Ely to Le Claire: Minnesota Lakes to Mississippi River Towns

Ely, Minnesota, sits at the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, where moose outnumber people and the air smells of pine and granite. Le Claire, Iowa, anchors the opposite end of this 400-mile journey, a Mississippi River town where towboats chug past antique shops and the Buffalo Bill Museum stands as a relic of the Wild West.

This route traces a dramatic transition: from the Canadian Shield’s ancient bedrock to the fertile loess of the Driftless Area. Along the way, you’ll cross the St. Louis River in Duluth, skirt the northern suburbs of the Twin Cities, and plunge into the agricultural heartland before meeting the Mississippi near the I-80 bridge.

For a deeper strategy on uncovering hidden gems between cities, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities. The drive takes about 7 hours of wheel time, but plan for 9–10 with stops.

Leave Ely on MN-1, a two-lane road threading through Superior National Forest. To your right, Burntside Lake glitters between stands of jack pine. This is moose country; dawn and dusk are prime viewing hours. Just south of Tower, the Soudan Underground Mine State Park offers a chance to descend into an iron ore mine—a UNESCO tentative site for its role in Minnesota’s mining history.

As you approach Duluth, the terrain drops sharply into the Lake Superior basin. The Jay Cooke State Park, just south of the city, showcases the St. Louis River’s rapids and a swinging bridge. Duluth itself is a port city with a working lift bridge; stop at Canal Park for walleye fish tacos and views of freighters.

• Key natural attractions: Superior National Forest, Soudan Mine (UNESCO tentative), Jay Cooke State Park, Lake Superior shoreline
• Notable commerce: Duluth's craft breweries (Bent Paddle, Lake Superior Brewing), and the Ely Farmers Market (seasonal)

Is it worth driving Ely, MN to Le Claire, IA? Absolutely, for the contrast between boreal forest and agricultural plains, plus the hidden gems along the way.

South of the Twin Cities, the landscape transforms into corn and soybean fields. In Iowa, the Mississippi River bluffs appear near Le Claire. The town’s main street is lined with antique stores and the Buffalo Bill Museum. Just north, the town of Princeton has a historic ferry across the river to Illinois.

Local commerce includes the Le Claire Riverboat landing, where you can take a short cruise, and the iconic Missipi Brewing Company (note the intentional misspelling) in Davenport. For a taste of local culture, the Quad Cities’ Ale Trail features 20 breweries.

The most efficient path uses MN-1 from Ely to Tower, then MN-169 south through Virginia to Duluth. From Duluth, I-35 takes you directly to the Twin Cities, where you join I-94 briefly before I-35 reemerges south to Iowa. Near Davenport, take I-80 east to the Le Claire exit (US-67 north).

Fuel stops are plentiful near Duluth, Forest Lake, and the Twin Cities metro. In rural stretches—especially north of the Iron Range—gas stations become sparse. Fill up in Ely (last cheap gas) and again just before Cloquet.

• Total distance: 400 miles (643 km)
• Estimated driving time: 6h 45m without traffic
• Recommended fuel stops: Ely, Cloquet, Forest Lake, Ames (IA)
• Toll roads: None (all interstates free in MN; I-80 in Iowa is toll-free but has metered lanes near Davenport)

How long to drive Ely, MN to Le Claire, IA? Without stops, about 7 hours. With breaks and exploration, plan a full day.

The route is primarily interstate from Duluth onward, with good pavement and lighting. The exception is the two-lane MN-1 and MN-169 north of Duluth, where deer and moose crossings are frequent. Drive with high beams when no oncoming traffic, and be alert for logging trucks.

Weather is a key factor: winter brings snow and ice (November-April), while summer thunderstorms can cause sudden downpours. Check road conditions via MN 511 and Iowa 511. The I-80 bridge over the Mississippi has narrow lanes and heavy truck traffic.

• Fatigue management: Stop every 2 hours. Ideal rest zones: Carlton Rest Area (I-35 north of Duluth), Hinckley Fire Museum (I-35, learn about the 1894 fire), Iowa Welcome Center (I-80 west of Davenport).
• Family suitability: The Soudan Mine tour is engaging for ages 6+. In the Twin Cities, the Minnesota Children’s Museum or the Mall of America (if you detour) are big hits.
• Pet-friendly framework: Most state parks allow dogs on leash. Jay Cooke State Park has pet-friendly trails. Le Claire’s riverfront park is also dog-friendly.

Things to do between Ely, MN and Le Claire, IA include hiking at Jay Cooke, touring the Soudan Mine, visiting the Duluth Aquarium, and exploring the historic downtown of Stillwater (a short detour off I-35).

Hidden off-route spots: Just west of I-35 in Iowa, the town of Pella has a working windmill and Dutch architecture—worth a 20-minute detour. North of the Twin Cities, the Franconia Sculpture Park in Shafer offers outdoor art for free.

For infrastructure safety, note that cell service is spotty on MN-1 between Ely and Tower. Download offline maps. Rest areas along I-35 are clean and monitored.