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Trip from Plymouth, MN to Spicer, MN

Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

1h 58m

Distance

102.9 mi

166 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$15

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 25 min
4 AM
1h 50m ★
6 AM
1h 58m
8 AM
2h 15m
10 AM
2h 4m
12 PM
2h 3m
3 PM
2h 5m
5 PM
2h 15m
8 PM
1h 53m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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city in Devon, England

Plymouth, MN

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Spicer, MN, MN

Spicer, MN

Tom Fisk

Trip Overview

If you are looking to head west from Plymouth, MN, to Spicer, MN, you are in for a straightforward 102.9-mile journey. Clocking in at approximately 1 hour and 58 minutes, this trip is perfectly manageable as a single-day excursion. You will primarily utilize I-94, I-494, and MN-23 to complete the transit. With an estimated fuel cost of about $15, it is an economical route for a quick weekend getaway or a short business trip. Because the drive is relatively brief, you do not need to worry about overnight splits, allowing you to reach your destination with plenty of time to spare. Both locations sit firmly within the Midwest, so you can expect a familiar landscape as you transition from the suburban outskirts of the Twin Cities toward the more relaxed pace of Spicer.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

51.5 miles from Plymouth, MN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 56m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 58m. Total distance: 102.9 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 58m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (99%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Drive Character

This is a highway-focused drive, with 99% of your time spent on major thoroughfares. You should settle in for a steady pace, as the majority of the route is designed for efficient, long-distance travel. The longest uninterrupted segment covers 52.6 miles along I-94, which serves as the primary backbone of your trip. Expect the character of the road to feel consistent and predictable, emphasizing speed and directness over technical maneuvers or winding turns. Being behind the wheel here means maintaining a steady speed while navigating the transition from busier interstate corridors onto MN-23 as you near your final destination.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 12 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 94 is the longest continuous segment at about 52.6 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 94 and MN 23. You will hit about 7 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive.

Driving Effort 6/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 102.9 miles you will encounter 7 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: near the start: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; near the start: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 0.4 miles (I 494): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 7 key points

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

6
0 mi into trip | ~0m in

Take the exit toward I 494 North

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Toward I 494 North
5
0 mi into trip | ~0m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 494 North

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Toward I 494 North
5
0.4 mi into trip | ~0m in | I 494

Merge onto I 494

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
5.3 mi into trip | ~7m 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
58.8 mi into trip | ~1h 4m in | MN 23

Merge onto MN 23

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

Use the straight lane.

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 94 52.6 mi 56m
MN 23 44.2 mi 53m
I 494 5 mi 6m
MN 55 <0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 94 — 52.6 mi, about 56m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Plymouth, MN and Spicer, MN.

1

Start on MN 55

62 ft · 3 sec · MN 55
2

Take the exit

186 ft · 4 sec
Toward I 494 North
3

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 42 sec
Toward I 494 North
4

Merge onto I 494

5.0 mi · 6 min · I 494
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5

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.
6

Continue on I 94

17 mi · 18 min · I 94
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Keep slight left at fork onto I 94

36 mi · 38 min · I 94
8

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 21 sec
Toward MN 23 West: Paynesville
9

Merge onto MN 23

15 mi · 19 min · MN 23
Use the straight lane.
10

Continue on MN 23

1.1 mi · 1 min · MN 23
11

Continue on MN 23

28 mi · 33 min · MN 23
12

Arrive at destination

MN 23

Trip Plan

To make the most of your 102.9-mile trek, plan your departure around local traffic patterns to avoid congestion on the initial interstate portions. Since the total drive time is under two hours, you have the flexibility to power through without needing a scheduled rest stop, though taking a break after the longest 52.6-mile stretch on I-94 is a smart way to stay alert. Be mindful that because this route is almost entirely highway-based, your fuel efficiency will likely remain consistent throughout. Keep a close eye on your gas gauge before leaving Plymouth, as the $15 fuel budget assumes steady highway speeds. The biggest advantage of this route is its simplicity, so pack light and enjoy the ease of a direct, two-hour cruise to Spicer.

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 51.5 miles from Plymouth, MN, or about 56m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 52.6 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 23 miles or 26m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 51.5 miles or 56m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 36m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Plymouth, MN so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Plymouth, MN

This is one driving day of about 102.9 miles and 1h 58m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 23 miles from Plymouth, MN.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 94 for about 52.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 51.5 mi from Plymouth, MN · 56m into the drive

city on tripoint of Benton, Sherburne and Stearns Counties in Minnesota, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Saint Cloud, MN

51 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

Albertville, MN

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 23 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Saint Cloud, MN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 51.5 miles from Plymouth, MN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Spicer, MN

The final approach into Spicer, MN usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Maynard's Restaurant of Rogers

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Rogers, Minnesota

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30 mile 14.7

Hours: 11 am–11 pm

+17634280700

Visit website

Top Coffee Stop

District Coffee

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

St Cloud, Minnesota

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 51.5

Hours: 6:30 am–2:30 pm

+13203422040

Visit website

Maynard's Restaurant of Rogers

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30 mile 14.7

Rogers, Minnesota

Hours: 11 am–11 pm

+17634280700

Visit website

Lynde’s Restaurant & Catering

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 7.4

Osseo, Minnesota

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+17634243696

Visit website

District Coffee

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 51.5

St Cloud, Minnesota

Hours: 6:30 am–2:30 pm

+13203422040

Visit website

Playground Plaza

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 7.4

Maple Grove, Minnesota

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+17632283833

Visit website

Granite City Jump

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 58.8

St Cloud, Minnesota

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

+13203422148

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$15.31 one way

$30.63 round trip

$3.78/gal 25.4 MPG avg 36 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.07 $16.50 $33.00
premium $4.53 $18.36 $36.72
diesel $5.61 $22.72 $45.44

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$15

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$40–$65

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 36 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $11 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 30.9 0 $10.80 $4.94
Efficient EV 25.7 0 $9.00 $4.12
EV Truck/SUV 41.2 0 $14.41 $6.59

Gas CO2

36 kg

EV CO2

12 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 as of Apr 12, 2026

Origin

Plymouth, MN

Night in Plymouth on Friday

Local time

10:55 PM

CDT

Current temp

45°F

Patchy Fog

SSE 10 to 15 mph 42% chance Live forecast

Destination

Spicer, MN

Night in Spicer on Friday

Local time

10:55 PM

CDT

Current temp

44°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

1 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

1h 58m on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Plymouth, MN to Spicer, MN covers 102.9 miles and takes about 1h 58m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 94, MN 23, I 494. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 51.5 miles from Plymouth, MN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $15.31 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.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 102.9 miles you will encounter 7 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

The main spots that need attention: near the start: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; near the start: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 0.4 miles (I 494): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

The route from Plymouth, MN to Spicer, MN does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

How this page is built

Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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