Tamarack Wayside Rest
0 mi from route
Trip from Woodbury, MN to Benson, MN
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jun 3, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 12m
Distance
201.7 mi
325 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$33
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 59m
★
6 AM
4h 12m
8 AM
4h 39m
10 AM
4h 22m
12 PM
4h 19m
3 PM
4h 23m
5 PM
4h 37m
8 PM
4h 4m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Woodbury, MN
Wikimedia Commons
Benson, MN
Tom Fisk
Trip Overview
Woodbury, MN to Benson, MN is 201.7 miles and takes about 4h 12m via MN 23, with a fuel budget near $30 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This is a straightforward, highway-focused drive primarily within Minnesota, connecting two points in the Midwest. Given its manageable length and 90% highway share, it's a solid choice for a single-day trip. You'll spend most of your time on well-maintained roads, making for an efficient journey. Consider this route if you're looking for a practical way to get from point A to point B without significant detours or complex navigation.
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
100.8 miles from Woodbury, MN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 2m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| MN 23 | 75.9 mi | 1h 31m |
| State Highway 65 | 53.3 mi | 1h 7m |
| MN 9 | 35.8 mi | 47m |
| 2nd Street South | 18 mi | 22m |
| MN 210 | 16.9 mi | 20m |
| 4th Street Southwest | 0.9 mi | 1m |
| 10th Avenue South | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| Gisler Road | 0.2 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
MN 23
— 75.9 mi, about 1h 31m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Woodbury, MN and Benson, MN.
1
Start on CR 127
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
·
Gisler Road
2
Turn right onto MN 210
17 mi
·
20 min
·
MN 210
3
Turn left onto MN 65
53 mi
·
1 hr 7 min
·
State Highway 65
4
Turn right onto MN 23
33 mi
·
37 min
·
MN 23
5
Enter roundabout onto MN 23
125 ft
·
1 sec
·
MN 23
6
Continue on MN 23
19 mi
·
26 min
·
MN 23
Use the straight / right lanes.
7
Turn left onto 10th Avenue South
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
·
10th Avenue South
8
Turn right onto MN 23
18 mi
·
22 min
·
2nd Street South
Use the straight lane.
9
Continue on MN 23
0.1 mi
·
12 sec
·
4th Street West
10
Continue on MN 23
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
4th Street Southwest
11
Continue on MN 23
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
MN 23
12
Continue on MN 23
24 mi
·
27 min
·
MN 23
13
Turn right onto MN 9
36 mi
·
47 min
·
MN 9
14
Turn right onto US 12; MN 9
0.1 mi
·
27 sec
·
Atlantic Avenue
15
Turn left
132 ft
·
9 sec
16
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
With a total duration of just over 4 hours, this trip is easily achievable in a single day, allowing for flexibility in your departure time. Aiming to leave in the morning will give you ample daylight to complete the 201.7-mile drive. There's only one recommended stop, so plan your breaks strategically. Given the $30 fuel cost estimate, keep an eye on your gauge, especially during the longest stretch of 75.9 miles on MN 23, and refuel before you're running low. This route's highway focus means you can make good time, so don't feel pressured to rush; enjoy the steady progress.
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 100.8 miles from Woodbury, MN, or about 2h 2m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 75.9 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 44 miles or 54m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 100.8 miles or 2h 2m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 24m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Benson, MN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Woodbury, 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 Woodbury, MN
This is one driving day of about 201.7 miles and 4h 12m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 44 miles from Woodbury, 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 MN 23 for about 75.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
101 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 44 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 100.8 miles from Woodbury, MN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before MN 23 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 75.9 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.
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
MN-210: McGregor Rest Area
0.4 mi from route
Summerland Family Fun Park
4.4
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Around the midpoint, right off the route
Halfway reset
0.1 mi from route
Sauk Rapids, Minnesota
Hours: Closed
+13202510940
Visit websiteGranite City Jump
4.4
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour
Halfway reset
4.9 mi from route
~12 min detour
St Cloud, Minnesota
Hours: 10 am–8 pm
+13203422148
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 105 decision points cluster between mile 17.1 and 201.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
4
17.1 mi into trip
|
~21m in
|
MN 65 / State Highway 65
Turn left onto MN 65 / State Highway 65
Navigation decision point
4
70.4 mi into trip
|
~1h 28m in
|
MN 23
Turn right onto MN 23
Navigation decision point
5
103.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 5m in
|
MN 23
Enter roundabout onto MN 23
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
6
122 mi into trip
|
~2h 32m in
|
MN 23 / 2nd Street South
Turn right onto MN 23 / 2nd Street South
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
5
201.6 mi into trip
|
~4h 12m in
Turn left
Navigation decision point
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$33.11 one way
$66.23 round trip
$4.17/gal
25.4 MPG avg
71 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.46 | $35.42 | $70.83 |
| premium | $4.95 | $39.29 | $78.58 |
| diesel | $5.35 | $42.48 | $84.97 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$33
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$58–$83
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 70.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $21 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 60.5 | 0 | $21.18 | $9.68 |
| Efficient EV | 50.4 | 0 | $17.65 | $8.07 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 80.7 | 1 | $28.24 | $12.91 |
Gas CO2
71 kg
EV CO2
24 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.
Origin
Woodbury, MN
Afternoon in Woodbury on Wednesday
Local time
2:04 PM
CDT
Current temp
48°F
Mostly Cloudy
E 0 to 5 mph
1% chance
Live forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued June 1 at 2:20AM CDT by NWS Duluth MN
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued June 1 at 2:17AM CDT until June 1 at 10:00PM CDT by NWS Duluth MN
Destination
Benson, MN
Afternoon in Benson on Wednesday
Local time
2:04 PM
CDT
Current temp
57°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
ESE 10 mph
33% chance
Live forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued June 1 at 2:20AM CDT by NWS Duluth MN
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued June 1 at 2:17AM CDT until June 1 at 10:00PM CDT by NWS Duluth MN
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
9 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
4h 12m 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?
This drive is predominantly highway, with 90% of the journey on main roads like MN 23, State Highway 65, and MN 9. You can expect a consistent pace for much of the trip, with the longest uninterrupted stretch measuring 75.9 miles on MN 23. While largely highway-focused, be aware that there can be transitions between these main routes. The character is that of an efficient transit, allowing you to cover ground steadily. The road profile suggests a smooth experience suitable for maintaining a good speed.
90% 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: 75.9 mi on MN 23.
How Hard Is This Drive?
3/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on MN 23 and State Highway 65. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 17.1 miles in near MN 65 / State Highway 65.
Driving Effort
3/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a straightforward 4h 12m drive. You will face about 10 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 17.1 miles (MN 65 / State Highway 65): Navigation decision point; at 70.4 miles (MN 23): Navigation decision point; at 103.2 miles (MN 23): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,317 ft
999 ft
Total Climb
381 ft
Total Descent
653 ft
Highest Point
1,317 ft
Elevation Range
318 ft
About the Cities
Starting in Woodbury, MN
Full guide →Founded 1967
Woodbury is a suburban city in the Twin Cities of Minnesota.
Arriving in Benson, MN
Full guide →Top landmarks
- • Christ Episcopal Church — historic church building in Benson, Minnesota, United States
- • Swift County Courthouse
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 4h 12m. Total distance: 201.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 12m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (90%). Straightforward navigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 75.9 miles on MN 23. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 4 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.
Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.
The main spots that need attention: at 17.1 miles (MN 65 / State Highway 65): Navigation decision point; at 70.4 miles (MN 23): Navigation decision point; at 103.2 miles (MN 23): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering.
Possible but tiring. At 4.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.4 hours — manageable with a long break at Benson, 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, EIA for fuel prices, and USGS 3DEP for elevation. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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