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Trip from Lakeville, MN to Scandia, MN

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Sep 5, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

1h 17m

Distance

60.1 mi

97 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$10

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 18 min
4 AM
1h 11m ★
6 AM
1h 17m
8 AM
1h 29m
10 AM
1h 21m
12 PM
1h 20m
3 PM
1h 22m
5 PM
1h 29m
8 PM
1h 13m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

city in Dakota County, Minnesota, United States

Lakeville, MN

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Scandia, MN, MN

Scandia, MN

Efrem Efre

Trip Overview

Lakeville, MN to Scandia, MN is 60.1 miles and takes about 1 hour 17 minutes via I 35E and I 35, with a fuel budget near $9 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This mostly highway route connects two points within the Midwest region. Given its relatively short distance and straightforward path, it's an ideal choice for a same-day trip. You'll spend a significant portion of your time on major interstates before transitioning to surface roads as you approach your destination. Plan for a quick and efficient drive between these Minnesota locales.

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 35E 39.4 mi 47m
Scandia Trail North 10.9 mi 14m
I 35 2.6 mi 2m
Kenwood Trail /Richard J. Ames Memorial Highway 1.6 mi 2m
Kenwood Trail 1.2 mi 2m
I 694 0.8 mi <1m
Kenwood Trail / Richard J. Ames Memorial Highway 0.7 mi 1m
202nd Street West / Richard J. Ames Memorial Highway 0.5 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 35E — 39.4 mi, about 47m

Traffic on I-35

Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 56 FHWA count stations on your route.

Peak

4 PM

~4,652 veh/hr typical

Quietest

2 AM

~234 veh/hr

Peak-to-quiet ratio

19.9×

busier at peak than in the quiet hours

12a 6a noon 6p 11p

Averaged across 99 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 Lakeville, MN and Scandia, MN.

1

Start on 207th Street West

22 ft · 5 sec · 207th Street West
2

Turn right onto Holyoke Avenue

0.4 mi · 1 min · Holyoke Avenue
3

Enter roundabout onto CR 50

198 ft · 3 sec · 202nd Street West / Richard J. Ames Memorial Highway
4

Continue on CR 50

0.5 mi · 50 sec · 202nd Street West / Richard J. Ames Memorial Highway
5

Continue on CR 5

0.7 mi · 1 min · Kenwood Trail / Richard J. Ames Memorial Highway
6

Continue on CR 5

1.6 mi · 2 min · Kenwood Trail /Richard J. Ames Memorial Highway
7

Enter roundabout onto CR 5

125 ft · 2 sec · Kenwood Trail
8

Continue on CR 5

1.2 mi · 2 min · Kenwood Trail
Use the right lane.
9

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 23 sec
Toward I 35 North Use the right lane.
10

Merge onto I 35

2.6 mi · 2 min · I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Keep slight right at fork onto I 35E

16 mi · 18 min · I 35E
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
12

Keep slight left at fork onto I 35E

2.7 mi · 4 min · I 35E
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Keep slight left at fork onto I 35E

0.4 mi · 35 sec · I 35E
14

Merge onto I 35E; I 94

350 ft · 5 sec · Purple Heart Memorial Highway
15

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.
16

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.
17

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 35 sec
Exit 114 Toward I 35E North, I 694 East Use the slight right lane.
18

Merge onto I 694

0.8 mi · 59 sec · I 694
19

Keep slight left at fork onto I 35E

15 mi · 16 min · I 35E
Toward I 35E North: Duluth Use the slight left lane.
20

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 29 sec
Exit 129 Toward MN 97, CR 23 Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21

Keep slight right at fork

318 ft · 9 sec
Toward MN 97 East Use the right lane.
22

Turn straight onto CR 23

0.2 mi · 16 sec · Lake Drive Northeast
23

Continue on MN 97

1.6 mi · 2 min · Scandia Trail North
24

Continue on US 97

0.1 mi · 10 sec · Scanida Trail North
25

Enter roundabout onto US 61

238 ft · 3 sec · Scandia Trail North
26

Continue on US 61

0.3 mi · 21 sec · Scandia Trail North
27

Continue on US 97

0.4 mi · 37 sec · Scandia Trail North
28

Enter roundabout onto MN 97

129 ft · 2 sec · Scandia Trail North
29

Continue on MN 97

8.5 mi · 11 min · Scandia Trail North
30

Turn right onto CR 52

0.3 mi · 48 sec · Oakhill Road North
31

Turn left onto CH 3

168 ft · 6 sec · Olinda Trail North
32

Turn right

87 ft · 6 sec
33

Arrive at destination

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Little Canada, MN, MN

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Little Canada, MN

30 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

Eagan, MN

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 13 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Saint Paul, MN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 30.1 miles from Lakeville, 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.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 22

5 decision points cluster between mile 26.6 and 48.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
26.6 mi into trip | ~35m 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
31.8 mi into trip | ~41m 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
32.1 mi into trip | ~42m 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
8
48.3 mi into trip | ~1h in

Take the exit toward MN 97, CR 23

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 129 Toward MN 97, CR 23
8
48.6 mi into trip | ~1h in

Keep slight right at fork toward MN 97 East

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane. Toward MN 97 East

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$9.52 one way

$19.03 round trip

$4.02/gal 25.4 MPG avg 21 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.28 $10.13 $20.27
premium $4.85 $11.47 $22.94
diesel $5.60 $13.25 $26.50

No toll roads detected on this route.

Drive Cost (one way)

Fuel

$10

Estimated CO2 emission: 21 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-08-31.

Driving Electric?

About $6 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 18 0 $6.31 $2.88
Efficient EV 15 0 $5.26 $2.40
EV Truck/SUV 24 0 $8.41 $3.85

Gas CO2

21 kg

EV CO2

7 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 Aug 11, 2026

Origin

Lakeville, MN

Late night in Lakeville on Saturday

Local time

2:47 AM

CDT

Current temp

84°F

Mostly Sunny

E 0 to 5 mph 7% chance Live forecast

Destination

Scandia, MN

Late night in Scandia on Saturday

Local time

2:47 AM

CDT

Current temp

86°F

Mostly Sunny

ENE 0 to 5 mph 4% chance Live forecast

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

2 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 17m on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

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 primarily highway driving, with 72% of the 60.1 miles on interstates. You'll experience a continuous stretch of 39.4 miles on I 35E, offering a consistent cruising experience. Expect numerous exits and potential for merging traffic as you navigate these major roadways for the bulk of your trip. The transition from highway to surface roads will occur as you get closer to Scandia, indicating a shift to a more local driving environment.

72% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
33 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 39.4 mi on I 35E.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 35E and Scandia Trail North. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 26.6 miles in near I 35E.

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 60.1 miles you will encounter 22 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 26.6 miles (I 35E): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 31.8 miles (US 10): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 32.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Elevation Profile

Mostly flat terrain

1,047 ft 791 ft

Total Climb

365 ft

Total Descent

291 ft

Highest Point

1,047 ft

~4.3 mi in

Elevation Range

256 ft

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

On the drive from Lakeville, MN to Scandia, MN, road signs begin pointing toward Cr 23 along the way.

Cr 23

48.3 mi in | ~1h

About the Cities

Starting in Lakeville, MN

Full guide →

Founded 1850

Arriving in Scandia, MN

Full guide →

Top landmarks

  • Hay Lake School — school building in Scandia, United States of America
  • Johannes Erickson House — historic log cabin in Scandia, Minnesota, United States

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 17m. Total distance: 60.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 17m drive, comfortable solo distance.

EV Driver

0 DC fast chargers along the route. Coverage: unknown.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (72%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 39.4 miles on I 35E. 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 Scandia, 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 26.6 miles (I 35E): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 31.8 miles (US 10): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 32.1 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 Scandia, 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, 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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