Trip from Co on Rapids, MN to Grant, MN

Drive Time

4h 3m

Distance

207.1 mi

333 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$30

one way

EV Charging

Loading...

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
3h 51m ★
6 AM
4h 4m
8 AM
4h 30m
10 AM
4h 13m
12 PM
4h 10m
3 PM
4h 14m
5 PM
4h 29m
8 PM
3h 56m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Downtown Co on Rapids, MN, MN

Co on Rapids, MN

Tom Fisk

Downtown Grant, MN, MN

Grant, MN

Tom Fisk

Trip Overview

If you are planning a trip from Coon Rapids to Grant, you are looking at a 207.1-mile journey that typically takes about 4 hours and 3 minutes to complete. This route is designed for a single day of travel, making it an efficient choice if you want to reach your destination without the hassle of an overnight stay. You will primarily navigate via I-35, US-53, and MN-33, keeping you on major thoroughfares for nearly the entire trip. With an estimated fuel cost of $30, it is a budget-friendly option for those staying within the Midwest. Because the drive is straightforward and manageable in one sitting, it works perfectly for a quick getaway or a necessary transit day. Expect a reliable, highway-focused experience that prioritizes speed and directness over winding backroads.

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

103.6 miles from Co on Rapids, MN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 54m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a highly efficient drive, as 97% of this route consists of highway travel. The personality of this trip is defined by its consistency, relying heavily on major arteries to move you quickly through the region. You will encounter your longest uninterrupted stretch along I-35, which spans 105 miles of the journey. Because this is a highway-focused drive, you can anticipate a steady pace behind the wheel with very few technical road transitions. While the route is largely monotonous, the reliance on high-speed roads ensures that your travel time remains predictable and steady from start to finish.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 20 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 35 is the longest continuous segment at about 105 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 35 and US 53. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 2.7 miles in.

Route Complexity 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 207.1 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 2.7 miles: Navigation decision point; at 2.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 3 miles (US 10): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 18 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

5
2.7 mi into trip | ~5m in

Take the ramp toward US 10 East

Navigation decision point

Toward US 10 East
8
2.8 mi into trip | ~5m in

Keep slight left at fork toward US 10 East

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward US 10 East
5
3 mi into trip | ~6m in | US 10

Merge onto US 10

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
7
7.3 mi into trip | ~10m in

Take the exit toward I 35W North: Duluth

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

Use the straight / slight left lanes. Exit 236 Toward I 35W North: Duluth
5
8.1 mi into trip | ~12m in | I 35W

Merge onto I 35W

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the none lane.

Towns Along This Route

On the drive from Co on Rapids, MN to Grant, MN, road signs begin pointing toward Iron Range along the way.

Iron Range

129.5 mi in | ~2h 22m | via MN 33

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 35 105 mi 1h 52m
US 53 42.9 mi 51m
MN 33 19.8 mi 26m
I 35W 16.5 mi 17m
US 169 13 mi 15m
US 10 4.2 mi 4m
East River Road 1.4 mi 2m
Foley Boulevard 1.2 mi 2m
Longest stretch: I 35 — 105 mi, about 1h 52m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Co on Rapids, MN and Grant, MN.

1

Start on Mississippi Boulevard Northwest

0.1 mi · 30 sec · Mississippi Boulevard Northwest
2

Turn left onto CR 1

1.4 mi · 2 min · East River Road
Use the none lane.
3

Turn right onto Foley Boulevard

1.2 mi · 2 min · Foley Boulevard
4

Take the ramp

154 ft · 3 sec
Toward US 10 East
5

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 35 sec
Toward US 10 East Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6

Merge onto US 10

4.2 mi · 4 min · US 10
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
7

Take the exit

0.8 mi · 1 min
Exit 236 Toward I 35W North: Duluth Use the straight / slight left lanes.
8

Merge onto I 35W

16 mi · 17 min · I 35W
Use the none lane.
9

Keep slight left at fork onto I 35

105 mi · 1 hr 52 min · I 35
10

Take the exit onto MN 33

0.6 mi · 58 sec · MN 33
Toward MN 33: Cloquet, Iron Range
11

Enter roundabout onto MN 33

127 ft · 1 sec · MN 33
12

Continue on MN 33

19 mi · 25 min · MN 33
Use the straight lane.
13

Take the exit onto MN 33

0.4 mi · 29 sec · MN 33
14

Merge onto US 53

37 mi · 43 min · US 53
Use the none lane.
15

Enter roundabout onto US 53

113 ft · 1 sec · US 53
16

Continue on US 53

5.5 mi · 8 min · US 53
Use the straight lane.
17

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 35 sec
Toward US 169: Hibbing
18

Turn left onto US 169

13 mi · 15 min · US 169
Use the straight / left lanes.
19

Turn right

1.7 mi · 6 min
20

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Since this is a 4-hour drive, you have the flexibility to depart whenever suits your schedule, though leaving early in the morning can help you avoid any unexpected traffic. You should plan for at least one stop during your 207.1-mile trek to stretch your legs and refresh, as the long stretches on I-35 can become fatiguing. Keep your budget in mind, as the $30 fuel estimate is based on standard driving conditions; having a little extra set aside is always a wise move. Given that the route is almost entirely highway-based, check your tire pressure before leaving to ensure a smooth, fuel-efficient ride. Taking advantage of the single planned stop will help you arrive in Grant feeling recharged rather than worn down by the interstate grind.

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 103.6 miles from Co on Rapids, MN, or about 1h 54m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 105 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 29m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 103.6 miles or 1h 54m 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 13m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Co on Rapids, 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 Co on Rapids, MN

This is one driving day of about 207.1 miles and 4h 3m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Co on Rapids, 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 105 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 103.6 mi from Co on Rapids, MN · 1h 54m into the drive

Downtown Cloquet, MN, MN

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Cloquet, MN

104 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

Finlayson, MN

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Finlayson, MN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 103.6 miles from Co on Rapids, 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 105 miles.

Arriving in Grant, MN

The final approach into Grant, 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 Grant, 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

$29.62 one way

$59.24 round trip

$3.63/gal 25.4 MPG avg 73 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $3.92 $31.97 $63.94
premium $4.39 $35.81 $71.62
diesel $5.64 $46.01 $92.02

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$30

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$55–$80

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 72.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $22 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 62.1 0 $21.75 $9.94
Efficient EV 51.8 0 $18.12 $8.28
EV Truck/SUV 82.8 1 $28.99 $13.25

Gas CO2

72 kg

EV CO2

24 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 data refreshed 3 days ago

Origin

Co on Rapids, MN

Afternoon in Co on Rapids on Sunday

Local time

4:33 PM

CDT

Current temp

40°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Grant, MN

Afternoon in Grant on Sunday

Local time

4:33 PM

CDT

Current temp

35°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

5 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 3m 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 Co on Rapids, MN to Grant, MN covers 207.1 miles and takes about 4h 3m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 35, US 53, MN 33. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 103.6 miles from Co on Rapids, MN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $29.62 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 18 significant decision points across 207.1 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: at 2.7 miles: Navigation decision point; at 2.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 3 miles (US 10): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Co on Rapids, MN to Grant, MN, road signs begin pointing toward Iron Range along the way.

Was this route helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

More trips to Grant, MN

Explore more options from Co on Rapids, MN or browse trips ending in Grant, MN.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse MN road trips.

Explore maps for Co on Rapids, MN or Grant, MN on MapSof.net.