Friday's drive up

[Farley]

I'd imagine you'll run into a few slowdowns, which way are you going? Last winter after the Gull Lake contest the good ol' GPS saved us about 20 minutes of sitting in traffic. Otherwise be prepared (mapquest potential thick spots, or have a good map with you) to go off the beaten path and try to bypass large amounts of traffic. Even if it takes just as much time, it beats sitting in traffic. Although, the only thing worse than sitting in traffic on the way there is sitting in traffic on the way back.

If you are comming from the Southern burbs, you might even want to wait it out untill 7:00 or so, the worst part is getting through the cities, especially at that time of day.

[This message has been edited by Farley (edited 05-10-2004).]

[Slim Pickens]

What part of the cities are you leaving from. Check your maps and make a move. GOOD LUCK!

[Fish Head]

How bad will the traffic be on the drive up to Brainerd Friday evening? I am planning on leaving the southern burbs about 5:30-6:00.

[2dalake]

Better yet, play hooky on Friday and drive up in the morning. I used to make the drive from there, don't miss it all.

[IFallsRon]

If you're coming from Lakeville, don't plan on setting any records. The traffic doesn't shake out until you get past Monticello. And there's been times when I haven't hit the speed limit until Hasty.

I'd take 35 to 494 to 94 to Hwy. 15 exit to St. Cloud, which takes you to Hwy. 10.

[otterman]

I am leaving from champlin going up 169 to hwy 10 all the way up. Getting through up to Elk River is going to be hell it's bad on a normal friday so it will be a long haul up north.

[IFallsRon]

I forgot about the construction from Fort Ripley to the Brainerd bypass. Watch out for that. I'd guess there'll be highway patrol in that area, too.

[McGurk]

Sounds like a reason to check out the western towns along 5 or 7 and get on 94 west of Monti-SLOW-o

[wastewaterguru]

From the Southwest burbs.......

Check on the map to see if 212 West to 22 North through Hutch and Litchfield is an option. That way you can take 42 west to 78 west which crosses 169 and turns into 41. Then get on 212 west in Chaska. This way you are always going the opposite way of the main traffic and you never have to get on 169 or the 494 loop.!!!!!

Just a thought.....check the map and see if that works for you. It takes me about an hour and 40 minutes from Prior Lake to Paynesville that way.....and never heavy traffic.