How Long Does It Take to Drive from Big Lake, MN, to Sioux Falls, SD?

Are you planning for a road trip from Big Lake, Minnesota to Sioux Falls, South Dakota? The distance between these two cities is around 279 miles, and there are multiple routes you can take. But, how long will it take you to drive there? In this post, we'll break down some of the fastest and slowest routes with driving times based on traffic patterns.

Fastest Route

The fastest route from Big Lake to Sioux Falls is via I-94 West and I-29 South. The total distance for this route is around 284 miles, and it will take you approximately 4 hours to complete the trip at a normal driving pace. However, if you drive during peak traffic times, the time may increase up to 4.5 hours. The good news is that this route is quite scenic with lots of rest areas and facilities to make the trip comfortable.

Scenic Route

The scenic route from Big Lake to Sioux Falls is via MN-23 West, US-71 South, and US-212 West. This route covers around 290 miles, and it will take you roughly 5 hours to reach Sioux Falls at a normal driving pace. However, this route is perfect if you are looking to enjoy some scenic beauty on your road trip. You'll pass through some charming towns, scenic lakes, and lush green forests. Be prepared to make some stops and enjoy the ride.

Slowest Route

The slowest route from Big Lake to Sioux Falls is via US-12 West and US-75 South. This route will take you approximately 5.5 hours to travel the 316 miles distance at a normal driving pace. Although this route is the slowest, it is also the most scenic among all the other routes. The views of open fields and rolling hills are very refreshing and relaxing. This route also offers many restaurants and rest stops for you to take a break during your trip.

Rush Hour Traffic

If you are planning to drive from Big Lake to Sioux Falls during rush hour traffic, it is important to keep in mind that it will take you around 30 minutes to one hour longer to reach your destination. Rush hour traffic mostly affects the I-94 West and I-29 South routes. You may want to avoid driving during the peak hours to avoid stress and delays.

Final Words

No matter which route you choose to drive from Big Lake to Sioux Falls, you'll have a great road trip experience with many beautiful sights and scenery to enjoy. Keep in mind that different routes may have different traffic patterns and driving conditions. It's always a good idea to plan ahead and factor in extra time in case of any unexpected delays. With that said, we hope this post helps you plan a successful and enjoyable road trip from Big Lake to Sioux Falls.