Sioux Falls to Ely Road Trip: Best Stops & Hidden Gems

Few road trips capture the quiet majesty of the Upper Midwest like the 350-mile drive from Sioux Falls, SD to Ely, MN. The route, a tapestry of glacial lakes, rolling farmlands, and dense boreal forests, follows I-29 north to I-94 east through South Dakota, then US-12 and MN-1 eastward into the heart of Minnesota's wilderness.

One of the most overlooked details: the stretch along MN-1 between Tower and Ely is part of the historic Vermilion River corridor, where old-growth pine stands attest to the region's logging heritage. The journey takes approximately 5 hours and 45 minutes of driving, but to experience the best stops along the way, plan for at least two days.

For travelers wondering how long to drive Sioux Falls, SD to Ely, MN, the answer varies by stops. Pure driving time is just under six hours, but with detours to waterfalls, wildlife refuges, and quirky roadside attractions, the road trip can easily stretch to a weekend. This guide answers is it worth driving Sioux Falls, SD to Ely, MN? with a resounding yes, especially if you leverage our tips on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Below is a quick reference for the route's basic parameters.

Road quality is excellent on interstates; once on MN-1, watch for deer, especially at dawn and dusk. The road has no shoulders in places, so pull over only at designated turnouts.

• Pet-Friendly Framework: Most hotels in Ely (e.g., Grand Ely Lodge, AmericInn) allow pets for a fee. Bear Head Lake State Park has pet-friendly trails (on leash). Many dining spots offer outdoor seating for dogs.
• Family and Child Suitability: Kids will love the Children's Museum of South Dakota in Brookings (30 min north of Sioux Falls) and the Ely Winton History Museum's hands-on exhibits. Paul Bunyan Land near Brainerd is a nostalgic stop.
• Fatigue Management: Rest zones near Watertown (SD) and at the Otter Tail County scenic overlook are ideal. Plan to stop every 2 hours.

Hidden Off-Route Spots: Pipestone's Winnewissa Falls, Jeffers Petroglyphs (ancient rock carvings), and the Soo Line Trail for biking. In Ely, the International Wolf Center is a must-see.

Finally, if you are wondering is it worth driving Sioux Falls, SD to Ely, MN, consider the pristine solitude of the Boundary Waters. The journey itself, with its mix of prairie, glacial lakes, and pine forests, is a meditation on the American landscape.

The route transitions from the prairies of eastern South Dakota to the lakes and forests of northern Minnesota. Just east of Fargo, the Sheyenne River Valley offers grassy buttes and the Sheyenne National Grasslands, a prime spot for birding.

• Natural Landmarks: Glacial Ridge National Scenic Byway (MN-1) passes through one of the largest contiguous tallgrass prairies in the U.S.
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: None directly on route, but the nearest is Pipestone National Monument (3 hours south), a cultural site for Native American quarrying. Worth a detour if time allows.
• Local Commerce: In Ely, the Piragis Northwoods Company sells canoe gear and camping supplies. Zup's Grocery is a local institution for cheese curds and smoked fish.

Climatic Conditions: Summers are warm (70-80°F) with mosquitoes. Autumn offers crisp air and brilliant foliage. Winters are harsh; the route is drivable but expect snow from November to April.

If you're looking for things to do between Sioux Falls, SD and Ely, MN, include a stop at Itasca State Park (headwaters of the Mississippi) near Park Rapids. The park charges a modest fee for out-of-state vehicles.

From Sioux Falls, head north on I-29 for about 60 miles to exit 127 for I-94 east. At Fargo, continue on I-94 for another 130 miles to the US-12 exit near Valley City, ND (oops, that's North Dakota – but the route actually takes you through Abercrombie, ND, and then into Minnesota via US-75 south to US-12 east).

Stay on US-12 eastbound to Detroit Lakes, then follow MN-34 east to MN-200, which merges into MN-1. The final 50 miles along MN-1 from Tower to Ely are remote, winding through the Superior National Forest.

• Fuel stops: Fill up in Sioux Falls, Watertown (SD), Fargo (ND), Detroit Lakes (MN), and Grand Rapids (MN). Avoid skipping Grand Rapids – gas stations become scarce east of there.
• Toll roads: None on this route; all roads are free.
• Rest areas: I-29 has modern rest stops at mile markers 47 and 112. Minnesota offers scenic rest areas near Lake Itasca and along MN-1.

The route is well-paved, but the final leg on MN-1 is narrow with sharp curves. Cell service drops near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). Download offline maps before leaving Tower.

For families, a pit stop at the Watersmeet Gifts & Gas in Winton (just south of Ely) offers clean bathrooms and local crafts.