Wilson, MN to Minneapolis, MN is 126.3 miles and takes about 2h 31m via US 52 and I 90, with a fuel budget near $19 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This highway-focused drive stays within Minnesota, traversing the Midwest region and making for a straightforward, single-day trip. With only one recommended stop and a high percentage of highway driving, this route is designed for efficiency. You'll find it a practical choice if you're looking to get from point A to point B without much fuss.
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
63.2 miles from Wilson, MN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 11m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 52
75.2 mi
1h 27m
I 90
19.7 mi
21m
MN 43
14.6 mi
16m
MN 55
9.7 mi
13m
Hiawatha Avenue
4.9 mi
9m
Washington Avenue South
0.4 mi
1m
South 3rd Street
0.2 mi
<1m
South 7th Street
0.2 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
US 52
— 75.2 mi, about 1h 27m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Wilson, MN and Minneapolis, MN.
1
Start on CR 12
338 ft·9 sec·County Road 12
2
Turn left onto MN 43
0.2 mi·20 sec·MN 43
3
Take the ramp onto MN 43
14 mi·15 min·MN 43
4
Continue on I 90
20 mi·21 min·I 90
5
Take the exit
0.3 mi·41 sec
Exit 218Toward US 52: Rochester
6
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi·14 sec
Toward US 52 North: Rochester
7
Merge onto US 52
9.7 mi·11 min·US 52
8
Continue on US 52; US 63
17 mi·19 min·US 52; US 63
9
Continue on US 52
9.1 mi·10 min·US 52
Use the straight lane.
10
Continue on US 52
40 mi·45 min·US 52
Use the straight lane.
11
Keep slight left at fork onto MN 55
9.3 mi·12 min·MN 55
Exit 121Toward MN 55 West: MinneapolisUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit onto MN 55
0.2 mi·23 sec·MN 55
Exit 115Toward MN 55 West: Minnehaha Avenue, Hiawatha AvenueUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight right at fork onto MN 55
0.3 mi·38 sec·MN 55
Toward MN 55 West: Hiawatha AvenueUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
14
Merge onto MN 55
4.9 mi·9 min·Hiawatha Avenue
Use the left lane.
15
Continue on South 7th Street
0.2 mi·16 sec·South 7th Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.5 mi·42 sec
Toward 3rd Street, Washington Avenue, University of MinnesotaUse the slight right lane.
17
Keep slight left at fork
459 ft·7 sec
Toward 3rd Street, Washington Avenue, University of Minnesota, West Bank
18
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·48 sec
Toward 3rd StreetUse the slight left lane.
19
Continue on South 3rd Street
0.2 mi·40 sec·South 3rd Street
20
Turn right onto Chicago Avenue South
409 ft·16 sec·Chicago Avenue South
21
Turn left onto CR 152
0.4 mi·1 min·Washington Avenue South
22
Arrive at destination
CR 152
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short duration of 2h 31m, this trip is easily manageable in a single day, allowing for flexibility in your departure time. Plan for one stop, perhaps around the halfway point, to stretch your legs or refuel. The longest stretch without a major road change is 75.2 miles on US 52, so consider having entertainment or snacks ready for that segment. With the fuel cost estimated at $19, it's a budget-friendly option, but always check current prices before you depart.
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 63.2 miles from Wilson, MN, or about 1h 11m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 75.2 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 28 miles or 30m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 63.2 miles or 1h 11m 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 58m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Minneapolis, MN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Wilson, 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 Wilson, MN
This is one driving day of about 126.3 miles and 2h 31m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 28 miles from Wilson, 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 52 for about 75.2 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 13
5 decision points cluster between mile 110 and 125.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
110 mi into trip|~2h 5m in|MN 55
Keep slight left at fork onto MN 55 toward MN 55 West: Minneapolis
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 121
Toward MN 55 West: Minneapolis
8
119.2 mi into trip|~2h 17m in|MN 55
Take the exit onto MN 55 toward MN 55 West: Minnehaha Avenue, Hiawatha Avenue
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 115
Toward MN 55 West: Minnehaha Avenue, Hiawatha A...
8
119.4 mi into trip|~2h 18m in|MN 55
Keep slight right at fork onto MN 55 toward MN 55 West: Hiawatha Avenue
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward MN 55 West: Hiawatha Avenue
7
124.7 mi into trip|~2h 28m in
Take the exit toward 3rd Street, Washington Avenue, University of Minnesota
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward 3rd Street, Washington Avenue, Universit...
7
125.3 mi into trip|~2h 28m in
Keep slight left at fork toward 3rd Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward 3rd Street
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$18.80 one way
$37.59 round trip
$3.78/gal25.4 MPG avg44 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.07
$20.25
$40.51
premium
$4.53
$22.54
$45.07
diesel
$5.61
$27.89
$55.77
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$19
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$44–$69
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 44.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $13 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
37.9
0
$13.26
$6.06
Efficient EV
31.6
0
$11.05
$5.05
EV Truck/SUV
50.5
0
$17.68
$8.08
Gas CO2
44 kg
EV CO2
15 kg (66% 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
Wilson, MN
Late night
in Wilson on Tuesday
Local time
4:38 AM
CDT
Current temp
41°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Minneapolis, MN
Late night
in Minneapolis on Tuesday
Local time
4:38 AM
CDT
Current temp
59°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
40°F
Vermillion, MN
63 mi in
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
18 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
2h 31m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly a highway-focused drive, with 94% of the journey taking place on major roads like US 52 and I 90. You'll experience long, uninterrupted stretches, including a significant 75.2-mile segment on US 52. Expect a consistent pace with minimal deviations, making it ideal for covering distance. The character of the drive is geared towards steady travel, with the landscape unfolding primarily from the convenience of these main arteries.
94% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 75.2 mi on US 52.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 52 and I 90. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 110 miles in near MN 55.
Driving Effort10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 126.3 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 110 miles (MN 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 119.2 miles (MN 55): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 119.4 miles (MN 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Minneapolis is a city of about 430,000 people (2019) and the largest city in Minnesota. Along with neighboring Saint Paul, it forms the urban core of the Twin Cities region, the third largest metropolitan area in the Midwest after Chicago and Detroit.
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 31m. Total distance: 126.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 31m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (94%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 75.2 miles on US 52. 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 Minneapolis, 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 110 miles (MN 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 119.2 miles (MN 55): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 119.4 miles (MN 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Minneapolis, MN before heading back.
