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Trip from Maple Grove, MN to Cottonwood, 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 59m

Distance

139.9 mi

225 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$21

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 21m
8 PM
2h 53m

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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city in Hennepin County, Minnesota, United States

Maple Grove, MN

Wikimedia Commons

city in Lyon County, Minnesota, United States

Cottonwood, MN

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 139.9-mile journey from Maple Grove, MN, to Cottonwood, MN, is a manageable one-day road trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 59 minutes. Primarily utilizing US 212 West and Highway 212, the drive offers a straightforward path through the Midwest. With a projected fuel cost of around $20, this route is budget-friendly for a single day's adventure. The route's profile suggests a turn-heavy local drive, so be prepared for more engaged navigation rather than a monotonous interstate cruise. This makes it ideal for those who enjoy a bit more interaction with the road.

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

70 miles from Maple Grove, MN

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

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US Highway 212 71.8 mi 1h 34m
US 212 37.5 mi 44m
State Highway 23/67 14.9 mi 18m
I 494 13.7 mi 17m
Barstad Road 0.6 mi 1m
Bass Lake Road 0.5 mi <1m
390th Street 0.1 mi <1m
Main Street <0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: US Highway 212 — 71.8 mi, about 1h 34m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on CR 10

0.5 mi · 54 sec · Bass Lake Road
2

Take the ramp

293 ft · 7 sec
Toward I 494 South Use the right lane.
3

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 35 sec
Toward I 494 South Use the straight / slight right lanes.
4

Merge onto I 494

14 mi · 17 min · I 494
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 59 sec
Exit 11C Toward MN 5 West, US 212 West Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6

Merge onto US 212; MN 5

1.1 mi · 1 min · US 212; MN 5
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Keep slight left at fork onto US 212

36 mi · 43 min · US 212
Use the slight left lane.
8

Enter roundabout onto US 212

145 ft · 2 sec · US Highway 212
9

Continue on US 212

72 mi · 1 hr 34 min · US Highway 212
10

Turn left onto MN 23; MN 67

15 mi · 18 min · State Highway 23/67
11

Turn right onto CR 10

0.1 mi · 20 sec · 390th Street
12

At end of road, turn left onto CR 32

0.6 mi · 1 min · Barstad Road
13

Turn right onto CR 10

455 ft · 12 sec · Main Street
14

Arrive at destination

CR 10

Trip Plan

Given the 2 hour and 59-minute duration, this trip is perfectly suited for a single day. Consider departing in the morning to allow ample time for the one stop suggested and to appreciate the local driving experience. Since the route involves frequent turns, staying alert and keeping your navigation handy is key. The estimated fuel cost of $20 means you won't need extensive refueling stops, but it's always wise to top off before you leave Maple Grove. This route's flexibility means you can depart at your convenience, but an earlier start will make for a more relaxed drive.

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 70 miles from Maple Grove, MN, or about 1h 27m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 71.8 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 31 miles or 38m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 70 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 26m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Maple Grove, 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 Maple Grove, MN

This is one driving day of about 139.9 miles and 2h 59m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 31 miles from Maple Grove, 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 US Highway 212 for about 71.8 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Lester Prairie, MN, MN

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Lester Prairie, MN

70 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

Jordan, MN

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 31 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Hutchinson, MN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 70 miles from Maple Grove, MN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before US Highway 212 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 71.8 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 Coffee Stop

Munkabeans Coffeehouse

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Hopkins, Minnesota

Near the start, short detour

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

Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm

+19529389056

Visit website

Mallards Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour Moderately mile 20

Shakopee, Minnesota

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+19528557779

Visit website

Lynde’s Restaurant & Catering

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

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

Osseo, Minnesota

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+17634243696

Visit website

Munkabeans Coffeehouse

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

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

Hopkins, Minnesota

Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm

+19529389056

Visit website

Playground Plaza

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour

Maple Grove, Minnesota

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+17632283833

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 0.5 and 16 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
0.5 mi into trip | ~0m in

Take the ramp toward I 494 South

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane. Toward I 494 South
8
0.5 mi into trip | ~1m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 494 South

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 494 South
5
0.8 mi into trip | ~1m in | I 494

Merge onto I 494

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
14.5 mi into trip | ~18m in

Take the exit toward MN 5 West, US 212 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 11C Toward MN 5 West, US 212 West
6
16 mi into trip | ~21m in | US 212

Keep slight left at fork onto US 212

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$20.82 one way

$41.64 round trip

$3.78/gal 25.4 MPG avg 49 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.07 $22.43 $44.87
premium $4.53 $24.96 $49.92
diesel $5.61 $30.89 $61.78

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$21

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$46–$71

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 48.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 42 0 $14.69 $6.72
Efficient EV 35 0 $12.24 $5.60
EV Truck/SUV 56 0 $19.59 $8.95

Gas CO2

49 kg

EV CO2

16 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

Maple Grove, MN

Late night in Maple Grove on Sunday

Local time

3:06 AM

CDT

Current temp

46°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Cottonwood, MN

Late night in Cottonwood on Sunday

Local time

3:06 AM

CDT

Current temp

46°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

Very similar conditions

Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.

Road read

2h 59m 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 drive characterized by numerous turns, indicating a more engaging and less predictable route than a typical interstate. With a 0% highway share, this journey prioritizes local roads and highways, offering a different driving experience. While there isn't a defined 'longest stretch' of uninterrupted driving, the turn-heavy nature means you'll be actively navigating for most of the trip. This profile suggests a route that winds through communities and varied landscapes rather than a straight, high-speed dash.

99% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
14 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 71.8 mi on US Highway 212.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US Highway 212 and US 212. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.5 miles in.

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 139.9 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 0.5 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 0.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 0.8 miles (I 494): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

About the Cities

Starting 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 59m. Total distance: 139.9 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 59m 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 71.8 miles on US Highway 212. 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 Cottonwood, 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 0.5 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 0.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 0.8 miles (I 494): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Cottonwood, 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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Return Trip

Cottonwood, MN to Maple Grove, MN

Plan the drive back the other way.

140.6 mi 3h

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