Origin
Turtle River, MN
Evening in Turtle River on Friday
Local time
5:38 PM
CDT
Current temp
47°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Turtle River, MN to Lakeville, MN
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Sep 11, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 13m
Distance
253.1 mi
407 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$41
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 0m
★
6 AM
5h 13m
8 AM
5h 40m
10 AM
5h 23m
12 PM
5h 20m
3 PM
5h 24m
5 PM
5h 39m
8 PM
5h 5m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Turtle River, MN
Tom Fisk
Lakeville, MN
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Turtle River to Lakeville is 253.1 miles and takes about 5h 13m via US 10 and State Highway 64, with a fuel budget near $40 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Minnesota, moving from the Midwest region to another part of the Midwest. You'll spend most of your time on highways, making for a relatively straightforward drive. With a total travel time under six hours, it's a manageable one-day trip if you get an early start.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
126.5 miles from Turtle River, MN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 39m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 10 | 86 mi | 1h 39m |
| State Highway 64 Southwest | 33.7 mi | 42m |
| State 64 | 28.6 mi | 35m |
| I 494 | 21.9 mi | 27m |
| I 94 | 21.1 mi | 22m |
| Washington Avenue South | 13.7 mi | 17m |
| Voyageur Highway | 11.2 mi | 14m |
| I 35W | 11.1 mi | 12m |
Longest stretch:
US 10
— 86 mi, about 1h 39m
Traffic on I-494
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 33 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~3,860 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~224 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
17.2×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 84 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 Turtle River, MN and Lakeville, MN.
1
Start on Main Avenue East
0.8 mi
·
3 min
·
Main Avenue East
2
Turn right onto CR 57
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Island View Drive Northeast
3
Turn left onto US 71
9.6 mi
·
11 min
·
Voyageur Highway
4
Enter roundabout onto US 71
120 ft
·
1 sec
·
Voyageur Highway
5
Continue on US 71
1.7 mi
·
2 min
·
Voyageur Highway
6
Merge onto US 2; US 71
4.5 mi
·
5 min
·
Paul Bunyan Expressway;Voyageur Highway
7
Take the exit onto US 71
0.4 mi
·
48 sec
·
US 71
Toward US 71 South, MN 197: Park Rapids, Bemidji
8
Turn right onto US 71
14 mi
·
17 min
·
Washington Avenue South
9
Continue on MN 200
4.6 mi
·
5 min
·
State Highway 200
10
Turn right onto MN 64
16 mi
·
19 min
·
State 64
11
At end of road, turn right onto MN 34; MN 64
0.6 mi
·
58 sec
·
Broadway Street East
12
Turn left onto MN 64
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Marie Avenue Southeast
13
Continue on MN 64
13 mi
·
16 min
·
State 64
14
Continue on MN 64; MN 87
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
State Highway 87 Southwest / State 64
15
Turn right onto MN 64
34 mi
·
42 min
·
State Highway 64 Southwest
16
At end of road, turn right onto MN 210
0.3 mi
·
20 sec
·
State Highway 210
17
At end of road, turn left onto US 10
60 mi
·
1 hr 8 min
·
US 10
Use the right lane.
18
Keep slight left at fork onto US 10
26 mi
·
30 min
·
US 10
19
Turn right onto 165th Avenue Southeast
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
165th Avenue Southeast
20
Continue on Park Boulevard Southeast
1.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Park Boulevard Southeast
21
Continue on County Road 11
0.7 mi
·
57 sec
·
County Road 11
22
Turn right onto MN 25
0.1 mi
·
11 sec
·
State Highway 25
23
Continue on MN 25
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
·
Pine Street
24
Turn left onto CR 75
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
Broadway Street East
25
Turn right onto CR 18
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
·
Fenning Avenue
26
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
54 sec
27
Merge onto I 94
21 mi
·
22 min
·
I 94
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
31 sec
Exit 216
Toward I 494 South
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Continue on I 494
22 mi
·
27 min
·
I 494
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
Exit 5B
Toward I 35W South: Albert Lea
Use the slight right lane.
31
Continue on this road
0.4 mi
·
50 sec
·
this road
Exit 5B
Toward I 35W South: Albert Lea
32
Merge onto I 35W
11 mi
·
12 min
·
I 35W
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
33
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
Exit 85
Toward CR 5, CR 50
Use the slight right lane.
34
Turn left onto CR 5
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
Kenwood Trail
Use the left / straight lanes.
35
Enter roundabout onto CR 5
127 ft
·
2 sec
·
Kenwood Trail /Richard J. Ames Memorial Highway
36
Continue on CR 5
2.2 mi
·
3 min
·
Kenwood Trail /Richard J. Ames Memorial Highway
37
Continue on CR 5
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
·
Kenwood Trai/Richard J. Ames Memorial Highway
38
Continue on CR 50
0.5 mi
·
48 sec
·
202nd Street West / Richard J. Ames Memorial Highway
Use the straight / right lanes.
39
Enter roundabout onto Holyoke Avenue
12 ft
·
0 sec
·
Holyoke Avenue
40
Continue on Holyoke Avenue
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Holyoke Avenue
41
Turn left onto 207th Street West
22 ft
·
0 sec
·
207th Street West
Use the left lane.
42
Arrive at destination
207th Street West
Trip Plan
Given the 5h 13m estimated drive time, leaving in the morning is your best bet for completing this trip in one day. Consider a brief stop around the halfway point to stretch your legs and refuel if needed. The longest stretch without a significant change in road type is 86 miles on US 10, so plan accordingly for any necessary breaks before or after that segment. With a fuel cost estimated around $40, it's a budget-friendly drive, but always check local gas prices before you depart.
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 126.5 miles from Turtle River, MN, or about 2h 39m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 86 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 56 miles or 1h 14m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 126.5 miles or 2h 39m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 15m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Lakeville, MN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Turtle River, 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 Turtle River, MN
This is one driving day of about 253.1 miles and 5h 13m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 56 miles from Turtle River, 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 10 for about 86 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
127 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 56 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 126.5 miles from Turtle River, MN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 10 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 86 miles.
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 255 decision points cluster between mile 11 and 253.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
11 mi into trip
|
~16m in
|
US 71 / Voyageur Highway
Enter roundabout onto US 71 / Voyageur Highway
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
7
214.3 mi into trip
|
~4h 23m in
Take the exit toward I 494 South
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 216
Toward I 494 South
7
236.7 mi into trip
|
~4h 51m in
Take the exit toward I 35W South: Albert Lea
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 5B
Toward I 35W South: Albert Lea
8
248.3 mi into trip
|
~5h 4m in
Take the exit toward CR 5, CR 50
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 85
Toward CR 5, CR 50
6
253.1 mi into trip
|
~5h 13m in
|
207th Street West
Turn left onto 207th Street West
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$41.31 one way
$82.63 round trip
$4.15/gal
25.4 MPG avg
89 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.46 | $44.46 | $88.92 |
| premium | $4.95 | $49.35 | $98.71 |
| diesel | $5.97 | $59.46 | $118.92 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$41
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$66–$91
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 88.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-09-07.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 75.9 | 0 | $26.58 | $12.15 |
| Efficient EV | 63.3 | 0 | $22.15 | $10.12 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 101.2 | 1 | $35.43 | $16.20 |
Gas CO2
89 kg
EV CO2
30 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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.
Destination
Lakeville, MN
Evening in Lakeville on Friday
Local time
5:38 PM
CDT
Current temp
51°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
5h 13m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
What kind of drive is this?
About 73% of this route is on highways. You'll have a long stretch of 86 miles on US 10, which offers a consistent cruising experience. The remaining portion will transition to state highways, likely bringing a more rural feel with fewer exits. Expect to notice the change from faster highway speeds to more local road conditions as you get closer to your destination.
73% 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: 86 mi on US 10.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 10 and State Highway 64 Southwest. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 11 miles in near US 71 / Voyageur Highway.
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 25 significant decision points across 253.1 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 11 miles (US 71 / Voyageur Highway): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 214.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 236.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,425 ft
829 ft
Total Climb
297 ft
Total Descent
650 ft
Highest Point
1,425 ft
~72.3 mi in
Elevation Range
596 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
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 Turtle River, MN to Lakeville, MN, road signs begin pointing toward Bemidji along the way.
Bemidji
17.1 mi in
|
~24m
|
via US 71
About the Cities
Arriving in Lakeville, MN
Full guide →Founded 1850
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 5h 13m. Total distance: 253.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 13m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (73%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 86 miles on US 10. 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 Lakeville, 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 11 miles (US 71 / Voyageur Highway): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 214.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 236.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.2 hours each way, a round trip means 10.4 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Lakeville, MN before the return drive.
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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