Origin
Detroit Lakes, MN
Afternoon in Detroit Lakes on Sunday
Local time
3:18 PM
CDT
Current temp
38°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Detroit Lakes, MN to Apple Valley, MN
Drive Time
4h 18m
Distance
218.6 mi
352 km
Drive Score
9/10
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 45m
10 AM
4h 28m
12 PM
4h 25m
3 PM
4h 29m
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.
Detroit Lakes, MN
Tom Fisk
Apple Valley, MN
Tom Fisk
Trip Overview
Traveling from Detroit Lakes to Apple Valley covers 218.6 miles across the Minnesota landscape, a journey that typically takes about 4 hours and 18 minutes. This route is perfectly manageable as a single-day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without the need for an overnight stay. You will primarily navigate via West Mason Avenue, US 10, and I-494 to reach the southern suburbs of the Twin Cities. With an estimated fuel cost of around $31, the drive is budget-friendly and straightforward for those moving between these two Midwest locations. Expect a consistent, mixed drive profile that keeps you moving efficiently through the state.
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
109.3 miles from Detroit Lakes, MN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 5m into the drive .
Drive Character
This trip offers a diverse driving experience, balancing local roads with major highway transit. You will spend roughly 53% of your time on highways, providing a reliable pace for the majority of the 218.6-mile trek. The longest single stretch occurs early on, covering 78.4 miles along West Mason Avenue before you transition onto US 10 and eventually I-494. As you progress toward Apple Valley, the road character shifts from the more open, local feel of the initial stretches to the higher-traffic flow of the interstate system. It is a functional, mixed-profile route that requires you to stay alert as highway density increases near the destination.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 23 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
West Mason Avenue is the longest continuous segment at about 78.4 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 44.5 miles in.
Route Complexity
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 218.6 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 44.5 miles: Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 183.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 209 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 12 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
44.5 mi into trip
|
~51m in
Enter roundabout
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
7
183.9 mi into trip
|
~3h 33m in
Take the exit toward I 494 South
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 216
Toward I 494 South
7
209 mi into trip
|
~4h 5m in
Take the exit toward MN 77 South
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 2C
Toward MN 77 South
8
209.3 mi into trip
|
~4h 5m in
Keep slight right at fork toward MN 77 South: Killebrew Drive
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left / none lanes.
Toward MN 77 South: Killebrew Drive
7
209.6 mi into trip
|
~4h 6m in
Keep slight right at fork toward MN 77 South
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
Toward MN 77 South
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| West Mason Avenue | 78.4 mi | 1h 29m |
| US 10 | 70.5 mi | 1h 21m |
| I 494 | 24.7 mi | 30m |
| I 94 | 21.1 mi | 22m |
| Cedar Avenue South | 8.6 mi | 10m |
| Ash Avenue Northwest | 7.3 mi | 8m |
| 165th Avenue Southeast | 1.8 mi | 2m |
| Broadway Street East | 1.5 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
West Mason Avenue
— 78.4 mi, about 1h 29m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Detroit Lakes, MN and Apple Valley, MN.
1
Start on CR 22
0.1 mi
·
31 sec
·
Washington Avenue
2
Turn right onto US 10
44 mi
·
50 min
·
US 10
3
Enter roundabout
103 ft
·
1 sec
4
Continue
66 ft
·
0 sec
5
Turn straight onto US 10
7.3 mi
·
8 min
·
Ash Avenue Northwest
6
Continue on US 10
78 mi
·
1 hr 29 min
·
West Mason Avenue
Use the none / right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork onto US 10
26 mi
·
30 min
·
US 10
8
Turn right onto 165th Avenue Southeast
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
165th Avenue Southeast
9
Continue on Park Boulevard Southeast
1.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Park Boulevard Southeast
10
Continue on County Road 11
0.7 mi
·
57 sec
·
County Road 11
11
Turn right onto MN 25
0.1 mi
·
11 sec
·
State Highway 25
12
Continue on MN 25
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
·
Pine Street
13
Turn left onto CR 75
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
Broadway Street East
14
Turn right onto CR 18
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
·
Fenning Avenue
15
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
54 sec
16
Merge onto I 94
21 mi
·
22 min
·
I 94
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
31 sec
Exit 216
Toward I 494 South
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Continue on I 494
25 mi
·
30 min
·
I 494
Use the none lane.
19
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
Exit 2C
Toward MN 77 South
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
Toward MN 77 South: Killebrew Drive
Use the straight / slight left / none lanes.
21
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi
·
55 sec
Toward MN 77 South
Use the none lane.
22
Merge onto MN 77
8.6 mi
·
10 min
·
Cedar Avenue South
Use the none lane.
23
Arrive at destination
CR 42
Trip Plan
Since the drive clocks in at just over four hours, you have plenty of flexibility to plan your departure time based on your personal schedule. Aiming for a mid-morning start can help you navigate the final highway portions of the trip with ease. With only one recommended stop, it is wise to select a location near the halfway mark to stretch your legs and refuel. Keep in mind that your $31 fuel budget assumes a steady pace, so plan accordingly if you anticipate heavy traffic on I-494. A great way to maximize your comfort is to tackle the 78.4-mile West Mason Avenue segment early, as this allows you to settle into the drive before hitting the busier, more complex highway interchanges later on.
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 109.3 miles from Detroit Lakes, MN, or about 2h 5m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 78.4 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 32m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 109.3 miles or 2h 5m 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 28m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Apple Valley, MN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Detroit Lakes, 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 Detroit Lakes, MN
This is one driving day of about 218.6 miles and 4h 18m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Detroit Lakes, 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 West Mason Avenue for about 78.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 109.3 mi from Detroit Lakes, MN · 2h 5m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
109 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 109.3 miles from Detroit Lakes, MN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before West Mason Avenue if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 78.4 miles.
Arriving in Apple Valley, MN
The final approach into Apple Valley, 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 Apple Valley, MN.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$31.27 one way
$62.53 round trip
$3.63/gal
25.4 MPG avg
77 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.92 | $33.75 | $67.49 |
| premium | $4.39 | $37.80 | $75.60 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $48.57 | $97.13 |
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: 76.5 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 | 65.6 | 0 | $22.95 | $10.49 |
| Efficient EV | 54.7 | 0 | $19.13 | $8.74 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 87.4 | 1 | $30.60 | $13.99 |
Gas CO2
76 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
Apple Valley, MN
Afternoon in Apple Valley on Sunday
Local time
3:18 PM
CDT
Current temp
55°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
37°F
Avon, MN
109 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 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 18m 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 Detroit Lakes, MN to Apple Valley, MN covers 218.6 miles and takes about 4h 18m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are West Mason Avenue, US 10, I 494. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 109.3 miles from Detroit Lakes, MN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $31.27 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 12 significant decision points across 218.6 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 44.5 miles: Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 183.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 209 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Detroit Lakes, MN to Apple Valley, MN does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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Return Trip
Apple Valley, MN to Detroit Lakes, MNPlan the drive back the other way.
219.1 mi
4h 17m
Continue From Apple Valley, MN
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