day trip, with a projected fuel cost of around $40. The route primarily utilizes US 20 and I 35, offering a straightforward, highway-focused experience through the heart of the Midwest. With only one recommended stop, you can maintain good momentum, making this a practical option for a day excursion. The overall feel is one of efficient travel across familiar terrain.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
126.7 miles from Arnolds Park, IA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 46m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 20
80.8 mi
1h 33m
I 35
54.7 mi
59m
IA 5
35.4 mi
42m
130th Avenue
29.1 mi
39m
Okoboji Grove Road North
15.4 mi
22m
215th Avenue
13.4 mi
18m
Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
10.7 mi
12m
I 80
2.6 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
US 20
— 80.8 mi, about 1h 33m
Traffic on I-35
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 11 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~965 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,423
Quietest
2 AM
~93 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
10.4×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Arnolds Park, IA and Indiana, IA.
1
Start on Kruse Beach
125 ft·10 sec·Kruse Beach
2
Turn left onto Iowa Street
0.1 mi·35 sec·Iowa Street
3
Turn right onto Linden Drive
0.1 mi·21 sec·Linden Drive
4
Turn left onto US 71
15 mi·22 min·Okoboji Grove Road North
5
Continue on US 18; US 71
0.6 mi·1 min·Grand Avenue
6
Turn right onto West 8th Street
384 ft·12 sec·West 8th Street
7
Turn left onto 1st Avenue West
0.4 mi·50 sec·1st Avenue West
8
At end of road, turn left onto West 2nd Street
389 ft·11 sec·West 2nd Street
9
Turn right onto US 18; US 71
0.4 mi·1 min·Grand Avenue
10
Turn right onto 4th Street Southwest
0.3 mi·38 sec·4th Street Southwest
11
Turn left onto 4th Avenue Southwest
0.5 mi·56 sec·4th Avenue Southwest
12
Turn right onto US 71
0.5 mi·58 sec·11th Street Southwest
13
Turn left onto US 71
1.5 mi·2 min·11th Avenue Southwest
14
Continue on US 71
13 mi·18 min·215th Avenue
15
Continue on US 71
1.3 mi·1 min·130th Avenue
16
Continue on US 71
1.1 mi·1 min·County Highway 71
17
Continue on US 71
28 mi·37 min·130th Avenue
18
Continue on IA 471
0.2 mi·20 sec·US 71
19
Take the exit
0.3 mi·50 sec
Toward US 20 East: Fort Dodge
20
Merge onto US 20; US 71
81 mi·1 hr 33 min·US 20; US 71
21
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Toward I 35 South: Des Moines
22
Merge onto I 35
54 mi·59 min·I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Keep slight right at fork onto I 35
0.2 mi·12 sec·I 35
Toward I 35 South, I 80: Kansas City, Council Bluffs, Davenport
24
Take the exit
0.8 mi·2 min
Exit 137AToward I 80 East: Davenport
25
Merge onto I 80
2.6 mi·2 min·I 80
26
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 141Toward US 65 South: Altoona, Des MoinesUse the slight right lane.
27
Merge onto US 65
11 mi·12 min·Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward IA 5 South: Carlisle
29
Continue on IA 5
19 mi·21 min·IA 5
30
Turn left onto IA 5; IA 92
11 mi·11 min·IA 5; IA 92
31
Take the exit onto IA 5
0.5 mi·1 min·IA 5
32
Turn right onto IA 5
5.8 mi·8 min·IA 5
33
Turn sharp right onto CR G76
0.2 mi·24 sec·County Highway G76
34
Continue on CR G76
1.9 mi·3 min·County Highway G76
35
Arrive at destination
CR G76
Trip Plan
Given the 5-hour duration, starting your drive from Arnolds Park, IA, in the morning will allow you ample time to reach Indiana, IA, by late afternoon. Plan for one stop to refuel or stretch your legs, perhaps around the halfway point, to break up the 253.3 miles. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longer 80.8-mile stretch on US 20, to ensure you have enough to reach your destination comfortably. The $40 fuel estimate is a helpful budget point for this Midwest transit.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 126.7 miles from Arnolds Park, IA, or about 2h 46m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 80.8 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 56 miles or 1h 22m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 126.7 miles or 2h 46m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 18m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Indiana, IA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Arnolds Park, IA so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Arnolds Park, IA
This is one driving day of about 253.3 miles and 5h 14m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 56 miles from Arnolds Park, IA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on US 20 for about 80.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 24
5 decision points cluster between mile 16.8 and 203.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
16.8 mi into trip|~26m in|West 2nd Street
At end of road, turn left onto West 2nd Street
Navigation decision point
5
64 mi into trip|~1h 33m in
Take the exit toward US 20 East: Fort Dodge
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Toward US 20 East: Fort Dodge
5
145.8 mi into trip|~3h 8m in|I 35
Merge onto I 35
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
200.3 mi into trip|~4h 8m in|I 35
Keep slight right at fork onto I 35 toward I 35 South, I 80: Kansas City, Council Bluffs, Davenport
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 35 South, I 80: Kansas City, Council B...
8
203.9 mi into trip|~4h 13m in
Take the exit toward US 65 South: Altoona, Des Moines
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 141
Toward US 65 South: Altoona, Des Moines
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$37.41 one way
$74.81 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg89 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$41.30
$82.59
premium
$4.72
$47.03
$94.06
diesel
$4.80
$47.83
$95.66
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$37
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$62–$87
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 88.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
76
0
$26.60
$12.16
Efficient EV
63.3
0
$22.16
$10.13
EV Truck/SUV
101.3
1
$35.46
$16.21
Gas CO2
89 kg
EV CO2
30 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast as of Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Arnolds Park, IA
Late night
in Arnolds Park on Sunday
Local time
3:22 AM
CDT
Current temp
69°F
Mostly Clear
N 10 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 1:35AM CDT until July 18 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 1:35AM CDT until July 18 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
Destination
Indiana, IA
Late night
in Indiana on Sunday
Local time
3:22 AM
CDT
Current temp
73°F
Mostly Clear
WSW 5 mph3% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 1:35AM CDT until July 18 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 1:35AM CDT until July 18 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
4 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
5h 14m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly highway-focused, with 69% of the drive on major roads like US 20 and I 35. You'll encounter stretches that allow for steady progress, including a significant 80.8-mile segment along US 20. While largely characterized by the efficiency of interstates and main highways, the journey does incorporate other state roads like IA 5, offering slight variations in scenery and speed. Expect a driving experience that prioritizes covering distance with relative ease, rather than winding, scenic byways.
69% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
35 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 80.8 mi on US 20.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 20 and I 35. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 16.8 miles in near West 2nd Street.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 24 significant decision points across 253.3 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 16.8 miles (West 2nd Street): Navigation decision point; at 64 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 145.8 miles (I 35): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,430 ft856 ft
Total Climb
229 ft
Total Descent
737 ft
Highest Point
1,430 ft
Elevation Range
574 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Arnolds Park, IA and Indiana, IA, road signs point toward Council Bluffs, Davenport and Des Moines.
Indiana is a state in the heart of the Midwest region of the United States. Indiana is more than a fly-over state with one large metropolitan area, rural farmland, and cozy college towns.
Top landmarks
•Wyandotte Caves — park and its caverns in southern Indiana
•Eskenazi Museum of Art — museum at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana
•Miller House and Garden — historic home in Columbus, Indiana
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 14m. Total distance: 253.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 14m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 80.8 miles on US 20. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 12 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Indiana, IA before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. There are 12 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 16.8 miles (West 2nd Street): Navigation decision point; at 64 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 145.8 miles (I 35): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.2 hours each way, a round trip means 10.5 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Indiana, IA before the return drive.
