The Least Traveled Highway in All of Minnesota

Pure solitude. That's what you'll find when driving along this lonely road in the 'Land of Ten Thousand Lakes'. Not only is it the least traveled portion of state highway in the entire state, it's not even fully paved.

Minnesota has over 11,000 miles of highway, with the busiest being in the Twin Cities metro. I-35 W in Hennepin County sees an average of 163,400 vehicles zoom through every single day. The least traveled highway, by contrast, sees only 74 cars drive down its roadway each day, and the craziest part? It's not even paved.

It's a highway that most Minnesotans aren't even aware exists and where it's located might catch you by surprise.

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Welcome to the Loneliest Highway in Minnesota 

Before looking into it, I was imagining that the least traveled highway in the state would be in either the northwest or southwest part of Minnesota. But to my surprise, it's not in either of those places. Rather, the loneliest stretch of highway in the state in found in southeast Minnesota.

Highway 74 only around 35 miles long and it also holds the distinction of being the only highway in the entire state that is still partially unpaved.

Weaver sits right along the Mississippi River and if you travel south, along US Highway 74, a gravel road is all that you'll have to drive on in the 12 miles to the town of Weaver.

What's the reason for the low traffic flow? Location, location, location. This portion of Highway 74 goes through flood-prone wetlands, has an extremely low population and is in a state of disrepair.

Story Sources: Minnesota GO Website, Minnesota Public Radio Website