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Trip from Cormorant, MN to Saint Paul, 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 15m

Distance

221.8 mi

357 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$33

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
4h 2m ★
6 AM
4h 15m
8 AM
4h 42m
10 AM
4h 24m
12 PM
4h 22m
3 PM
4h 26m
5 PM
4h 40m
8 PM
4h 7m

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 Cormorant, MN, MN

Cormorant, MN

Daniil Komov

capital of the state of Minnesota, United States; county seat of Ramsey County, Minnesota

Saint Paul, MN

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 221.8-mile drive from Cormorant, MN to Saint Paul, MN will take approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes, making it a feasible day trip. The majority of your journey, 84%, will be on major highways, primarily I-94 and US 59. With an estimated fuel cost of $33, this is an economical way to travel between these two points within the Midwest. The route is fairly straightforward, allowing for a relaxed pace and flexibility in your schedule. You'll find it easy to complete in a single day without needing an overnight stop.

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

110.9 miles from Cormorant, MN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 11m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 94 121.7 mi 2h 11m
US 59 51.6 mi 55m
South Broadway 13.7 mi 15m
I 694 11.7 mi 12m
Voyageur Highway 5.5 mi 6m
East Lake Lizzie Road 4.7 mi 5m
West Prairie Avenue 2.7 mi 3m
South Shore Drive 2.5 mi 6m
Longest stretch: I 94 — 121.7 mi, about 2h 11m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Cormorant, MN and Saint Paul, MN.

1

Start on CR 5

0.9 mi · 2 min · County Highway 5
2

Continue on CH 9

0.6 mi · 1 min · County Highway 9
3

Turn right onto CH 9

1.7 mi · 4 min · County Road 9
4

Turn left onto South Pelican Drive

0.6 mi · 1 min · South Pelican Drive
5

Continue on South Pelican Drive

1.0 mi · 2 min · South Pelican Drive
6

Turn right onto South Shore Drive

2.5 mi · 6 min · South Shore Drive
7

Continue on 215th Avenue

0.4 mi · 1 min · 215th Avenue
8

Turn right onto US 59

4.7 mi · 5 min · East Lake Lizzie Road
9

Continue on US 59

1.2 mi · 1 min · North Broadway
10

Continue on US 59

14 mi · 15 min · South Broadway
11

Continue on US 59

2.7 mi · 3 min · West Prairie Avenue
12

Take the exit onto US 59

52 mi · 55 min · US 59
13

Continue on I 94; MN 27

122 mi · 2 hr 11 min · I 94; MN 27
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Keep slight left at fork onto I 694

12 mi · 12 min · I 694
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Keep slight right at fork onto US 10

5.5 mi · 6 min · Voyageur Highway
Exit 46 Toward US 10 East, I 35 South: St Paul Use the slight right lane.
16

Keep slight left at fork onto US 10

0.1 mi · 7 sec · US 10
Exit 107A Toward US 10 East, I 94 East, US 52 South: 10th Street, Wacouta Street Use the slight left / straight lanes.
17

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 27 sec
Toward 10th Street, Wacouta Street
18

Keep slight right at fork

409 ft · 10 sec
Toward 10th Street Use the slight right lane.
19

Continue on 10th Street East

0.2 mi · 43 sec · 10th Street East
20

Turn left onto Robert Street North

0.5 mi · 1 min · Robert Street North
21

Turn right onto Kellogg Boulevard East

0.2 mi · 44 sec · Kellogg Boulevard East
22

Turn right onto Wabasha Street North

162 ft · 5 sec · Wabasha Street North
23

Arrive at destination

Wabasha Street North

Trip Plan

Given the 4 hour and 15 minute duration, departing Cormorant in the morning will comfortably get you to Saint Paul by midday. With only one recommended stop, you have plenty of flexibility to decide when and where you'd like to take a break. The longest stretch on I-94 is over 120 miles, so plan your fuel and rest stops accordingly, perhaps around the halfway point. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $33, and it's always best to be prepared. This route is well-suited for a single-day adventure, so you can easily adjust your departure time based on your needs.

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 110.9 miles from Cormorant, MN, or about 2h 11m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 121.7 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 49 miles or 1h 4m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 110.9 miles or 2h 11m 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 28m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Cormorant, 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 Cormorant, MN

This is one driving day of about 221.8 miles and 4h 15m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 49 miles from Cormorant, 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 94 for about 121.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Stearns County, Minnesota, United States of America

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Avon, MN

111 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

Elbow Lake, MN

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 49 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Avon, MN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 110.9 miles from Cormorant, MN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 94 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 121.7 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

Crasqui Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

St Paul, Minnesota

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour Moderately mile 221.8

Hours: 4–8 pm

+19526005578

Visit website

Forepaugh's Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

St Paul, Minnesota

0.6 mi

Cafe Astoria

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

St Paul, Minnesota

0.7 mi

Top Coffee Stop

The Mill

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Albany, Minnesota

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 126.8

Hours: 6 am–3 pm

+13208456455

Visit website

Lakes Fika

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Lake Park, Minnesota

1.5 mi

Heights Coffee Bar

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Columbia Heights, Minnesota

2.1 mi

Crasqui Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour Moderately mile 221.8

St Paul, Minnesota

Hours: 4–8 pm

+19526005578

Visit website

Forepaugh's Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour $100 or ab mile 221.8

St Paul, Minnesota

Hours: 3:30–10:30 pm

+16516663636

Visit website

Cafe Astoria

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 221.8

St Paul, Minnesota

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+16513409471

Visit website

Phoever ❤️ Vietnamese Cuisine & Coffee

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 206

Columbia Heights, Minnesota

Hours: 11 am–12 pm

+17632088754

Visit website

Adagio's Pizza Factory

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $20 to $30 mile 206

New Brighton, Minnesota

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+16512373486

Visit website

Maynard's Restaurant of Rogers

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $20 to $30 mile 190.1

Rogers, Minnesota

Hours: 11 am–11 pm

+17634280700

Visit website

Don Goyo Restaurant Columbia Heights

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 206

Columbia Heights, Minnesota

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+17637880299

Visit website

Hodma Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 221.8

St Paul, Minnesota

Hours: 8 am–10 pm

+16512733308

Visit website

The Mill

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 126.8

Albany, Minnesota

Hours: 6 am–3 pm

+13208456455

Visit website

Lakes Fika

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour Moderately

Lake Park, Minnesota

Hours: 8 am–2 pm

+12185322399

Visit website

Heights Coffee Bar

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 206

Columbia Heights, Minnesota

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+16123149027

Visit website

Abogados Café

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 221.8

St Paul, Minnesota

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

Visit website

yellowbird coffee bar

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 221.8

St Paul, Minnesota

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+16514937134

Visit website

Brew Haven Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 15.8

Pelican Rapids, Minnesota

Hours: 7 am–1 pm

Perks Coffee & Tea (Downtown Washington)

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.4 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10 mile 31.7

Fergus Falls, Minnesota

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+12189985111

Visit website

Walden Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10 mile 206

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

Visit website

Minnesota Children's Museum

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 221.8

St Paul, Minnesota

Hours: 9 am–4 pm

+16512256000

Visit website

Union Depot

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 221.8

St Paul, Minnesota

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+16512022700

Visit website

Center For Lost Objects

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 221.8

St Paul, Minnesota

Hours: 11 am–6 pm

+16515042356

Visit website

Runestone Museum Foundation

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 79.2

Alexandria, Minnesota

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+13207633160

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 14

5 decision points cluster between mile 203.4 and 220.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
203.4 mi into trip | ~3h 51m in | I 694

Keep slight left at fork onto I 694

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
215 mi into trip | ~4h 4m in | US 10 / Voyageur Highway

Keep slight right at fork onto US 10 / Voyageur Highway toward US 10 East, I 35 South: St Paul

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Exit 46 Toward US 10 East, I 35 South: St Paul
9
220.5 mi into trip | ~4h 11m in | US 10

Keep slight left at fork onto US 10 toward US 10 East, I 94 East, US 52 South: 10th Street, Wacouta Street

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left / straight lanes. Exit 107A Toward US 10 East, I 94 East, US 52 South: 10th...
6
220.6 mi into trip | ~4h 11m in

Take the exit toward 10th Street, Wacouta Street

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward 10th Street, Wacouta Street
8
220.8 mi into trip | ~4h 11m in

Keep slight right at fork toward 10th Street

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Toward 10th Street

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$33.01 one way

$66.02 round trip

$3.78/gal 25.4 MPG avg 78 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.07 $35.57 $71.13
premium $4.53 $39.57 $79.15
diesel $5.61 $48.97 $97.94

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$33

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$58–$83

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 77.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 66.5 0 $23.29 $10.65
Efficient EV 55.5 0 $19.41 $8.87
EV Truck/SUV 88.7 1 $31.05 $14.20

Gas CO2

78 kg

EV CO2

26 kg (67% 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 Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Cormorant, MN

Evening in Cormorant on Saturday

Local time

8:31 PM

CDT

Current temp

40°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Saint Paul, MN

Evening in Saint Paul on Saturday

Local time

8:31 PM

CDT

Current temp

67°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

67°F

Avon, MN

111 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

27 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

4h 15m 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 highway-focused drive for most of this 221.8-mile journey. You'll spend 84% of your time on major roadways, including significant stretches on I-94. The longest uninterrupted segment you'll encounter is 121.7 miles on I-94, so be prepared for extended periods of consistent speed. While the primary roads are interstate and US highways, the overall feel is less of a monotonous grind and more of an efficient transit between destinations. The route offers a clear path with minimal complex turns.

84% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 121.7 mi on I 94.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 94 and US 59. You will hit about 14 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 203.4 miles in near I 694.

Driving Effort 6/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 221.8 miles you will encounter 14 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 203.4 miles (I 694): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 215 miles (US 10 / Voyageur Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 220.5 miles (US 10): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 4h 15m. Total distance: 221.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 15m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (84%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 121.7 miles on I 94. 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 Saint Paul, 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 203.4 miles (I 694): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 215 miles (US 10 / Voyageur Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 220.5 miles (US 10): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Possible but tiring. At 4.3 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Saint Paul, 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.

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