Northfield to Superior: A 280-Mile Road Trip Guide

Leaving Northfield, MN, you pass the historic Archer House, a hotel dating to 1877, and quickly join I-35 southbound. The first miles roll through the Cannon River Valley, carved by glacial meltwater about 12,000 years ago.

About 40 minutes in, you'll cross the Minnesota River near St. Peter on US-169, a route that follows the fur-trading trails of the 19th century. The drive to Superior, WI covers 280 miles and typically takes 4 hours and 30 minutes without stops.

Gas prices along this corridor average $0.10/gallon cheaper in Wisconsin than Minnesota, and you'll cross the border about 60 miles from Superior.

Interstate rest areas are plentiful at around mile markers 100, 180, and 230 on I-94/US-53, each with picnic shelters and vending machines.

• The entire route is on paved, well-maintained highways with no tolls.
• Wisconsin has a minimum gas station density of one per 50 miles on US-53, so fuel is rarely far.
• Cell coverage is strong except for a 10-mile dead zone near Ellsworth, WI.

As you leave the Minnesota River valley, the terrain flattens into prairie before giving way to the rolling hills of the Driftless Area near Menomonie, famous for its trout streams and limestone bluffs. The St. Croix River crossing on I-94 at mile 180 offers a view of the river that forms part of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway.

For local flavor, detour 4 miles off US-53 at mile 79 to the town of Cameron for its Friday night fish fry at the local legion hall. In Superior, the Fairlawn Mansion (1890) offers tours of its 42 rooms, and the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center shows WWII aviation history.

Closer to Northfield, the town of Red Wing, 20 minutes east on MN-19, is known for its pottery, and you can watch artisans at Red Wing Pottery.

Winter driving from November through March can be hazardous due to lake-effect snow east of Eau Claire; check 511mn.org and 511wi.gov for road conditions. The route is child-friendly with several playgrounds, including a giant wooden structure at the Whitetail Ridge rest area in Wisconsin.

Pet relief areas are marked at every rest stop; dogs must be leashed and cleaned up after. For fatigue, plan to stop every 90-120 minutes at one of the six major rest areas, each with walking paths and vending machines.

• Stay fueled with a thermos and snacks, as services are sparse in the 30-mile stretch between Cameron and Ridgeland.
• If you're a fan of how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, this route offers many.