Cold Spring, MN → Beacon, MN
52 mi · 1h 2m (driving)
Current Risk
Low Risk
Clear conditions along your route
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Cold Spring
23°
Beacon
19°
Trip Briefing
1 segment · 52 mi · 1h 2m
Weather
⛅ Partly cloudy
23°F, wind 4 mph
Rest Stops
3
Truck svc, Restrooms
Cameras
12 live
Clear driving conditions expected
Rest stops in this segment:
- ● Love's Travel Stop
- ● Pilot Travel Center
- ● Rest Area 🚻
Normal Traffic
No traffic incidents reported
Traffic Cameras
See recent road conditions along your route
Images are snapshots updated periodically by state DOTs. Timestamps shown in images indicate when each photo was captured.
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Via I-94 East → CR-13 → ... → US-169 → CR-12
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Rest Stops Along Your Route
3 stops available
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We'll notify you when conditions change before your trip. Never drive into a surprise storm again.
⚡ Recent Weather Events on This Route
Premium users received alerts for these conditions:
- 🌧️Nov 11: Rain advisory for afternoon departures
- ❄️Nov 9: Snow expected at higher elevations - consider earlier departure
- 🌫️Nov 6: Dense fog warning for morning travel
Don't miss the next alert →
The 52-mile short drive from Cold Spring to Beacon stays within MN and takes about 1h 2m without stops. We track 12 live traffic cameras and 3 rest areas along this corridor so you can plan around them. A trip this short usually fits in a single morning or afternoon — check the live conditions just before you head out.
7-Day Driving Outlook
Today
Nov 13
33° / 22°
No precip
Tomorrow
Nov 14
39° / 23°
No precip
Sun
Nov 15
46° / 30°
No precip
Mon
Nov 16
51° / 36°
No precip
Tue
Nov 17
55° / 41°
No precip
Wed
Nov 18
54° / 47°
12% precip
Thu
Nov 19
50° / 38°
31% precip
🗓️ Weekend Outlook
Saturday
Good to Go☁️ Overcast at origin, ☁️ Overcast at destination
Sunday
Good to Go☁️ Overcast at origin, ☁️ Overcast at destination
Plan This Route
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Current Conditions
Cold Spring, MN
23°F
Wind: 4 mph
Beacon, MN
19°F
Wind: 2 mph
Weather data updated in real-time
Driving from Cold Spring, MN to Beacon, MN
The 52-mile drive from Cold Spring, Minnesota to Beacon, Minnesota takes approximately 1h 2m under normal conditions. Weather along this route can vary significantly, especially across open plains where severe weather and high winds can develop quickly. Route Outlook helps you find the safest time to travel by showing you weather conditions at every point along your route, timed to when you'll actually be there.
This short route stays within Minnesota, connecting Cold Spring and Beacon. At under 100 miles, it's a manageable day trip, but weather conditions can still change between your origin and destination — especially across elevation changes or near large bodies of water.
Common Weather Hazards on This Route
- Winter storms and heavy snowfall (November through April)
- Black ice on mountain passes and bridges
Seasonal Driving Considerations
The Midwest corridor of this route is susceptible to rapid weather changes. Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are a real threat from April through June, while winter brings heavy lake-effect snow, ice storms, and dangerously low wind chill. Flat terrain means high crosswinds can affect vehicle stability year-round, especially for taller vehicles. Spring flooding can also close highway underpasses and low-lying road segments.
Best Time to Drive Cold Spring to Beacon
For shorter trips like this 52-mile drive, morning departures typically offer the best conditions with lighter traffic and better visibility. Avoid rush hour periods (7-9 AM and 4-7 PM) if possible.
Driving Strategy
At 52 miles, the Cold Spring to Beacon drive is short enough to complete in a single stretch. Still, check conditions along the route before you leave — a quick glance at live traffic cameras can confirm road visibility and surface conditions. If bad weather is forecasted for a narrow window, adjusting your departure by even an hour can make a significant difference in safety.
Pro Tip
Use Route Outlook's departure optimizer to find the best time to leave. Our 4D trajectory engine considers weather at each point along your route at the exact time you'll be there — not just at your destination. It also integrates live data from traffic cameras, DOT 511 feeds, and road weather sensors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the drive from Cold Spring to Beacon?
The drive is approximately 52 miles and takes about 1h 2m under normal traffic and weather conditions. Severe weather can add significant time to your trip.
What's the best day to drive this route?
Based on current forecasts, Today (Nov 13) looks ideal. Low chance of precipitation with manageable conditions
Is it safe to drive from Cold Spring to Beacon today?
Current conditions show low risk along this route. Conditions look favorable for travel. Always stay alert and adjust speed for changing conditions.
Are there rest areas on the Cold Spring to Beacon route?
Yes, there are 3 rest areas along this route. Facilities include restrooms, parking, and in some cases picnic areas and vending machines. Rest stops are spaced throughout the drive, so you'll never be too far from a break.
Can I see live traffic cameras on this route?
Yes, Route Outlook shows 12 live traffic cameras along this route, sourced from state DOT feeds. You can check road visibility, traffic flow, and pavement conditions in real time before and during your drive.
What highways does this route use?
This route primarily uses MN 23, MN 15, US-169. Conditions can vary between highway segments, so check live camera feeds and road condition reports for each stretch before departing.
Are there any road closures on this route right now?
No significant incidents or road closures are currently reported along this route. Conditions can change quickly — this page updates automatically with the latest data from state DOT 511 systems.
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Real-time traffic incidents from 12 states, highway message signs, road conditions, and 25,000+ traffic cameras--integrated into your route planning.
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