Road Trip Costs: Traveling from Dassel, Minnesota to Deer River, Minnesota with Current Gas Prices
Planning a road trip can be both exciting and daunting, particularly when it comes to budgeting for gas costs. If you’re considering a trip between Dassel, Minnesota, and Deer River, Minnesota, understanding the cost implications based on current gas prices is essential. This article will explore different routes you can take, their distances, calculate the cost associated with each route based on current gas prices, and recommend the best option for your journey.
Overview of Routes
The distance between Dassel and Deer River is approximately 140 miles, depending on which route you choose. The main routes include Highway 12 to Highway 169 and Highway 15 to Highway 2. Each route has different characteristics, including road conditions and scenic views.
Route 1: Highway 12 and Highway 169
One of the most common driving routes begins with Highway 12. You start in Dassel and head northwest until you connect with Highway 169. This route essentially follows this sequence:
- Dassel to Highway 12 – 20 miles
- Highway 12 to Highway 169 – 58 miles
- Highway 169 to Deer River – 62 miles
Total Distance
Approximately 140 miles.
Estimated Driving Time
Expect around 2 hours and 30 minutes of driving time, depending on traffic conditions.
Gas Cost Calculation
As of October 2023, the average gas price in Minnesota is about $3.50 per gallon. A mid-size vehicle usually achieves around 25 miles per gallon.
Total Gallons Needed: [ \text / \text = 140 \text / 25 \text = 5.6 \text ]
Total Gas Cost: [ \text \times \text = 5.6 \text \times 3.50 \text{/gallon} = 19.60 ]
Estimated Total Cost: $19.60
Route 2: Highway 15 and Highway 2
A second significant route uses Highway 15 to connect to Highway 2, then proceeds directly to Deer River. Here is the breakdown:
- Dassel to Highway 15 – 25 miles
- Highway 15 to Highway 2 – 57 miles
- Highway 2 to Deer River – 60 miles
Total Distance
Approximately 142 miles.
Estimated Driving Time
Expect this trip to take about 2 hours and 45 minutes on average, again depending on the flow of traffic.
Gas Cost Calculation
Using the same gas price ($3.50 per gallon) and vehicle mileage (25 MPG):
Total Gallons Needed: [ 142 \text / 25 \text = 5.68 \text ]
Total Gas Cost: [ \text \times \text = 5.68 \text \times 3.50 \text{/gallon} = 19.88 ]
Estimated Total Cost: $19.88
Route 3: Highway 12 to Highway 2
A third possibility combines the best of both routes mentioned above and utilizes parts of Highway 2 if you wish to explore more scenic views along the way.
- Dassel to Highway 12 – 20 miles
- Highway 12 to Highway 2 – 63 miles (via Highway 169)
- Highway 2 to Deer River – 27 miles
Total Distance
Approximately 110 miles.
Estimated Driving Time
Averaging about 2 hours.
Gas Cost Calculation
Using the same gas price ($3.50 per gallon) and vehicle mileage (25 MPG):
Total Gallons Needed: [ 110 \text / 25 \text = 4.4 \text ]
Total Gas Cost: [ 4.4 \text \times 3.50 \text{/gallon} = 15.40 ]
Estimated Total Cost: $15.40
Route Recommendations
When considering the cost and time involved, the optimal route for traveling from Dassel to Deer River appears to be Route 1 (via Highway 12 and Highway 169). This route balances efficiency and cost, giving you the most straightforward approach with an estimated total gas cost of only $19.60 and a travel time of approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Route 2, while only slightly longer in distance, presents a marginally higher cost at $19.88. Route 3 allows for more scenic views but extends the travel time, resulting in a higher overall cost as well.
Practical Considerations for Your Trip
Fuel Stops
Check for fuel stations along your route, especially through less populated areas. Utilizing apps or online maps to identify the cheapest gas stations on your journey can save you money.
Rest and Food Breaks
Depending on your travel time and personal preferences, consider planning brief rest stops for food and stretching your legs. Major towns like Cokato and Grand Rapids along these routes offer plenty of options.
Scenic Views
If you opt for the longer routes due to scenic interests, be prepared for activities such as hiking or local sightseeing. The Chippewa National Forest is a short detour from Deer River and can make your trip both enjoyable and adventurous.
Conclusion
As you plan your road trip from Dassel to Deer River, knowing the estimated costs and distances helps you budget effectively. Taking Route 1, utilizing Highway 12 and Highway 169, allows for an efficient and cost-effective journey, taking approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. The cost of gas for this route will be around $19.60, making it the best option for your travels through scenic Minnesota. Take this chance to enjoy the beauty of Minnesota’s landscapes and have a wonderful road trip!