Trip from Two Harbors, MN to Plymouth, MN

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 40m

Distance

187.7 mi

302 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 28m ★

6 AM

3h 41m

8 AM

4h 6m

10 AM

3h 50m

12 PM

3h 47m

3 PM

3h 51m

5 PM

4h 5m

8 PM

3h 33m

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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Two Harbors, MN

Tom Fisk

Plymouth, MN

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 191.1-mile drive from Two Harbors, MN, to Plymouth, MN, is designed for a single day, taking approximately 2 hours and 59 minutes. You'll navigate primarily using Waterfront Drive, 7th Avenue, and Highway 61, with no significant highway driving. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $27. Given its manageable length and the nature of the route, it’s a straightforward journey that doesn't require an overnight stop. Expect a more local and turn-heavy experience as you make your way through the Midwest.

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

93.8 miles from Two Harbors, MN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 51m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 35	132.1 mi	2h 24m
Highway 61	23.5 mi	32m
I 35W	14.7 mi	16m
I 694	4.9 mi	6m
42nd Avenue North	4.8 mi	8m
MN 100	3.3 mi	4m
Northwest Boulevard	1.6 mi	2m
7th Avenue	0.9 mi	2m

Longest stretch: I 35 — 132.1 mi, about 2h 24m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Two Harbors, MN and Plymouth, MN.

Start on 4th Avenue

71 ft · 5 sec · 4th Avenue

Turn right onto CR 20

0.2 mi · 36 sec · Waterfront Drive

Turn left onto MN 61

0.9 mi · 2 min · 7th Avenue

Use the straight lane.

Continue on MN 61

24 mi · 32 min · Highway 61

Turn left onto I 35

4.0 mi · 5 min · I 35

Keep slight left at fork onto I 35

128 mi · 2 hr 19 min · I 35

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork onto I 35W

15 mi · 16 min · I 35W

Toward I 35W: Minneapolis Use the straight / right lanes.

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min

Exit 26C Toward I 694 West Use the slight right lane.

Merge onto I 694

4.9 mi · 6 min · I 694

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min

Exit 35A Toward MN 100 Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on MN 100

3.3 mi · 4 min · MN 100

Use the straight / right lanes.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 30 sec

Exit 12A Toward CR 9: 42nd Avenue Use the straight / right lanes.

At end of road, turn left onto CR 9

4.8 mi · 8 min · 42nd Avenue North

Use the left lane.

Turn left onto CR 61

1.6 mi · 2 min · Northwest Boulevard

Use the left lane.

Turn right onto MN 55

0.3 mi · 28 sec · MN 55

Arrive at destination

MN 55

Trip Plan

For this 191.1-mile trip, consider an early morning departure from Two Harbors to maximize your daylight and minimize traffic as you approach Plymouth. With a duration of under three hours and an estimated fuel cost of $27, you have the flexibility to stop as needed, though only one stop is factored in. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as local roads can sometimes have fewer services than major highways. A good tip is to familiarize yourself with the specific turns on Waterfront Drive and 7th Avenue before you depart, as these initial segments set the tone for the 'turn-heavy' nature of this route.

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 93.8 miles from Two Harbors, MN, or about 1h 51m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 132.1 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 41 miles or 53m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 93.8 miles or 1h 51m 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 56m

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

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Two Harbors, 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 Two Harbors, MN

This is one driving day of about 187.7 miles and 3h 40m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 41 miles from Two Harbors, 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 132.1 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Rock Creek, 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.

Pacing Suggestions

Proctor, MN

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 41 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Finlayson, MN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 93.8 miles from Two Harbors, 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 132.1 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best meal stop · first break window

Duluth Coffee Company Coffee Shop & Roastery

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Duluth, Minnesota

Near the start, right off the route

First break · 32min in 0.1 mi from route $1 to $10

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+12182216643

Visit website

Sammy's Pizza & Restaurant - Downtown

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Duluth, Minnesota

0.4 mi

Adventure Zone Canal Park

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Duluth, Minnesota

0.4 mi

Best coffee break · first break window

Studio Café

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Duluth, Minnesota

Near the start, right off the route

First break · 32min in 0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour

Hours: 7:30 am–9 pm

Visit website

Louise's Place Cafe + Pantry Provisions

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Two Harbors, Minnesota

0.2 mi

Cedar Coffee Company

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Two Harbors, Minnesota

0.7 mi

Duluth Coffee Company Coffee Shop & Roastery

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

First break 0.1 mi from route $1 to $10

Duluth, Minnesota

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+12182216643

Visit website

Sammy's Pizza & Restaurant - Downtown

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

First break 0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Duluth, Minnesota

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+12187278551

Visit website

Adventure Zone Canal Park

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

First break 0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour

Duluth, Minnesota

Hours: 3–8 pm

+12187404000

Visit website

The Loch Café & Games

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Duluth, Minnesota

Hours: 8 am–9 pm

+12186061104

Visit website

Adagio's Pizza Factory

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $20 to $30

New Brighton, Minnesota

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+16512373486

Visit website

Phoever ❤️ Vietnamese Cuisine & Coffee

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Columbia Heights, Minnesota

Hours: 11 am–12 pm

+17632088754

Visit website

Don Goyo Restaurant Columbia Heights

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Columbia Heights, Minnesota

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+17637880299

Visit website

Perk Place Coffeehouse

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10

Duluth, Minnesota

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+12187307375

Visit website

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

First break 0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10

Duluth, Minnesota

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

Visit website

Northshore Coffee House

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour

Two Harbors, Minnesota

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+12188309851

Visit website

Wired Whisker

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Duluth, Minnesota

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+12184817107

Visit website

Gold Eagle Coffee Company

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10

Two Harbors, Minnesota

Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm

+12183405456

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

First break 0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour

Duluth, Minnesota

+12187227876

Visit website

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour

Two Harbors, Minnesota

+12183026166

Visit website

Fond-du-Luth Casino

3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

First break 0.1 mi from route

Duluth, Minnesota

Hours: 8 am–2 pm

+12187205100

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 10

5 decision points cluster between mile 28.6 and 180.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

28.6 mi into trip | ~40m in | I 35

Keep slight left at fork onto I 35

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

156.8 mi into trip | ~2h 59m 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

171.5 mi into trip | ~3h 15m in

Take the exit toward I 694 West

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 26C Toward I 694 West

176.9 mi into trip | ~3h 22m in

Take the exit toward MN 100

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 35A Toward MN 100

180.8 mi into trip | ~3h 28m in

Take the exit toward CR 9: 42nd Avenue

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

Use the straight / right lanes. Exit 12A Toward CR 9: 42nd Avenue

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$27.93 one way

$55.87 round trip

$3.78/gal 25.4 MPG avg 66 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.07	$30.10	$60.20
premium	$4.53	$33.49	$66.98
diesel	$5.61	$41.44	$82.88

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: 65.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

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

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	56.3	$19.71	$9.01
Efficient EV	46.9	$16.42	$7.51
EV Truck/SUV	75.1	$26.28	$12.01

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 20, 2026

Origin

Two Harbors, MN

Late night in Two Harbors on Tuesday

Local time

4:02 AM

CDT

Current temp

38°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Plymouth, MN

Late night in Plymouth on Tuesday

Local time

4:02 AM

CDT

Current temp

57°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

19 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 40m 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?

The character of this drive is predominantly local, featuring a 'turn-heavy' profile. With 0% highway share, you won't encounter long stretches of high-speed travel. Instead, anticipate a journey that involves more frequent turns and transitions through varied road types as you move from the North Shore area towards the Twin Cities metro. The longest uninterrupted stretch isn't specified, but the overall profile suggests a continuous engagement with the road rather than a monotonous cruise.

95% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.

16 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Longest single stretch: 132.1 mi on I 35.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 35 and Highway 61. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 28.6 miles in near I 35.

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 10 significant decision points across 187.7 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 28.6 miles (I 35): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 156.8 miles (I 35W): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 171.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

About the Cities

Arriving in Plymouth, MN

Full guide →

Founded 1852

Plymouth is a city located in the heart of Minnesota. This city is a place that has a good solid community and friendly people. Plymouth has a lot to offer both its residents and its travelers. They are known for having affordable housing, low crime rates and most importantly an active outdoor culture. Plymouth was also Money Magazine's best place to live in 2008. If Plymouth was ranked as the number one place to live, it must be a really great place to travel to as well.

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 3h 40m. Total distance: 187.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 40m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (95%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 132.1 miles on I 35. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes — we found about 9 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 Plymouth, 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. There are 9 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.

Possible but tiring. At 3.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.4 hours — manageable with a long break at Plymouth, 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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Trip from Two Harbors, MN to Plymouth, MN

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Stops Along Your Drive

Duluth Coffee Company Coffee Shop & Roastery

Studio Café

Duluth Coffee Company Coffee Shop & Roastery

Sammy's Pizza & Restaurant - Downtown

Adventure Zone Canal Park

The Loch Café & Games

Adagio's Pizza Factory

Phoever ❤️ Vietnamese Cuisine & Coffee

Don Goyo Restaurant Columbia Heights

Perk Place Coffeehouse

Studio Café

Louise's Place Cafe + Pantry Provisions

Cedar Coffee Company

White Pine Market

The Coffee Bar at Naturalight Co.

Northshore Coffee House

Wired Whisker

Gold Eagle Coffee Company

Forest Lake Rest Area

Goose Creek Rest Area

Thompson Hill Rest Area

Knife River Wayside Rest

Love's Travel Stop

General Andrews Rest Area

Kettle River Rest Area

Service Plaza

Culkin Rest Area

William A Irvin Museum

Aerial Lift Bridge

Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center

The Duluth and Iron Range Depot Museum

Historic Union Depot

Lake Superior Railroad Museum

Agate Bay Beach

Fond-du-Luth Casino

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Two Harbors, MN

Plymouth, MN

Same local time

19 degrees warmer at arrival

3h 40m on the road

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

About the Cities

Arriving in Plymouth, MN

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

Are there rest areas on this route?

Should I avoid arriving after dark?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

Explore More

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