Des Moines to Stillwater Road Trip Guide: Route 35 Gems

The northernmost 100 miles of I-35 in Iowa cross the Des Moines Lobe, a glacial landform that created the region’s rolling farmland. This road trip covers approximately 245 miles, with an estimated driving time of 3 hours and 45 minutes without stops. The route largely follows I-35 N, a well-maintained interstate, before transitioning to I-694 E near the Twin Cities and then US-95 N into Stillwater.

For a deeper dive on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, consult our full guide. When planning, consider that the drive is best enjoyed with at least two stops to break the journey into digestible segments.

I-35 is a divided highway with a speed limit of 70 mph in Iowa and 65 mph in Minnesota. Construction zones are common near Albert Lea. Best stops Des Moines, IA to Stillwater, MN include the Living History Farms in Urbandale (exit 129) and the Minnesota Children's Museum in Minneapolis (short detour).

• Family-friendly: The Iowa Arboretum near Madrid (exit 116) has gardens and a tiny train; the Riverwalk in Stillwater is stroller-friendly.
• Pet-friendly: Pet relief areas at all rest stops; the Pine Point Regional Trail in Stillwater allows leashed dogs.
• Fatigue management: Take breaks every 2 hours. The rest area at mile marker 118 (near Williams, IA) has coffee and treats from a local bakery.

Infrastructure safety: The road is well-lit near towns, but rural stretches have minimal lighting. Winter driving tests the road quality; the Minnesota Department of Transportation often pre-treats bridges. In case of emergency, call 511 for road conditions or 911 for accidents.

For things to do between Des Moines, IA and Stillwater, MN, consider the following: visit the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake (exit 190) to see where Buddy Holly played; hike the Hidden Falls in Nerstrand Big Woods State Park; or tour the Spam Museum in Austin, MN (exit 180). Each stop adds about 30-60 minutes of exploration.

Fuel economy for this route averages 25-30 mpg for a standard sedan. At current prices, expect to spend roughly $25-35 on gas. There are no toll roads on this route, but I-694 E near the Twin Cities has express lanes that may require a pass for HOV use.

Rest areas are frequent along I-35: the Iowa Welcome Center near mile marker 14 and the Minnesota Rest Area near Albert Lea offer clean facilities and picnic tables. Road quality is excellent, with ongoing construction only sporadically near the Iowa-Minnesota border.

• Recommended gas stops: Casey's in Story City, IA (exit 110) and Kwik Trip in Albert Lea, MN (exit 11).
• Service plazas: The largest is at the Iowa 80 Truck Stop (exit 168) but slightly off route; better to use Love's in Williams, IA (exit 144).
• Cell coverage: Strong LTE on all major carriers throughout; brief drop near the Skunk River valley.

For those wondering how long to drive Des Moines, IA to Stillwater, MN, the non-stop time is under 4 hours, but we recommend a 5-hour window with stops. Is it worth driving Des Moines, IA to Stillwater, MN? Absolutely, especially for the scenic river bluffs near the end.

The route crosses four distinct ecosystems: the Iowa loess plains, the Minnesota Prairie, the Big Woods, and the St. Croix River Valley. Highlights include the glacial lakes near Clear Lake, IA, and the hardwood forests of Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, 10 miles east of I-35 at exit 59.

• Natural attractions: Ledges State Park (20 mi west of Ames) offers sandstone cliffs; near the end, William O'Brien State Park (exit 147) has trails along the St. Croix.
• Local commerce: In Northfield, MN (exit 69), the historic downtown features independent bookstores and the Malt-O-Meal factory outlet.
• Hidden off-route spot: The tiny town of Elkhart, IA has a restored 1914 opera house that hosts community events.

There are no UNESCO World Heritage Sites directly on this route. The nearest is the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed architecture in Oak Park, IL, but that is a 5-hour detour. However, the route passes through the ancestral lands of the Dakota people, and the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge offers interpretive exhibits on Native history.

Climate conditions vary: spring brings wildflowers and occasional rain; summer is hot and humid; autumn offers peak foliage in late October; winter requires caution for snow and ice, especially near the St. Croix River bluffs.