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Trip from Elbow Lake, MN to Maple Grove, MN

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

Drive Time

2h 45m

Distance

148.8 mi

239 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$22

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 32 min
4 AM
2h 35m ★
6 AM
2h 46m
8 AM
3h 7m
10 AM
2h 53m
12 PM
2h 51m
3 PM
2h 54m
5 PM
3h 6m
8 PM
2h 39m

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 Elbow Lake, MN, MN

Elbow Lake, MN

Tom Fisk

city in Hennepin County, Minnesota, United States

Maple Grove, MN

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Elbow Lake, MN to Maple Grove, MN is 148.8 miles and takes about 2h 45m via I 94 and State Highway 79, with a fuel budget near $22 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within the Midwest region, specifically Minnesota, making it a straightforward journey. It's primarily a highway-focused trip, so expect efficient travel. With only one recommended stop and a driving time under three hours, this route is ideal for a single-day excursion, allowing for plenty of flexibility in your schedule.

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

74.4 miles from Elbow Lake, MN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 24m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 94 134.1 mi 2h 23m
State Highway 79 8.7 mi 12m
Viking Trail 3.1 mi 5m
I 494 1.2 mi 1m
Bass Lake Road 0.5 mi <1m
2nd Street Northeast 0.2 mi <1m
Central Avenue <0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 94 — 134.1 mi, about 2h 23m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Elbow Lake, MN and Maple Grove, MN.

1

Start on US 59; MN 55

31 ft · 2 sec · Central Avenue
2

Turn right onto MN 79

0.3 mi · 26 sec · State Highway 79
3

Continue on MN 79

0.2 mi · 21 sec · 2nd Street Northeast
4

Continue on MN 79

3.1 mi · 5 min · Viking Trail
5

Turn straight onto MN 79

8.5 mi · 11 min · State Highway 79
6

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 30 sec
7

Merge onto I 94

134 mi · 2 hr 23 min · I 94
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 31 sec
Exit 216 Toward I 494 South Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Continue on I 494

1.2 mi · 1 min · I 494
10

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 40 sec
Exit 26 Toward CR 10: Bass Lake Road Use the slight right lane.
11

Turn right onto CR 10

0.5 mi · 50 sec · Bass Lake Road
Use the right lane.
12

Arrive at destination

CR 10

Trip Plan

Given the relatively short duration of 2 hours and 45 minutes, you can easily complete this trip in a single day. There's no need to rush, and the single recommended stop provides a good opportunity to stretch your legs. Plan to depart when it's convenient for you, as the drive is manageable even in the afternoon. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before embarking on the longest stretch of 134.1 miles on I 94, to ensure you have enough to reach Maple Grove without concern.

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 74.4 miles from Elbow Lake, MN, or about 1h 24m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 134.1 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 33 miles or 40m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 74.4 miles or 1h 24m 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 15m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Elbow Lake, 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 Elbow Lake, MN

This is one driving day of about 148.8 miles and 2h 45m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 33 miles from Elbow Lake, 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 134.1 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

74 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

Alexandria, MN

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 33 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Avon, MN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 74.4 miles from Elbow Lake, 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 134.1 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

Maynard's Restaurant of Rogers

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Rogers, Minnesota

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30 mile 138.2

Hours: 11 am–11 pm

+17634280700

Visit website

Top Coffee Stop

The Mill

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Albany, Minnesota

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 74.4

Hours: 6 am–3 pm

+13208456455

Visit website

Maynard's Restaurant of Rogers

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30 mile 138.2

Rogers, Minnesota

Hours: 11 am–11 pm

+17634280700

Visit website

Lynde’s Restaurant & Catering

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 148.8

Osseo, Minnesota

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+17634243696

Visit website

The Mill

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 74.4

Albany, Minnesota

Hours: 6 am–3 pm

+13208456455

Visit website

District Coffee

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 95.6

St Cloud, Minnesota

Hours: 6:30 am–2:30 pm

+13203422040

Visit website

Runestone Museum Foundation

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 31.9

Alexandria, Minnesota

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+13207633160

Visit website

Playground Plaza

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 148.8

Maple Grove, Minnesota

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+17632283833

Visit website

Granite City Jump

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 95.6

St Cloud, Minnesota

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

+13203422148

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 6

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 148.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

4
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | MN 79 / State Highway 79

Turn right onto MN 79 / State Highway 79

Navigation decision point

5
12.2 mi into trip | ~18m in | I 94

Merge onto I 94

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
146.4 mi into trip | ~2h 42m in

Take the exit toward I 494 South

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 216 Toward I 494 South
7
148 mi into trip | ~2h 44m in

Take the exit toward CR 10: Bass Lake Road

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 26 Toward CR 10: Bass Lake Road
6
148.3 mi into trip | ~2h 44m in | CR 10 / Bass Lake Road

Turn right onto CR 10 / Bass Lake Road

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$22.14 one way

$44.29 round trip

$3.78/gal 25.4 MPG avg 52 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.07 $23.86 $47.72
premium $4.53 $26.55 $53.10
diesel $5.61 $32.85 $65.71

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: 52.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 44.6 0 $15.62 $7.14
Efficient EV 37.2 0 $13.02 $5.95
EV Truck/SUV 59.5 0 $20.83 $9.52

Gas CO2

52 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 15, 2026

Origin

Elbow Lake, MN

Late night in Elbow Lake on Sunday

Local time

3:03 AM

CDT

Current temp

67°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Maple Grove, MN

Late night in Maple Grove on Sunday

Local time

3:03 AM

CDT

Current temp

46°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

67°F

Avon, MN

74 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

21 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

2h 45m 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?

This route is overwhelmingly a highway-focused drive, with 97% of the journey on major roadways. You'll spend the majority of your time on Interstate 94, experiencing a continuous stretch of 134.1 miles. The inclusion of State Highway 79 and Viking Trail offers brief variations from the interstate, but the overall character remains one of steady, efficient travel. Expect a consistent pace for most of the drive, making it predictable and easy to navigate.

97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
12 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 134.1 mi on I 94.

How Hard Is This Drive?

2/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 94 and State Highway 79. Navigation is very simple - set it and forget it for most of the drive. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near MN 79 / State Highway 79.

Driving Effort 2/10

Very easy - short and simple to drive

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

The drive from Elbow Lake, MN to Maple Grove, MN is easy. At 2h 45m with 97% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: near the start (MN 79 / State Highway 79): Navigation decision point; at 12.2 miles (I 94): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 146.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

About the Cities

Arriving in Maple Grove, MN

Full guide →

Maple Grove is a suburban city in the Twin Cities of 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 2h 45m. Total distance: 148.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 45m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (97%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 134.1 miles on I 94. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.

The main spots that need attention: near the start (MN 79 / State Highway 79): Navigation decision point; at 12.2 miles (I 94): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 146.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Maple Grove, 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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