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Trip from Cloquet, MN to Plymouth, MN

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 43m

Distance

143.4 mi

231 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$21

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 32 min
4 AM
2h 33m ★
6 AM
2h 44m
8 AM
3h 5m
10 AM
2h 51m
12 PM
2h 49m
3 PM
2h 52m
5 PM
3h 4m
8 PM
2h 37m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Downtown Cloquet, MN, MN

Cloquet, MN

Joel Santos

city in Devon, England

Plymouth, MN

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

If you are planning a trip from Cloquet to Plymouth, you are looking at a straightforward 143.4-mile journey across Minnesota. Expect to spend about 2 hours and 43 minutes behind the wheel, making this an ideal candidate for a single-day excursion. You will rely heavily on major corridors, specifically I-35, I-35W, and I-694, to navigate the Midwest landscape. Budgeting approximately $21 for fuel should cover your transit comfortably. Because the drive is relatively short and manageable, you won't need to worry about booking an overnight stay unless you have extra errands to run at your destination. It is a practical, no-nonsense route that gets you from point A to point B with minimal complexity.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

71.7 miles from Cloquet, MN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 18m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 35 109.7 mi 1h 57m
I 35W 14.7 mi 16m
I 694 4.9 mi 6m
42nd Avenue North 4.8 mi 8m
MN 100 3.3 mi 4m
MN 33 2.7 mi 4m
Northwest Boulevard 1.6 mi 2m
MN 55 0.3 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 35 — 109.7 mi, about 1h 57m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Cloquet, MN and Plymouth, MN.

1

Start on 4th Street

26 ft · 1 sec · 4th Street
2

Turn left onto CR 45

519 ft · 22 sec · Cloquet Avenue
3

Turn left onto MN 33

2.1 mi · 3 min · MN 33
4

Enter roundabout onto MN 33

77 ft · 1 sec · MN 33
Toward I 35 South
5

Continue on MN 33

0.5 mi · 40 sec · MN 33
Toward I 35 South
6

Merge onto I 35

110 mi · 1 hr 57 min · I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Keep slight right at fork onto I 35W

15 mi · 16 min · I 35W
Toward I 35W: Minneapolis Use the straight / right lanes.
8

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min
Exit 26C Toward I 694 West Use the slight right lane.
9

Merge onto I 694

4.9 mi · 6 min · I 694
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Exit 35A Toward MN 100 Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Continue on MN 100

3.3 mi · 4 min · MN 100
Use the straight / right lanes.
12

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 30 sec
Exit 12A Toward CR 9: 42nd Avenue Use the straight / right lanes.
13

At end of road, turn left onto CR 9

4.8 mi · 8 min · 42nd Avenue North
Use the left lane.
14

Turn left onto CR 61

1.6 mi · 2 min · Northwest Boulevard
Use the left lane.
15

Turn right onto MN 55

0.3 mi · 28 sec · MN 55
16

Arrive at destination

MN 55

Trip Plan

Since this is a quick trip, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time, though avoiding peak traffic hours near the metro area is always a smart move. With only one recommended stop planned for the 143.4-mile distance, you can easily reach your destination in one go without feeling rushed. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge before leaving Cloquet to ensure you start with a full tank, as this will help you stay within your $21 estimated budget. If you find yourself needing a break, plan your single stop near the transition point from I-35 to I-35W to refresh before entering the busier highway segments. Taking advantage of the shorter duration allows you to arrive in Plymouth feeling ready for your day, rather than exhausted by a long haul.

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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 71.7 miles from Cloquet, MN, or about 1h 18m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 109.7 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 32 miles or 36m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 71.7 miles or 1h 18m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 8m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Plymouth, MN than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Cloquet, 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 Cloquet, MN

This is one driving day of about 143.4 miles and 2h 43m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 32 miles from Cloquet, MN.
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 I 35 for about 109.7 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Downtown Circle Pines, MN, MN

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Circle Pines, MN

72 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

Finlayson, MN

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 32 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Rock Creek, MN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 71.7 miles from Cloquet, MN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 35 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 109.7 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Bearaboo Coffee Escape

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Cloquet, Minnesota

Near the start, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10

Hours: 6:30 am–3 pm

+12188795051

Cabina Coffee

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Pine City, Minnesota

1.7 mi

Bearaboo Coffee Escape

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10

Cloquet, Minnesota

Hours: 6:30 am–3 pm

+12188795051

Cabina Coffee

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 71.7

Pine City, Minnesota

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+13206295982

Visit website

Phoever ❤️ Vietnamese Cuisine & Coffee

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 133.1

Columbia Heights, Minnesota

Hours: 11 am–12 pm

+17632088754

Visit website

Adagio's Pizza Factory

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour $20 to $30 mile 122.9

New Brighton, Minnesota

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+16512373486

Visit website

Don Goyo Restaurant Columbia Heights

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 133.1

Columbia Heights, Minnesota

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+17637880299

Visit website

Streetcar Kitchen & Pub

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20

Carlton, Minnesota

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+12183843333

Visit website

The Coffee Shop NE

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20 mile 133.1

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Hours: 6:30 am–6 pm

+16122598478

Visit website

Heights Coffee Bar

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10 mile 133.1

Columbia Heights, Minnesota

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+16123149027

Visit website

Cairo Cafe

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 122.9

Blaine, Minnesota

Miigwitches Brew

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10

Cloquet, Minnesota

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+12189007959

Walden Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10 mile 133.1

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

Visit website

Mojo Coffee Gallery

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 133.1

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+16123614949

Visit website

PILLLAR Forum Cafe & Bar

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 133.1

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+16128754140

Visit website

Coffeesmith

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10 mile 112.6

Forest Lake, Minnesota

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+16513009039

Visit website

Gas station designed by Frank Lloyd Wright

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route

Cloquet, Minnesota

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+12188792279

Snake River Fur Post

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 71.7

Pine City, Minnesota

+13206296356

Visit website

Golden Lake Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 122.9

Circle Pines, Minnesota

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+17637845898

Visit website

Joyer Adventure Farm at Waldoch Farm

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 112.6

Lino Lakes, Minnesota

+16517801207

Visit website

Black Bear Golf Course

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour

Cloquet, Minnesota

+12188782485

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 10

5 decision points cluster between mile 2.2 and 136.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
2.2 mi into trip | ~4m in | MN 33

Enter roundabout onto MN 33 toward I 35 South

Roundabout - know your exit number before entering

Toward I 35 South
7
112.5 mi into trip | ~2h 2m in | I 35W

Keep slight right at fork onto I 35W toward I 35W: Minneapolis

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes. Toward I 35W: Minneapolis
7
127.2 mi into trip | ~2h 18m in

Take the exit toward I 694 West

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 26C Toward I 694 West
7
132.6 mi into trip | ~2h 25m 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
136.5 mi into trip | ~2h 31m in

Take the exit toward CR 9: 42nd Avenue

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes. Exit 12A Toward CR 9: 42nd Avenue

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$21.34 one way

$42.68 round trip

$3.78/gal 25.4 MPG avg 50 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.07 $22.99 $45.99
premium $4.53 $25.59 $51.17
diesel $5.61 $31.66 $63.32

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$21

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$46–$71

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 50.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 43 0 $15.06 $6.88
Efficient EV 35.9 0 $12.55 $5.74
EV Truck/SUV 57.4 0 $20.08 $9.18

Gas CO2

50 kg

EV CO2

17 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.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Cloquet, MN

Night in Cloquet on Saturday

Local time

11:40 PM

CDT

Current temp

38°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Plymouth, MN

Night in Plymouth on Saturday

Local time

11:40 PM

CDT

Current temp

47°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

9 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

2h 43m 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?

This is a highway-focused drive, with 95% of your time spent on high-speed thoroughfares. You will quickly settle into a rhythm on I-35, which accounts for the longest uninterrupted stretch of the trip at 109.7 miles. The personality of this route is defined by efficiency rather than winding backroads, keeping your progress steady as you transition from the Cloquet area toward the Plymouth vicinity. As you merge onto I-35W and eventually I-694, the environment shifts from rural highway driving to the denser traffic patterns characteristic of the approach to your destination. Expect a consistent, interstate-heavy experience that favors speed and directness over technical maneuvers.

95% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
16 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 109.7 mi on I 35.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 35 and I 35W. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 2.2 miles in near MN 33.

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 10 significant decision points across 143.4 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 2.2 miles (MN 33): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 112.5 miles (I 35W): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 127.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

About the Cities

Starting in Cloquet, MN

Full guide →

Cloquet (pronounced kloh-KAY) is a town in Northeastern Minnesota.

Arriving in Plymouth, MN

Full guide →

Plymouth is a city located in the heart of Minnesota. This city is a place that has a good solid community and friendly people. Plymouth has a lot to offer both its residents and its travelers. They are known for having affordable housing, low crime rates and most importantly an active outdoor culture. Plymouth was also Money Magazine's best place to live in 2008. If Plymouth was ranked as the number one place to live, it must be a really great place to travel to as well.

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 43m. Total distance: 143.4 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 43m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (95%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 109.7 miles on I 35. 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 Plymouth, 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. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: at 2.2 miles (MN 33): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 112.5 miles (I 35W): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 127.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Plymouth, 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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