Skip to main content
US Trip Planner Logo
US Trip Planner

Trip from Co on Rapids, MN to Grant, MN

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

Drive Time

4h 3m

Distance

207.1 mi

333 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$31

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
3h 51m ★
6 AM
4h 4m
8 AM
4h 30m
10 AM
4h 13m
12 PM
4h 10m
3 PM
4h 14m
5 PM
4h 29m
8 PM
3h 56m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly
Google Maps Waze Apple Maps
Download GPX
Downtown Co on Rapids, MN, MN

Co on Rapids, MN

Tom Fisk

Downtown Grant, MN, MN

Grant, MN

Tom Fisk

Trip Overview

If you are planning a trip from Coon Rapids to Grant, you are looking at a 207.1-mile journey that typically takes about 4 hours and 3 minutes to complete. This route is designed for a single day of travel, making it an efficient choice if you want to reach your destination without the hassle of an overnight stay. You will primarily navigate via I-35, US-53, and MN-33, keeping you on major thoroughfares for nearly the entire trip. With an estimated fuel cost of $30, it is a budget-friendly option for those staying within the Midwest. Because the drive is straightforward and manageable in one sitting, it works perfectly for a quick getaway or a necessary transit day. Expect a reliable, highway-focused experience that prioritizes speed and directness over winding backroads.

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

103.6 miles from Co on Rapids, MN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 54m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 35 105 mi 1h 52m
US 53 42.9 mi 51m
MN 33 19.8 mi 26m
I 35W 16.5 mi 17m
US 169 13 mi 15m
US 10 4.2 mi 4m
East River Road 1.4 mi 2m
Foley Boulevard 1.2 mi 2m
Longest stretch: I 35 — 105 mi, about 1h 52m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Co on Rapids, MN and Grant, MN.

1

Start on Mississippi Boulevard Northwest

0.1 mi · 30 sec · Mississippi Boulevard Northwest
2

Turn left onto CR 1

1.4 mi · 2 min · East River Road
Use the right lane.
3

Turn right onto Foley Boulevard

1.2 mi · 2 min · Foley Boulevard
4

Take the ramp

154 ft · 3 sec
Toward US 10 East
5

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 35 sec
Toward US 10 East Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6

Merge onto US 10

4.2 mi · 4 min · US 10
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Take the exit

0.8 mi · 1 min
Exit 236 Toward I 35W North: Duluth Use the straight / slight left lanes.
8

Merge onto I 35W

16 mi · 17 min · I 35W
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Keep slight left at fork onto I 35

105 mi · 1 hr 52 min · I 35
10

Take the exit onto MN 33

0.6 mi · 58 sec · MN 33
Toward MN 33: Cloquet, Iron Range
11

Enter roundabout onto MN 33

127 ft · 1 sec · MN 33
12

Continue on MN 33

19 mi · 25 min · MN 33
Use the straight lane.
13

Take the exit onto MN 33

0.4 mi · 29 sec · MN 33
14

Merge onto US 53

37 mi · 43 min · US 53
Use the straight / right lanes.
15

Enter roundabout onto US 53

113 ft · 1 sec · US 53
16

Continue on US 53

5.5 mi · 8 min · US 53
Use the straight lane.
17

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 35 sec
Toward US 169: Hibbing
18

Turn left onto US 169

13 mi · 15 min · US 169
Use the straight / left lanes.
19

Turn right

1.7 mi · 6 min
20

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Since this is a 4-hour drive, you have the flexibility to depart whenever suits your schedule, though leaving early in the morning can help you avoid any unexpected traffic. You should plan for at least one stop during your 207.1-mile trek to stretch your legs and refresh, as the long stretches on I-35 can become fatiguing. Keep your budget in mind, as the $30 fuel estimate is based on standard driving conditions; having a little extra set aside is always a wise move. Given that the route is almost entirely highway-based, check your tire pressure before leaving to ensure a smooth, fuel-efficient ride. Taking advantage of the single planned stop will help you arrive in Grant feeling recharged rather than worn down by the interstate grind.

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 103.6 miles from Co on Rapids, MN, or about 1h 54m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 105 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 46 miles or 53m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 103.6 miles or 1h 54m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 3h 13m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Co on Rapids, 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 Co on Rapids, MN

This is one driving day of about 207.1 miles and 4h 3m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 46 miles from Co on Rapids, 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 105 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Cloquet, MN, MN

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Cloquet, MN

104 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

Rock Creek, MN

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 46 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Woodbury, MN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 103.6 miles from Co on Rapids, 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 105 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

Kunnari's Kitchen & Coffee House

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Virginia, Minnesota

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 192.3

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+12182488114

Visit website

Kaffe Stuga Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Harris, Minnesota

1.3 mi

Wilbert Cafe & El Toro Lounge

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Cotton, Minnesota

1.5 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Cairo Cafe

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Blaine, Minnesota

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour

Kunnari's Kitchen & Coffee House

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 192.3

Virginia, Minnesota

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+12182488114

Visit website

Kaffe Stuga Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 44.4

Harris, Minnesota

Hours: 7:30 am–7 pm

+16516749958

Wilbert Cafe & El Toro Lounge

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 162.7

Cotton, Minnesota

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+12184823318

Visit website

Saigon Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 192.3

Virginia, Minnesota

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+12187416465

Visit website

Bearaboo Coffee Escape

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 133.1

Cloquet, Minnesota

Hours: 6:30 am–3 pm

+12188795051

Cabina Coffee

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 59.2

Pine City, Minnesota

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+13206295982

Visit website

Adagio's Pizza Factory

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour $20 to $30

New Brighton, Minnesota

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+16512373486

Visit website

El Loro Mexican Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~11 min detour

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

Coon Rapids, Minnesota

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+17637549065

Visit website

Cairo Cafe

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour

Blaine, Minnesota

Miigwitches Brew

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 133.1

Cloquet, Minnesota

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+12189007959

Gas station designed by Frank Lloyd Wright

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 133.1

Cloquet, Minnesota

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+12188792279

Joyer Adventure Farm at Waldoch Farm

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 14.8

Lino Lakes, Minnesota

+16517801207

Visit website

Snake River Fur Post

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 59.2

Pine City, Minnesota

+13206296356

Visit website

United States Hockey Hall of Fame

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 192.3

Eveleth, Minnesota

Hours: Closed

+12187445167

Visit website

Golden Lake Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 14.8

Circle Pines, Minnesota

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+17637845898

Visit website

Minnesota Museum of Mining

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 207.1

Chisholm, Minnesota

+12182545543

Visit website

Minnesota Discovery Center

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 207.1

Chisholm, Minnesota

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

+12182547959

Visit website

Black Bear Golf Course

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 133.1

Cloquet, Minnesota

+12188782485

Visit website

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 2.7 and 8.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
2.7 mi into trip | ~5m in

Take the ramp toward US 10 East

Navigation decision point

Toward US 10 East
8
2.8 mi into trip | ~5m in

Keep slight left at fork toward US 10 East

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward US 10 East
5
3 mi into trip | ~6m in | US 10

Merge onto US 10

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
7.3 mi into trip | ~10m in

Take the exit toward I 35W North: Duluth

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

Use the straight / slight left lanes. Exit 236 Toward I 35W North: Duluth
5
8.1 mi into trip | ~12m in | I 35W

Merge onto I 35W

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$30.82 one way

$61.64 round trip

$3.78/gal 25.4 MPG avg 73 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.07 $33.21 $66.42
premium $4.53 $36.95 $73.90
diesel $5.61 $45.73 $91.45

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$31

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$56–$81

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 72.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $22 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 62.1 0 $21.75 $9.94
Efficient EV 51.8 0 $18.12 $8.28
EV Truck/SUV 82.8 1 $28.99 $13.25

Gas CO2

72 kg

EV CO2

24 kg (67% 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

Co on Rapids, MN

Evening in Co on Rapids on Saturday

Local time

8:30 PM

CDT

Current temp

67°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Grant, MN

Evening in Grant on Saturday

Local time

8:30 PM

CDT

Current temp

36°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

31 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

4h 3m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highly efficient drive, as 97% of this route consists of highway travel. The personality of this trip is defined by its consistency, relying heavily on major arteries to move you quickly through the region. You will encounter your longest uninterrupted stretch along I-35, which spans 105 miles of the journey. Because this is a highway-focused drive, you can anticipate a steady pace behind the wheel with very few technical road transitions. While the route is largely monotonous, the reliance on high-speed roads ensures that your travel time remains predictable and steady from start to finish.

97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
20 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 105 mi on I 35.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 35 and US 53. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 2.7 miles in.

Driving Effort 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 207.1 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 2.7 miles: Navigation decision point; at 2.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 3 miles (US 10): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

On the drive from Co on Rapids, MN to Grant, MN, road signs begin pointing toward Iron Range along the way.

Iron Range

129.5 mi in | ~2h 22m | via MN 33

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 3m. Total distance: 207.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 3m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (97%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 105 miles on I 35. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

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 Grant, 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 2.7 miles: Navigation decision point; at 2.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 3 miles (US 10): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 4.1 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.1 hours — manageable with a long break at Grant, MN, but most travelers stay overnight.

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.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Continue From Grant, MN

Lakeville, MN 43.4 mi · 1h

More from Co on Rapids, MN

Detroit Lakes, MN 192.6 mi · 3h 45m Cloquet, MN 132.3 mi · 2h 27m Annandale, MN 50.7 mi · 1h 5m Becker, MN 40 mi · 49m Carver, MN 37.5 mi · 53m Independence, MN 31.8 mi · 45m

More trips to Grant, MN

Hibbing, MN 11.3 mi
Escape planner: Co on Rapids, MN Scenic drives in MN

Explore more options from Co on Rapids, MN or browse trips ending in Grant, MN.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse MN road trips.