The Route from Brainerd, Minnesota to Evanston, Illinois: Fastest and Slowest Routes

Are you planning a road trip from Brainerd, Minnesota to Evanston, Illinois and wondering how long it’s going to take? Well, the answer to that question depends on the route you take. Some routes are faster than others. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the fastest and slowest routes, the distance of each route, and the time it takes based on traffic patterns.

The Fastest Route

The fastest route from Brainerd, Minnesota to Evanston, Illinois is via I-94 E and I-294 S. This route is approximately 410 miles long and takes around six hours and 30 minutes to drive without traffic. However, the drive time can vary depending on the time of day and traffic volume.

During low traffic times, the drive can take a little over six hours, but during peak traffic times, such as rush hour, the drive time can increase to over eight hours. If you’re planning your trip during a busy travel time, like a major holiday, you might want to consider leaving earlier or later in the day to avoid heavy traffic.

The Scenic Route

If you’re not in a hurry to get to Evanston and want to take the scenic route, you can take US-10 E and then I-94 E. This route is around 460 miles long and takes around eight hours and 20 minutes to drive without traffic. During peak traffic times, the drive can take even longer.

While this route takes longer, it’s a great way to take in the beautiful scenery along the way. You’ll drive through the countryside and see charming small towns, making for a relaxing and enjoyable journey.

The Slowest Route

The slowest route from Brainerd, Minnesota to Evanston, Illinois is via MN-371 S and US-52 S. This route is approximately 610 miles long and takes around 12 hours to drive without traffic. During peak traffic times, the drive can take over 14 hours, making this route the slowest and longest.

If you’re not in a hurry to get to Evanston and want to see some of the unique sites along the way, then this route might be perfect for you. You’ll get to see the Mississippi River and drive through scenic rural areas of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois.

Conclusion

So, there you have it, the fastest and slowest routes from Brainerd, Minnesota to Evanston, Illinois. Depending on whether you’re in a hurry or want to take your time, you can choose between the fastest route, the scenic route, or the leisurely slow route. To make your trip more enjoyable, plan ahead and avoid heavy traffic times if possible. And don’t forget to bring snacks and water for the journey! Safe travels!