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Trip from Dawson, MN to Minneapolis, MN

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

Drive Time

3h 17m

Distance

144.9 mi

233 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$22

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min
4 AM
3h 5m ★
6 AM
3h 17m
8 AM
3h 41m
10 AM
3h 26m
12 PM
3h 23m
3 PM
3h 27m
5 PM
3h 40m
8 PM
3h 10m

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 Dawson, MN, MN

Dawson, MN

Tom Fisk

Trip Overview

This 144.9-mile journey from Dawson, Minnesota, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 3 hours and 17 minutes. You'll primarily be on MN 7 and Oak Street, with about 80% of the drive being on highways. The estimated fuel cost for this drive is around $22. This route offers a straightforward, highway-focused experience as you travel across the Midwest region of Minnesota. Given its manageable length, it's perfect for a direct trip with minimal need for overnight stays, allowing you to reach your destination efficiently.

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

72.4 miles from Dawson, MN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 37m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
MN 7 84.2 mi 1h 49m
Oak Street 16.3 mi 24m
highway 7 West 16.1 mi 20m
195th Avenue 10.3 mi 13m
Minnesota State Highway 7 6 mi 9m
State Highway 7 East 4.5 mi 6m
I 394 3.1 mi 4m
MN 100 1.3 mi 1m
Longest stretch: MN 7 — 84.2 mi, about 1h 49m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Dawson, MN and Minneapolis, MN.

1

Start on CR 23

0.2 mi · 32 sec · 6th Street
2

At end of road, turn right onto US 212

16 mi · 24 min · Oak Street
3

Turn left onto US 59; MN 29

0.2 mi · 11 sec · US 59; MN 29
4

Continue on MN 7; MN 29

35 mi · 45 min · MN 7; MN 29
Use the straight lane.
5

Enter roundabout onto MN 7

156 ft · 2 sec · 195th Avenue
6

Continue on MN 7

0.1 mi · 8 sec · 195th Avenue
7

Continue on MN 7

7.9 mi · 9 min · MN 7
8

Continue on MN 7

10 mi · 13 min · 195th Avenue
Use the straight / left lanes.
9

Continue on MN 7

16 mi · 20 min · highway 7 West
10

Continue on MN 7; MN 22

0.6 mi · 1 min · 4th Avenue Northwest
11

Continue on MN 7; MN 22

4.5 mi · 6 min · State Highway 7 East
12

Continue on MN 7; CR 4

11 mi · 14 min · MN 7; CR 4
13

Enter roundabout onto MN 7

130 ft · 2 sec · MN 7
14

Continue on MN 7

9.0 mi · 11 min · MN 7
15

Enter roundabout onto MN 7

125 ft · 2 sec · MN 7
16

Continue on MN 7

2.5 mi · 3 min · MN 7
17

Enter roundabout onto MN 7

185 ft · 3 sec · MN 7
18

Continue on MN 7

5.8 mi · 7 min · MN 7
19

Enter roundabout onto MN 7

139 ft · 2 sec · MN 7
20

Continue on MN 7

13 mi · 17 min · MN 7
Use the straight lane.
21

Keep slight left at fork onto MN 7

6.0 mi · 9 min · Minnesota State Highway 7
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 25 sec
Toward MN 100 North Use the right lane.
23

Merge onto MN 100

1.3 mi · 1 min · MN 100
Toward CR 5 Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24

Take the exit

1.1 mi · 1 min
Toward I 394 East: Minneapolis Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25

Merge onto I 394

3.1 mi · 4 min · I 394
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26

Turn left onto 2nd Avenue North

0.2 mi · 35 sec · 2nd Avenue North
27

Turn right onto CR 152

0.6 mi · 1 min · North Washington Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
28

Continue on CR 152

0.2 mi · 31 sec · Washington Avenue South
Use the left lane.
29

Arrive at destination

CR 152

Trip Plan

For this relatively short 3-hour drive, you have the flexibility to depart at your convenience. Leaving in the morning will allow you to arrive in Minneapolis with plenty of daylight. With only one recommended stop and an estimated fuel cost of $22, planning is straightforward. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 84.2 miles on MN 7, so consider a brief rest stop before or during this segment to stay refreshed. Pay attention to the transition from MN 7 to Oak Street as you enter the Minneapolis area, as traffic patterns may change.

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 72.4 miles from Dawson, MN, or about 1h 37m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 84.2 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 44m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 72.4 miles or 1h 37m 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 38m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Dawson, 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 Dawson, MN

This is one driving day of about 144.9 miles and 3h 17m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 32 miles from Dawson, 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 MN 7 for about 84.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Lester Prairie, MN, MN

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Lester Prairie, 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

Clara City, MN

Fuel and coffee

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

Hutchinson, MN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 72.4 miles from Dawson, MN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before MN 7 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 84.2 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

FIKA Café

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $20 to $30 mile 144.9

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

+16125245108

Visit website

Lake and Bryant Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Minneapolis, Minnesota

2.5 mi

Hamdi Restaurant

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Minneapolis, Minnesota

2.2 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Spyhouse Coffee Roasters | Downtown / Emery

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route $1 to $10 mile 144.9

Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm

Visit website

Munkabeans Coffeehouse

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Hopkins, Minnesota

0.6 mi

Fawkes Alley Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Minneapolis, Minnesota

1.2 mi

FIKA Café

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $20 to $30 mile 144.9

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

+16125245108

Visit website

Lake and Bryant Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 144.9

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+16126594450

Visit website

Hamdi Restaurant

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 144.9

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Hours: 10 am–10 pm

+16128239660

Visit website

Lake & Irving Restaurant & Bar

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $20 to $30 mile 144.9

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Hours: 4–9 pm

+16123542453

Visit website

The Coffee Shop NE

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 144.9

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Hours: 6:30 am–6 pm

+16122598478

Visit website

Ruby's Roost Bakery & Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10 mile 124.2

Victoria, Minnesota

Hours: 7 am–1 pm

Visit website

Sonora's Mexican Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 82.8

Hutchinson, Minnesota

Hours: 11 am–2:30 pm

+13205877600

Visit website

Finnish Bistro Coffee & Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.4 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 144.9

St Paul, Minnesota

Hours: 6:30 am–8:30 pm

+16516459181

Visit website

Spyhouse Coffee Roasters | Downtown / Emery

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route $1 to $10 mile 144.9

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm

Visit website

Munkabeans Coffeehouse

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 134.5

Hopkins, Minnesota

Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm

+19529389056

Visit website

Fawkes Alley Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 144.9

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Hours: 8 am–4 pm

Visit website

Bordertown Coffee

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 144.9

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Hours: 7:30 am–6 pm

+16123797277

Visit website

Spyhouse Coffee Roasters | Northeast

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 144.9

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+16123454348

Visit website

Caffetto Coffee House

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 144.9

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Hours: 7 am–12 pm

+16128720911

Visit website

Code Blu Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 144.9

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Hours: 6 am–4 pm

Visit website

Mojo Coffee Gallery

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 144.9

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+16123614949

Visit website

Bad Axe Throwing Minneapolis City Center

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $40 to $50 mile 144.9

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Hours: 6–9:30 pm

+18448180999

Visit website

Prince The Tour

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 144.9

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+16127102923

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 16

5 decision points cluster between mile 132.3 and 144.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
132.3 mi into trip | ~2h 56m in | MN 7 / Minnesota State Highway 7

Keep slight left at fork onto MN 7 / Minnesota State Highway 7

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
138.3 mi into trip | ~3h 5m in

Take the exit toward MN 100 North

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

Use the right lane. Toward MN 100 North
6
138.5 mi into trip | ~3h 6m in | MN 100

Merge onto MN 100 toward CR 5

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward CR 5
6
139.8 mi into trip | ~3h 7m in

Take the exit toward I 394 East: Minneapolis

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 394 East: Minneapolis
6
144.1 mi into trip | ~3h 14m in | CR 152 / North Washington Avenue

Turn right onto CR 152 / North Washington Avenue

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$21.56 one way

$43.13 round trip

$3.78/gal 25.4 MPG avg 51 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.07 $23.24 $46.47
premium $4.53 $25.85 $51.71
diesel $5.61 $31.99 $63.98

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$22

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$47–$72

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 50.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 43.5 0 $15.21 $6.96
Efficient EV 36.2 0 $12.68 $5.80
EV Truck/SUV 58 0 $20.29 $9.27

Gas CO2

51 kg

EV CO2

17 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 16, 2026

Origin

Dawson, MN

Late night in Dawson on Sunday

Local time

2:56 AM

CDT

Current temp

72°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Minneapolis, MN

Late night in Minneapolis on Sunday

Local time

2:56 AM

CDT

Current temp

67°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

5 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

3h 17m 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 highway-focused drive for most of this trip, with 80% of the route utilizing higher-speed roads. You'll encounter an uninterrupted stretch of 84.2 miles on MN 7, which forms the backbone of this drive. While predominantly highway, the transition into Oak Street as you approach Minneapolis will mark a change in the road's character. The overall feel is one of consistent progress, with the landscape unfolding along well-maintained roadways, making for a predictable and efficient travel experience.

80% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
29 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 84.2 mi on MN 7.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on MN 7 and Oak Street. You will hit about 16 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 132.3 miles in near MN 7 / Minnesota State Highway 7.

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 144.9 miles you will encounter 16 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 132.3 miles (MN 7 / Minnesota State Highway 7): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 138.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 138.5 miles (MN 100): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

About the Cities

Arriving in Minneapolis, MN

Full guide →

Minneapolis is a city of about 430,000 people (2019) and the largest city in Minnesota. Along with neighboring Saint Paul, it forms the urban core of the Twin Cities region, the third largest metropolitan area in the Midwest after Chicago and Detroit.

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 3h 17m. Total distance: 144.9 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 17m 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 84.2 miles on MN 7. 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 Minneapolis, 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 132.3 miles (MN 7 / Minnesota State Highway 7): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 138.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 138.5 miles (MN 100): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 3.3 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Minneapolis, 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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