Major Highways & Driving Tips in Minneapolis, United States
1. I-35W Mississippi River Bridge
A crucial route for commuters and long-distance travelers, this bridge spans the mighty Mississippi River. It features a unique cable-stayed design that offers stunning views of the city.
- Cable-Stayed Design: Distinctive bridge structure that improves roadway capacity and reduces weight on support pillars.
- Mississippi River Views: Provides scenic panoramas of the Mississippi River and downtown Minneapolis.
- Commuter Route: Serves as a primary route for commuters traveling to and from the west side of Minneapolis.
2. I-94 Minnesota River Bridge
This bridge spans the Minnesota River and connects the northwest suburbs with downtown Minneapolis. Its iconic design is a testament to modern engineering.
- Iconic Modern Design: Represents the latest in bridge architecture, showcasing innovative design and construction techniques.
- Minnesota River Connection: Links commuters traveling between the northwest suburbs and the downtown area of Minneapolis.
- Landmark Structure: Serves as a recognizable symbol of Minneapolis's industrial and technological growth.
3. I-694 Lexington Avenue
This circular highway encircles the eastern suburbs of Minneapolis. It provides a vital connection to major routes like I-35E and I-35W.
- Circular Route: Allows drivers to easily navigate the eastern suburbs without crossing through downtown Minneapolis.
- Major Connections: Connects to key highways I-35E and I-35W, making it an essential part of travel plans for commuters and long-distance drivers.
- Minneapolis Suburb Exploration: Offers a convenient route to explore the diverse neighborhoods and attractions in Minneapolis's eastern suburbs.
4. I-35E Downtown Minneapolis
Running through the heart of Minneapolis, this stretch of I-35E offers easy access to popular destinations like the University of Minnesota and the U.S. Bank Stadium.
- Central Location: Serves as a vital transportation artery connecting major downtown Minneapolis attractions.
- Major Destinations Access: Provides easy access to key destinations like the University of Minnesota and U.S. Bank Stadium.
- Commuter Route: Serves as a primary route for commuters traveling to and from the eastern suburbs.
5. I-394 Southwest Minneapolis
This highway connects downtown Minneapolis with the southwestern suburbs. It offers a scenic route through some of the city's most picturesque neighborhoods.
- Scenic Route: Offers stunning views of Minneapolis's southwestern neighborhoods and parks.
- Commuter Connection: Serves as a critical route for commuters traveling between downtown Minneapolis and the southwest suburbs.
- Southwestern Suburb Exploration: Allows travelers to explore the unique neighborhoods and attractions in the southwestern suburbs of Minneapolis.
6. I-94 University Avenue
Running through the St. Paul campus of the University of Minnesota, this stretch of I-94 offers easy access to the university and downtown St. Paul.
- University Access: Provides convenient access to the St. Paul campus of the University of Minnesota.
- Downtown St. Paul Connection: Connects drivers with downtown St. Paul and its numerous attractions.
- Commuter Route: Serves as a primary route for commuters traveling between the east metro area and downtown Minneapolis.
7. I-494 Northwest Suburbs
This highway circles the northwestern suburbs of Minneapolis. It provides a convenient connection to major routes like I-694 and I-94.
- Circular Route: Allows drivers to easily navigate the northwestern suburbs without crossing through downtown Minneapolis.
- Major Connections: Connects to key highways I-694 and I-94, making it an essential part of travel plans for commuters and long-distance drivers.
- Northwestern Suburb Exploration: Offers a convenient route to explore the diverse neighborhoods and attractions in Minneapolis's northwestern suburbs.
8. I-106 Crosstown
This highway runs diagonally across Minneapolis, connecting the east and west sides of the city. It offers a direct route to popular destinations like Uptown and Lyn-Lake.
- Direct Route: Provides a quicker alternative to navigating downtown Minneapolis for travel between the east and west sides.
- Popular Destination Access: Connects drivers with popular destinations like Uptown and Lyn-Lake.
- Commuter Route: Serves as a primary route for commuters traveling to and from the east and west sides of Minneapolis.
9. I-495 North Minneapolis
This highway runs north through Minneapolis, connecting with I-694 and providing access to neighborhoods like North Minneapolis and Fridley.
- North Connection: Links drivers traveling from downtown Minneapolis to the north of the city.
- Major Connections: Connects to key highways I-694 and provides a route to Fridley, Anoka County and other northern destinations.
- Exploring North Minneapolis: Allows travelers to explore the unique neighborhoods and attractions in north Minneapolis.
10. I-194 South St. Cloud
This highway runs south from the city of St. Cloud, connecting with I-94 and providing access to the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area.
- South Connection: Links drivers traveling from the St. Cloud area with the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area.
- Major Connections: Connects to key highways I-94, offering a route into the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area.
- Exploring Southern Destinations: Allows travelers to explore destinations south of St. Cloud and eventually connect to the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area.
11. I-494 Southwest Metro
This stretch of I-494 runs south through the southwestern suburbs of Minneapolis. It offers a direct route to popular destinations like Bloomington and the Mall of America.
- Direct Route: Provides a quicker alternative to navigating downtown Minneapolis for travel between the southwestern suburbs and other destinations.
- Popular Destination Access: Connects drivers with popular destinations like Bloomington and the Mall of America.
- Commuter Route: Serves as a primary route for commuters traveling to and from the southwestern suburbs.
12. I-495 Northeast Minneapolis
This highway runs northeast through Minneapolis, connecting with I-35E and providing access to neighborhoods like Northeast Minneapolis.
- Northeast Connection: Links drivers traveling from downtown Minneapolis to the northeastern part of the city.
- Major Connections: Connects to key highways I-35E, offering a route into the eastern suburbs and the rest of the metro area.
- Exploring Northeast Minneapolis: Allows travelers to explore the unique neighborhoods and attractions in northeastern Minneapolis.
13. I-694 West Arden Hills
This stretch of I-694 runs west from the University of Minnesota campus, connecting with I-494 and providing access to neighborhoods like Arden Hills.
- West Connection: Links drivers traveling from the university area with the western suburbs.
- Major Connections: Connects to key highways I-494, offering a route into the western suburbs and other destinations.
- Exploring Western Destinations: Allows travelers to explore destinations west of the University of Minnesota campus.
14. I-35W Hennepin Avenue
This stretch of I-35W runs along Hennepin Avenue in downtown Minneapolis. It offers a direct route to popular destinations like the Target Center and Target Field.
- Direct Route: Provides a quicker alternative for travel between major downtown attractions.
- Popular Destination Access: Connects drivers with popular destinations like the Target Center and Target Field.
- Commuter Route: Serves as a primary route for commuters traveling to and from downtown Minneapolis.
15. I-94 Lincoln Avenue
This stretch of I-94 runs along Lincoln Avenue in St. Paul. It offers a direct route to popular destinations like the Xcel Energy Center and the Minnesota State Capitol.
- Direct Route: Provides a quicker alternative for travel between major St. Paul attractions.
- Popular Destination Access: Connects drivers with popular destinations like the Xcel Energy Center and the Minnesota State Capitol.
- Commuter Route: Serves as a primary route for commuters traveling to and from downtown St. Paul.