Road Trip! Blaine to West St. Paul - The Best Routes and Stops Along the Way

Looking to hit the road and explore some of the best of Minnesota? A great starting point for your adventure is Blaine, Minnesota. This bustling city is situated just 20 miles north of Minneapolis and offers a wealth of things to see, do, and experience. From shopping and dining to outdoor activities and attractions, there is always something to keep you entertained.

And if you're looking to head out of town and explore the surrounding areas, West St. Paul is a perfect destination. This city, located just 17 miles to the south of Blaine, offers beautiful parks, great dining, and plenty of cultural experiences to enjoy.

But what's the best way to get from Blaine to West St. Paul? Here we take a look at some of the best routes you can take and offer recommendations of places to stop along the way.

The Most Direct Route

The most direct route between Blaine and West St. Paul is to take MN-36 S. This route covers approximately 25 miles and should take you approximately 30-35 minutes to drive. You'll start out by heading south on US-65 S and then merge onto I-694 W. From there, take exit 48 for Lexington Ave N and continue onto MN-36 S.

With this route, you'll have a pretty simple and straightforward drive. You shouldn't run into too much traffic or delays along the way, especially outside of rush hour times. However, there aren't many notable stops along this route, so if you're looking for a bit of a more scenic or interesting drive, you might want to consider another option.

The More Scenic Route

For those who want a bit more of a scenic drive with some beautiful sights along the way, taking US-10 W is a great option. This route covers approximately 29 miles and should take around 35-40 minutes to drive. You'll start out by heading south on US-65 S, then take a right onto County Hwy 10. Continue on County Hwy 10 as it turns into US-10 W.

Along this route, you'll pass through several small towns and communities, each with their own unique charm and history. Some great places to stop and explore include the historic town of Anoka with its quaint main street and antique shops, or the Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park with beautiful views of the Mississippi River.

The Longer Route with More Stops

If you have a bit more time and want to explore more of what Minnesota has to offer between Blaine and West St. Paul, then the longer route on I-35W S is a great choice. Although it covers around 34 miles, it should only take you around 35-45 minutes to drive (depending on traffic). This route is also perfect for history buffs, as it takes you through several historic areas and offers plenty of stops along the way.

To start, you'll head south on US-65 S and then merge onto I-35W S. Along the way, you'll pass through several notable areas including the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul, the famous Mall of America in Bloomington, and the historic Lake Harriet in Minneapolis.

If you have some extra time along this route, some other great places to stop and explore include the historic Fort Snelling State Park, the beautiful Minnehaha Falls, and the charming shops and restaurants of Grand Avenue in St. Paul.

Conclusion

No matter which route you choose to take from Blaine to West St. Paul, there are plenty of great options and stops along the way. Whether you're looking for a more straightforward and direct route or a more scenic drive with lots of opportunities to explore, Minnesota has something to offer for everyone. Take your time and enjoy the journey!