Driving from Duluth, MN to the Mississippi River: Route Guide

Fastest Route (via I-35 & US-61)

1. Start: Duluth, MN.
2. Take I-35 South ~190 mi to near Forest Lake.
3. Exit onto US-10 West toward St. Cloud (optional, but US-61 direct is simpler). Better: Stay on I-35 to I-94.
4. Merge onto I-94 East ~15 mi to St. Paul.
5. Take US-61 South (exit 243) toward Hastings/Red Wing.
6. Cross the Mississippi at Hastings via the US-61 bridge (mile 815).
7. Continue South on US-61 along the river through Red Wing, Wabasha, Winona (~150 mi to IA border).

Alternative Scenic Route

MN-61 (North Shore) from Duluth to Two Harbors, then inland to US-61—adds time but spectacular Lake Superior views.

Key Points

• Total to first crossing (Hastings): ~220 mi, 3.5 hrs.
• To reach the river's main stem: You're on it at Hastings; US-61 parallels it all the way to the Gulf.
• No ferry needed—bridges at Hastings, Red Wing, Wabasha, Winona, La Crosse, etc.