Origin
Maple Grove, MN
Afternoon in Maple Grove on Sunday
Local time
3:24 PM
CDT
Current temp
39°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Maple Grove, MN to Big Lake, MN
Drive Time
37m
Distance
29.3 mi
47 km
Drive Score
6/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$4
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 34m
★
6 AM
0h 38m
8 AM
0h 44m
10 AM
0h 40m
12 PM
0h 39m
3 PM
0h 40m
5 PM
0h 44m
8 PM
0h 36m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Maple Grove, MN
Tom Fisk
Big Lake, MN
Tom Fisk
Trip Overview
If you are planning a quick excursion from Maple Grove to Big Lake, expect a straightforward 29.3-mile journey that typically takes about 37 minutes. This route stays entirely within the Minnesota Midwest, making it a perfect candidate for a single-day trip. You will spend your time navigating a combination of I-494 North, I-94 West, and Pine Street. With a modest fuel budget of $4, this drive is as economical as it is efficient. Because the transit time is so brief, you will not need to worry about overnight accommodations or complex logistics. It is an ideal option for those who prefer a manageable trip without the fatigue of a long-distance haul.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
14.7 miles from Maple Grove, MN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 18m into the drive .
Drive Character
This trip is best described as a turn-heavy local drive rather than a high-speed interstate cruise. You will find that the highway percentage is essentially zero, as the route relies on a mix of thoroughfares and local streets to get you to your destination. There is no long, monotonous stretch of highway to zone out on, as the longest segment on I-494 North is non-existent in terms of a sustained, uninterrupted run. Instead, you should prepare for a more hands-on driving experience where you will be navigating various turns and transitions. Expect the pace to feel consistent as you move from the suburban environment of Maple Grove into the setting of Big Lake.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 13 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 494 North is one of the defining roads on this drive.
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. Navigation is very simple — set it and forget it for most of the drive.
Route Complexity
1/10
Very easy - short and simple to drive
The drive from Maple Grove, MN to Big Lake, MN is easy. At 37m with 0% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
Where does it get tricky?
This route does not have any notably tricky sections. Most of the drive from Maple Grove, MN to Big Lake, MN is straightforward, with well-signed roads and simple exits.
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 494 North | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| I 94 West | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| Pine Street | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| Highway 25 | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| Jefferson Boulevard | Unavailable | Refreshing |
Per-road distance and duration are being refreshed from OSRM for this route.
Longest stretch:
I 494 North
— detailed segment metrics are refreshing.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Maple Grove, MN and Big Lake, MN.
1
Start on Bass Lake Road
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Bass Lake Road
2
Turn left onto I 494 North
315 ft
·
10 sec
·
I 494 North
3
Keep slight left to continue on I 494 North
0.3 mi
·
45 sec
·
I 494 North
4
Merge slight left
1.0 mi
·
1 min
5
Keep slight left to continue on I 94 West: Saint Cloud
0.6 mi
·
50 sec
·
I 94 West: Saint Cloud
6
Continue straight
17 mi
·
18 min
7
Keep slight left
6.0 mi
·
6 min
8
Take the exit slight right
0.4 mi
·
53 sec
9
Turn right onto Pine Street
0.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Pine Street
10
Continue on State Highway 25
2.8 mi
·
5 min
·
State Highway 25
11
Turn left onto Jefferson Boulevard
266 ft
·
43 sec
·
Jefferson Boulevard
12
Turn uturn onto Jefferson Boulevard
125 ft
·
3 sec
·
Jefferson Boulevard
13
Arrive at your destination
Trip Plan
Since this is a short, 37-minute run, you have significant flexibility regarding your departure time, though avoiding peak traffic hours is always a smart move. You will not need to plan for any formal stops along the way, as the 29.3-mile distance is easily completed in one go. Keep your $4 fuel budget in mind, but rest assured that the brevity of the trip minimizes your consumption. A practical tip for this specific drive is to pay close attention to your navigation when transitioning from I-94 West onto Pine Street, as these turn-heavy segments require more focus than a standard highway drive. Enjoy the convenience of such a quick transition between these two Minnesota locations.
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.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 14.7 miles from Maple Grove, MN, or about 18m into the drive.
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 29.3 miles or 37m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 14.7 miles or 18m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 31m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Big Lake, MN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Maple Grove, 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 Maple Grove, MN
This is one driving day of about 29.3 miles and 37m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Maple Grove, MN.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 14.7 mi from Maple Grove, MN · 18m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
15 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 29.3 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 14.7 miles from Maple Grove, MN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Big Lake, MN
The final approach into Big Lake, 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 Big Lake, 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
$4.19 one way
$8.38 round trip
$3.63/gal
25.4 MPG avg
10 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.92 | $4.52 | $9.05 |
| premium | $4.39 | $5.07 | $10.13 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $6.51 | $13.02 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$4
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$29–$54
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 10.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $3 in charging · 0 stops · 70% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 8.8 | 0 | $3.08 | $1.41 |
| Efficient EV | 7.3 | 0 | $2.56 | $1.17 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 11.7 | 0 | $4.10 | $1.88 |
Gas CO2
10 kg
EV CO2
3 kg (70% 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.
Destination
Big Lake, MN
Afternoon in Big Lake on Sunday
Local time
3:24 PM
CDT
Current temp
44°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
38°F
Albertville, MN
15 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
5 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
37m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Maple Grove, MN to Big Lake, MN covers 29.3 miles and takes about 37m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 494 North, I 94 West, Pine Street. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 14.7 miles from Maple Grove, MN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $4.19 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
The drive from Maple Grove, MN to Big Lake, MN is easy. At 37m with 0% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
This route does not have any notably tricky sections. Most of the drive from Maple Grove, MN to Big Lake, MN is straightforward, with well-signed roads and simple exits.
The route from Maple Grove, MN to Big Lake, 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
Continue From Big Lake, MN
More trips to Big Lake, MN
Explore more options from Maple Grove, MN or browse trips ending in Big Lake, MN.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse MN road trips.
Explore maps for Maple Grove, MN or Big Lake, MN on MapSof.net.