Blaine to Le Sueur is 70.7 miles and takes about 1 hour 32 minutes via US 169, with a fuel budget near $11 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive primarily stays within Minnesota, taking you from the Midwest region into another part of the Midwest. It's a straightforward, highway-focused trip, making it a convenient option for a single-day excursion. You'll be on major roads for most of the journey, so expect a practical, no-frills experience. Consider this route if you need to get between these two points efficiently without a lot of fuss.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
35.3 miles from Blaine, MN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 46m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 169
38.1 mi
44m
MN 100
15.3 mi
19m
Central Avenue Northeast
6.3 mi
9m
Louisville Road
2 mi
3m
I 694
1.8 mi
2m
I 494
1.5 mi
1m
Commerce Street
0.7 mi
1m
North Main Street
0.6 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
US 169
— 38.1 mi, about 44m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Blaine, MN and Le Sueur, MN.
1
Start on MN 65
26 ft·8 sec·Central Avenue Northeast
2
Continue on MN 65
6.3 mi·8 min·Central Avenue Northeast
Use the left lane.
3
Continue on MN 65
300 ft·5 sec·Central Avenue Northeast
Use the left lane.
4
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 694 WestUse the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Merge onto I 694
1.8 mi·2 min·I 694
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 35AToward MN 100Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Continue on MN 100
15 mi·19 min·MN 100
Use the straight / right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.4 mi·49 sec
Toward I 494 West, MN 5 WestUse the slight right lane.
9
Merge onto I 494; MN 5
1.5 mi·1 min·I 494; MN 5
10
Take the exit
0.3 mi·35 sec
Exit 10AToward US 169 South, US 169 NorthUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·57 sec
Toward US 169 SouthUse the slight left lane.
12
Merge onto US 169
13 mi·15 min·US 169
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.3 mi·35 sec
Exit 106Toward MN 41, CR 78: Chestnut BoulevardUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork
226 ft·7 sec
Toward CR 78: Chestnut BoulevardUse the left lane.
15
Continue on CR 78
0.2 mi·25 sec·County Road 78
16
Turn right onto Louisville Road
2.0 mi·3 min·Louisville Road
17
Turn right onto 147th Street
0.3 mi·43 sec·147th Street
18
Turn left onto Red Rock Drive
0.3 mi·34 sec·Red Rock Drive
19
Take the ramp
261 ft·7 sec
Toward US 169 South
20
Merge onto US 169
11 mi·12 min·US 169
Use the straight lane.
21
Continue on US 169
3.8 mi·4 min·US 169
Use the straight lane.
22
Continue on US 169
9.8 mi·11 min·US 169
23
Take the exit
0.2 mi·29 sec
Toward CR 22: Le Sueur
24
Continue on CR 22
0.6 mi·1 min·County Road 22
Use the straight / left lanes.
25
Continue on CR 22
0.7 mi·1 min·Commerce Street
26
Continue on CR 22
0.6 mi·1 min·North Main Street
27
Turn left onto CR 22
59 ft·1 sec·Bridge Street
28
Arrive at destination
CR 22
Trip Plan
Given the short 1 hour 32 minute duration, this trip is easily completed in a single day, allowing for flexibility in your departure time. You won't need to worry about extensive stops for rest or fuel, although it's always wise to top off your tank before leaving Blaine. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 38.1 miles, so plan for a break shortly after that point if needed. Keep an eye on traffic, especially when navigating MN 100, as it can see considerable volume. The fuel cost is estimated at just $11, making this an economical trip.
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 35.3 miles from Blaine, MN, or about 46m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 38.1 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 16 miles or 21m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 35.3 miles or 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 1h 17m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Le Sueur, 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.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Blaine, MN
This is one driving day of about 70.7 miles and 1h 32m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 16 miles from Blaine, MN.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on US 169 for about 38.1 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 18
5 decision points cluster between mile 8.7 and 40.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
8.7 mi into trip|~12m in
Take the exit toward MN 100
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 35A
Toward MN 100
7
24.5 mi into trip|~32m in
Take the exit toward I 494 West, MN 5 West
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 494 West, MN 5 West
8
26.4 mi into trip|~35m in
Take the exit toward US 169 South, US 169 North
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 10A
Toward US 169 South, US 169 North
8
40.5 mi into trip|~52m in
Take the exit toward MN 41, CR 78: Chestnut Boulevard
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 106
Toward MN 41, CR 78: Chestnut Boulevard
8
40.8 mi into trip|~52m in
Keep slight left at fork toward CR 78: Chestnut Boulevard
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward CR 78: Chestnut Boulevard
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$10.52 one way
$21.04 round trip
$3.78/gal25.4 MPG avg25 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.07
$11.34
$22.67
premium
$4.53
$12.61
$25.23
diesel
$5.61
$15.61
$31.22
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$11
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$36–$61
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 24.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $7 in charging
· 0 stops
· 68% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
21.2
0
$7.42
$3.39
Efficient EV
17.7
0
$6.19
$2.83
EV Truck/SUV
28.3
0
$9.90
$4.52
Gas CO2
25 kg
EV CO2
8 kg (68% 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.
Forecast as of Apr 20, 2026
Origin
Blaine, MN
Late night
in Blaine on Tuesday
Local time
4:01 AM
CDT
Current temp
59°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Le Sueur, MN
Late night
in Le Sueur on Tuesday
Local time
4:01 AM
CDT
Current temp
58°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
1 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
1h 32m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is largely a highway-focused drive, with approximately 80% of the journey utilizing major roads. You'll experience a significant stretch of 38.1 miles on US 169 without interruption, offering a consistent pace. The primary roads include US 169, MN 100, and Central Avenue Northeast. Expect a fairly direct experience, suitable for covering ground efficiently. The road character remains consistent for the most part, emphasizing speed and directness over varied scenery.
80% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
28 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 38.1 mi on US 169.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 169 and MN 100. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 8.7 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 70.7 miles you will encounter 18 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 8.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 24.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 26.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 32m. Total distance: 70.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 32m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (80%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 38.1 miles on US 169. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 2 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 Le Sueur, MN before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.
The main spots that need attention: at 8.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 24.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 26.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Le Sueur, MN before heading back.
