Driving Cost from Des Moines, Iowa to Walnut Grove, Minnesota

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The Cost of Driving from Des Moines, Iowa to Walnut Grove, Minnesota Based on Current Gas Prices

Planning a road trip from Des Moines to Walnut Grove? You're in for a scenic drive, full of charming small towns and beautiful landscapes. But before you hit the road, let’s break down the costs based on current gas prices. With the price of gas hovering around $3.80 per gallon, let’s explore a couple of routes to help you figure out the best option for your journey.

Route 1: The Direct Route via I-35 N

The first and most straightforward route takes you via I-35 N, offering a direct path to your destination.

  • Distance: 218 miles
  • Time: 3 hours and 30 minutes
  • Gas Cost: Assuming your vehicle gets 25 miles per gallon, you’ll need approximately 8.7 gallons of gas. At $3.80 per gallon, this brings your total gas cost to about $33.06.

This route doesn’t have tolls, making it pocket-friendly. The drive showcases lovely stretches of rural Iowa and southern Minnesota. You might even make a quick pit stop in some small towns along the way!

Route 2: Scenic Route via US-169 N and MN-60 W

An alternative route takes you north via US-169 N and then west on MN-60. While this route presents breathtaking scenery, it does add some time to your journey.

  • Distance: 230 miles
  • Time: 4 hours
  • Gas Cost: With the same vehicle efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you’ll need about 9.2 gallons of gas. At $3.80 per gallon, your gas cost will be around $34.96.

Like the first route, you won’t encounter tolls here. Instead, you might find yourself enjoying beautiful lakes and picturesque farmland, a perfect backdrop for your adventure!

Conclusion

In summary, driving from Des Moines to Walnut Grove, you'll have two excellent options to choose from. The direct route via I-35 N, covering 218 miles in 3 hours and 30 minutes, will cost you approximately $33.06 in gas. On the other hand, the scenic route via US-169 N offers a slightly longer journey of 230 miles taking 4 hours, with a slightly higher gas cost of about $34.96.

Whether you opt for efficiency or prefer to take your time and enjoy the views, both routes offer a delightful drive to Walnut Grove. Happy travels, and make the most of your road trip!