Travel Time Between Albertville and Duluth: Routes and Recommendations

Are you itching to hit the road and explore? A road trip from Albertville, Minnesota to Duluth, Minnesota is a perfect way to take in the beauty of northern Minnesota.

The Distance

The distance between Albertville and Duluth is approximately 147 miles via I-35 N, which takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes by car. Keep in mind that this time may vary with traffic conditions, construction, and any stops along the way.

The Route

The most common route is via I-35 N, which takes you through scenic rural areas. For a more picturesque route, consider taking US-169 N out of Albertville and then turning east onto MN-23 E. This route will take you through Sand Dunes State Forest, Mille Lacs Lake, and Jay Cooke State Park. While it adds a bit of travel time, it's worth it to take in the stunning natural scenery.

The Time

As mentioned, the most direct route via I-35 N takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. If you take the longer, more scenic route through Jay Cooke State Park, expect to add an additional hour of travel time, so plan accordingly if you have a tight schedule.

Recommendations

As you make your way north, consider stopping in Hinckley to check out the Grand Casino Hinckley or the Hinckley Fire Museum. For those who opt for the longer, scenic route through Jay Cooke State Park, make sure to take a break and hike the famous Swinging Bridge, which spans the St. Louis River. You might also want to grab some lunch at The Rustic Inn Cafe in Carlton, which serves up classic comfort food in a cozy log cabin setting.

A Word of Caution

While the drive can be beautiful, keep in mind that winter weather conditions can make driving challenging. Be sure to check weather and road conditions before heading out, and make sure you have appropriate tires or chains if necessary.

The Bottom Line

A road trip from Albertville to Duluth is a quintessential northern Minnesota experience. The travel time is manageable, and there are plenty of opportunities to break up the drive with fun stops along the way. So grab some snacks, crank up the tunes, and hit the road!