Cut Face Creek Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Eagan, MN to Grand Marais, MN
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 28m
Distance
271.9 mi
438 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$41
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 15m
★
6 AM
5h 28m
8 AM
5h 55m
10 AM
5h 37m
12 PM
5h 35m
3 PM
5h 39m
5 PM
5h 53m
8 PM
5h 20m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Eagan, MN
Wikimedia Commons
Grand Marais, MN
Andrew Patrick Photo
Trip Overview
Eagan, MN to Grand Marais, MN is 271.9 miles and takes about 5h 28m via I 35 and Highway 61, with a fuel budget near $44 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Minnesota, taking you from the Midwest's urban edge into a more remote, northern landscape. It's a straightforward trip that mostly sticks to major highways, making it a convenient option if you're looking for a direct route. With only one recommended stop, it’s designed for efficient travel, allowing you to reach your destination without too much fuss.
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
136 miles from Eagan, MN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 34m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 35 | 127.3 mi | 2h 19m |
| Highway 61 | 82.8 mi | 1h 46m |
| I 35E | 33.3 mi | 40m |
| MN 61 | 23.5 mi | 32m |
| Pilot Knob Road | 1.7 mi | 2m |
| 7th Avenue | 1.2 mi | 2m |
| I 694 | 0.8 mi | <1m |
| US 10 | 0.3 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 35
— 127.3 mi, about 2h 19m
Traffic on I-35
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 33 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,751 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~171 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
21.9×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 48 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Eagan, MN and Grand Marais, MN.
1
Start on CR 31
1.7 mi
·
2 min
·
Pilot Knob Road
Use the left lane.
2
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
54 sec
Toward I 35E North
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
3
Merge onto I 35E
6.9 mi
·
9 min
·
I 35E
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
4
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35E
2.7 mi
·
4 min
·
I 35E
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35E
0.4 mi
·
35 sec
·
I 35E
6
Merge onto I 35E; I 94
350 ft
·
5 sec
·
Purple Heart Memorial Highway
7
Take the exit onto I 35E
5.2 mi
·
6 min
·
I 35E
Exit 242B
Toward I 35E North, US 10 West
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork onto US 10
0.3 mi
·
19 sec
·
US 10
Exit 113-114
Toward US 10 West, I 694 West, I 694 East
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
35 sec
Exit 114
Toward I 35E North, I 694 East
Use the slight right lane.
10
Merge onto I 694
0.8 mi
·
59 sec
·
I 694
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35E
18 mi
·
19 min
·
I 35E
Toward I 35E North: Duluth
Use the slight left lane.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35
127 mi
·
2 hr 19 min
·
I 35
13
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
12 sec
Toward MN 61 North
14
Merge onto MN 61
23 mi
·
32 min
·
MN 61
Use the straight lane.
15
Continue on MN 61
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
7th Avenue
Use the straight lane.
16
Turn straight onto MN 61
83 mi
·
1 hr 46 min
·
Highway 61
Use the straight / left lanes.
17
Turn right onto West 1st Street
53 ft
·
1 sec
·
West 1st Street
18
Arrive at destination
West 1st Street
Trip Plan
Aim to leave Eagan early in the morning to maximize daylight for your 5-hour, 28-minute drive. With a total distance of 271.9 miles, one stop is sufficient, but plan it strategically along I 35 before you transition to Highway 61. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 127.3-mile stretch on I 35, as services might be less frequent in the latter half of the trip. Given the relatively short duration, you have flexibility, but starting your day with ample time ensures a relaxed arrival in Grand Marais.
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 136 miles from Eagan, MN, or about 2h 34m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 127.3 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 60 miles or 1h 11m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 136 miles or 2h 34m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 25m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Grand Marais, MN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Eagan, 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 Eagan, MN
This is one driving day of about 271.9 miles and 5h 28m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 60 miles from Eagan, 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 127.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
136 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 60 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 136 miles from Eagan, MN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 35 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 127.3 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Stops Along Your Drive
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Cross River Wayside
0 mi from route
Knife River Wayside Rest
0 mi from route
Rest Area
0 mi from route
Split Rock Lighthouse Overlook
0 mi from route
Forest Lake Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Goose Creek Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Culkin Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Thompson Hill Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Gooseberry Falls Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Tettegouche Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
General Andrews Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
Kettle River Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.2 mi from route
Rest Area
0.8 mi from route
Rest Area
0.9 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 155 decision points cluster between mile 9 and 19 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
9 mi into trip
|
~13m in
|
I 35E
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35E
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
12.2 mi into trip
|
~18m in
|
I 35E
Take the exit onto I 35E toward I 35E North, US 10 West
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 242B
Toward I 35E North, US 10 West
9
17.4 mi into trip
|
~24m in
|
US 10
Keep slight right at fork onto US 10 toward US 10 West, I 694 West, I 694 East
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 113-114
Toward US 10 West, I 694 West, I 694 East
8
17.7 mi into trip
|
~25m in
Take the exit toward I 35E North, I 694 East
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 114
Toward I 35E North, I 694 East
7
19 mi into trip
|
~26m in
|
I 35E
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35E toward I 35E North: Duluth
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 35E North: Duluth
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$40.84 one way
$81.68 round trip
$3.82/gal
25.4 MPG avg
95 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.12 | $44.09 | $88.19 |
| premium | $4.60 | $49.25 | $98.50 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $51.34 | $102.68 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$41
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$66–$91
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 95.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $29 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 81.6 | 1 | $28.55 | $13.05 |
| Efficient EV | 68 | 0 | $23.79 | $10.88 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 108.8 | 1 | $38.07 | $17.40 |
Gas CO2
95 kg
EV CO2
32 kg (66% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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.
Origin
Eagan, MN
Night in Eagan on Saturday
Local time
9:50 PM
CDT
Current temp
72°F
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Partly Cloudy
NW 5 to 10 mph
65% chance
Live forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 1:17PM CDT by NWS Grand Forks ND
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 12:53PM CDT by NWS Duluth MN
Destination
Grand Marais, MN
Night in Grand Marais on Saturday
Local time
9:50 PM
CDT
Current temp
46°F
Areas Of Smoke
NW 10 mph
16% chance
Live forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 1:17PM CDT by NWS Grand Forks ND
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 12:53PM CDT by NWS Duluth MN
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
26 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
5h 28m 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?
This drive is 99% highway, meaning you'll spend almost all 5 hours and 28 minutes on high-speed roads. The longest continuous stretch is 127.3 miles on I 35, so be prepared for extended periods of cruising. The transition to surface roads will be minimal, occurring very late in your drive. You'll notice a significant change in surroundings as you move from the denser highway environment near the Twin Cities to the more open cruising as you head north.
99% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
18 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 127.3 mi on I 35.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 35 and Highway 61. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 9 miles in near I 35E.
Driving Effort
10/10
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 15 significant decision points across 271.9 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 9 miles (I 35E): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 12.2 miles (I 35E): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 17.4 miles (US 10): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,132 ft
612 ft
Total Climb
301 ft
Total Descent
638 ft
Highest Point
1,132 ft
~136 mi in
Elevation Range
521 ft
About the Cities
Starting in Eagan, MN
Full guide →Founded 1860
Eagan is a city of 69,000 people (2021) in Minnesota on the south bank of the Minnesota River, upstream from the confluence with the Mississippi River. It is a suburb in the southern part of the Twin Cities region.
Arriving in Grand Marais, MN
Full guide →Grand Marais is a harbor village along Lake Superior's shoreline in Minnesota.
Top landmarks
- • Church of St. Francis Xavier — church in Grand Marais, Minnesota
- • Cook County Courthouse — courthouse in Minnesota, United States
- • Bally Blacksmith Shop — blacksmith shop in Grand Marais, Minnesota
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 5h 28m. Total distance: 271.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 28m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (99%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 127.3 miles on I 35. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 17 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 Grand Marais, 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. There are 17 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 9 miles (I 35E): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 12.2 miles (I 35E): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 17.4 miles (US 10): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.5 hours each way, a round trip means 10.9 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Grand Marais, MN before the return drive.
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, EIA for fuel prices, USGS 3DEP for elevation, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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