Origin
Apple Valley, MN
Afternoon in Apple Valley on Sunday
Local time
3:18 PM
CDT
Current temp
55°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Apple Valley, MN to Detroit Lakes, MN
Drive Time
4h 17m
Distance
219.1 mi
353 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$31
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 5m
★
6 AM
4h 18m
8 AM
4h 44m
10 AM
4h 27m
12 PM
4h 24m
3 PM
4h 28m
5 PM
4h 43m
8 PM
4h 10m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Apple Valley, MN
Tom Fisk
Detroit Lakes, MN
Tom Fisk
Trip Overview
Traveling from Apple Valley to Detroit Lakes spans 219.1 miles and typically takes about 4 hours and 17 minutes. Because this journey is well under five hours, it is perfectly manageable as a single-day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay. You will primarily navigate via I-494, I-94, and US 10 throughout your transit across the Minnesota Midwest. Expect to spend approximately $31 on fuel for the trek. This route offers a straightforward path between the suburbs and the lakes area, making it a practical choice for a quick getaway. Whether you are heading out for a weekend or a longer vacation, the efficiency of this highway-focused drive keeps your travel time predictable and your budget in check.
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
109.6 miles from Apple Valley, MN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 12m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a highly efficient experience, as 93% of this route consists of highway travel. The journey begins with interstate sections before transitioning onto US 10 for the majority of the distance. You will find yourself on a long, uninterrupted 156.1-mile stretch along US 10, which defines the core personality of this drive. While the road is designed for speed and consistency, it remains a quintessential Midwest highway trek. You won't encounter many technical curves or complex navigation, allowing you to settle into a steady rhythm behind the wheel as you move toward the northern part of the state.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 24 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 10 is the longest continuous segment at about 156.1 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 10 and I 494. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near CR 23 / Cedar Avenue.
Route Complexity
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 219.1 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: near the start (CR 23 / Cedar Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 9.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 18.5 miles (I 494; MN 5): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 14 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
CR 23 / Cedar Avenue
Turn right onto CR 23 / Cedar Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
7
9.5 mi into trip
|
~11m in
Take the exit toward I 494 West, MN 5 West
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward I 494 West, MN 5 West
6
18.5 mi into trip
|
~23m in
|
I 494; MN 5
Keep slight left at fork onto I 494; MN 5
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none / straight / right lanes.
8
34.4 mi into trip
|
~43m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 94 West: Saint Cloud
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 27
Toward I 94 West: Saint Cloud
6
174.6 mi into trip
|
~3h 26m in
Enter roundabout
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 10 | 156.1 mi | 3h |
| I 494 | 24.8 mi | 30m |
| I 94 | 22.6 mi | 24m |
| Cedar Avenue | 9.5 mi | 11m |
| 165th Avenue Southeast | 1.8 mi | 2m |
| Park Boulevard Southeast | 1.4 mi | 1m |
| Pine Street | 0.8 mi | 2m |
| County Road 11 | 0.7 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
US 10
— 156.1 mi, about 3h
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Apple Valley, MN and Detroit Lakes, MN.
1
Start on CR 42
35 ft
·
6 sec
·
County Road 42
2
Turn right onto CR 23
9.5 mi
·
11 min
·
Cedar Avenue
Use the left lane.
3
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
Toward I 494 West, MN 5 West
Use the right lane.
4
Merge onto I 494; MN 5
8.8 mi
·
11 min
·
I 494; MN 5
Use the none / straight / right lanes.
5
Keep slight left at fork onto I 494; MN 5
16 mi
·
19 min
·
I 494; MN 5
Use the none / straight / right lanes.
6
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi
·
49 sec
Exit 27
Toward I 94 West: Saint Cloud
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
7
Continue on I 94
17 mi
·
18 min
·
I 94
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight left at fork onto I 94
6.0 mi
·
6 min
·
I 94
9
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
52 sec
10
Turn right onto MN 25
0.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Pine Street
11
Continue on MN 25
0.1 mi
·
19 sec
·
State Highway 25
12
Turn left onto County Road 11
0.7 mi
·
53 sec
·
County Road 11
13
Continue on Park Boulevard Southeast
1.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Park Boulevard Southeast
14
Continue on 165th Avenue Southeast
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
165th Avenue Southeast
15
Turn left onto US 10
54 mi
·
1 hr 3 min
·
US 10
Use the none lane.
16
Keep slight left at fork onto US 10
38 mi
·
42 min
·
US 10
17
Turn straight onto US 10; MN 210
8.5 mi
·
9 min
·
US 10; MN 210
18
Continue on US 10; IC A
11 mi
·
12 min
·
US 10; IC A
19
Turn slight right
67 ft
·
2 sec
20
Enter roundabout
100 ft
·
1 sec
21
Continue
96 ft
·
1 sec
22
Turn straight onto US 10
44 mi
·
51 min
·
US 10
23
Turn left onto CR 22
0.1 mi
·
27 sec
·
Washington Avenue
24
Arrive at destination
CR 22
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 4-hour and 17-minute drive, try to depart early in the morning to avoid peak traffic near the metro area. While the route is short enough to drive straight through, planning for at least one stop will help you stay alert during the long 156.1-mile stretch on US 10. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the $31 estimated cost can fluctuate depending on your vehicle's efficiency and local gas prices. Because this is a highway-focused route, the main benefit is the flexibility to adjust your departure time based on your personal schedule. Consider keeping your snack and coffee supplies stocked before you leave Apple Valley to minimize the need for extra stops along the interstate.
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 109.6 miles from Apple Valley, MN, or about 2h 12m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 156.1 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 80 miles or 1h 37m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 109.6 miles or 2h 12m 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 32m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Detroit Lakes, MN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Apple Valley, 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 Apple Valley, MN
This is one driving day of about 219.1 miles and 4h 17m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Apple Valley, 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 156.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 109.6 mi from Apple Valley, MN · 2h 12m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
110 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 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 109.6 miles from Apple Valley, 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 156.1 miles.
Arriving in Detroit Lakes, MN
The final approach into Detroit Lakes, MN usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Detroit Lakes, MN.
After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$31.34 one way
$62.68 round trip
$3.63/gal
25.4 MPG avg
77 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.92 | $33.82 | $67.64 |
| premium | $4.39 | $37.89 | $75.77 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $48.68 | $97.35 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$31
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$56–$81
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 76.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 65.7 | 0 | $23.01 | $10.52 |
| Efficient EV | 54.8 | 0 | $19.17 | $8.76 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 87.6 | 1 | $30.67 | $14.02 |
Gas CO2
77 kg
EV CO2
26 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
Detroit Lakes, MN
Afternoon in Detroit Lakes on Sunday
Local time
3:18 PM
CDT
Current temp
38°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
37°F
Avon, MN
110 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
17 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 17m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Apple Valley, MN to Detroit Lakes, MN covers 219.1 miles and takes about 4h 17m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 10, I 494, I 94. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 109.6 miles from Apple Valley, MN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $31.34 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 219.1 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.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (CR 23 / Cedar Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 9.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 18.5 miles (I 494; MN 5): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Apple Valley, MN to Detroit Lakes, MN does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
Was this route helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Return Trip
Detroit Lakes, MN to Apple Valley, MNPlan the drive back the other way.
218.6 mi
4h 18m
Continue From Detroit Lakes, MN
More from Apple Valley, MN
More trips to Detroit Lakes, MN
Explore more options from Apple Valley, MN or browse trips ending in Detroit Lakes, MN.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse MN road trips.
Explore maps for Apple Valley, MN or Detroit Lakes, MN on MapSof.net.