quickest way to winnie from the cities?

[Grogan]

I'll be heading up Friday morning. Just wondering what the fastest way would be. 35 or 169

[Jim Almquist]

Coming out of Apple Valley I would take 35 to Moose Lake 73 to hwy 2. It will be the fastest route if you can get on the north side of the cities before rush hour. Good Luck and try to stay warm cause the long range forecast is temps below zero night and day starting Thursday.

[bassNspear]

might have to try this route next time on my way up this direction

[barebackjack]

That is the fastest way, unless there has been a recent large accumulation of snow than not so good, Id head right for 210 at that point, longer but quicker.

[Zemp]

The 35 to Moose Lake to Hwy 2 is definitely the fastest way. I have been driving up there from Mpls and now Owatonna for the last 15 years and I have tried every route possible. I always go 35 now. Good luck with the fishing, let us know how you did.

PS bring red hooks.

[thirtysomething]

I agree with going to 210. It's longer (milage) but quicker (time). We used to do the Moose Lake thing, but that long and winding road wears you down, especially pulling the big house. We started taking 210 and I like the straight shot.

[barracuda]

169 will sure get you there quicker than 35. But only if that's your speed.

I second posts re: I35 to the Moose Lake exit, but only if dry roads and no wheel house in tow. If slippery or you're towing, definitely go up further north on 35 to access Hwy 2. I've gone thru Cloquet via Hwy 33 in worst conditions. It's about 20 miles further, but you won't loose time cause you can go faster further. And your knuckles won't be as white.

[TrailerTrash]

I have found in almost 30 years of probably 20 trips a year, that there is no real fast way to get from the Cities to the Rapids area. My suggestion would be if you are coming from the East side,(St. Paul, the better of the Twin Cities) take 35 to either the Moose Lake route or Cloquet to 2 route. Hwy 2 is longer but it is 60 mph now and a better road than 65 and (27 if I remember the number right). If I'm coming from Mpls area, there is no question that I take 169 straight up. I can see absolutely no advantage to going so far east to go north from Minneapolis. Just my opinion. I have lived in the Rapids since 1980 and grew up in Roseville and have made the trip more times than I would like to admit. I'd rather just stay here...

By the way, I went out late last week on the Wendigo end of Pokeg where the eyes were supposed to be biting in 30' and got skunked.

I'm taking the converted travel trailer to Winnie Sat. AM. Will post my success if there is any.

JB