Road Trip from Boise, Idaho to Eden Prairie, Minnesota: Tips, Routes, and Drive Times
Planning a road trip from Boise, Idaho, to Eden Prairie, Minnesota? Whether you're moving across the country or visiting friends or family, there are different routes to choose from, each with its pros and cons. The distance between Boise and Eden Prairie is around 1,400 miles, and the drive time can vary significantly depending on the route and traffic patterns. In this post, we'll go over some options and provide an estimate of the time it takes to get there.
Fastest Route: I-80 E and I-35 N
If you're looking to get to Eden Prairie as quickly as possible, the I-80 E and I-35 N combination is your best bet. This route goes through Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, and Minnesota and spans over 1,390 miles. The driving time is approximately 19 hours if you were driving non-stop. If you're traveling solo, it can become tiring and risky to drive for that long, so we suggest dividing the trip to two days. Keep in mind that this route can get crowded, so it's better to travel during off-peak hours.
Scenic Route: I-90 E and I-35 S
If you're in no rush and want to explore the beauty of the places you drive through, the I-90 E and I-35 S combination is the perfect fit. This route is longer, spanning over 1,500 miles, but it's worth the detour. This route goes through Montana, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin and takes approximately 23 hours to drive. You'll pass through scenic views of the Rocky Mountains, national parks, and notable landmarks. It's advisable to opt for this route in mild weather conditions and to book accommodation in advance.
Moderate the Traffic: I-29 N and I-94 E
If you want to maneuver through moderate traffic, you'll want to take the I-29 N and I-94 E combination. This route goes through four states (Idaho, North Dakota, Minnesota, and South Dakota) and covers about 1,460 miles. The traffic is usually lighter compared to other routes, making travel times shorter. You can expect to arrive at your destination in around 20 hours. Note that there will still be some busy stretches, particularly near Sioux Falls, but it's still better for those who don't want to be stuck in continuous traffic.
Traffic Patterns
Traffic during peak hours can impact your travel times significantly, adding several hours to your trip. If you're traveling on a busy weekend or holiday, you may experience delays, especially on the I-80 E route. However, if you leave during off-peak hours, your trip could be faster. Overspeeding to make up time is not a good idea and can put your safety and lives of others on the road in danger. It's better to stick to the speed limit recommended and planned for regular pit stops to avoid fatigue and other health issues that can crop up on long drives.
Conclusion
Knowing the time it takes to drive from Boise, Idaho, to Eden Prairie, Minnesota, can help you choose the best route, reduce travel time, and plan the best time to travel. We've broken down three options: the fastest route, the scenic route, and the route with moderate traffic, each with its perks. Additionally, we've given you traffic patterns' information to help you avoid heavy traffic periods, making your road trip less stressful. So buckle up, get comfortable, and enjoy the journey.