Your Guide to Driving from Apple Valley to Stillwater, Minnesota

If you're looking for a scenic drive through the Midwest, hop in your car and head from Apple Valley to Stillwater, Minnesota! This charming drive takes you through some of the gorgeous countryside and historic towns of this great state. Before you start your journey, let's take a look at the best routes and the time it takes to drive from Apple Valley to Stillwater.

Route Options

The fastest route is via I-494 E and MN-36 E, which covers a total distance of 31 miles and takes around 40 minutes to an hour depending on traffic. On normal days, this route should take about 40 minutes without traffic. However, during peak hours, expect to spend up to an hour on your commute. The highlight of this route is the majestic St. Croix River Valley, which offers scenic views of the surrounding woodland and river valley.

If you crave a more leisurely scenic tour, take Highway 61 northwards along the east bank of the Mississippi River. This route offers spectacular views of the river along with quaint towns, lakes, and scenic views. The distance on this route is about 38 miles, and it averages around an hour and 10 minutes to cover the journey without traffic. But on weekends during the summer season or when there is construction happening along the route, you may have to endure longer driving times.

Traffic Patterns

The time taken to travel from Apple Valley to Stillwater varies based on traffic conditions. During peak hours, which typically run from 7 AM to 9 AM in the morning, and from 4 PM to 6 PM in the evening, travel times can be significantly longer. To avoid traffic, plan your journey accordingly and leave at off-peak hours.

On the weekends, traffic can also slow down due to higher volume, but the scenic route along the Mississippi River is less congested than the I-494 E and MN-36 E route. Overall, traffic patterns will affect your travel time, so plan in advance for a stress-free drive.

Final Thoughts

In summary, the driving time from Apple Valley to Stillwater varies depending on the chosen route, traffic, and time of day or week. The fastest route via I-494 E and MN-36 E takes around 40 minutes on average, but may take longer during peak hours. The scenic route along the Mississippi River is a slightly longer drive of around an hour and 10 minutes, but offers stunning views along the way.

As you plan your trip, factor in weather, roadwork, traffic patterns and any day or season-specific events or activities that could affect your travel plans. Give yourself enough time to explore the scenic attractions along your chosen route, and plan your journey according to your schedule. With this information, we hope you can enjoy a memorable and stress-free ride from Apple Valley to Stillwater, Minnesota.