Origin
Blaine, MN
Late night in Blaine on Tuesday
Local time
3:08 AM
CDT
Current temp
59°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Blaine, MN to Atwater, MN
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 2m
Distance
90.3 mi
145 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$13
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 54m
★
6 AM
2h 2m
8 AM
2h 20m
10 AM
2h 9m
12 PM
2h 7m
3 PM
2h 9m
5 PM
2h 19m
8 PM
1h 57m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Blaine, MN
Wikimedia Commons
Atwater, MN
Tom Fisk
Trip Overview
This 90.3-mile drive from Blaine, MN to Atwater, MN is a straightforward trip that can easily be completed in a single day, taking approximately 2 hours and 2 minutes. You'll navigate primarily using US Highway 12, MN-610, and County Road 35 West, with about 44% of the journey on highways. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $13, making it an economical choice for a short excursion within the Midwest region. The mixed driving profile suggests a comfortable pace, allowing for flexibility in your schedule as there are no designated stops.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
45.1 miles from Blaine, MN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 3m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US Highway 12 | 12.8 mi | 17m |
| MN-610 | 12.8 mi | 14m |
| County Road 35 West | 12.2 mi | 18m |
| Parker Avenue East | 11.8 mi | 13m |
| I-94 W | 7.4 mi | 7m |
| County Road 4 Southwest | 5.7 mi | 7m |
| MN 241 | 4.1 mi | 6m |
| 20th Street Northeast | 3.8 mi | 5m |
Longest stretch:
US Highway 12
— 12.8 mi, about 17m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Blaine, MN and Atwater, MN.
1
Start on MN 65
26 ft
·
8 sec
·
Central Avenue Northeast
2
Continue on MN 65
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Central Avenue Northeast
Use the left lane.
3
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
Toward US 10 West
Use the right lane.
4
Merge onto US 10
0.8 mi
·
49 sec
·
US 10
5
Keep slight right at fork onto MN 610
13 mi
·
14 min
·
MN-610
Use the slight right lane.
6
Merge onto I 94
7.4 mi
·
7 min
·
I-94 W
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
Exit 205A
Toward MN 241 West: Saint Michael
Use the right lane.
8
Turn straight onto MN 241
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
·
45th Street Northeast
9
Enter roundabout onto MN 241
96 ft
·
2 sec
·
MN 241
10
Continue on MN 241
4.1 mi
·
6 min
·
MN 241
11
Continue on CR 35
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Kahl Avenue Northeast
12
Turn slight left onto CR 35
3.5 mi
·
5 min
·
30th Street Northeast
13
Continue on CR 35
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
Fenning Avenue Northeast
14
Continue on CR 35
2.5 mi
·
3 min
·
20th Street Northeast
Use the straight / left lanes.
15
Enter roundabout onto CR 35
119 ft
·
6 sec
·
20th Street Northeast
16
Continue on CR 35
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
20th Street Northeast
Use the straight lane.
17
Enter roundabout onto CR 35
142 ft
·
8 sec
·
20th Street Northeast
18
Continue on CR 35
0.3 mi
·
25 sec
·
20th Street Northeast
19
Continue on CR 35
0.7 mi
·
59 sec
·
Willems Way
Use the straight lane.
20
Continue on 5th Street Northeast
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
5th Street Northeast
Use the left / straight lanes.
21
Turn left onto MN 25; CR 35
0.3 mi
·
44 sec
·
Central Avenue
Use the left lane.
22
Turn right onto CR 35
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Lake Boulevard Northwest
Use the straight / right lanes.
23
Continue on CR 35
2.4 mi
·
5 min
·
County Road 35 West
Use the straight lane.
24
Continue on CR 35
9.8 mi
·
13 min
·
County Road 35 West
Use the straight / left lanes.
25
Continue on CR 35
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
Division Street West
26
Turn left onto CR 4
5.7 mi
·
7 min
·
County Road 4 Southwest
27
Continue on CR 4
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
·
1st Street Northeast
28
At end of road, turn right onto US 12
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Cokato Street East
29
Continue on US 12
2.7 mi
·
3 min
·
50th Street Southwest
30
Continue on US 12
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
US 12
31
Continue on US 12
12 mi
·
13 min
·
Parker Avenue East
32
Turn right onto US 12; MN 22
0.9 mi
·
2 min
·
North Sibley Avenue
33
Continue on US 12; MN 22
13 mi
·
17 min
·
US Highway 12
34
Turn left onto CR 2
144 ft
·
5 sec
·
Main Street North
35
Turn right onto Minnesota Avenue
154 ft
·
8 sec
·
Minnesota Avenue
36
Turn right
135 ft
·
9 sec
37
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 2-hour duration, this route is ideal for a single-day trip with plenty of flexibility. You can depart at your leisure, perhaps mid-morning to avoid early rush hour traffic. Since there are no recommended stops, you can decide on your own pace and when you’d like to take a break. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $13; it's always wise to top off before you leave Blaine to ensure a smooth journey. A good tip for this route is to be aware of the transition points between the main highways and county roads, as these can sometimes involve slight changes in speed limits or road conditions.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 45.1 miles from Blaine, MN, or about 1h 3m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 12.8 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 20 miles or 23m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 45.1 miles or 1h 3m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 39m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Atwater, MN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Blaine, MN 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 Blaine, MN
This is one driving day of about 90.3 miles and 2h 2m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 20 miles from Blaine, MN.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on US Highway 12 for about 12.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
45 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 20 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 45.1 miles from Blaine, MN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 195 decision points cluster between mile 1.8 and 38.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
1.8 mi into trip
|
~2m in
Take the exit toward US 10 West
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward US 10 West
6
2.9 mi into trip
|
~4m in
|
MN 610 / MN-610
Keep slight right at fork onto MN 610 / MN-610
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
5
15.7 mi into trip
|
~19m in
|
I 94 / I-94 W
Merge onto I 94 / I-94 W
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
23.1 mi into trip
|
~27m in
Take the exit toward MN 241 West: Saint Michael
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Exit 205A
Toward MN 241 West: Saint Michael
6
38.4 mi into trip
|
~50m in
|
MN 25; CR 35 / Central Avenue
Turn left onto MN 25; CR 35 / Central Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$13.44 one way
$26.88 round trip
$3.78/gal
25.4 MPG avg
32 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.07 | $14.48 | $28.96 |
| premium | $4.53 | $16.11 | $32.22 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $19.94 | $39.87 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$13
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$38–$63
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 31.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $9 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 27.1 | 0 | $9.48 | $4.33 |
| Efficient EV | 22.6 | 0 | $7.90 | $3.61 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 36.1 | 0 | $12.64 | $5.78 |
Gas CO2
32 kg
EV CO2
11 kg (66% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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.
Destination
Atwater, MN
Late night in Atwater on Tuesday
Local time
3:08 AM
CDT
Current temp
36°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
57°F
Rockford, MN
45 mi in
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
23 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
2h 2m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a mixed drive on this route, with stretches that feel more like open highway and others that are more local in feel. With 44% of the drive on highways, you'll experience some faster-paced segments, but the overall profile isn't a constant interstate grind. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 12.8 miles on US Highway 12. As you progress, you'll notice the character of the roads evolve, offering a varied driving experience without being overly demanding.
44% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
37 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 12.8 mi on US Highway 12.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.8 miles in.
Driving Effort
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 90.3 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 1.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 2.9 miles (MN 610 / MN-610): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 15.7 miles (I 94 / I-94 W): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 2m. Total distance: 90.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 2m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (44%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 12.8 miles on US Highway 12. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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 Atwater, MN 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 2.9 miles (MN 610 / MN-610): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 15.7 miles (I 94 / I-94 W): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Atwater, MN before heading back.
How this page is built
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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