Saint Cloud, MN to Young America (historical), MN is 70.3 miles and takes about 1h 42m via State Highway 25 and I 94, with a fuel budget near $11 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Midwest region, connecting two points in Minnesota. Given its short duration and mostly highway profile, this route is ideal for a single-day excursion when you need to get from point A to B efficiently. You'll spend most of your time on major roads, making it a straightforward drive.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
35.2 miles from Saint Cloud, MN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 45m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
State Highway 25
30.7 mi
46m
I 94
22.1 mi
23m
Roosevelt Road
3.9 mi
6m
State Highway 5
1.9 mi
2m
Captain Jeffrey Vollmer Memorial Highway
1.5 mi
2m
US 12
1.3 mi
1m
18th Street
1.2 mi
1m
Southeast Ahern Avenue
0.8 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
State Highway 25
— 30.7 mi, about 46m
Traffic on I-94
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 4 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,192 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,420
Quietest
2 AM
~120 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
9.9×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 33 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 Saint Cloud, MN and Young America (historical), MN.
1
Start on Courthouse Square
270 ft·13 sec·Courthouse Square
2
Turn right onto 1st Street North
215 ft·14 sec·1st Street North
3
Turn left onto 9th Avenue North
399 ft·13 sec·9th Avenue North
4
Turn right onto West Saint Germain Street
0.5 mi·1 min·West Saint Germain Street
5
Turn left onto Washington Memorial Drive
0.7 mi·1 min·Washington Memorial Drive
6
Turn left onto CR 75
3.9 mi·6 min·Roosevelt Road
7
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·49 sec
8
Merge onto I 94
22 mi·23 min·I 94
9
Take the exit
0.4 mi·51 sec
10
Turn right onto MN 25
7.5 mi·10 min·State Highway 25
Use the straight lane.
11
Continue on MN 25
1.5 mi·2 min·State Highway 25
Use the straight lane.
12
Continue on MN 25; CR 35
0.2 mi·26 sec·Central Avenue
Use the straight lane.
13
Enter roundabout onto MN 25; CR 35
111 ft·6 sec·Central Avenue
14
Continue on MN 25; CR 35
0.5 mi·1 min·Central Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
15
Continue on MN 25
0.7 mi·1 min·Lake Boulevard South
16
Continue on MN 25
0.1 mi·21 sec·MN 25
Use the straight lane.
17
Enter roundabout onto MN 25
92 ft·5 sec·State Highway 25
18
Continue on MN 25
0.3 mi·25 sec·State Highway 25
19
Continue on MN 25
0.8 mi·1 min·Southeast Ahern Avenue
Use the straight / left lanes.
20
Continue on MN 25
5.7 mi·7 min·State Highway 25
Use the straight lane.
21
At end of road, turn right onto US 12; MN 25
0.3 mi·20 sec·60th Street Southeast
22
Merge onto US 12; MN 25
1.3 mi·1 min·US 12; MN 25
23
Continue on US 12; MN 25
0.5 mi·1 min·Nelson Boulevard
24
Turn left onto MN 25
0.4 mi·52 sec·Buffalo Avenue South
25
Continue on MN 25
6.8 mi·9 min·State Highway 25
26
Continue on MN 25
1.2 mi·1 min·18th Street
27
Turn right onto MN 25; CR 10
0.2 mi·19 sec·Jefferson Avenue Northwest
28
Continue on MN 25
0.7 mi·1 min·Jefferson Avenue Southwest
29
Continue on MN 25
3.8 mi·6 min·State Highway 25
30
Enter roundabout onto MN 25
164 ft·2 sec·Captain Jeffrey Vollmer Memorial Highway
31
Continue on MN 25
1.3 mi·1 min·Captain Jeffrey Vollmer Memorial Highway
32
Enter roundabout onto MN 25
115 ft·2 sec·Captain Jeffrey Vollmer Memorial Highway
33
Continue on MN 25
0.2 mi·19 sec·Captain Jeffrey Vollmer Memorial Highway
34
Continue on MN 25
0.3 mi·29 sec·Ash Avenue North/Captain Jeffrey Vollmer Memorial Highway
35
Continue on MN 25
0.5 mi·59 sec·Ash Avenue South
36
Continue on MN 25
5.3 mi·9 min·State Highway 25
37
At end of road, turn right onto MN 5; MN 25
1.9 mi·2 min·State Highway 5
38
Turn left onto CR 34
0.2 mi·31 sec·1st Street Northwest
39
Turn right onto CR 34
253 ft·12 sec·North Central Avenue
40
Turn left onto CR 34
0.1 mi·23 sec·Main Street East
41
Turn right onto Southeast 2nd Avenue
196 ft·8 sec·Southeast 2nd Avenue
42
Arrive at destination
Southeast 2nd Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the short 1h 42m duration, this is a flexible same-day trip. You could depart anytime in the morning or afternoon and still have ample time. There are no designated stops in the data, so plan your own breaks as needed, perhaps around the halfway mark to stretch your legs. With a fuel cost estimated at $11, you won't need to worry too much about budgeting for gas, but it's always wise to start with a full tank. Keep an eye on your GPS for the transition off I 94 onto Roosevelt Road, as this marks the final approach to Young America.
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.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 35.2 miles from Saint Cloud, MN, or about 45m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 30.7 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 15 miles or 21m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 35.2 miles or 45m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 24m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Young America (historical), MN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Saint Cloud, MN so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Saint Cloud, MN
This is one driving day of about 70.3 miles and 1h 42m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 15 miles from Saint Cloud, MN.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on State Highway 25 for about 30.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 22
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 38.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0.1 mi into trip|~0m in|1st Street North
Turn right onto 1st Street North
Navigation decision point
5
0.1 mi into trip|~0m in|9th Avenue North
Turn left onto 9th Avenue North
Navigation decision point
5
28.1 mi into trip|~35m in|MN 25 / State Highway 25
Turn right onto MN 25 / State Highway 25
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
5
37.2 mi into trip|~49m in|MN 25; CR 35 / Central Avenue
Enter roundabout onto MN 25; CR 35 / Central Avenue
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
5
38.6 mi into trip|~53m in|MN 25 / State Highway 25
Enter roundabout onto MN 25 / State Highway 25
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$11.54 one way
$23.08 round trip
$4.17/gal25.4 MPG avg25 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.46
$12.34
$24.69
premium
$4.95
$13.69
$27.39
diesel
$5.35
$14.81
$29.61
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$12
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$37–$62
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 24.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $7 in charging
· 0 stops
· 68% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
21.1
0
$7.38
$3.37
Efficient EV
17.6
0
$6.15
$2.81
EV Truck/SUV
28.1
0
$9.84
$4.50
Gas CO2
25 kg
EV CO2
8 kg (68% 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 May 30, 2026
Origin
Saint Cloud, MN
Afternoon
in Saint Cloud on Wednesday
Local time
4:29 PM
CDT
Current temp
62°F
Mostly Cloudy
0 mph4% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Young America (historical), MN
Afternoon
in Young America (historical) on Wednesday
Local time
4:29 PM
CDT
Current temp
64°F
Mostly Cloudy
SE 0 to 5 mph4% chanceLive 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
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 42m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route features a high proportion of highway driving, with 80% of the 70.3 miles on major roads like I 94. You'll experience a significant stretch of 30.7 miles on State Highway 25 before transitioning to other routes. Expect a familiar highway feel for most of the trip, with the potential for merging traffic as you approach more populated areas.
80% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
42 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 30.7 mi on State Highway 25.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on State Highway 25 and I 94. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near 1st Street North.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 70.3 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 0.1 miles (1st Street North): Navigation decision point; at 0.1 miles (9th Avenue North): Navigation decision point; at 28.1 miles (MN 25 / State Highway 25): Lane positioning matters here.
Saint Cloud is a city in Central Minnesota with a population of 68,000 (2018). Although it may have few attractions to draw the tourist, it is a nexus of medical advances, particularly in orthopedics (St. Cloud Orthopedics Associates, for example). It is also a college town as it is home to St. Cloud State University and St Cloud Technical College. The College of St. Benedict and St. John's University are nearby.
Top landmarks
•Michael Majerus House — House in St. Cloud, Minnesota, United States
•Carter Block — building in St. Cloud, Minnesota, United States
•First National Bank — historic bank building in St. Cloud, Minnesota, United States
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 42m. Total distance: 70.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 42m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (80%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 30.7 miles on State Highway 25. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 5 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 Young America (historical), 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 0.1 miles (1st Street North): Navigation decision point; at 0.1 miles (9th Avenue North): Navigation decision point; at 28.1 miles (MN 25 / State Highway 25): Lane positioning matters here.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Young America (historical), MN before heading back.
