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Trip from Dodge Center, 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

1h 51m

Distance

95.1 mi

153 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$14

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 25 min
4 AM
1h 43m ★
6 AM
1h 52m
8 AM
2h 8m
10 AM
1h 57m
12 PM
1h 56m
3 PM
1h 58m
5 PM
2h 7m
8 PM
1h 47m

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 Dodge Center, MN, MN

Dodge Center, MN

Tom Fisk

city in Devon, England

Plymouth, MN

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 95.1-mile drive from Dodge Center, MN, to Plymouth, MN, is a straightforward, highway-focused trip that can easily be completed in about 1 hour and 51 minutes. With 96% of the journey on highways, it's designed for efficient travel. The estimated fuel cost is around $14, making it an economical option for a single-day excursion. Both your starting and ending points are within the Midwest region, keeping the scenery consistent. This route is perfectly suited for a day trip, allowing you to maximize your time at your destination without needing an overnight stop.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Midpoint

47.6 miles from Dodge Center, MN

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

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 35 47.9 mi 51m
MN 56 15.2 mi 17m
US 169 8.3 mi 10m
I 35W 8.3 mi 9m
US 14 4.6 mi 5m
I 494 3.8 mi 4m
MN 55 3.5 mi 4m
3rd Avenue Southwest 0.4 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 35 — 47.9 mi, about 51m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on CR 31

0.2 mi · 39 sec · East Main Street
2

At end of road, turn left onto CR 7

0.4 mi · 49 sec · 3rd Avenue Southwest
3

Continue on CR 7

0.2 mi · 19 sec · 190th Avenue
4

Take the ramp onto MN 56

15 mi · 17 min · MN 56
Toward US 14 West, MN 56 North: Owatonna Use the right lane.
5

Continue on US 14

4.6 mi · 5 min · US 14
Use the straight lane.
6

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Toward I 35 North: Minneapolis
7

Merge onto I 35

48 mi · 51 min · I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Keep slight left at fork onto I 35W

8.3 mi · 9 min · I 35W
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
9

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 37 sec
Exit 8B-C Toward I 494 East, MN 5 East Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Keep slight left at fork

0.8 mi · 1 min
Toward I 494 West, MN 5 West
11

Merge onto I 494; MN 5

3.8 mi · 4 min · I 494; MN 5
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 35 sec
Exit 10A Toward US 169 South, US 169 North Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Keep slight right at fork

0.5 mi · 44 sec
Toward US 169 North Use the slight right lane.
14

Merge onto US 169

8.3 mi · 10 min · US 169
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 23 sec
Toward MN 55 West Use the straight / right lanes.
16

Merge onto MN 55

3.5 mi · 4 min · MN 55
17

Arrive at destination

MN 55

Trip Plan

Given the relatively short duration of just under two hours, this drive offers excellent flexibility. You can depart at your convenience, perhaps aiming to miss peak traffic by leaving mid-morning or early afternoon. With no specific stops recommended, the 47.9-mile stretch on I 35 is the longest continuous segment to be aware of for fuel or restroom breaks. The $14 fuel cost is a good estimate, but always check current prices. Consider leaving Dodge Center with a full tank to ensure a smooth, uninterrupted journey to Plymouth.

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.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 47.6 miles from Dodge Center, MN, or about 54m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 47.9 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 21 miles or 25m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 47.6 miles or 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 1h 28m

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 Dodge Center, MN so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Dodge Center, MN

This is one driving day of about 95.1 miles and 1h 51m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 21 miles from Dodge Center, MN.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 35 for about 47.9 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Dakota County, Minnesota, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Lakeville, MN

48 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

Walcott, MN

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 21 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Faribault, MN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 47.6 miles from Dodge Center, 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.

Nearby Places

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

Top Restaurant

Green Mill Restaurant & Bar

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Lakeville, Minnesota

Later in the drive, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 68

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+19524358100

Visit website

Nawal Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Burnsville, Minnesota

2.9 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Munkabeans Coffeehouse

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Hopkins, Minnesota

Near the end, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 88.3

Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm

+19529389056

Visit website

Green Mill Restaurant & Bar

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 68

Lakeville, Minnesota

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+19524358100

Visit website

Nawal Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 74.8

Burnsville, Minnesota

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+19524566701

Lake & Irving Restaurant & Bar

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour $20 to $30 mile 88.3

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Hours: 4–9 pm

+16123542453

Visit website

Munkabeans Coffeehouse

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 88.3

Hopkins, Minnesota

Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm

+19529389056

Visit website

Constellation Coffee Shop

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10 mile 68

Apple Valley, Minnesota

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+19529525448

Visit website

Curioso Coffee Bar: Uptown

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10 mile 88.3

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+16122089794

Visit website

Missing Pieces Escape Games

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 81.5

Edina, Minnesota

Hours: 12–7:30 pm

+19526588974

Visit website

Owatonna Arts Center

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 20.4

Owatonna, Minnesota

+15074510533

Visit website

Wild Things Indoor Playground

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 61.2

Lakeville, Minnesota

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+19529608796

Visit website

Splash Valley Water Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 68

Apple Valley, Minnesota

+19529532300

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 13

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.8 and 82.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
0.8 mi into trip | ~1m in | MN 56

Take the ramp onto MN 56 toward US 14 West, MN 56 North: Owatonna

Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the right lane. Toward US 14 West, MN 56 North: Owatonna
6
69.1 mi into trip | ~1h 17m in | I 35W

Keep slight left at fork onto I 35W

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
8
77.4 mi into trip | ~1h 27m in

Take the exit toward I 494 East, MN 5 East

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 8B-C Toward I 494 East, MN 5 East
8
82.4 mi into trip | ~1h 34m in

Take the exit toward US 169 South, US 169 North

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 10A Toward US 169 South, US 169 North
7
82.7 mi into trip | ~1h 35m in

Keep slight right at fork toward US 169 North

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Toward US 169 North

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$14.15 one way

$28.31 round trip

$3.78/gal 25.4 MPG avg 33 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.07 $15.25 $30.50
premium $4.53 $16.97 $33.94
diesel $5.61 $21.00 $41.99

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$14

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$39–$64

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 33.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $10 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 28.5 0 $9.99 $4.56
Efficient EV 23.8 0 $8.32 $3.80
EV Truck/SUV 38 0 $13.31 $6.09

Gas CO2

33 kg

EV CO2

11 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

Dodge Center, MN

Late night in Dodge Center on Sunday

Local time

3:11 AM

CDT

Current temp

44°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Plymouth, MN

Late night in Plymouth on Sunday

Local time

3:11 AM

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

3 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

1h 51m 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 experience on this route, with 96% of your travel taking place on major roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch spans 47.9 miles on I 35, offering a solid period of consistent speed. You'll primarily navigate via I 35 and US 169, with a portion on MN 56. This highway-focused profile suggests a drive with minimal interruptions and a steady pace, ideal for covering ground efficiently. The character of the road is largely about straightforward transit between your two Midwest locations.

96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
17 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 47.9 mi on I 35.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 35 and MN 56. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.8 miles in near MN 56.

Driving Effort 10/10

Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 95.1 miles you will encounter 13 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 0.8 miles (MN 56): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 69.1 miles (I 35W): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 77.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

About the Cities

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 1h 51m. Total distance: 95.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 51m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (96%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 47.9 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.

Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.

The main spots that need attention: at 0.8 miles (MN 56): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 69.1 miles (I 35W): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 77.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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 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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