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Trip from Mountain Iron, MN to Blaine, MN

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

Drive Time

3h 39m

Distance

188.9 mi

304 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$28

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min
4 AM
3h 27m ★
6 AM
3h 40m
8 AM
4h 5m
10 AM
3h 49m
12 PM
3h 46m
3 PM
3h 50m
5 PM
4h 4m
8 PM
3h 32m

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 Mountain Iron, MN, MN

Mountain Iron, MN

Tom Fisk

city in Anoka County, Minnesota, United States

Blaine, MN

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 188.9-mile drive from Mountain Iron, MN to Blaine, MN will take you approximately 3 hours and 39 minutes, making it a very manageable one-day trip. Primarily utilizing I-35, US-53, and MN-33, this route is heavily highway-focused, with 96% of the journey on these main arteries. With an estimated fuel cost of $28, it's an economical option for a quick getaway within Minnesota. You'll experience a classic Midwest drive, transitioning smoothly from northern to more central parts of the state. This straightforward journey is ideal for those looking for an efficient way to travel 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

94.5 miles from Mountain Iron, MN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 55m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 35 109.7 mi 1h 57m
US 53 42.9 mi 51m
MN 33 19.7 mi 26m
I 35W 7.8 mi 8m
109th Avenue Northeast 3.5 mi 5m
US 169 2.2 mi 3m
Mineral Avenue 1.1 mi 2m
Central Avenue Northeast 0.6 mi 1m
Longest stretch: I 35 — 109.7 mi, about 1h 57m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Mountain Iron, MN and Blaine, MN.

1

Start on Mesabi Avenue

26 ft · 3 sec · Mesabi Avenue
2

Turn right onto CR 708

0.2 mi · 28 sec · Main Street
3

Turn right onto CH 102

0.8 mi · 1 min · Mineral Avenue
4

At end of road, turn right onto CH 102

0.3 mi · 33 sec · Mineral Avenue
5

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 48 sec
6

Merge onto US 169

2.2 mi · 3 min · US 169
7

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 22 sec
Toward US 53 South Use the right lane.
8

Merge onto US 53

0.9 mi · 1 min · US 53
9

Continue on US 53

4.6 mi · 6 min · US 53
Use the straight lane.
10

Enter roundabout onto US 53

114 ft · 1 sec · US 53
11

Continue on US 53

37 mi · 43 min · US 53
Use the straight lane.
12

Take the exit onto MN 33

15 mi · 18 min · MN 33
Use the straight lane.
13

Continue on MN 33

3.9 mi · 7 min · MN 33
Use the straight lane.
14

Enter roundabout onto MN 33

77 ft · 1 sec · MN 33
Toward I 35 South
15

Continue on MN 33

0.5 mi · 40 sec · MN 33
Toward I 35 South
16

Merge onto I 35

110 mi · 1 hr 57 min · I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Keep slight right at fork onto I 35W

7.8 mi · 8 min · I 35W
Toward I 35W: Minneapolis Use the straight / right lanes.
18

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 40 sec
Exit 33 Toward CR 17: Lexington Avenue Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19

Turn right onto CR 17

0.5 mi · 58 sec · Lexington Avenue Northeast
Use the right lane.
20

Turn left onto 109th Avenue Northeast

3.5 mi · 5 min · 109th Avenue Northeast
21

Turn left onto MN 65

0.5 mi · 1 min · Central Avenue Northeast
22

Turn left onto MN 65

103 ft · 10 sec · Central Avenue Northeast
23

Arrive at destination

MN 65

Trip Plan

Given the 3-hour and 39-minute duration, this route is perfectly suited for a single-day trip. Aim to depart in the morning to take advantage of daylight and avoid potential evening traffic, especially as you approach Blaine. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in when and where you choose to stretch your legs. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the longest stretch without a significant change in main roads is over 100 miles. Planning your fuel stop before or around the 100-mile mark on I-35 would be a wise move, ensuring a smooth continuation of your 188.9-mile journey.

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 94.5 miles from Mountain Iron, MN, or about 1h 55m 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 42 miles or 52m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 94.5 miles or 1h 55m 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 59m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Mountain Iron, 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 Mountain Iron, MN

This is one driving day of about 188.9 miles and 3h 39m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 42 miles from Mountain Iron, 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 Cloquet, MN, MN

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Cloquet, MN

94 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.

Popular next leg

Cloquet, MN to Blaine, MN

125.1 mi · 2h 19m

Pacing Suggestions

Cloquet, MN

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 42 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Finlayson, MN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 94.5 miles from Mountain Iron, 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

Cabina Coffee

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Pine City, Minnesota

Later in the drive, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 135

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+13206295982

Visit website

Bearaboo Coffee Escape

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Cloquet, Minnesota

2.3 mi

Kaffe Stuga Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Harris, Minnesota

2.4 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Cairo Cafe

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Blaine, Minnesota

Near the end, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 188.9

Cabina Coffee

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 135

Pine City, Minnesota

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+13206295982

Visit website

Bearaboo Coffee Escape

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 67.5

Cloquet, Minnesota

Hours: 6:30 am–3 pm

+12188795051

Kaffe Stuga Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 148.5

Harris, Minnesota

Hours: 7:30 am–7 pm

+16516749958

Kunnari's Kitchen & Coffee House

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.4 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20

Virginia, Minnesota

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+12182488114

Visit website

Cairo Cafe

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 188.9

Blaine, Minnesota

Coffeesmith

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10 mile 175.4

Forest Lake, Minnesota

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+16513009039

Visit website

Miigwitches Brew

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10 mile 67.5

Cloquet, Minnesota

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+12189007959

Black Bear Golf Course

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 67.5

Cloquet, Minnesota

+12188782485

Visit website

Snake River Fur Post

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 135

Pine City, Minnesota

+13206296356

Visit website

United States Hockey Hall of Fame

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 13.5

Eveleth, Minnesota

Hours: Closed

+12187445167

Visit website

Gas station designed by Frank Lloyd Wright

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.4 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 67.5

Cloquet, Minnesota

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+12188792279

Discover the Range

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 13.5

Eveleth, Minnesota

Hours: 8 am–4 pm

+12187498161

Visit website

Golden Lake Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 188.9

Circle Pines, Minnesota

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+17637845898

Visit website

Joyer Adventure Farm at Waldoch Farm

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 175.4

Lino Lakes, Minnesota

+16517801207

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 16

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 184.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | CR 708 / Main Street

Turn right onto CR 708 / Main Street

Navigation decision point

7
3.8 mi into trip | ~6m in

Take the exit toward US 53 South

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

Use the right lane. Toward US 53 South
7
176.3 mi into trip | ~3h 22m 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
184.1 mi into trip | ~3h 31m in

Take the exit toward CR 17: Lexington Avenue

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 33 Toward CR 17: Lexington Avenue
6
184.4 mi into trip | ~3h 31m in | CR 17 / Lexington Avenue Northeast

Turn right onto CR 17 / Lexington Avenue Northeast

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$28.11 one way

$56.22 round trip

$3.78/gal 25.4 MPG avg 66 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.07 $30.29 $60.58
premium $4.53 $33.70 $67.41
diesel $5.61 $41.71 $83.41

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$28

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$53–$78

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 66.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $20 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 56.7 0 $19.83 $9.07
Efficient EV 47.2 0 $16.53 $7.56
EV Truck/SUV 75.6 0 $26.45 $12.09

Gas CO2

66 kg

EV CO2

22 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

Mountain Iron, MN

Night in Mountain Iron on Saturday

Local time

11:37 PM

CDT

Current temp

62°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Blaine, MN

Night in Blaine on Saturday

Local time

11:37 PM

CDT

Current temp

66°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

4 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

3h 39m 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 predominantly highway-focused experience on this 188.9-mile route. With 96% of your travel on main roads like I-35, US-53, and MN-33, the pace is generally brisk. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 109.7 miles on I-35, offering a consistent cruising experience. While it's a highway-centric drive, the change in road numbers as you progress will keep the journey dynamic. You'll likely find a mix of open highway and sections that, while still on major routes, might offer different surrounding landscapes as you head south.

96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
23 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 US 53. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near CR 708 / Main Street.

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 16 significant decision points across 188.9 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: near the start (CR 708 / Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 3.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 176.3 miles (I 35W): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 39m. Total distance: 188.9 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 39m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (96%). 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.

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

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 Blaine, 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: near the start (CR 708 / Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 3.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 176.3 miles (I 35W): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 3.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.3 hours — manageable with a long break at Blaine, MN, but most travelers stay overnight.

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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