The Cost of Driving from Apple Valley, Minnesota to Big Lake, Minnesota: A Comprehensive Guide Based on Current Gas Prices

Are you planning a road trip from Apple Valley, Minnesota to Big Lake, Minnesota? If so, it's important to have a budget in mind for gas and toll costs. In this post, we'll go over several different routes you can take, the distance of each route, the time it takes, and the cost of each route based on current gas prices.

Route 1: I-94 W

The first and most direct route is to take I-94 W towards St. Cloud. This is a straight shot from Apple Valley to Big Lake and covers a distance of approximately 70 miles. With current gas prices averaging around $2.87 per gallon, it will cost you around $12.95 in gas for a one-way trip. The estimated travel time is about 1 hour and 15 minutes. There are no tolls on this route.

Route 2: MN-3 N and I-494 W

If you prefer a slightly longer but more scenic route, you can take MN-3 N and I-494 W. This route will take you through the heart of the Twin Cities before connecting to I-94 W towards St. Cloud. The distance for this route is approximately 80 miles and will cost you around $14.40 in gas for a one-way trip. The traffic on this route can be variable, so allow for an estimated travel time of 1 hour and 30 minutes. There are no tolls on this route.

Route 3: US-169 N

If you want to avoid the freeways altogether and enjoy a leisurely drive through the countryside, US-169 N is the perfect route for you. This scenic route winds through small towns and through the woods before connecting with MN-101 towards Elk River. The distance for this route is approximately 82 miles and will cost you around $14.87 in gas for a one-way trip. This route takes a bit longer than the previous two, with an estimated travel time of 1 hour and 45 minutes. There are no tolls on this route.

Route 4: I-35W N and MN-10 W

Finally, for those who don't mind taking the long way around, you can take I-35W N towards Minneapolis and then MN-10 W towards Big Lake. This route covers a distance of approximately 87 miles and will cost you around $15.77 in gas for a one-way trip. The traffic on this route can be unpredictable, so be sure to allow for an estimated travel time of 1 hour and 45 minutes. There are no tolls on this route.

In conclusion, there are several different routes you can take when driving from Apple Valley, Minnesota to Big Lake, Minnesota. The price and time spent on gas will vary depending on which route you take. However, with careful planning and budgeting, you can enjoy a beautiful road trip without breaking the bank.