Road Trip: Ankeny, Iowa to Ramsey, Minnesota

Looking to hit the road on a weekend getaway or a business trip? The distance between Ankeny, Iowa and Ramsey, Minnesota may not be too long, but traffic and route options can affect your travel time. In this blog post, we'll explore the best ways to get there and how long each option can take.

Route Options

There are a few different routes you can take between Ankeny and Ramsey, each with its own distance and travel time. The major routes we'll be examining include I-35 north through Minnesota, I-35W/I-35E through Minneapolis, and finally Highway 169 through Minnesota.

I-35 North through Minnesota

With a total distance of around 231 miles, the I-35 north is the quickest and most direct route. On average, it should take just under 4 hours to get from Ankeny to Ramsey on this route. However, one major consideration is that traffic through Minneapolis can be notoriously congested, so plan accordingly.

I-35W/I-35E through Minneapolis

An alternative route takes you through the heart of Minneapolis, via I-35W and I-35E. While it adds a bit of distance at around 261 miles, you’ll avoid congestion on I-35 and you’ll get a view of the city. However, it may take you around 5 hours to complete the trip during rush hour traffic.

Highway 169 through Minnesota

One other scenic route available to you is to drive up Highway 169 through Minnesota. This route takes you near some of Minnesota’s beautiful state parks, but it also increases your distance to 277 miles. The travel time is around 5 hours, but it may be more if you decide to stop and enjoy the scenery.

Plan Your Route

Planning your route and travel time based on preferred route is the key to a successful road trip. If you’re not in a rush and want to experience new sights, Highway 169 can be a great choice. On the other hand, if you need to be in Ramsey as soon as possible, opt for the I-35 north route, but keep in mind that traffic through Minneapolis can be a hassle during rush hour.

Whichever option you choose, be sure to keep an eye on traffic and weather conditions on your travel day for the most accurate travel time. Have a safe trip and happy trails!