Columbus to Red Wing Road Trip: Route Guide & Hidden Gems

This 620-mile drive along I-70, I-74, and I-94 crosses the Ohio River, the Shawnee National Forest, and the Mississippi River Valley. The route’s highest point is at 985 feet just west of Indianapolis, making for gentle terrain with occasional rolling hills. One notable fact: near Red Wing, the Mississippi River narrows to just 1,000 feet, a dramatic shift from its upstream width.

The drive takes about 10 hours of pure driving time, but with stops, plan for 2 to 3 days. How long to drive Columbus, OH to Red Wing, MN? Without heavy traffic, you can make it in a single long day, but is it worth driving Columbus, OH to Red Wing, MN? Absolutely, for the mix of prairie, river bluffs, and charming small towns.

The route crosses three major biomes: Ohio’s mixed mesophytic forests, Illinois’s prairie flatlands, and Minnesota’s bluffs along the Mississippi. Near Effingham, IL, you’ll see the 140-foot-high "World’s Largest Cross" outside the interstate.

• Shawnee National Forest (IL): a 50-mile detour south of I-64 offers Garden of the Gods rock formations and lake views.
• Mississippi River at Red Wing: riverboat tours, hiking on Mount La Grange (elevation 1,300 ft), and eagle watching.

Local commerce thrives in roadside farmstands. Buy Indiana’s persimmon pudding near Brown County, or Minnesota wild rice from Red Wing’s farmers market. The Amish Country in southern Indiana (near I-64) sells handcrafted furniture and baked goods.

Fuel economy matters: expect gas prices to vary from Ohio’s $3.50/gal to Minnesota’s $3.80/gal. Your car’s tank range of 350 miles requires at least two refueling stops. Budget about $120 for gas for the round trip.

• Best fuel stops: exit 103 on I-70 near Richmond, IN (Chevron), and exit 4 on I-74 near Danville, IL (BP).
• Tolls: I-70 through Ohio has two toll plazas; total toll ~$4.00. Carry cash or EZ-Pass.
• Rest areas: every 50 miles on Interstates, with picnic tables and vending machines.

For a deeper dive, learn how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

I-70 is well-maintained with wide shoulders, but watch for deer near the Indiana-Ohio border (dawn/dusk). Road quality is good to excellent, with occasional construction zones.

• Family stops: The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis (exit 13 off I-70) and the Mississippi River Museum in Hillsboro, WI.
• Pet relief stations: Rest areas on I-70 at mile 68 (OH) and I-74 at mile 10 (IL) have fenced dog runs.
• Fatigue management: Aim to stop every 2 hours. Use rest areas at mile 120 (Indiana) and mile 220 (Illinois) for power naps.

Hidden off-route spots: Probe to the small town of Wabasha, MN (10 min off US-61) for the tallest river bluffs and the National Eagle Center. Another gem: the covered bridges of Parke County, Indiana, a 30-min detour off I-70 west of Indianapolis.