Skip to main content

Trip from Crow Wing, MN to Saint Paul, MN

Pin this trip

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 36m

Distance

130.6 mi

210 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$19

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 31 min
4 AM
2h 26m ★
6 AM
2h 36m
8 AM
2h 57m
10 AM
2h 43m
12 PM
2h 41m
3 PM
2h 44m
5 PM
2h 56m
8 PM
2h 30m

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

Downtown Crow Wing, MN, MN

Crow Wing, MN

Gundula Vogel

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

Saint Paul, MN

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 130.6-mile drive from Crow Wing, MN, to Saint Paul, MN, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 36 minutes. With 90% of the journey on highways, you'll find it a straightforward, efficient route through the Midwest. The estimated fuel cost is around $19, making it an economical choice for a quick getaway or a transfer. You'll primarily be on US 10 and I-94, offering a consistent driving experience. This route is ideal for those looking for a practical and time-efficient journey between these two Minnesota locations.

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

65.3 miles from Crow Wing, MN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 16m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 10 54.6 mi 1h 3m
I 94 28 mi 31m
MN 371 23.3 mi 27m
I 694 11.7 mi 12m
Voyageur Highway 5.5 mi 6m
165th Avenue Southeast 1.8 mi 2m
Broadway Street East 1.5 mi 2m
Park Boulevard Southeast 1.4 mi 1m
Longest stretch: US 10 — 54.6 mi, about 1h 3m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on MN 371

0.8 mi · 1 min · MN 371
2

Continue on MN 371

22 mi · 26 min · MN 371
3

Merge onto US 10

28 mi · 32 min · US 10
Use the right lane.
4

Keep slight left at fork onto US 10

26 mi · 30 min · US 10
5

Turn right onto 165th Avenue Southeast

1.8 mi · 2 min · 165th Avenue Southeast
6

Continue on Park Boulevard Southeast

1.4 mi · 1 min · Park Boulevard Southeast
7

Continue on County Road 11

0.7 mi · 57 sec · County Road 11
8

Turn right onto MN 25

0.1 mi · 11 sec · State Highway 25
9

Continue on MN 25

0.3 mi · 42 sec · Pine Street
10

Turn left onto CR 75

1.5 mi · 2 min · Broadway Street East
11

Turn right onto CR 18

0.3 mi · 40 sec · Fenning Avenue
12

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 54 sec
13

Merge onto I 94

28 mi · 31 min · I 94
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 manageable 2 hour and 36-minute duration, this 130.6-mile trip from Crow Wing to Saint Paul works perfectly as a single-day excursion. You can depart at your leisure, but an early morning start will allow for more flexibility at your destination. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost of approximately $19, planning is minimal. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 54.6-mile stretch on US 10, to ensure smooth travel into the Twin Cities area.

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 65.3 miles from Crow Wing, MN, or about 1h 16m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 54.6 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 29 miles or 33m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 65.3 miles or 1h 16m 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 7m

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 Crow Wing, 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 Crow Wing, MN

This is one driving day of about 130.6 miles and 2h 36m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 29 miles from Crow Wing, 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 US 10 for about 54.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Sherburne County, Minnesota, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Big Lake, MN

65 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.

Popular next leg

Big Lake, MN to Saint Paul, MN

48 mi · 1h

Pacing Suggestions

Little Falls, MN

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 29 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Saint Cloud, MN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 65.3 miles from Crow Wing, 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 14

5 decision points cluster between mile 112.1 and 129.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
112.1 mi into trip | ~2h 12m 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
123.8 mi into trip | ~2h 25m 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
129.3 mi into trip | ~2h 32m 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
129.4 mi into trip | ~2h 32m 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
129.6 mi into trip | ~2h 32m 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

$19.44 one way

$38.87 round trip

$3.78/gal 25.4 MPG avg 46 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.07 $20.94 $41.88
premium $4.53 $23.30 $46.60
diesel $5.61 $28.83 $57.67

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$19

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$44–$69

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 45.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 39.2 0 $13.71 $6.27
Efficient EV 32.7 0 $11.43 $5.22
EV Truck/SUV 52.2 0 $18.28 $8.36

Gas CO2

46 kg

EV CO2

15 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 20, 2026

Origin

Crow Wing, MN

Late night in Crow Wing on Tuesday

Local time

3:21 AM

CDT

Current temp

35°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Saint Paul, MN

Late night in Saint Paul on Tuesday

Local time

3:21 AM

CDT

Current temp

59°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

24 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 36m 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 predominantly highway-focused drive, with 90% of the 130.6 miles spent on major roads like US 10 and I-94. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 54.6 miles on US 10, offering a good period of consistent cruising. While the profile is highway-centric, the transition between US 10 and I-94 will introduce some changes in the road's character and speed. This route prioritizes directness over scenic detours, providing a functional experience for travelers.

90% 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: 54.6 mi on US 10.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 10 and I 94. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 112.1 miles in near I 694.

Driving Effort 9/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 130.6 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 112.1 miles (I 694): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 123.8 miles (US 10 / Voyageur Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 129.3 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 2h 36m. Total distance: 130.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 36m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (90%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 54.6 miles on US 10. 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 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 112.1 miles (I 694): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 123.8 miles (US 10 / Voyageur Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 129.3 miles (US 10): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 Saint Paul, 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.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Explore more options from Crow Wing, MN or browse trips ending in Saint Paul, MN.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse MN road trips.