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Trip from Grand Lake, 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

2h 58m

Distance

154.4 mi

248 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$23

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 34 min
4 AM
2h 48m ★
6 AM
2h 59m
8 AM
3h 22m
10 AM
3h 7m
12 PM
3h 5m
3 PM
3h 8m
5 PM
3h 20m
8 PM
2h 52m

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 Grand Lake, MN, MN

Grand Lake, MN

Tom Fisk

city in Devon, England

Plymouth, MN

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Grand Lake, MN to Plymouth, MN is 154.4 miles and takes about 2h 58m via I 35, I 35W, and MN 33, with a fuel budget near $23 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive primarily stays within Minnesota, transitioning from one Midwest locale to another. Given its highway-focused nature and reasonable duration, it's a straightforward trip. You'll spend most of your time on major interstates, making it a practical choice for a quick journey between these two points.

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

77.2 miles from Grand Lake, MN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 27m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 35 109.7 mi 1h 57m
I 35W 14.7 mi 16m
MN 33 13.2 mi 18m
I 694 4.9 mi 6m
42nd Avenue North 4.8 mi 8m
MN 100 3.3 mi 4m
Northwest Boulevard 1.6 mi 2m
Saginaw Road 0.4 mi 1m
Longest stretch: I 35 — 109.7 mi, about 1h 57m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Grand Lake, MN and Plymouth, MN.

1

Start on Saginaw Road

0.4 mi · 1 min · Saginaw Road
2

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 31 sec
3

Turn left onto MN 33

8.7 mi · 10 min · MN 33
Use the straight lane.
4

Continue on MN 33

3.9 mi · 7 min · MN 33
Use the straight lane.
5

Enter roundabout onto MN 33

77 ft · 1 sec · MN 33
Toward I 35 South
6

Continue on MN 33

0.5 mi · 40 sec · MN 33
Toward I 35 South
7

Merge onto I 35

110 mi · 1 hr 57 min · I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Keep slight right at fork onto I 35W

15 mi · 16 min · I 35W
Toward I 35W: Minneapolis Use the straight / right lanes.
9

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min
Exit 26C Toward I 694 West Use the slight right lane.
10

Merge onto I 694

4.9 mi · 6 min · I 694
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Exit 35A Toward MN 100 Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Continue on MN 100

3.3 mi · 4 min · MN 100
Use the straight / right lanes.
13

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 30 sec
Exit 12A Toward CR 9: 42nd Avenue Use the straight / right lanes.
14

At end of road, turn left onto CR 9

4.8 mi · 8 min · 42nd Avenue North
Use the left lane.
15

Turn left onto CR 61

1.6 mi · 2 min · Northwest Boulevard
Use the left lane.
16

Turn right onto MN 55

0.3 mi · 28 sec · MN 55
17

Arrive at destination

MN 55

Trip Plan

With a driving time under 3 hours, this trip is easily accomplished in a single day, allowing for flexibility in your departure time. Consider leaving in the morning to maximize daylight and allow for any unforeseen delays. Since the longest stretch on I 35 is over 100 miles, plan for a fuel stop before you embark or when you see services appear after that long segment. The relatively low fuel cost of $23 means you won't need to worry excessively about frequent fill-ups, but it's always wise to start with a full tank.

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 77.2 miles from Grand Lake, MN, or about 1h 27m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 109.7 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 34 miles or 41m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 77.2 miles or 1h 27m 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 20m

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 Grand 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 Grand Lake, MN

This is one driving day of about 154.4 miles and 2h 58m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 34 miles from Grand 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 35 for about 109.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Circle Pines, MN, MN

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Circle Pines, MN

77 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

Woodbury, MN

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 34 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Pine City, MN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 77.2 miles from Grand Lake, MN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 35 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 109.7 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

Bearaboo Coffee Escape

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Cloquet, Minnesota

Near the start, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 11

Hours: 6:30 am–3 pm

+12188795051

Kaffe Stuga Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Harris, Minnesota

1.6 mi

Phoever ❤️ Vietnamese Cuisine & Coffee

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Columbia Heights, Minnesota

2.7 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Coffeesmith

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Forest Lake, Minnesota

Later in the drive, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 121.3

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+16513009039

Visit website

Heights Coffee Bar

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Columbia Heights, Minnesota

2.7 mi

Bearaboo Coffee Escape

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 11

Cloquet, Minnesota

Hours: 6:30 am–3 pm

+12188795051

Kaffe Stuga Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 99.2

Harris, Minnesota

Hours: 7:30 am–7 pm

+16516749958

Phoever ❤️ Vietnamese Cuisine & Coffee

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 143.4

Columbia Heights, Minnesota

Hours: 11 am–12 pm

+17632088754

Visit website

Don Goyo Restaurant Columbia Heights

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 143.4

Columbia Heights, Minnesota

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+17637880299

Visit website

Adagio's Pizza Factory

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour $20 to $30 mile 143.4

New Brighton, Minnesota

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+16512373486

Visit website

The Coffee Shop NE

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 143.4

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Hours: 6:30 am–6 pm

+16122598478

Visit website

Cabina Coffee

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 77.2

Pine City, Minnesota

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+13206295982

Visit website

Coffeesmith

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 121.3

Forest Lake, Minnesota

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+16513009039

Visit website

Heights Coffee Bar

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 143.4

Columbia Heights, Minnesota

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+16123149027

Visit website

Miigwitches Brew

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 11

Cloquet, Minnesota

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+12189007959

Walden Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10 mile 143.4

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

Visit website

Mojo Coffee Gallery

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20 mile 143.4

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+16123614949

Visit website

PILLLAR Forum Cafe & Bar

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 143.4

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+16128754140

Visit website

Cairo Cafe

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 143.4

Blaine, Minnesota

Gas station designed by Frank Lloyd Wright

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route mile 11

Cloquet, Minnesota

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+12188792279

Golden Lake Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 132.3

Circle Pines, Minnesota

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+17637845898

Visit website

Black Bear Golf Course

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 11

Cloquet, Minnesota

+12188782485

Visit website

Snake River Fur Post

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 77.2

Pine City, Minnesota

+13206296356

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 11

5 decision points cluster between mile 13.2 and 147.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
13.2 mi into trip | ~19m in | MN 33

Enter roundabout onto MN 33 toward I 35 South

Roundabout - know your exit number before entering

Toward I 35 South
7
123.5 mi into trip | ~2h 17m in | I 35W

Keep slight right at fork onto I 35W toward I 35W: Minneapolis

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes. Toward I 35W: Minneapolis
7
138.2 mi into trip | ~2h 33m in

Take the exit toward I 694 West

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 26C Toward I 694 West
7
143.6 mi into trip | ~2h 40m in

Take the exit toward MN 100

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 35A Toward MN 100
7
147.5 mi into trip | ~2h 46m in

Take the exit toward CR 9: 42nd Avenue

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

Use the straight / right lanes. Exit 12A Toward CR 9: 42nd Avenue

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$22.98 one way

$45.96 round trip

$3.78/gal 25.4 MPG avg 54 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.07 $24.76 $49.52
premium $4.53 $27.55 $55.10
diesel $5.61 $34.09 $68.18

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$23

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$48–$73

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 54 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 46.3 0 $16.21 $7.41
Efficient EV 38.6 0 $13.51 $6.18
EV Truck/SUV 61.8 0 $21.62 $9.88

Gas CO2

54 kg

EV CO2

18 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

Grand Lake, MN

Night in Grand Lake on Saturday

Local time

11:49 PM

CDT

Current temp

37°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Plymouth, MN

Night in Plymouth on Saturday

Local time

11:49 PM

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

10 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 58m 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 experience for this trip, with 95% of the drive utilizing major roadways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 109.7 miles on I 35, so be prepared for extended periods of consistent highway driving. While the route mainly consists of interstate travel, incorporating MN 33 offers a slight variation in the road's character before rejoining the interstate system. This profile suggests a drive where efficiency is key, minimizing time spent on slower local roads.

95% 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: 109.7 mi on I 35.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 35 and I 35W. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 13.2 miles in near MN 33.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 11 significant decision points across 154.4 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 13.2 miles (MN 33): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 123.5 miles (I 35W): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 138.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

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 2h 58m. Total distance: 154.4 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 58m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (95%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 109.7 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.

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 13.2 miles (MN 33): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 123.5 miles (I 35W): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 138.2 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 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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