Trip Cost Analysis: Big Lake, Minnesota to Brandon, South Dakota

When planning a road trip, one of the essential aspects to consider is the cost. Gas prices differ from region to region, and this can significantly affect the budget of your trip. In this article, we will explore the different routes and modes of transportation available for a trip between Big Lake, Minnesota, and Brandon, South Dakota. We will also highlight the cost and distance of each route and recommend the best option based on current gas prices.

Route Options

To get from Big Lake, MN, to Brandon, SD, there are various routes to consider depending on your preferences, time, and budget. The two most popular options are driving through Minneapolis or Sioux Falls. However, there are other alternatives worth exploring.

Route 1: Through Minneapolis (372 miles)

This route takes you through the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, an excellent choice if you prefer more significant urban centers. You'll drive on I-494 W, I-94 W, and I-29 S for the entire journey. Highlights to see along the way include the Mall of America, the Foshay Tower, and the historic downtown areas of Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Route 2: Through Sioux Falls (367 miles)

This alternative route takes you directly to Sioux Falls, then south to Brandon. You'll mainly drive on I-94 W and I-29 S. While this route is less scenic, it's more direct and can be faster if you're not interested in stopping along the way.

Route 3: Through South Dakota (405 miles)

This route takes you through western Minnesota and along I-29 S going all the way through South Dakota, past Sioux Falls, and into Brandon. You can take I-90 W to I-29 S or head south to Sioux Falls from Brookings if you prefer to avoid the interstate highways.

Cost Analysis

Now, let's break down the costs of each route using current gas prices and a standard consumption of fuel. According to the US Energy Information Administration, the current average gas price in Minnesota is $2.89 per gallon, while in South Dakota, it's $3.02 per gallon. For this analysis, we'll assume a vehicle with a fuel economy of 20 miles per gallon.

Route 1: Through Minneapolis

The distance between Big Lake, MN, and Brandon, SD, via Minneapolis is approximately 372 miles. At an average gas price of $2.89 per gallon and a fuel economy of 20 miles per gallon, you'll need roughly 20 gallons of gas for a one-way trip. Therefore, the cost of gas will be approximately $58.

Route 2: Through Sioux Falls

The distance between Big Lake, MN, and Brandon, SD, via Sioux Falls is approximately 367 miles. At an average gas price of $3.02 per gallon and a fuel economy of 20 miles per gallon, you'll need roughly 18.5 gallons of gas for a one-way trip. Therefore, the cost of gas will be around $56.

Route 3: Through South Dakota

The distance between Big Lake, MN, and Brandon, SD, via South Dakota is approximately 405 miles. At an average gas price of $3.02 per gallon and a fuel economy of 20 miles per gallon, you'll need around 20.25 gallons of gas for a one-way trip. Therefore, the cost of gas will be approximately $61.

Best Route Recommendation

Based on the cost analysis, Route 2, through Sioux Falls, is the most economic route to take from Big Lake, Minnesota, to Brandon, South Dakota, with a total gas cost of $56. Route 1, through Minneapolis, comes in a close second with a gas cost of $58. Route 3, through South Dakota, is the least cost-efficient, with a total of $61 in gas costs.

Conclusion

When planning a road trip, it's essential to consider various factors such as cost, time, and distance. In this article, we've explored three different routes from Big Lake, Minnesota, to Brandon, South Dakota, and analyzed the advantages and disadvantages of each option. The most economical option is Route 2, through Sioux Falls, with a gas cost of approximately $56. Regardless of which route you choose, we hope this article has helped you make an informed decision about your trip and will help you budget accordingly. Safe travels!